Canal construction, historic architecture and walking routes offer different starting points for planning a trip to Weston Rhyn. A canal monument, historic buildings and routes on foot or by bike appeal to different interests. The details can help you decide in advance whether you would most like to explore engineering history, the history of buildings or scenic routes.
Canal Construction and Traces of Work
The section of the Ellesmere Canal at Chirk Bank is an exceptional example of a pioneering, highly engineered cutting and embankment. When it was built, the aqueduct was the highest in the world. The Chirk Bank canal monument also includes the towpath, wharves, a quarry and the English section of Chirk Aqueduct. The monument also includes a 1.43-kilometre section of the Ellesmere Canal from Chirk Aqueduct to Gledrid Bridge.
The Poachers’ Loop briefly follows the route of a horse tramway built around 1870. It carried coal from Quinta Colliery to a canal wharf. The disused lime kilns at NGR SJ 2650 3742 date from the early 19th century; remains of the kilns have survived. A limestone milepost, probably also from the early 19th century, bears the inscription “TO / ELLESMERE 9”.
Buildings and Their Stories
Quinta Congregational Church was built for Thomas Barnes in 1858. Weston Hall includes a medieval cruck-framed section; the external walls were renewed in painted brickwork. These buildings therefore have different details to focus on: the church’s construction date and connection with Thomas Barnes, and Weston Hall’s combination of medieval construction and renewed masonry.
Moreton Hall is an early 17th-century manor house. It was later used as a farmhouse and is now a school. Its H-shaped plan consists of a three-bay hall range and two side cross-wings. The building’s history and its clear plan form offer two different points of interest if you are interested in historic architecture.
The Weston Rhyn War Memorial was unveiled in February 1921. It takes the form of a simple wheel cross and has integrated stone seating. Unlike the buildings, with their former uses, both the unveiling date and the specific design are a distinctive part of its description.
Walking and Cycling Routes
The Poachers’ Loop includes an 800-metre section of canal towpath as far as Chirk Bank. The section is flat and has a firm surface. This provides a specific length along with details of the surface and terrain for this part of the route; however, the condition of the towpath may change. This short stretch of the route also links the canal path with the history of coal transport on the horse tramway.
The Chirk–Chirk Bank–Rhoswiel circular walk passes through the countryside around Weston Rhyn, crossing fields, following the Llangollen Canal and going over Chirk Aqueduct. Oliver’s Wood, also known as Badgers’ Wood, is made up of native trees typical of the region. The woodland composition may change over time.
For a cycling trip, the return leg of the Ceiriog Climber passes through Bronygarth on its way to Weston Rhyn. The routes described therefore differ in their itineraries: the Poachers’ Loop includes a specifically measured towpath section, the circular walk crosses fields and an aqueduct, and the cycling route returns to Weston Rhyn via Bronygarth. Conditions on the walking and cycling routes may change; check them before setting out.
Choose the Right Focus
If you are interested in engineering, the canal monument and aqueduct offer specific points of interest. For architecture, the different building styles of Weston Hall and Moreton Hall, along with the history of Quinta Congregational Church, take centre stage. If you would rather plan a route, you can compare the information about the Poachers’ Loop with the circular walk or cycling route.
Discover more destinations: Frodesley, Clee Saint Margaret, Longville, Silvington, Chetton, Lydbury North, Easthope, Shrewsbury.
For the wider travel guide: Shropshire.
