Another of Wales’ UNESCO World Heritage Sites. Built between 1795 and 1805, the Pontcysyllte Aqueduct is a cast iron trough on top of 18 stone piers that carries the Llangollen canal 38m (126ft) high over the River Dee. The design and construction was overseen by respected canal engineer William Jessop, but many of the project’s technical details were developed by Thomas Telford, who would go on to become one of Britain’s most celebrated civil engineers.
Boat trips along the canal and across the aqueduct are available from Llangollen Wharf. The Trevor Basin, adjacent to the aqueduct, has a Visitor Centre and a pleasant canalside Pub. If you’re feeling brave, you can walk along the tow path across the aqueduct. If you do, you’ll be rewarded with some spectacular views. Carry on a little along the canal and enjoy a peaceful calming walk. After that, make your way down into the valley and view the aqueduct from below, the engineering achievement is perhaps even more impressive viewed from this perspective.
So how do you pronounce Pontcysyllte?
The name of this place can be difficult to pronounce if you’re not from Wales (and even for some who are!) It’s pronounced PONT-KUH-SUSTH-TEH
To make the sound I’ve highlighted in bold, put your tongue behind your top front teeth like you would to make an “L” sound and then blow so that the air escapes at either side of your mouth.
