About this trip.
Llangollen Canal closure: Closed near Whitchurch since an embankment breach on 22 December 2025. The Canal & River Trust expects to reopen it in March 2027, weather permitting. Until then boats can't pass the breach, so routes that cross it (for example Trevor to Wrenbury or Nantwich) aren't running. Trips that stay on one side, such as Trevor or Chirk to Llangollen and Pontcysyllte, are unaffected. Source
Planning the route? Read our Llangollen Canal guide. Weighing up hire firms? UK narrowboat hire, compared lists 32 firms by canal, dog fees and fuel.
Before you book: Canal du Midi vs UK narrowboating — same week, different country, very different holiday · How we vet operators — and the questions you should ask any small-group operator yourself
The Pontcysyllte Aqueduct is right beside the Trevor boatyard, which sits on the Llangollen Canal near Wrexham in North Wales. The aqueduct and the Llangollen Canal are a UNESCO World Heritage Site, so many holidays from here begin by crossing it. The base suits both new and experienced boaters, and from here you can explore North Wales, the Shropshire lakes and the surrounding countryside.
Short breaks and week-long routes
On a short break you can cross the aqueduct and carry on through Chirk to Ellesmere, in the heart of the Shropshire Lake District. Another short break option is the cruise to the historic market town of Llangollen in the Berwyn Mountains. A four-night mid-week break follows the Llangollen Canal and then turns onto the Montgomery Canal to reach Crickheath.
A week gives you more choice. Every week-long route crosses the aqueduct and follows the Llangollen Canal through the Shropshire Lake District. One goes to historic Wrenbury and back. Another joins the Shropshire Union Canal to reach the historic market town of Nantwich. A third goes to the historic market town of Whitchurch.
Longer cruises
With 10 days or two weeks, you can follow the Llangollen Canal through the countryside and join the Shropshire Union Canal to reach the ancient City of Chester. A two-week break is also long enough for the popular Four Counties Ring: 189 miles and 136 locks, taking around 102 cruising hours.
Boats at Trevor
The narrowboats sleep from two to 12 people. The smallest are the 48ft Weir Class cruiser sterns, sleeping two or up to four. The largest are the 69ft Ocean, Constellation and Bond Class boats, sleeping up to 10 or 12. In between are Premium and Elite boats from 60ft to 68ft, plus a Standard 62ft Trent II Class that sleeps up to eight. A Premium 68ft Harmony Class boat sleeping up to eight joins the fleet for 2027. Every narrowboat has gas central heating with radiators throughout, so they're comfortable all year round, and some also have a multi-fuel stove. There's plenty of storage on board.
If you'd rather not stay overnight, Trevor has three day boats. Each takes up to 10 people and welcomes families and pets. There is also the Little Star trip boat, which takes passengers across the Pontcysyllte Aqueduct.
The shape of the trip.
Everything you might be wondering.
Q1Do I need a licence?
No. The hire base gives you a short handover covering steering, locks, and safety before you set off. Speed limit is 4 mph on UK narrowboats — slower than a walking pace. If you can drive a car, you can drive a canal boat.
Q2How many locks will I do?
Depends on the route. The Llangollen has about 20 over a week — leisurely. The Caen Hill flight on the Kennet & Avon has 29 in one stretch — a full day's work. Some European routes (Canal du Midi, Camargue) have almost none. The operator's map shows lock counts per day so you can pace yourself.
Q3Can I travel solo?
Most hire companies require two adults on board, mainly so one person can work locks while the other steers. A few allow solo hire on quieter routes — ask the operator before booking.
Q4What's included?
Typically the boat, fuel for the engine, a handover briefing, mooring ropes, fenders and a starter pack (tea, coffee, washing-up kit). Bedding is sometimes included, sometimes £10-20 extra. Food is your own, shopped from towpath-side villages.
Q5What if something breaks?
The hire base has a 24/7 support line. A fitter will usually come out within a few hours. Engines are robust and well-maintained — the most common failures are blocked weed hatches (clearable yourself) and flat domestic batteries.
Q6Is it good for kids?
Yes — lifejackets are provided and kids love working locks. Older children (6+) can help steer under supervision. Toddlers need constant watching near open decks. A reinforced guard rail helps.
Q7Can I bring my dog?
Most hire companies allow one or two dogs for a small supplement (£20-30 per dog per week). They love the towpath walks. The boat will lose its deposit if the dog damages upholstery — bring a blanket.
Q8What about cancellation?
Typically a 25% deposit at booking, balance 8-12 weeks before departure. Each operator has its own cancellation ladder (steeper close to departure). Travel insurance with cruise cover is recommended.
Three canal holidays, side-by-side.
The two closest canal holidays on Mooch, both in Wales. Prices are the operators' own, per boat.
