Out on Sunday | Llangollen weekend
Friday 16th to Sunday 18th September 2022
Welcome to the itinerary for this year’s Out on Sunday weekend away in Llangollen. Our weekend starts from 7 p.m. on Friday 16 when we will be gathering in a bar/restaurant (see below) but if you are planning to arrive early or are planning to stop off somewhere on the way, here are a few suggestions:
On route:
Chirk Castle and gardens, 4 miles from Llangollen: Chirk Castle and gardens | National Trust
Erddig stately home and gardens, 8 miles from Llangollen: Erddig | National Trust
Powis Castle and garden, 22 miles from Llangollen: Powis Castle and garden | National Trust
In Llangollen:
Llangollen is a pretty town which is very pleasant to explore. Please see: Llangollen Tourist Information Centre
Of special interest to us as an LGBT+ group is Plas Newydd, home to The Ladies of Llangollen: Plas Newydd, Llangollen
Or, you can just enjoy a couple of Welsh Cakes or a slice of Bara Brith in one of the many cafes in the town.
Friday 16th September:
Informal meet-up from 7:00 p.m. onwards at The Corn Mill, for something to eat or just a drink or two. The Corn Mill, Mill Ln, Llangollen, LL20 8PN is located in a side street between the bridge over the River Dee and the Visitors Centre. If you are planning to eat we strongly recommend that you make a booking: The Corn Mill
There are many pubs, restaurants and takeaways in Llangollen if you would prefer an alternative.
Saturday 17th September:
Our walk today is the Llangollen History Trail. This is a 7.5 mile walk taking in some of Llangollen’s historic sites and the spectacular scenery surrounding the town. The walk starts at 11:30 from the Tourist Information Centre in the centre of Llangollen. For full details see below.
If you are not joining us on today’s walk here are a couple of alternatives:
A Horse-drawn barge trip on the Llangollen Canal. They offer 45 minute and 2 hour trips: Llangollen Wharf | Horse Drawn Boat Trips
A ride on the Llangollen heritage railway. A round trip takes 1 1/2 hours: Llangollen Heritage Train Rides
Pre-booking, online is recommended for both of these activities.
Group meal:
Tonight’s group meal is at The Hand Hotel. Meet from 7:00 p.m.in the hotel bar for our dinner which starts at 7:30 p.m. The full details are here.
Sunday 18th September:
We end the weekend with a short bus ride to Trefor and the spectacular Pontcysyllte Aqueduct. After visiting the aqueduct we return to Llangollen via the scenic Llangollen canal. This 4.2 mile walk is accesible to walkers of all abilities. We meet at the Tourist Information Centre in the centre of Llangollen at 11:00 a.m., the bus leaves at 11:20. For full details see below.
Getting to Llangollen:
By car: Llangollen is about 60 miles from the centre of Manchester. Directions: from the M56 take junction 15, M53 for Chester/ Wrexham. Take junction 38, A438 for Wrexham. Stay on this road following signs for Oswestry. Take J1, A539 and follow signs to Llangollen.
By train: There is no direct rail service to Llangollen but there is a rail link to nearby Ruabon from either Manchester Piccadilly or Manchester Victoria. This route involves changing at Chester for the Ruabon train then taking a bus to Llangollen from Ruabon. The bus (no. 5 or T3) leaves from Ruabon station and the journey takes 22 minutes. Debit cards can be used on the bus. If you are planning to come by train, please check timetables etc.
Parking: If your accommodation does not provide parking there are a number of long stay car parks in Llangollen. We paid £3.50 for 24 hours: Llangollen Parking
Car sharing: Please consider car sharing.
That’s it! Enjoy your weekend.
Cliff, Colin, Alan & David
Llangollen History Trail
Saturday 17 September 2022
Walk details:
This is a lovely 7.5 mile walk taking in some of Llangollen’s main history sites and the stunning scenery surrounding the town. From the start we cross the river Dee via the grade 1 listed Llangollen Bridge. This is known as one of the seven wonders of Wales. There is a short climb to the Llangollen canal towpath path. We take the towpath to the Horseshoe Falls. We now begin our climb; first to Llantysilio Church – dedicated to the 6th century St. Tysilio, where we will pause to have a look round this lovely building. From the Church we continue our climb by skirting the base of Velvet hills towards Valle Crucis Abbey. We will take a refreshment stop at the Abbey. There are also free-to-use toilets available. We won’t be able to visit the Abbey ruins but you may wish to do this at some point over the weekend. The link to the Abbey’s website is: Valle Crucis Abbey
From the Abbey, we continue our walk through fields and along woodland tracks, with stunning views of the countryside, eventually arriving at a county Lane which takes us back to Llangollen.
Starting point and time:
11:30 a.m. In front of the Tourist Information Centre in the centre of Llangollen.
Directions to the start:
The Tourist Information Centre, located in the centre of Llangollen at: Y Chapel, Castle Street, LL20 8NU.
Risk Assessment: A Risk Assessment was carried out on 28 March 2022. A summary of identified risks is below:
Roads – We have to cross a busy road at the beginning and end of the walk, via a pedestrian crossing. There is some minor road and country lane walking. Walkers should walk on the right hand side facing any oncoming traffic where possible.
Terrain – Once we leave the canal towpath the route includes a number of inclines, some are quite steep. There is also a short, very steep flight of steps a one point. The off-road paths are generally good but there is some uneven ground and exposed tree roots.
Styles – The are a number of styles to negotiate including a vertical style.
Water – We will be walking alongside the Llangollen canal, but the towpath is wide and well surfaced.
Livestock – There are likely to be sheep in the fields so please be aware of this.
Farm buildings – The route passes through a farm yard, so additional care is needed.
The walk leader will remind walkers of any additional risk which may be encountered at appropriate points on the walk.
Walking boots and clothing suitable for walking is recommended for this walk
Refreshments: Please purchase an food and drink in Llangollen before the start.
Pontcysyllte Aqueduct & Llangollen Canal
Sunday 18 September 2022
Walk details:
We start this walk by taking a short bus journey to the village of Trefor. On leaving the bus we take a short walk to the World Heritage site of the Pontcysyllte Aqueduct: Pontcysylite Aqueduct This was completed in 1805 by Thomas Telford and it is regarded as an engineering wonder from the age of canals. It is well worth a visit and we will allow time for walkers to cross the aqueduct if they choose. Following our visit to the aqueduct, we will return to Llangollen via a 4.2 mile stretch of the Llangollen canal. This is a lovely stretch of canal which follows the contours of the hillside giving walkers spectacular views along the way.
Starting point and time :
11:00 a.m. In front of the Tourist Information Centre in the centre of Llangollen. From here we will catch the No.5 Wrexham bus to Trefor. The bus fare is £3 (debit cards accepted). The bus leaves Parade Street, at the side of the Tourist Information Centre, at 11:20 a.m. The journey time is 20 minutes.
We aim to have completed our visit to the aqueduct by 12:15 p.m. to begin our walk back to Llangollen.
Directions to the start:
The Tourist Information Centre is located in the centre of Llangollen at: Y Chapel, Castle Street, LL20 8NU.
Risk Assessment: A Risk Assessment was carried out on 9 May 2022. A summary of identified risks is below:-
Accessibility – This is a fully accessible walk suitable for all abilities. It is also suitable for mobility scooters.
Roads – We have to cross a busy road at the beginning and at the end of the walk.
Water/Terrain – We will be walking alongside the Llangollen canal, but the towpath is wide and well surfaced.
Refreshments: Although this is a fairly short walk you may want to buy some refreshments in Llangollen or at Trefor before the start of the walk. Remember to bring plenty of water.