Heritage Area
Industrial archaeology, woodland walks, water and wildlife
Llanymynech Hill has a long history of mining and quarrying, spanning the late Bronze Age through to the early twentieth century and shaping the landscape and the village that we see today. The Heritage Area explains and celebrates this story and nature’s subsequent re-colonisation of the abandoned workings. Visitors can enjoy woodland, meadows and canal-side walks together with evocative sculptures and extensive interpretation of the industrial archaeology.
Llanymynech was a major centre of the lime industry. Rock hewn from the cliffs of Llanymynech Hill was carried down the inclined planes to the kilns for burning, and the finished lime transported throughout the region and beyond via the Montgomery Canal and, later, the railway.
Limeworks
Llanymynech’s lime kilns, tramways and other buildings are a scheduled monument, designated for their well-preserved representation of this formerly widespread industry. The site’s Hoffmann kiln is one of only three remaining in England, and the only one whose chimney is intact: at 42.5m (138 feet) tall, it is an impressive landmark. Guided tours are available by arrangement - see link below.
The Education Room, created from the former stable block, is available for group hire – details below.
Wharf Visitor Centre and canal boat trips
The community-run Wharf Visitor Centre houses displays and exhibitions about the canal, Heritage Area and other local attractions and offers light refreshments, gifts, local crafts and books. Visitors can enjoy a relaxing half-hour canal cruise, crossing the border into Wales, aboard the centre’s narrowboat, the George Watson Buck.
Open Sundays and Bank Holidays from Easter to September – check opening times via the link below.
LLIMEYS
LLIMEYS (Llanymynech Limeworks Initiative – Members, Enthusiasts and Youth – Society) is a well-established ‘friends’ group formed to support the continuing development and promotion of the Heritage Area. The group meets regularly and welcomes anyone who is interested in retaining this unique area for future generations – contact details in the link below.
Local Nature Reserve
The Heritage Area was designated a Local Nature Reserve (LNR) in 2020, a great achievement by LLIMEYS, Shropshire Council and Natural England. The LNR encompasses the buildings, tramways, woodland and adjacent meadows lying between the A483 and the canal. Nature has recolonised the abandoned limeworks, there are flower-rich meadows, and the woods are alive with birdsong in the spring. People can study and learn about nature or simply stroll around and enjoy it!
Access
The Heritage Area is signposted off the A483, immediately north of the bridge over the Montgomery Canal (Grid Ref SJ266210, Postcode SY22 6EA).
There is a small car park with interpretation boards showing key features and walks, and a picnic area alongside the canal. Note! No parking for coaches; drop off/pick up only.
Additional car parking available in the public car park behind the Dolphin Inn (Grid Ref SJ266209).
The site is open at all times.
Useful links
Llanymynech Wharf Visitor Centre and Boat Trips