At Froncysyllye, the course of the Ellesmere Canal bends northwards along the hillside towards the most exhilerating and terrifying passage of the inland waterways.
This is the approach to Thomas Telford's Pontcysyllte Aquaduct, a pioneering structure praised at it's opening as a symbol of permanence and solidarity and the triumphant marriage of art and science.As you approach Froncysyllte on the busy A5 you can't help but marvel at the sight of this remarkable structure. It stands proud, a true testament to the many men who toiled in all weathers for ten years to build it. And to those who lost their lives in it's construction.
But it is only when you approach by boat can the true picture be unveiled. After leaving Froncysyllte and heading upstream you enter a quiet unspoiled area of woodland. In the summer months the leaves hide from view the steep banks to either side of the canal, with the wide towpath to the right you relax into calmness, overshadowed by the Sycamores and Ash and slowly forgetting what lies just a few hundred yards ahead. The canal makes a gentle turn to the right and there in front of you is a sight that makes the strongest of us turn to jelly.
It's too late now, the last turning area is 1/2 a mile back, you have to continue. If another boat is approaching from the opposite direction you must wait until it passes, there's no passing room for the next 1000 yards. Just enough time to make sure the kids are safe and that everything's ok on top. The Aquaduct has a walkway on the right side, but on the left there is nothing, just a four inch wide iron edge, it's all that's between your boat and a 126ft drop into the river Dee below.
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