When the cloud is sitting on the high peaks of Eryri (Snowdonia), or you simply fancy a change, Llangollen makes an excellent day out. Follow the A5 east from Betws-y-Coed through Corwen and you arrive in a small town wrapped in a steep, wooded valley, with the River Dee (Afon Dyfrdwy) rushing under its old stone bridge. The walking here is gentler than on Yr Wyddfa (Snowdon), but the views are just as good.
Walking in the Dee Valley
Llangollen has long had a strong walking culture, and for years it has hosted walking weekends and festivals with guided routes of different lengths, from short family strolls to long days on the hills. Guided walking specialists such as TREKsmart have led walks here and across North Wales, adding the folklore and local history that make a route memorable. Dates and organisers change from year to year, so check locally before you travel.
You do not need an event to enjoy it, though. A few favourites:
- Castell Dinas Brân. A steep but short climb from town to the ruins of a medieval castle on a hilltop, with views up and down the valley. “Brân” means crow, and you will often see them wheeling overhead.
- The Panorama Walk. A quiet lane and path beneath the limestone cliffs of the Eglwyseg escarpment, with wide views over the valley.
- The canal towpath. The Llangollen Canal offers flat, easy walking. Head west to Horseshoe Falls, Thomas Telford’s elegant weir that feeds the canal, or east towards the aqueduct.
- Pontcysyllte Aqueduct. Part of a UNESCO World Heritage Site, Telford’s aqueduct carries the canal high above the Dee. Walking across it is an experience in itself, though not for anyone nervous of heights.
More to see in Llangollen
Valle Crucis Abbey, a ruined Cistercian abbey just outside town, is a peaceful spot. Plas Newydd, the former home of the “Ladies of Llangollen”, is another popular visit. The Llangollen Railway, a heritage line, runs along the valley towards Corwen; for steam lines in Eryri itself, see our heritage railways guide. In July the town hosts the Llangollen International Musical Eisteddfod, which brings performers from around the world.
Getting there from Eryri
From Betws-y-Coed, the A5 runs east to Llangollen in roughly an hour by car. It is a lovely drive over the moors around Cerrigydrudion and down to the Dee at Corwen. Our classic drives through Eryri and scenic drives guide have more mountain roads like it. If you are based further west, allow longer. Our Betws-y-Coed guide is a good starting point for an eastern Eryri base, and the where to stay guide covers the wider area.
Back in the mountains
A day in the Dee Valley pairs nicely with walking in Eryri itself. If Llangollen’s gentler paths have given you a taste for more, browse our 100 greatest experiences in Eryri for ideas. Wherever you walk, pack waterproofs and good footwear, and check the forecast before you set out.
Croeso i Ddyffryn Dyfrdwy (welcome to the Dee Valley).
FAQ
Is Llangollen in Snowdonia?
No. Llangollen is in Denbighshire, east of Eryri National Park, but it is an easy day trip along the A5.
Can you walk across the Pontcysyllte Aqueduct?
Yes, there is a towpath with a railing on one side. The other side is the canal trough, with a long drop beyond, so take care with children.
Is there a Llangollen walking festival every year?
Walking weekends and festivals have run in Llangollen for many years, but dates and organisers vary. Check local listings for the current year.
