The best walks and hikes around Llangollen
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Hikes around Llangollen explore the Dee Valley, situated within the Clwydian Range and Dee Valley National Landscape. The region's terrain is characterized by the River Dee, the Llangollen Canal, and rolling hills topped with historic sites. Routes vary from level canal towpaths to steeper ascents up to viewpoints and castle ruins, offering a range of options for different abilities.
Best hiking trails around Llangollen
- The most popular hiking route is the Llangollen History Trail loop — Clwydian Range & Dee…
Last updated: April 24, 2026
4.8
(121)
577
hikers
10.2km
02:50
180m
180m
Hike the moderate 6.4-mile Llangollen History Trail to explore ancient ruins, canals, and panoramic views in the Dee Valley.
4.7
(54)
398
hikers
5.17km
01:40
220m
220m
Hike the easy 3.2-mile Llangollen History Trail for panoramic views of the Dee Valley and the ruins of Castell Dinas Brân.
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4.8
(37)
181
hikers
20.4km
06:05
620m
620m
Experience the challenging 12.7-mile Llangollen to World's End loop, with dramatic gorges, historical castles, and panoramic views.
4.8
(26)
124
hikers
6.20km
01:52
210m
210m
Hike the easy 3.9-mile Llangollen History Trail to explore historical sites, enjoy scenic views of the Dee Valley, and visit Castell Dinas B
5.0
(12)
87
hikers
5.14km
01:37
210m
210m
Easy hike. Great for any fitness level. Easily-accessible paths. Suitable for all skill levels.
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Other adventures around Llangollen
Tips from the Community
The Llantysilio Green weir, more commonly known as the Horseshoe Falls, is a 140-meter-long, horseshoe-shaped weir designed by Thomas Telford in 1808 to divert water from the River Dee into the Llangollen Canal. This prominent structure is a significant piece of engineering and a feature of the World Heritage Site, providing water for the canal and attracting tourists with its unique design and surrounding landscape. The Llantysilio Green Car Park is a designated access point for visiting the falls. In the late 19th century a long piece of wood, about 30cm wide, floated on the water here to deflect floating debris away from the canal intake. It was fixed at one end. It’s visible in the photo, taken c.1890. Some trippers couldn’t resist the temptation to walk along it, ignoring a warning sign nearby, if they weren’t spotted by the “waterman” in charge of the sluice. Local residents took a dim view of such “unheeding folly”. 😂😂
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Follow the switch back path to the top. The views are superb.
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Went up on a beautiful crisp late morning hike from car park but could be nice to go from town of Llangollen
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Stunning panoramic ridge walk with views up and down the Llangollen valley.
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Lots of walking trails in this area just outside Llangollen!
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Llangollen is a town and community, situated on the River Dee, in Denbighshire, Wales. Its riverside location forms the edge of the Berwyn range, and the Dee Valley section of the Clwydian Range and Dee Valley Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty, with the easternmost point of the Dee Valley Way being within the town. It is a wonderful location to ride on all kinds of bikes with the canal running along Llangollen its much better to take that route as the roads are very busy.
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The Chain Bridge crosses the River Dee at Llantysilio, linking Telford’s work on the canal with his road to Holyhead. It was built by Exuperius Pickering Senior in 1817. He wanted exclusive access to the canal to transport coal, limestone and iron bars to the west without paying the tolls in Llangollen.
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More Information
Head for the hills
Many of the best hiking routes around Llangollen head into the hills to the north of the town. The most obvious objective is Castell Dinas Brân, an evocative medieval castle ruin that dates from the 1260s. The fortress was built on top of an Iron Age hillfort from around 600 BC and has many associations with myth and legend. The hill on which the ruin stands reaches an elevation of 1,054 feet (321 m) and rewards with excellent views down to Llangollen and over the surrounding hills.
Towering behind Castell Dinas Brân to the north are the impressive Eglwyseg Rocks, a limestone escarpment that runs north–south for over 4 miles (7 km). The Offa’s Dyke footpath runs below the escarpment, while an adventure across its top leads on to the heathery Ruabon Moors and the 1,493-foot (455 m) summit of Creigiau Eglwyseg.
Wonder along Llangollen’s watercourses
For less strenuous walks around Llangollen, the River Dee and the Llangollen Canal offer flatter walks. With steam trains chuntering along the Llangollen Heritage Railway and birds singing in the trees, the valley really is an idyllic place to explore.
The canal was opened in 1805 to carry local slate into England and still hosts boat trips today. A long walk along the towpath brings you to Thomas Telford’s spectacular Pontcysyllte Aqueduct. This 18-arched stone and cast-iron marvel of engineering is Britain’s longest aqueduct at 1,007 feet (307 m) and the highest canal aqueduct in the world, with a height of 126 feet (38 m).
