I am looking for recommendations regarding horse-drawn tours (45 min v 2 hours) and train tours on the Llangollen Aqueduct. Are the horses well-kept? Is it too anxiety-producing for travelers with fear of heights? Is it a must-do or a could-do? Thanks.
Posted by
Lake District, England
10518 posts
I'm a bit confused by this.
The steam trains from Llangollen to Corwen head west, in the opposite direction to the aqueduct.
In 45 minutes a boat (horse drawn or motor) couldn't get to the Aqueduct. Those and the 2 hour horse cruises from Llangollen don't get to the aqueduct.
There are 2 hour motor boat cruises from Llangollen which reach the aqueduct, and local 45 minute cruises.
In the hey days of the canals when everything was horse drawn, the horses were still treated well, but they were working horses. Today it is just a gentle amble, to loosely demonstrate what was. The 2 hour boat trips by horse go to the Horseshoe Falls, the other direction to the aqueduct.
If nervous about heights sit on the in board (towing path side) of the boat.
I don't know of a horse drawn trip boat which crosses the aqueduct.
Posted by
London and Chester
98 posts
In case you haven’t seen it there is more detail about the aqueduct here
https://www.pontcysyllte-aqueduct.co.uk/
I crossed it by boat when I was a teenager. I’m not particularly scared of heights but I was definitely holding on tight as we crossed. It does feel high and there is a sheer drop from one side. My guess is anyone with a real feel of heights is not going to enjoy it.
Posted by
Mid-Atlantic area
8002 posts
I don’t recall any horse drawn boats on the Pontcysyllte Aqueduct either; only motorized ones. My wife has a fear of heights and she had no problem walking out onto the aqueduct. We walked to about the center of it then turned around.
Posted by
TX, USA
5621 posts
I will second what Emma said. However I do have a fear of heights that I can sometimes manage. It’s a long sheer drop off and I would never have been able to walk across but the boat was fine. Must do? Totally up to you. But I loved it.
The horse drawn boat is different - not across the viaduct.
Posted by
OP
San Diego
19 posts
Thanks to all of you for clarifying the options. The website and maps found in the links have sorted me out. Much appreciated.
Posted by
Lincolnshire, UK
2768 posts
The horses are definitely well looked after. Once the barge starts moving, it takes very little effirt from the horse to keep moving.
sitting inside the barge, you won't get the same feeling of fear of heights than if you are walking across the narrow towpath across the aqueduct.
Is it a must-do or a could-do?
Only you can answer that.... I thoroughly enjoyed the trip but others were less enthusiastic afterwards.