The day is to include a boat trip across the Pontcysyllte Aqueduct

British Waterways said it had upgraded 12 miles (19km) of paths on the Llangollen Canal in recent years.

An open day at the 1,000ft long (305m) aqueduct aims to show paths are usable by those with mobility problems.

A spokesman said: "We're trying to broaden the appeal to more casual walkers."

Thursday's event includes a guided walk around the aqueduct and a boat trip across the structure on the fully-accessible vessel Millie.

British Waterways Wales & Border Counties said equal access was a top priority in the drive to double visitor numbers to waterways by 2012.

Heritage Site bid

Spokesman John Clayton said: "Canals are traditionally seen as the habitat of boaters and anglers.

"What we're trying to do is to open up access. Most people are not wheelchair users but many people have mobility problems - they may be on sticks.

"We've already started a programme of towpath improvements, they are very often overgrown and narrow.

"The aim is to improve them by putting all-weather surfaces on them."

A campaign is also underway to have Pontcysyllte Aqueduct listed as a World Heritage Site.

It was built by engineer Thomas Telford and opened in 1805.