Llangollen is a fantastic location for a walking holiday with an attractive town centre surrounded by gorgeous countryside. This break will take in some wonderful walking from the accommodation, into the surrounding hills, along the pretty canal towpaths and  country lanes. We will see many sites of historic interest including the imposing Castell Dinas Bran, Valle Crucis Abbey, a 19th century chain bridge, restored steam railway stations, a beautiful 16th century church and Horseshoe Falls.

The holiday will include a scenic 2 hour trip on a canal boat which runs between Llangollen Wharf and the spectacular Pontcysyllte Aqueduct, a true feat of engineering and a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Crossing the aqueduct on the canal boat and then on foot is a truly memorable experience.

No visit to Llangollen would be complete without a trip to Plas Newydd historic house and gardens. Plas Newydd was the home of the Ladies of Llangollen, Lady Eleanor Butler and Miss Sarah Ponsonby, from 1780 onwards. It is set in the most stunning landscape including a topiary garden and a tranquil stream.

Itinerary (subject t0 change):

Day 1: Arrive at the accommodation in the late afternoon for tea and cake. Settle in before the holiday briefing and a short orientation walk around the town followed by dinner.

Day 2: Walking straight from the door, we head out along the canal, past the home of the National Eisteddfod, to reach the impressive ruins of Valle Crucis Abbey and the nearby Eliseg’s Pillar, a 9th century memorial cross. A short, steep uphill takes us to the top of Velvet Hill which offers long distance views on a clear day. Our descent leads us to a tranquil 16th Century churchyard before reaching Horseshoe Falls, a feat of engineering by Thomas Telford and the beginning of an 11 mile stretch of UNESCO World Heritage Site canal. We cross the River Dee via a chain bridge and take a look at the restored Berwyn Station before returning to Llangollen through bluebell filled woodland. After the walk, we visit Plas Newydd, home to the Ladies of Llangollen. The small house is truly unique and the audio guide brings this fascinating story to life.  Distance: 7 miles / 320m ascent

Day 3: Today, we take a short bus ride to Trevor where we start our day on the Offa’s Dyke Path which leads steadily uphill through woodland, popping out on a limestone outcrop with amazing views back over the valley to Llangollen and beyond. We head along the flat Panorama Walk to enjoy the views before descending and then ascending again to the remains of the 13th century Castell Dinas Bran. The atmospheric ruins are a highlight of the holiday and well worth the effort. From here, it is a gradual descent into Llangollen where we can explore the train station, shops, museum and River Dee at leisure. Distance: 7 miles 400m ascent

Day 4: Walking from the door, we take a short walk along what was once the River Dee and now a quiet minor road to reach a beautiful woodland managed by the Woodland Trust. The end of the walk takes us the Llangollen Wharf where we board a canal boat for a 2 hour journey along the tranquil canal. The highlight comes towards the end of the trip when we cross the incredible Pontcysyllte Aqueduct. Wethen disembark and walk back across the aqueduct for a different perspective and then carry on back along the canal to catch the bus back from Trevor. Distance: 4 miles 150m ascent plus 3 miles 50m ascent

Day 5: This morning, we drive to nearby Chirk Castle, a National Trust property set in beautiful grounds. We do a figure of 8 walk taking in the extensive woodlands, returning to the 13th century castle before setting off across the surrounding open countryside and then ascending along a section of Offa’s Dyke. Distance: 2.5 miles 100m ascent plus 2 miles 150m ascent

We stay at Llangollen Independent Hostel which is a lovely, comfortable and welcoming space. There are 8 rooms in total with a well equipped kitchen / dining area and a comfortable lounge. Most rooms are ensuite with the 2 others sharing a bathroom. We will have sole use of the hostel. Breakfast and packed lunch are provided on a help yourself basis.

• Price
• Accommodation
• Grade
• Guide
• Travel

Single Occupancy Ensuite £760 Single Occupancy Shared Bathroom £700 Twin Occupancy Ensuite £140 per person discount Price includes: 4 nights' 4* hostel accommodation: breakfast and lunch on a help yourself basis; guided walks each day; boat trip across aqueduct; entrance to Plas Newydd; travel to walks as required Not included: travel to LLangollen; evening meals (these will be arranged by your guide at a variety of local eateries); personal expenses; travel insurance

Llangollen Independent Hostel. This welcoming and attractive hostel has 8 bedrooms over 3 floors, a spacious kitchen and dining area, a comfortable lounge and a drying room. There is plenty of space and the facilities are excellent. This independent hostel has a 4* rating. Most rooms are ensuite and most also have bunk beds.

The walks will be up to 8 miles and take in the surrounding hills,towpaths and country lanes and tracks. 2 of the walks have short sections of relatively steep ascent and descent involved which are taken at a steady pace and worth it for the views.  The other days are reasonably flat by comparison.

Your guide for this holiday is Clare Kelly, owner of Her on a Hill. Clare has been a walking guide for over 25 years.

Llangollen Independent Hostel, Isallt, Berwyn Street, Llangollen LL20 8NB By car: The hostel is situated at the top of the short stay car park. There are a limited number of permits available from the hostel which allow you to stay overnight for £4 per day. There is a long stay car park 3 minutes' walk away which is also around £4 per day. By train: The nearest train station is at Ruabon (5 miles). Buses run all day from Ruabon train station to Llangollen (every 30 mins until 6pm, then hourly). The journey is around 20 minutes.