Walking in North Wales (summer)

Walking in North Wales

Posted on 19 June 2015 at 12:53pm

Since arriving in North Wales, we have come to enjoy long walks in and around some of the area's staggeringly beautiful countryside where we live in Denbighshire. From seven-mile treks back and forth to the Grouse Inn for lunch, set beside the River Dee, to longer, more strenuous climbs up and down four peaks within the Llantysilio Mountains.

The Ponderosa Café has become almost iconic in its status as the stop-over point of choice, situated at the famous Horseshoe Pass. Hospitality at the café provides welcome relief for weary walkers and cyclists alike, and is a mecca for motorbike enthusiasts of all ages and backgrounds. It is not unusual to witness a carpark overflowing with vintage scooters, racing bikes, tourers and custom trikes. Dating back to the early 19th century, at its highest point, the Horseshoe Pass reaches 417m and connects Llandegla to Llangollen.

Along the top of this particular mountain range, the walker is rewarded with sweeping views across the valleys. On clear days and, according to which direction they happen to be looking and at what height, it is possible to see Snowdonia, the Llangollen to Corwen steam railway, or the infamous Pontcysyllte Aquaduct. This rightly-awarded World Heritage Site, which opened after ten years of construction in 1805, spans the River Dee at a height of 38m, and has a total length of 307m. 

We have many more walks and expeditions to discover, the experience of which will be posted here.

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    Trig point at 550m, on top of Moel Morfydd

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    First peak above the Horseshoe Pass

    with Eglwyseg Mountain range in the background

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