EXPLORE LLANGOLLEN: CASTELL DINAS BRÂN WALK WITH CANOEING OVER PONTCYSYLLTE AQUEDUCT
Explore the historic ruins of Castell Dinas Brân and enjoy stunning views of Llangollen and the Dee Valley, with an optional adventure over the Pontcysyllte Aqueduct.
Start: Llangollen (Parking available at Market Street Car Park, East Street Car Park, and Pavilion Car Park)
Distance: 4 miles
Elevation: 750 feet
Duration: 1.5 hours
Difficulty: Easy (with some moderate sections)
Navigation: Follow step-by-step on komoot, or download GPX file
About the route
Looking for a scenic walk in North Wales? This 4-mile circular walk from Llangollen offers stunning views of the Dee Valley and the surrounding hills. Starting in the charming town of Llangollen, the route gently climbs for fantastic panoramas before looping back down through tranquil woodland and canalside paths.
Or if you’re looking for a real adventure-packed day, you can nip over to the UNESCO-listed Pontcysyllte Aqueduct. It’s the highest canal aqueduct in the world, and you can walk, canoe or take a boat ride over it. One for the adventure bucket list!
Route difficulty
Difficulty: Easy to moderate (Some steep sections on both the ascent and descent)
Terrain: Well-maintained trails with some uneven ground
Dog-Friendly: Yes, but keep dogs on leads near livestock
Route highlights
Scenic Views Over Dee Valley
Enjoy breathtaking views over the River Dee and the picturesque landscape of the Vale of Llangollen. The ascent offers numerous spots to pause and soak in the scenery.
Castell Dinas Brân
Discover the ruins of Castell Dinas Brân, perched high above Llangollen. This medieval fortress offers a fascinating glimpse into Welsh history and provides spectacular panoramic views. The castle ruins are a perfect spot for a break and some memorable photos.
Pontcysyllte Aqueduct
Why not make a day of it? After completing your walk, head to Trevor Basin for a canoeing adventure over the Pontcysyllte Aqueduct. Often referred to as the ‘Stream in the Sky,’ this World Heritage Site offers a thrilling way to experience the canal from a unique perspective.
Canoeing Hire Options: Various operators offer canoe and kayak rentals from Trevor Basin.
Booking Tip: Pre-booking is recommended, especially during weekends and holidays.
Llangollen Wharf
Back in Llangollen, the historic canal wharf offers horse-drawn boat trips, cafes, and local shops. It’s the perfect place to relax and enjoy some proper post-walk grub.
Where to park?
Market Street Car Park
East Street Car Park
Llangollen Pavilion Car Park (Best for larger vehicles or campervans)
Getting to the starting point
By Car: Llangollen is around 1 hour from Chester and 1.5 hours from Manchester.
By Public Transport: Trains to Ruabon, followed by a short bus or taxi ride.
✔️ Good to knows
Best time to visit: The route is beautiful year-round, but early mornings or late afternoons offer the most serene views.
Footwear: Comfortable walking shoes or boots recommended.
Photography tip: Capture the best views from the top of the climb, overlooking the river and town.
🧭 Following the route
I use komoot and OS Maps for offline navigation. To follow the flatter walk step-by-step on komoot, simply click this link here or download the GPX file and upload it to your chosen app, such as OS Maps.
