The talent of Thomas Telford

We started our day travelling across the 1801 Chirk Aqueduct, carried 70 feet high on 10 masonry arches. The canal lead straight into the 459 yard long red brick Chirk Tunnel. The architect of both of these structures was Thomas Telford.

Taking the tiller on the Chirk Aqueduct

His most spectacular achievement was the Pontcysyllte Aqueduct. This is 1000 feet long structure was finished in 1805, passes 127 feet above the River Dee and is supported by 18 stone pillars. We glided gently across the canal, appearing to float in the sky.

Pontcysyllte Aqueduct

We moored up at Trevor Basin an after lunch joined the throngs on gongoozlers and walked back across the aqueduct. The wind blew quite strongly as we bravely walked so high up, trying to rip Robin's cap from his head. We marvelled that this 200 year old structure is still rock steady after all this time.

We took Dot and Derek out for a "thank you for the holiday" dinner at the local pub, the Telford Inn. Salmon, scampi, and the pub's special, home made steak pie and assorted desserts graced our table. Sure beats cooking!!

The Telford Inn