Vale of Llangollen

Valley in Denbighshire

Wales

Vale of Llangollen

The Vale of Llangollen is a picturesque valley located in Denbighshire, Wales. Situated in the northeastern part of the country, it stretches for approximately 20 miles from the town of Llangollen to the village of Corwen. The valley is carved out by the River Dee, which meanders through the lush green landscape, adding to the area's natural beauty.

The Vale of Llangollen is renowned for its breathtaking scenery, characterized by rolling hills, dense forests, and charming meadows. The valley is surrounded by the Berwyn Mountains to the west and the Clwydian Range to the east, providing a dramatic backdrop for visitors and residents alike. The landscape is perfect for outdoor activities such as hiking, cycling, and birdwatching, attracting nature enthusiasts from far and wide.

One of the most iconic landmarks in the Vale of Llangollen is the Pontcysyllte Aqueduct, a UNESCO World Heritage site. This impressive feat of engineering was constructed in the early 19th century and carries the Llangollen Canal over the River Dee, offering panoramic views of the valley below.

The town of Llangollen, situated at the southern end of the valley, is a popular tourist destination. It boasts a rich history, with attractions such as the medieval ruins of Castell Dinas Brân and the Plas Newydd historic house and gardens. Llangollen is also famous for hosting the annual International Eisteddfod, a renowned music and arts festival that attracts performers and visitors from across the globe.

In summary, the Vale of Llangollen is a stunning valley in Denbighshire, Wales, offering a blend of natural beauty, outdoor activities, and cultural attractions. Its idyllic scenery and historic landmarks make it a must-visit destination for nature lovers and history enthusiasts alike.

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Vale of Llangollen Images

Images are sourced within 2km of 52.967333/-3.1005683 or Grid Reference SJ2641. Thanks to Geograph Open Source API. All images are credited.

Old Milestone by the A5, Cwmalis, Vale of Llangollen

Telford Plate by the A5, in parish of Llangollen (Denbighshire District), Cwmalis, South side of road. Inscription reads:- HOLY- HEAD 79 LLANGOLLEN 2M-2F CHIRK-B 4M-5F Carved benchmark on lower face. Surveyed Milestone Society National ID: DEN_HH79

Richard Thackeray

Trevor Basin

Trevor Basin is at the northern end of the central section of what was planned as the Ellesmere Canal linking the Mersey and Severn rivers. The canal was never completed in full and Trevor Basin - just north of Pontcysyllte Aqueduct - became the northern terminus. The canal here is today named the Llangollen Canal, though the stretch from Trevor Basin to Llangollen was in fact only originally intended as a water feed to the Ellesmere canal.

David Robinson

Narrowboat on Pontcysyllte Aqueduct

The highest canal aqueduct in the world, Grade I listed and a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Completed in 1805 to a design by Thomas Telford and William Jessop.

David Robinson

Llangollen Canal

Near Trevor Uchaf.

Trevor Harris

Llangollen Canal Bridge 39W

Near Bryn-Howel Farm.

Trevor Harris

Approaching Bridge 37W

On the Llangollen Canal near Llyn Farm.

Trevor Harris

Llangollen Canal near Plas-yn-pentre

Taken just east of Bridge 34W.

Trevor Harris

Bridge 33W, Llangollen Canal

This bridge just south of the village of Trevor is a footbridge.

Trevor Harris

Replacing the old reservoir

New water storage tanks at Sugn-y-pwl.

John H Darch

The Duke of Wellington

Pub adjacent to the A539.

John H Darch

Trevor Arm, Llangollen Canal

The Llangollen canal is an arm of the Shropshire Union canal that runs from Hurleston Junction to Llangollen with a wide variety of scenery along its course. Its total length is 46 miles, but the last 1½ miles from Llangollen to Llantisilio is unnavigable by any boats over about 10' length. The canal's vital statistics for craft are: Length 72 ' Beam 6'10" Headroom 7' Draught 2'3" (Hurleston to Pontcysyllte) 2' (P. to Llangollen) These are the maximum dimensions for any craft, based on the minimum dimensions of locks & bridges. There are a total of 21 locks on the canal, but only two between Llangollen and Whitchurch (a distance of about 31 miles). One of the most notable things about the canal is the strong flow especially in the "narrows" near Llangollen and in the tunnels near Chirk. About 12 million gallons of water passes down this canal from the River Dee to the Shropshire Union every day. The most famous feature of this canal is the superb feat of engineering that is the 200-year-old Pontcysyllte Aqueduct rising 126' above the River Dee and running for over 335 yds - for more information on this see the numerous photos for squares SJ2742 and SJ2741

Sandy Gerrard

Cysylltau Bridge

View from Pont Cysyllte Aqueduct.

Sandy Gerrard

The Llangollen Canal, Froncysyllte

The Llangollen Canal runs on a high tree-covered embankment on the southern approach to Pont-Cysyllte.

Adrian Taylor

Repairing the railings

Repairs are underway to the cast iron railings of the Pont-Cysyllte aqueduct. The equipment has been taken to the site by boat and the canal is closed while the work is in progress.

Adrian Taylor