Hail to the Hive!

Today the skies looked bright and blue and Infancied getting out to do a bit of exploring. I saw when we arrived here at the Llangollan basin that there was a sign saying no boats beyond this point so I kind of wanted to go have a look see at the canal down there. It leads to a water diversion weir called Horseshoe Falls.

So I left. Adger the Narrowboat at the Llangollan basin moorings with @millycf1976 aboard to fend off any would be pirates ( trust me they’d regret it).

The walk is less than two miles and as it’s all canal tow path, it’s all flat. Easy.

As soon as I cross the footbridge from the basin to the towpath side of the canal I can see people are buy with activities at the Llangollan Wharf. Earing ice creams , carrying kayaks, walking the dog etc. Me I am just walking me.

They hire narrowboats here too and do day trips across the big scary Pontcysyllte Aquaduct. I am still nervous about the thought of re crossing it. So high, so scary! They also do horse drawn boat rides as it all was before they put engines into the boats.

I get to see Badger the Narrowboat resting at her moorings as I pass on foot across the other side of the canal.

A sign informing me it’s only another mile and a half. Nice.

I do love peeking through the bridges and discovering the world on the other side.

These cottages look awesome.

Very cute, very cool. Would be nice to live here by the canal. The only boats you’d see would be horse drawn so it would be very peaceful.

And here’s one now.

Happy young fella guiding the horse as the boat is gently pulled along. Clip clop clip clop. The horse snorts a bit as he passed me. Probably thought I was a wrong un 🤣.

The young fella and the horse seem well aquatinted and he looks happy with the job. The lad that is not the horse. I doubt the lad would enjoy pulling that boat about.

Another sign, on 3/4 of a mile now.

Its a shame we can’t bring boats down here but I guess alot of boat traffic would spook the horses and its not a big stretch of canal. It’s a very pleasant walk.

This weed would clog my propeller also so hmmmm maybe not.

This whole area is stunning. Just so lovely at every turn.

Like a picture out of a fantasy book. I am still amazed I’d never visited wales before. Crazy really.

Beauty ahead.

To my left a railway line, river and hills.

I like the idea of doing the mini train journey along here. I love trains too.

And then the start of the Llangollan Canal. The horseshoe weir helps divert The River Dees’ water to feed the canal before it drops down to continue on it’s course.

With this steady supply all be it controlled) feeding the canal I can see why there was a slight current the whole way up to Llangollan and why on the narrow bits the current was strong enough to make me have to rev Badger a little.

Will be easier on the run back. As much as I enjoy cruising in Badger the Narrowboat, a walk along the canal is always great. Peaceful and relaxing.