For those of you that may not know, or are not local, Llangollen (pronounced Clan-Goth-Len(ish)) is a market town in North Wales and one of my favourite places in the world.
I've lost count of how many times I've been here and this blog features some of my latest trip there and the many reasons I keep going back.
1. It's so easy to get to from the Wirral. Though it feels a million miles away, it's only a relatively short journey - just over an hour to drive via either the M53 and A483 or you can take the scenic route via the stunning Horse Shoe Pass. If like me, you don't drive you can still get there in less than two hours by taking a train to Ruabon via Chester and then a short bus journey (or bike ride!) or from Bidston to Wrexham and then a slightly longer bus ride.
2. It's beautiful. I wasn't kidding when I said it feels like it's a million miles away; nestled in the Dee Valley it is surrounded by hills and forests with the River Dee flowing through the middle of the town centre. Not too far outside of town there is the Horse Shoe Falls - the point at which the river is diverted into the world famous Llangollen Canal. The ancient ruins of Dinas Bran Castle overlooks the town and is easily accessed.
3. It's peaceful. Any time I've had shit going on in my life I've headed here. Even though it is a tourist hotspot for families, bikers, mountain climbers and international travellers alike; moments of solitude can always be found and the surroundings alone are amazing for the soul. A walk in the hills, down the endless miles of canal paths, or even just around the many little vintage, antique and delicatessen shops in town is great for clearing your head and getting the working week or the city off your skin.
4. There is loads to do! For a small town it packs a lot in. Whether you're a solo traveller, a couple or a family you can not get bored here. Outdoor activities like mountain climbing and white water rafting would satisfy the more adventurous, and those after a quieter break can walk, paddle or cycle. There are tons of cafes, restaurants (and pubs! so many pubs!) and always something going on. Last week was the international Eisteddfod music festival; this week while we were there it was Llangollen Fringe, with loads of musical, comedy and crafty events going on. In winter months it is pretty much guaranteed snow - an activity in itself!
My Favourite Spots/Stuff To Do:
Plas Newydd: The House of the 'Ladies of Llangollen'
This gorgeous house was home to the Ladies of Llangollen, Lady Eleanor Butler and Miss Sarah Ponsonby, from 1780 - 1829. They became celebrated throughout the country as the story of their 'friendship' spread through Regency Society. The grounds of the house include a small woodland with a cute stream and gothic stone bridges - boss for poo sticks! Pictured here is a circle of druid stones brought to the house in 1908; a beautiful spot for a picnic.
Llangollen Canal Path
As mentioned earlier, these beautiful paths are great for a walk or bike ride (that arse in the distance is me!) Take a picnic and a bottle of your chosen tipple and set up camp at one of the picturesque spots all along here. It follows the Dee so literally and goes on forever; me and my better half followed these for over 30k last summer and never saw sight of the end. You can rent bikes in the town but there is also a (cheaper!) company that will deliver a bike to where you are staying and pick it back up after 4 or 8 hours - HireCycles2Go - they don't have their own website but google and the phone number is on a few different sites. I always get a Dutch style and my partner a mountain bike but they've got road bikes too.
Pontcysyllte Aqueduct
Follow the canal path (or drive) 5k down and you'll come to the small village of Trevor, home to the Telford pub. A nice beer garden and good for a rest stop(it does food too.) The pub is named for the architect of the Pontcysyllte Aqueduct. An amazing spot for photos of the Dee Valley, it is the oldest and longest navigable aqueduct in Great Britain and the highest in the world! Selfie sticks at the ready! you can take a narrow boat journey along it or just walk down the (quite narrow) tow path.
Finally...
There are so many other things I could say about this great town but I've been waffling for ages now! I'll leave you with the below; the faery doors me and my OH guerrilla-decorated the canal path with - see a future blog for how we made them!
I've visited Llangollen many times but it had always been a quick wander down the main street- I didn't realise there was so much more!
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