Following the Dee to the west brings you Horseshoe Falls, a pretty, semi-circular weir that was also designed by the great engineer Thomas Telford. Nearby is a charming chain bridge crossing, which can easily be linked with a visit to the splendid Cistercian ruin of Valle Crucis Abbey, once the second wealthiest abbey in Wales, behind Tintern.
Into the Berwyn Range
Longer hikes around Llangollen include the North Berwyn Way, which journeys from Llangollen to the town of Corwen to the west, traversing the wild moorland summits of Vivod Mountain and Moel Fferna. These are the two principal high points in the north of the Berwyn Range, a glorious group of hills that contain Cadair Berwyn, Wales’ highest summit outside its national parks at 2,730 feet (832 m), as well as Pistyll Rhaeadr, one of the UK’s most dramatic waterfalls.
Frequently Asked Questions
Are there many circular walks available around Llangollen?
Yes, Llangollen is an excellent base for circular hikes. Many trails are designed as loops, allowing you to start and end in the same place without retracing your steps. These routes often combine riverside paths, canal towpaths, and ascents to viewpoints like Castell Dinas Brân, providing a varied experience.
Can I take my dog on the hiking trails?
Most trails in the Llangollen area are dog-friendly, but it's important to be mindful of the landscape. You will likely encounter livestock, especially in the hills and open moorland, so keeping your dog on a lead is essential. The canal towpaths and woodland trails are generally great for walks with dogs.
Are there any easy, family-friendly walks in the area?
The walk along the Llangollen Canal towpath towards the Horseshoe Falls is a popular choice for families. It's relatively flat and offers engaging sights like canal boats and the picturesque falls. The route is well-surfaced and suitable for a wide range of ages and abilities.
What are the best spots for panoramic views?
For some of the most spectacular views, the climb to the ruins of Castell Dinas Brân is a must. From the top, you get a 360-degree panorama of Llangollen and the Dee Valley. The Panorama Walk, which traverses the slopes of Garth Mountain, is also highly regarded for its stunning, wide-ranging vistas across the landscape.
Where can I find walks with waterfalls?
The most prominent waterfall feature is Horseshoe Falls, a man-made weir on the River Dee that feeds the Llangollen Canal. It's a beautiful spot and easily accessible via a pleasant walk along the canal towpath from the town centre. For more natural and rugged waterfalls, you may need to explore trails further into the Berwyn mountains.
How do I get to the Pontcysyllte Aqueduct on foot?
You can walk to the Pontcysyllte Aqueduct directly from Llangollen by following the canal towpath east. It's a scenic, relatively flat walk of about 4 miles (6.5 km) one way. This route allows you to experience the canal system before arriving at the impressive UNESCO World Heritage Site.
Are there any challenging hikes for experienced walkers?
Yes, for a more strenuous day out, the Llangollen to World's End loop is a challenging option. This 12.7-mile (20.4 km) route involves significant elevation gain and takes you through remote moorland and dramatic crags. The nearby Berwyn Range also offers demanding ascents to peaks like Cadair Berwyn.
What is parking like for the main walking routes?
Llangollen has several pay-and-display car parks in the town centre, which are convenient starting points for many walks, including those to Castell Dinas Brân and along the canal. For specific attractions like Horseshoe Falls, there is a dedicated car park nearby, though it can get busy. Arriving early is recommended, especially on weekends and holidays.
Can I access the trails using public transport?
Llangollen is served by regional bus routes, which can get you into the town to start your hikes. From the town centre, many popular trails, including the canal towpath and the path to Castell Dinas Brân, are easily accessible on foot. For routes starting further afield, you may need to check specific bus timetables to trailheads.
What do other hikers enjoy most about the trails around Llangollen?
The area is highly rated by the komoot community, with an average score of 4.5 stars. Reviewers frequently praise the incredible variety of the landscape, from peaceful canal walks to the dramatic, windswept views from the hilltops. The blend of natural beauty with rich historical sites like ancient castles and abbeys is a consistently highlighted feature.
Are there any quieter, less-trafficked trails?
To escape the crowds, consider exploring the trails around World's End or heading into the more remote parts of the Berwyn Range. While the main paths to Castell Dinas Brân and the Pontcysyllte Aqueduct are very popular, the wider network of footpaths in the Clwydian Range and Dee Valley National Landscape offers many opportunities for a more solitary hike.
Most popular routes around Llangollen
Most popular attractions around Llangollen
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