September
Start: 8:00am with 17:30 (5:30pm) return
11.2 miles / 18 km with 2200 ft / 665 m Total Ascent
Spectacular though Creigiau Eglwyseg, World's End and Castell Dinas Bran are, I decided to try something different this time, so we are heading for the steep wooded slopes to the south of the Vale of Llangollen and the heathery moors of Y Foel and Vivod Mountain.
We leave the coach at Froncysyllte, the village just south of the renowned Pontcysyllte aqueduct, which we can visit if we arrive in good time (adds 2 km approx).
We start by climbing steeply up Methodist Hill in Froncysyllte, before heading through woodland to a narrow ridge above Pen-y-Craig limestone quarry. We continue along a footpath/road along the top edge of north facing slopeswith fabulous views of the Vale of Llangollen and hills to the north. We then follow the Llwybr Ceiriog Trail, until we reach the road near Careg y Big (a standing stone). We continue west along the road for just over 2km before taking the footpath to the remains of Biddulph Tower at the top of Y Foel (1712ft, 522m). From here we make our way north west through the heather (the path comes and goes), to reach the North Berwyn Way which we follow to the top of Vivod Mountain (1834ft, 559m). Here, we can either retrace our steps or loop round on a track back to the North Berwyn Way, which takes us all the way to Llangollen.
Note - The North Berwyn Way is a good path, except for a short, steep section at the end which is covered with a layer of loose gravel. The other option is to go through Cae Madog Wood, which is easier but more road walking and brambles, and a small quarry exposing the fragile rocks.
10 Miles / 17km with 1235ft / 376m Total Ascent
From Trevor Cross Pont Cysillte aqueduct over R. Dee & follow Offah's Dyke Path to tunnel under canal.
Take path west towards Chirk Castle on Offah's Dyke to join Llwybr Ceiriog Trail to Ty'n Celyn from where route via Ty'ndwr Hall Activity Centre & Pen-y-Coed to reach Llangollen.
Take path west towards Chirk Castle on Offah's Dyke to join Llwybr Ceiriog Trail to Ty'n Celyn from where route via Ty'ndwr Hall Activity Centre & Pen-y-Coed to reach Llangollen.
8 miles (12.87km) with 1300ft (396m) Total Ascent
Leaving Llangollen we cross the bridge spanning the river Dee heading towards the Llangollen Canal. Here we turn left making our way to Horseshoe Falls. We then take a path to Llantysilio Church (with an option to have a look inside the church). We then make our way signposted to Velvet Hill, which we skirt before dropping to the road and Vale Crucis Abbey where we can stop for lunch (there are toilets here). Passing through a Caravan Park by the Abbey to cross a bridge and up a flight of steps to continue along a track before climbing up to the 13th Century ruin of Castell Dinas Bran with spectacular views. After descending back to a signpost which takes us back into Llangollen for some well earned refreshments.
5.5Miles / 8.8 km with 350ft / 106m Total Ascent
We leave Llangollen along the canal and head northwards to the Horseshoe Falls and Llantysilio church. We then retrace our steps to Pentrefelin bridge. Taking a footpath that climbs gently uphill we join the Clwydian Way and walk south-eastwards towards Castell Dinas Bran and then descend to Llangollen.