The Llangollen Hiking Bucket List Weekender

Three days. Iconic views. Legendary history. One unforgettable Welsh escape.

Join us for a weekend of breathtaking trails, riverside rambles, hilltop castles and historic wonders as we explore the very best of beautiful Llangollen. Over three perfectly-paced days, we’ll tick off some of North Wales’ most iconic sights – from the awe-inspiring UNESCO World Heritage Pontcysyllte Aqueduct and cancel, ancient Castell Dinas Brân, to the serene Valle Crucis Abbey and the scenic Horseshoe Falls.
Your base for the weekend? The elegant Wild Pheasant Hotel & Spa, a luxurious retreat nestled in the Vale of Llangollen. Set in a beautifully restored 19th-century building, this welcoming hotel combines traditional charm with modern comfort — and just the right amount of pampering. After a day on the trails, enjoy complimentary daily access to the Llangollen Spa for a well-deserved dose of rejuvenation. Soothe tired legs in the hydrotherapy pool, unwind in the steam room or sauna, and soak up that post-walk glow. (Need more spa time? Extra hours are just £5 – and frankly, you’ve earned it.)
With a comfy hotel stay, good company and expert guiding throughout, this is your chance to experience the magic of Llangollen on foot — and tick off that bucket list in serious style. Think spectacular scenery by day, and spa robes and steam rooms by night. Bliss.

## The Walks

### Friday Afternoon Warm-Up Walk – Exploring History & Woodland Trails

🗓 Date: Friday 26th September
🕒 Time: 3:00–6:00 PM
🚶‍♀️ Distance: 7.5 km
⛰ Ascent: 160 m
📍 Start/End Point: The Wild Pheasant Hotel, Llangollen
🥾 Grade: Beginner-Intermediate (Check out our hiking difficulty grading system HERE!)
Kick off the weekend with a relaxed afternoon walk from our base at The Wild Pheasant Hotel. This 3-hour route blends fascinating local history, peaceful riverside paths, and woodland views to ease us gently into the weekend.
We'll stroll alongside the River Dee before heading to Plas Newydd, the former home of the famous “Ladies of Llangollen.” These two upper-class women caused a stir in the late 18th century when they eloped, set up home together, and lived happily at Plas Newydd for nearly 50 years. The grounds are free to wander, and there’s a cosy tea room if you fancy a cuppa or a slice of cake (or both – we’re not judging).
From there, we’ll meander into Pen-y-Coed Wood, a beautiful mix of ancient woodland and recovering conifer plantation. The circular route through the trees offers seasonal wildflowers, glimpses of archaeological features, and cracking views over the Dee Valley. It’s a peaceful spot with a few gentle climbs and a whole lot of fresh air. Then we’ll loop back to the hotel with time to relax before dinner.

### Saturday Canal & Aqueduct Adventure – From Llangollen to the Skies

🗓 Date: Saturday 27th September
🕒 Time: 9:00 AM – 3:00 PM
🚶‍♀️ Distance: 17 km
⛰ Ascent: 270 m
📍 Start/End Point: The Wild Pheasant Hotel, Llangollen
🥾 Grade: Advanced, due to distance covered (Check out our hiking difficulty grading system HERE!)
Ready to stretch your legs and your sense of wonder? On Saturday, we’ll set off on a full-day adventure along one of the most scenic and iconic stretches of canal in the UK. Expect peaceful waterside walking, historic towpaths, and one unforgettable crossing…
We’ll begin the day with a gentle wander into Llangollen town centre, picking up the canal path just as it begins to reveal its magic. The Llangollen Canal is a 46-mile engineering marvel linking Wales to Cheshire, and the section we’ll follow is a real showstopper – a tranquil towpath flanked by hills, rocky outcrops, and the gentle sound of canal boats being pulled by horses (yes, really – it's like stepping into a storybook).
Our goal? The spectacular Pontcysyllte Aqueduct – a UNESCO World Heritage Site known as the "Stream in the Sky." This cast iron trough, completed in 1805, carries the canal 126 feet above the River Dee, making it the highest navigable aqueduct in Britain. Designed by Thomas Telford and hailed as a “masterpiece of creative genius,” it’s one of the greatest feats of engineering from the Industrial Revolution. And yes – we’ll be walking across it, so bring your nerve and your camera. It’s a highlight you won’t forget.
After a well-earned lunch and time to admire the views, we’ll loop back towards Llangollen via the peaceful Welsh hillside, swapping the towpath for green pastures and wide-open views, returning to our hotel just in time to kick off the boots and put the kettle (or pint) on.

### Sunday Funday Scenic Finale – Castles, Abbeys & Riversides

🗓 Date: Sunday 28th September
🕒 Time: 9:00 AM – 2:00 PM
🚶‍♀️ Distance: 14 km
⛰ Ascent: 310 m
📍 Start/End Point: The Wild Pheasant Hotel, Llangollen
🥾 Grade: Advanced, due to distance covered (Check out our hiking difficulty grading system HERE!)
What better way to round off a weekend of walking than with a truly magical mix of ancient ruins, riverside paths, castle views and spiritual serenity?
We’ll leave from the hotel after breakfast and cross the Llangollen Bridge — one of the Seven Wonders of Wales, built around 1345 by Bishop John Trevor. From here, we’ll follow the River Dee upstream, a waterway that once echoed with the sounds of coracle fishing and now plays host to otters, salmon, and international white-water kayaking events.
From river to ridge, we’ll begin our steady climb up to Castell Dinas Brân, a spectacular 13th-century castle ruin perched high above the town. Set atop an Iron Age hillfort, this mystical site offers sweeping views of the Dee Valley — and a photo opportunity you won’t want to miss.
Next, we’ll follow quiet hillside paths and wooded trails down to Valle Crucis Abbey. Founded in 1201, this beautiful monastic ruin still inspires awe with its peaceful setting and surviving stonework. If entry is open (and free – fingers crossed!), we’ll have a wander inside. If not, the view from outside is still well worth a pause.
From there, we’ll stroll on to the Horseshoe Falls — a graceful weir where the River Dee feeds into the Llangollen Canal. This tranquil spot marks the beginning of the canal system we walked on Saturday, and it's a dreamy place to stop and reflect.
Before returning, we’ll make a final detour to St. Tysilio’s Church, a peaceful site known for its ancient charm and snowdrops in winter. Then it's a gentle return along the canal and into town — and back to the Wild Pheasant to wrap up our walking weekend.

### Your Guide

This weekend will be led by me, Janire — founder of Ray of Sun Adventures, fully qualified Mountain Leader, adventure travel blogger, and lifelong lover of the great outdoors. I’ll be guiding the group every step of the way, sharing local stories, offering encouragement, and making sure everyone feels welcome, supported, and inspired. Whether you’re a regular rambler or just finding your feet, this experience is designed to be inclusive, enjoyable and full of feel-good vibes. No pressure, no rush — just great walks, good company, and epic views.

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