This month’s walks all end in Llangollen
‘A’ Walk
This is the classic panoramic walk which provides stunning views of the Vale of Llangollen and the Berwyn Mountains, plus plenty of scenic variety and considerable historic interest. The walk starts with a very steep climb to the remains of Castell Dinas Bran, a superb viewpoint above Llangollen. There follows an easier descent onto the Offa’s Dyke Path with a lovely walk below the limestone cliffs of Eglwyseg Mountain as far as World’s End. We then follow the Eglwyseg river to the ruins of Valle Crucis Abbey. The route continues over Velvet Hill to the Horseshoe Falls on the River Dee. Finally, there is a 2 mile walk back to Llangollen along the Shropshire Union Canal.
Distance: 13 miles Ascent: 1100 ft Leaders: Robert Buck, Merion Williams
‘B+’ Walk
We head east from Llangollen, skirting Pen-y-Coed to ascend the steep southern face of the Dee Valley and follow the Offa’s Dyke Path to Pentre. Here we turn west along the Shropshire Union Canal, crossing Telford’s 200 year old aqueduct, to our lunch stop. (Pub near by!) Refreshed, we ascend the steep northern face of the valley on the Offa’s Dyke Path and complete our day over Castell Dinas Bran before descending to Llangollen. Most of the walk is on minor roads and good tracks.
Distance: 11 miles. Ascent: feet: 2000 Leaders: Dave Miles, Gordon Spence
‘B’ Walk
A pleasant circular walk, mostly on footpaths (muddy in places) and minor roads. We follow the lower slopes of the Vale of Llangollen, crossing the River Dee by Telford’s aqueduct at Froncysyltte. The outward journey is along the southern hillside, via Pen-y-coed. On the return leg, we pick up Offa’s Dyke path through Trevor Hall Wood and Panorama Walk before skirting Castell Dinas to return to Llangollen.
Distance: 9.5 miles Ascent: 1200 ft Leaders: Ginny and David Willis
‘C’ Walk
A circular walk with a delightful array of views over the surrounding countryside and valleys, culminating in a towpath walk with the canal on the one side and the Llangollen railway and River Dee on the other. (If lucky, we may see Thomas the Tank Engine) We leave Llangollen heading northwards, steadily climbing and skirting the base of the castle hill to reach Offa’s Dyke Path for a one and a half mile tarmac tramp, followed by half a mile across a steep scree slope, good path but 100 ft up. (Anyone who suffers severe vertigo can avoid the stretch). Our route leaves Offa’s Dyke path to descend to Plas Yn Eglwyseg, where we road-walk a short distance before turning off west and then southwest, past Tal-y-fron, skirting the Abbey ruins to reach the A542, which we cross to take the canal towpath back to Llangollen.
Distance: 7½ miles. Ascent: 700 ft. Leaders: Dave Griffiths, Stuart Norris