Introduction

Llanymynech Wharf Visitor Centre

This is a  community-run facility which welcomes you to the “international parish” of Llanymynech. At the Visitor Centre we provide a number of attractions - displays, and exhibitions about the canal, local Crafts and light refreshments and canal trips on the 'George Watson Buck'. A number of 'Special Events' are held thoughout the year at the Centre. Details of the Heritage Area, Walks and local places of interest are available. Guided tours can be arranged. There is a picnic area and the village has a variety of places to eat. Private bookings for the George Watson Buck are also available.

Historic interest

Llanymynech Wharf was an important transhipment point for coal used in the flourishing local lime industry and for domestic use, and exporting limestone and farm produce.  It is surrounded by the Heritage Area, now run by Shropshire Countryside Service where you can walk the footpaths and discover the remains of inclined tramways and kilns, especially the magnificent and unusual Hoffmann lime kiln– one of only three remaining in this country and the best preserved

Llanymynech Hill, from where the limestone was quarried, has a recorded history of over 2000 years. The Iron Age hill fort is one of the contenders for the site of Caractacus's last stand against the Roman invasion. The Ogof on the hill was a Roman copper mine, possibly dating back to the Bronze Age. Evidence has been found of Bronze Age copper smelting in the village. Offa's Dyke runs through the village and around the back of the hill.

Wildlife

The site is rich in wildlife.  Interesting nature trails lead through the scrubland surrounding the industrial sites and the old wood of Llwyn Goch. The woodland spring flowers and the meadows in summer are worth visiting. At the top of the inclines you enter the old quarries, now a local Wildlife Trust reserve, with extensive views over the surrounding English and Welsh countryside. This was one of the first sites of special scientific interest designated as such in Britain. In early summer there are to be found many varieties of orchid.

The Canal boat “George Watson Buck”

The ‘George Watson Buck’ takes passengers on short trips when the Centre is open, and by  arrangement at other times.  When it arrived in 2005 it was the first non-maintenance boat on the canal at Llanymynech for sixty years. The boat was given to the local community but is run and maintained by the Duchess Countess Trust.