The best walks and hikes around Selattyn And Gobowen
4.4
(1551)
7,976
hikers
276
hikes
Hiking around Selattyn And Gobowen explores a landscape on the Anglo-Welsh border defined by rolling hills and historic paths. The terrain includes sections of the Offa's Dyke Path, tranquil canal towpaths, and routes leading to ancient hillforts. Hikers can expect to traverse serene pastoral fields and quiet country lanes, with ascents onto hills offering broad views over the surrounding countryside. River valleys also provide pleasant meadows and riverside scenery.
Best hiking trails around Selattyn And Gobowen
- The most popular hiking route is the Old Oswestry Hill Fort loop from Oswestry, a 1.6 miles (2.6 km) trail that takes about 45 minutes to complete. This easy walk circles one of Britain's best-preserved Iron Age hillforts.
- Another top favourite among local hikers is Chirk Tunnel – Chirk Aqueduct loop from St. Martin's, a moderate 5.9 miles (9.5 km) path. The route follows the Llangollen Canal, passing through the Chirk Tunnel and over the aqueduct.
- Local hikers also love the Pen-y-gwely Reservoir loop from Rhydycroesau, a 5.0 miles (8.1 km) trail leading through quiet countryside, often completed in about 2 hours 15 minutes.
- Hiking around Selattyn And Gobowen is defined by historic earthworks, canal-side paths, and rolling border hills. The network of walking trails near Selattyn provides options for various fitness levels, from short, family-friendly walks to more demanding hikes.
- The routes in Selattyn And Gobowen are highly rated by the komoot community with an average score of 4.3 stars from over 1,500 reviews. More than 7,800 hikers have used komoot to explore Selattyn And Gobowen's varied terrain.
Last updated: April 27, 2026
5.0
(3)
29
hikers
8.05km
02:15
160m
160m
Moderate hike. Good fitness required. Easily-accessible paths. Suitable for all skill levels.
4.7
(3)
50
hikers
9.47km
02:29
80m
80m
Moderate hike. Good fitness required. Easily-accessible paths. Suitable for all skill levels.
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3.5
(2)
15
hikers
11.1km
03:00
150m
150m
Moderate hike. Good fitness required. Easily-accessible paths. Suitable for all skill levels.
4.3
(4)
27
hikers
22.0km
05:55
280m
280m
Hard hike. Very good fitness required. Easily-accessible paths. Suitable for all skill levels.
4.0
(1)
11
hikers
6.71km
01:44
40m
40m
Easy hike. Great for any fitness level. Easily-accessible paths. Suitable for all skill levels.
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Tips from the Community
Lovely walk with hills to challenge a little
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Chirk Tunnel is a canal tunnel near Chirk, Wales. It lies on the Llangollen Canal, immediately northwards of the Chirk Aqueduct. It is 421 metres (460 yd) long and has a complete towpath inside. The tunnel is claimed to be the first in Britain to have a towpath running through it (along with its shorter neighbour, Whitehurst Tunnel). However, Berwick Tunnel on the Shrewsbury Canal was open by 1797 and included a towpath throughout its 970-yard (890 m) length. As the tunnel at Chirk is completely unlit, a torch/flashlight is necessary for anyone walking through the tunnel, as it is pitch black in the centre. A wooden handrail along the entire length prevents walkers from falling into the canal.
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Chirk Aqueduct is part of Pontcysyllte Aqueduct and the Llangollen Canal World Heritage site, which stretches from Chirk to the Horseshoe Falls in Llangollen itself. 1.43km of the canal leading through Chirk Bank to Gledrid Bridge is also an Scheduled Ancient Monument . Not only is it canal architecture as it's finest, but it's also one of only places on our waterways where you can stand with one foot in England and one foot in Wales, as it straddles the border between the two countries. Completed in 1801 by William Jessop and Thomas Telford, the aqueduct is 710 foot (220 m) long and carries the canal 70 feet above the beautiful River Ceiriog across 10 circular masonry arches. Just along our towpath, Chirk tunnel (known locally as 'The Darkie') was one of the first in the UK to have a towpath.
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no cyclevtrails other than the driveway up to castle but nice tearoom.
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Interesting to walk through and take a wander on the adjacent aquaduct
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Frequently Asked Questions
Are there many hiking trails to choose from in Selattyn and Gobowen?
Yes, there is a wide variety of trails. You can explore over 280 different hiking routes in the region, ranging from easy strolls to challenging hill climbs.
What do other hikers think of the trails in this area?
The trails around Selattyn and Gobowen are highly regarded by the komoot community. Hikers often praise the mix of historic paths, quiet country lanes, and the beautiful views across the Anglo-Welsh border.
Are there any good circular walks that aren't too long?
Definitely. A great option is the Chirk Tunnel – Chirk Aqueduct loop from Chirk. It's a moderate circular route of about 11 km that takes you along the scenic Llangollen Canal, through a historic tunnel and over the impressive aqueduct.
Can I bring my dog on the trails?
Most trails in the area are suitable for dogs, but it's always best to keep them on a lead, especially near livestock in fields and on hills like Selattyn Hill. The paths at Ifton Meadows Nature Reserve are a good option for a walk with your dog, offering wide-open spaces and well-surfaced paths.
Are there any family-friendly walks suitable for children?
Yes, the area has many options for families. The former Oswestry Racecourse offers a gentle, figure-of-eight circuit of about a mile and a half with spectacular views. It's a great spot for a family walk and a picnic.
Where can I find a challenging hike?
For a more strenuous day out, consider the Old Oswestry Hill Fort – River loop from Rhydycroesau. This is a demanding 21.5 km route that involves nearly 300 meters of ascent, rewarding you with a comprehensive tour of the area's varied landscape.
What are the best sections of the Offa's Dyke Path near here?
The section of the Offa's Dyke Path that traverses the region is particularly scenic. It runs over Selattyn Hill and the old Oswestry Racecourse, offering fantastic panoramic views across both Shropshire and into Wales. This part of the trail combines historic earthworks with beautiful open moorland.
Are there any walks that feature historical sites?
The region is rich in history. Many trails incorporate parts of the Offa's Dyke Path, an 8th-century earthwork. You can also explore routes around the Old Oswestry Hillfort, one of Britain's most impressive Iron Age forts, which offers a direct link to the area's ancient past.
Where can I find good views?
For some of the best panoramic views, head to the trails on Selattyn Hill or the Oswestry Racecourse Common. From these high points, you can see for miles across the Shropshire Plain and into the Welsh hills. The Stiperstones National Nature Reserve is also highly regarded by locals for its stunning vistas.
What is the terrain like for hiking in this area?
The terrain is quite varied. You'll find everything from gentle, flat canal towpaths and quiet country lanes to the rolling ascents of the Shropshire Hills. To the west, the Berwyn Mountains offer more rugged and wild terrain with heather-clad peaks for more experienced hikers.
Where can I park for a walk?
Parking availability depends on the trailhead. For popular spots like the Llanymynech Rocks Nature Reserve, you'll find several small car parks. Many walks starting from villages like Chirk or St Martins will have on-street parking or public car parks available.
Most popular attractions around Selattyn And Gobowen
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