September
8:00 Start with 17:30 (5:30pm) Return
Eglwyseg: To the End Of The World with Leader Dave Colbert
13½ miles (22km) with 2850ft (870m) Total AscentBore da! The magnificent limestone ramparts of Creigiau Eglwyseg dwarf anything the Yorkshire Dales has to offer and are the focal point of this walk which, although quite lengthy, is easily graded. Starting in Llangollen, we cross the Afon Dyfrdwy before storming the hill fort of Castell Dinas Bran. A short descent takes us to the Offa’s Dyke path, which here does not follow the exact line of the earthworks for reasons that will become apparent as we progress. We follow the ODP northwards for some distance, passing beneath Creigiau Eglwyseg and Craig Arthur to reach the appropriately named World´s End. Further climbing across moorland sees us gain the summit of Cyrn-y-Brain (565m/1,854ft) with, hopefully clear views westwards to Mynyddoedd Eryri.
We return to Llangollen by way of Plas yn Eglwyseg and Valle Crucis Abbey, the final part of the walk making use of the towpath of the Llangollen branch of the Shropshire Union canal. Mwynhau!!
Castle & Canal Path with Val Walmsley
13 miles (20.9km) with 1070ft (325m) Total AscentWe leave Llangollen along the canal and by the River Dee as far as Valle Crucis abbey (Valley of the cross) near to Eliseg's Pillar, a 9th Century mediaeval cross. We then join the Clwydian Way southwards to Castle Dinas Bran. This mediaeval castle sits on the site of an Iron Age hill fort with great views from the mound.
Onwards to Offah's Dyke path in a south easterly direction on a panoramic walk through Trevor Hall Wood to Trevor where we cross the River Dee with a view of the aqueduct above and to the left. When we reach Froncysyllte we cross the canal and return on the dramatic aqueduct 1000 foot long and 126 feet above the River Dee. We join the LLangollen Canal tow path to return to our starting point to wander round town.
Castell Dinas Bran with Barry Mather
7½ miles (12km) with 1400ft (427m) Total AscentLeaving Llangollen we cross the Llangollen canal then gradually climb to Castell Dinas Bran. This was a medieval castle built about 1200 AD, It is also the site of an Iron Age hillfort. With the the serious climbing out of the way we descend to the road and follow the Offa's Dyke Path. We then join the Clwydian Way with a slight ascent then branching off at Abbey Cottage descend to the Cistertian Monestry of Valle Crucis. We then make our way to the Llangollen canal which we follow back to Llangollen.
Tales from the Canal Walk with Pete Stevens
6½ miles (10.5km) with 450ft (137m) Total AscentWe start our walk today from Llangollen with its worldwide reputation as a centre of Welsh culture and music. Although this is not an easy walk as far as 'C' walks go, it is well worth the effort for the diversity of the scenery, and the fabulous views of the mountains and valley.
We start by following the picturesque Llangollen canal to Pentrefelin, where we then take a footpath that climbs gently uphill to overlook the remains of Valle Crucis Abbey. Following on, we join the Clwydian Way still gently climbing through woodland to Tan-y-fron, where we continue along country lanes with lovely views of the Eglwyseg and Ruabon Mountains on our left. Turning South, through open fields, we meet a country track which forms part of the Offa's Dike Path.
Heading back towards Llangollen along this path, we get stunning views of the remains of Castell Dinas Bran on the hill top in front of us. Skirting round the hill, we make our way back to Llangollen.
