The most spectacular canal walk in Britain is that along the Llangollen Canal, from either Chirk or Froncysyllte, to the Horseshoe Falls at the
head of the canal. Starting at Monk’s Bridge, adjacent to the B5070 just south of Chirk, the canal first turns north across the Ceiriog valley on a massive aqueduct, and plunges immediately into Chirk Tunnel. There is a
further tunnel at Whitehouses, before the canal turns sharply at Froncysyllte onto the magnificent Pontcysyllte Aqueduct – undoubtedly the first wonder of the British waterways. This gives dramatic views up and
down the Dee valley. From here to the Horseshoe Falls the canal clings to the northern bank of the valley, through Llangollen itself and on to the falls.

Chirk-Llangollen, Clwyd

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This is the highest navigable aqueduct ever built and is recognised as a masterpiece of civil engineering. Built by Thomas Telford and William Jessop between 1795 and 1808, it forms part of an 11-mile canal system that was recently placed on the World Heritage list of sites of Outstanding Universal Value. You can go across by barge or on foot, but be careful - the River Dee below seems an awfully long way down!

Trevor Basin, Llangollen, Denbighshire

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The walk from the swing bridge at Aberchalder, at the northern point of Loch Oich to Fort Augustus is a fantastic introduction to this moody and magnificent Caledonian canal; completed in 1822, 12 years late, it was never a commercial success. The walk of around five miles will take you past pretty spot of Kytra Lock, a good spot for a picnic or a rest and on to the picturesque staircase of five locks at Fort Augustus, always buzzing with activity as boats go up and down. Fort Augustus has plenty of places to find refreshments and the Abbey to visit; from here you can either return on the towpath or take the bus back to Aberchalder. The walk from the swing bridge at Aberchalder, at the northern point of Loch Oich to Fort Augustus is a fantastic introduction to this moody and magnificent Caledonian canal; completed in 1822, 12 years late, it was never a commercial success. The walk of around five miles will take you past pretty spot of Kytra Lock, a good spot for a picnic or a rest and on to the picturesque staircase of five locks at Fort Augustus, always buzzing with activity as boats go up and down. Fort Augustus has plenty of places to find refreshments and the Abbey to visit; from here you can either return on the towpath or take the bus back to Aberchalder. Aberchalder Lodge sleeps 12 and is a splendid and comfortable Scottish shooting lodge with views over the loch. (01828 640000, aberchalder-estate.co.uk)

Aberchalder is on the A82, approximately five miles from Fort Augustus.

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