THE members of a stroke survivors group have been on a special trip to one of the county’s most iconic hotspots.

The Vale of Clwyd Stroke Communication Support Group (VCSCG), which focuses on stroke survivors experiencing speech and communication difficulties, visited Llangollen Canal where they boarded the Glas Y Dorlan (GYD), a narrowboat specially adapted for people with disabilities.

The trip, on Tuesday, June 26 was carried out in conjunction with the Vale of Llangollen Canal Boat Trust, who operate the GYD, which has a hydraulic lift for easy access, comfortable seating with views of the canal, as well as an area to sit outside.

The group set off from the Trefor Basin, crossing the World Heritage Site of the Pontcysyllte Aqueduct to Chirk.

The group passed through the 500-yard tunnel and over the Chirk Aqueduct to Gledrid, situated near the Wales-England border, before returning via the same route.

Sue Griffith, chair of the VCSCG, said: “We’re very grateful for the donations from various local groups and individuals as hiring a coach with a hydraulic lift, for example, can be very expensive.

"Llangollen is a very beautiful and exciting part of the canal system, moving very slowly along the narrow metal trough of the aqueduct high above fields and trees, with the towpath and railings on one side and nothing on the other.

“You pass many lovely and imaginative gardens which drop down in terraced layers at the waterside, and then through gentle arcades of beautiful trees and dappled shade.

“Ducks paddle alongside you and it is the most unhurried and peaceful way to travel.

"The whole day was magical."