Although not a particularly difficult walk in terms of ascent, this walk is particularly long and tiring. As an alternative to walking the whole route in one go, it could be split into two shorter walks using two cars. The route involves walking part of the Offa's Dyke path on the way to Llangollen from World's End via Dinas Bran Castle. Then part of the Clwydian Way passing by Valle Crucis Abbey on the way back.
| Start GPS coordinate | 53.02719, -3.146428 |
| Approximate Length | 11.73 miles |
| Approximate Duration | 381 minutes |
| Grade | Hard |
Approximate GPS co-ordinate: 53.027147, -3.146492
The start of this walk is a small car park up the hill from World's End. It's free to park and is open between 8am to 8pm; although there are only limited spaces available.
Approximate GPS co-ordinate: 53.026387, -3.14637
Leave the car park on turn right heading down the hill. After a short while you'll reach a ford. There are stones to the right for crossing if you wish to keep your feet dry.
Approximate GPS co-ordinate: 53.021875, -3.145303
Just after the ford and around the bend is a gate with a slate sign showing the way to Trevor which is 6.5 miles away. Go through the gate and follow the well defined footpath. This is part of the Offa's Dyke path.
Approximate GPS co-ordinate: 53.014152, -3.159927
The path continues for several miles following the line of the limestone cliffs to the left. Some parts should be taken with care where the path narrows. Also, beware of rocks which may roll down the hill if disturbed by the resident sheep.
Approximate GPS co-ordinate: 52.999198, -3.166553
Eventually you'll reach a gate and a road. Continue straight on up the slight hill.
Approximate GPS co-ordinate: 52.992893, -3.167002
After a short while you'll see Dinas Bran Castle on the hill. Keep to the left where the road bends off to the right. There are signs for a tea room; follow those; although this walks doesn't go as far as that.
Approximate GPS co-ordinate: 52.981382, -3.15247
There's a cattle grid at the start of the path up to the castle and a gate on the right just afterwards.
Approximate GPS co-ordinate: 52.97918, -3.158197
The castle is ruined and gives fantastic views both northwards giving a good view of the start of this walk and also to the south over the town of Llangollen.
Approximate GPS co-ordinate: 52.978507, -3.160145
The way down the hill from the castle is on the opposite side to the path up the hill. It winds gently down the hill.
Approximate GPS co-ordinate: 52.977195, -3.168037
Simply keep going in a straight line following the signs along the "Dee Valley Way".
Approximate GPS co-ordinate: 52.972112, -3.169945
Cross the canal over the footbridge, then follow the road down the hill and turn right on reaching the main road.
Approximate GPS co-ordinate: 52.97134, -3.170053
The view from the bridge is popular with visitors. As is the railway station and nearby cafes. Many shops sell local produce which is well worth buying. It's a good idea to have a break at this point to recharge, although do remember that you're only half way through the walk if you need to get back to your car before the car park closes.
Approximate GPS co-ordinate: 52.971493, -3.171008
Just past the bridge, on the same side of the river as the castle is a sign pointing towards the canal. Follow this up the hill and turn left following the canal.
Approximate GPS co-ordinate: 52.983638, -3.18179
You'll pass a small marina, then go under the main road and eventually come across another bridge. Cross the bridge and turn right at the road to come back on yourself.
Approximate GPS co-ordinate: 52.983813, -3.180952
On the other side of the road is a sign pointing towards Valle Crucis Abbey.
Approximate GPS co-ordinate: 52.986688, -3.183165
The path is part of the Clwydian Way and passes past farm buildings and through fields. It then leads onto a track which you follow for a while.
Approximate GPS co-ordinate: 52.989437, -3.184388
The abbey can be seen on the left through the trees. There's a path leading off towards the abbey if you fancy a closer look.
Approximate GPS co-ordinate: 53.003543, -3.180927
At the next road, turn right and up the slight hill.
Approximate GPS co-ordinate: 53.004552, -3.170467
The road leads into the village of Eglwyseg where there's a noticeboard at a T-junction. Turn left and follow the road and signs back to World's End. You'll eventually see the ford you crossed at the start and the hill leading back to the car park.
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