Llangollen

Llangollen is acknowledged to be one of the most beautiful towns in Wales – set alongside the River Dee and in the shadow of the Eglwyseg escarpment to the north and the North Berwyn Mountains to the south.  Apart from being regarded as the Festival capital of Wales, with the International Musical Eisteddfod being held in July each year and attracting competitors from all over the world, Llangollen and the Dee Valley has a wealth of attractions and activities to appeal to almost everybody. There are boat rides along the Llangollen Canal and steam train rides along the Dee Valley to Carrog, historic ruins of Valle Crucis Abbey and Dinas Bran Castle nearby and a popular Motor Museum a short walk along the canal from the town centre. The famous Plas Newydd was the home of the Ladies of Llangollen from 1780 to 1830 and is now open as a museum to their lives and park. Recently an announcement has been made confirming the nearby Pontcysyllte Aqueduct and the canal  from Chirk to the Horseshoe Falls in Llangollen has been awarded World Heritage Status. Visit www.llangollen.org.uk for general information about Llangollen.

For walkers there are numerous existing walks as well as a number of local public footpaths. The Dee Valley has a series of waymarked and graded routes taking in the beautiful scenery, wildlife and history of this stunning area of North East Wales. Visit www.deevalleywalks.com for more information about existing walks. The Dee Valley Way on the north side of the river and North Berwyn Way to the south link the two towns of Corwen and Llangollen. The routes are 15miles/24km in total, but if you prefer to pace yourself it can be walked in separate sections. You can either walk out and catch the steam train back or vice versa. The Llangollen History Trail links the fascinating historical landmarks in the area through a 6 mile/ 9.5k waymarked walk.

Llangollen and the Dee Valley  is a centre for outdoor activities such as walking, kayaking, whitewater rafting, climbing, abseiling and gorge walking. You can find out more information and tourist contact details for the whole valley on www.deevalleytour.com.