Before children, before the website, before slow travel had a name in our lives, we took a trip that quietly shaped how we see travel today.
We didn’t know it at the time, but this slow, scenic journey across the Pontcysyllte Aqueduct would stay with us for years. It captured something we now try to hold at the heart of every trip: the idea that presence matters more than pace.
The journey
Our trip took around a week, giving us plenty of time to settle into the rhythm of canal life and let each moment unfold without pressure.
We hired a narrowboat and set off from Nantwich, a charming market town in Cheshire. From there, we joined the Llangollen Canal, heading toward one of the most spectacular sections of waterway in the UK. The Pontcysyllte Aqueduct, a 19th-century engineering marvel and UNESCO World Heritage Site. Supported by stone pillars that rise out of the valley floor like a Roman viaduct it carries canal boats 38 meters above the River Dee.
It was a multi-generational trip—grandparents, siblings, and a shared sense of curiosity. Even without children in tow, it was the kind of journey that made us think, “This would be perfect for all ages.”
Slow Travel in Its Truest Form
We moved slowly. At around 4mph, everything unfolds differently. There’s time to spot herons and listen to the ripple of the water. The boat becomes a moving home, a shared space to cook, chat, read, or sit in silence.
We took turns steering and working the canal locks, one of those beautiful bits of travel that creates natural teamwork. There were village stops, riverside pubs, and spontaneous chats with walkers and other boaters.
We also navigated wild weather shifts. What started as warm spring sunshine gave way to sudden wind and snow as we crossed into Wales. Cosy inside the boat, we watched the weather pass through like theatre.
And yes—at one point, my dad fell in. He was fine (albeit cold), and we still laugh about it.
The Aqueduct Itself
Crossing Pontcysyllte is like floating across the treetops. There’s no handrail on one side, just open air and the narrow boat pressed up against the sky. It’s not fast or dramatic. But it’s unforgettable.
There’s something symbolic about it: a slow, steady crossing over something vast. A moment of perspective. A suspended breath.
Why It Still Inspires Us
Looking back, this trip was a turning point. Not because it was exotic or complicated but because it showed us what travel could be when we removed the rush.
It was:
- A chance to be together across generations
- A reminder that weather can be part of the story
- A way to connect with nature at walking pace (only on water)
- A nudge toward reflection, not entertainment
This trip wasn’t about sightseeing. It was about being there.
Practical Tips for Your Own Canal Trip
f you’re considering something similar:
- We started our journey at Nantwich, a charming market town with good hire options and a gentle start to the canal.
- Follow the Llangollen Canal to take in tunnels, lift bridges, open countryside, and of course the breathtaking Pontcysyllte Aqueduct. More on the route here.
- Canal boat hire companies offer a wide range of options depending on the time you have available.
- No prior experience is needed—you’ll be shown how to steer and work the locks.
- Plan loosely. Leave space for weather, wandering, and pauses.
- Go slow intentionally—that’s the magic.
Find more at: https://www.pontcysyllte-aqueduct.co.uk/business-community/boat-trips-boat-hire/
Final Thought
Sometimes the most powerful travel stories don’t begin with flights, bucket lists, or epic plans. Sometimes they begin with a boat moving quietly through a valley, a change in the weather, and a family leaning into the moment.
We didn’t know it then, but that trip was the beginning of our slowest, most meaningful trail yet.
And yes our dad still gets teased about the canal.
Mindful Trails 