Llangollen, Castell Dinas Bran and Valle Crucis Abbey

In good weather, the walk offers fabulous views of the Vale of Llangollen and the Berwyn Mountains. Plenty of historical interest with the ruins of Castell Dinas Bran and Valle Crucis Abbey. After the hillside walk along the Offa’s Dyke Path below the limestone cliffs of Eglwyseg, we reach the Horseshoe Falls on the River Dee. The walk finishes with a relaxing stroll through the valley along the towpath of the Shropshire Union Canal.

Blue

24 November 2024

No dogs allowed

This is a classic North Wales walk with plenty of scenic variety and considerable historical sites. The walk begins at the Mill Street car park (on the north side of the Llangollen Bridge) and follows a public footpath uphill to Castell Dinas Bran. The final steep section of the path leads to the scant remains of the 13th century castle established by the princes of Powys. We join the Offa’s Dyke Path for c. 2km and then return downhill crossing stiles, fields and along some footpaths to a footbridge over the River Eglyyseg and then reach the Valle Crucis Abbey.

Our route takes us along the drive, in front of the abbey, where it bears left diagonally across a field before turning sharply uphill to contour the hillside before descending again to the road and on to the Horseshoe Falls. The Horseshoe Falls feed the Llangollen branch of the Shropshire Union Canal which begins here.

Finally, we have a relaxing 3.2 km walk back along the canal towpath to Llangollen passing between the canal and the River Dee.

Terrain:
Some steep uphill sections on footpaths, crossing fields and stiles (which will be muddy in Autumn). Waterproofs and walking boots are essential.
Map/Area:
OS 256 Wrexham & Llangollen
Starting Point:
Mill Street car park just before Ponsonby Arms. Post Code LL20 8RY £3.50 per day, coins or paybyphone
What3Words:
///crafted.whizzing.fashion
Walk Starts:
09:30
Walk Finishes:
15:00
Distance:
14.0km
Ascent:
470m
Highest Point:
Castell Dinas Bran

Safety

Let the walk leader know of any relevant medical conditions

Refer to the Handbook for walk related information and specifically for recommended walking equipment https://ohwc.org.uk/kit-list/ and safety information https://ohwc.org.uk/safety/

Remember you are responsible for being properly equipped

Ensure you have the walk leader’s phone number in case of an emergency

If you become detached from the group STOP, call out; try contacting group by phone or text. If no contact return to the last place you were with the group. Wait 30 mins repeatedly trying to make contact. After 30 mins seek help and/or make your own way safely.

The Google map below is the location of the walk start point.