Overview
One of the nicest trails in the country for those wanting to drive through stunningly beautiful countryside at a leisurely pace from the English border at Wrexham through the valley of the River Dee to Llangollen and then heading north via the Horseshoe Pass to Denbigh. There are ample places to stop and just enjoy the view or go for a walk along the route.
Wrexham
A medieval market town at the crossroads of Wales and England. Visit the 15th century St Giles church or wander the pedestrianised shopping area. Accessible in only 18 minutes by train from nearby Chester.
Erddig
Overlooking the Clywedog river the house begun in the late 17th century has formal walled gardens and woodland walks and is owned by the National Trust. The stunning gardens have been restored to their 18th century formal design.
Pontcysyllte Aqueduct
At a World Heritage site, the Pontcysyllte Aqueduct, built of 18 stone and cast iron arches carries the Llangollen canal over the River Dee and took Thomas Telford 10 years to design and build.
Ty Mawr Country Park
On the banks of the River Dee the park offers many trails running beneath the Cefn Viaduct and along the Cefn Heritage trail and a chance to see the local fauna and flora and some farmyard animals.
Chirk Castle
A medieval fortress on the Welsh Marches built in the late 13th century by Roger Mortimer de Chirk as part of chain of castles commissioned by Edward 1 to subdue the area following his successful conquest of Wales and now owned by the National Trust.
Llangollen
A medieval market town and home to the annual Eisteddford as well as a great starting point for walks in stunning scenery, or maybe catch the steam train or a horse drawn canal boat. Visit Plas Newydd House and Museum or walk up the hill to the ruins of the 13th century Castell Dinas Bran.
Valle Crucis Abbey
Founded in 1201 by the Cistercians and is now a ruin though large parts of the original buildings remain. The nearby Pillar of Eliseg dates from the 9th century but the mound it is on dates back to at least the Bronze Age.
Horseshoe Pass
The road, following a horseshoe route though the Clwydian range, was first built in 1811. It is not uncommon for sheep to gather in the road and provides many other places to stop and look at the scenery.
Ruthin
An historic market town with 800 years of history featuring many old buildings from the castle ruins, the Ruthin Gaol or Nantclwyd y Dre a timber-framed townhouse started in 1435 and believed to the oldest of its type in Wales.
Denbigh
Overlooking the Vale of Clywd the remains of the castle still dominate the agricultural town. Take a walk along the town walls and seek out its secret gardens and more listed buildings than any other town in Wales.
Also Nearby
