Dee Valley Tour
Lots to see, lots to do
The Dee Valley Tour is a gateway of discovery; it’s time to get acquainted with the hidden secrets of this fascinating area of North Wales.
You can pick up the tour at any point much of it being connected by steam train. You can always be assured of exciting ideas about what to see and do next.
Taste the Rhugs Estate’s national award winning organic produce at the Rhug Organic Farm. Stock up on food for the freezer with a visit to the well-stocked shop and butchers counter. Whist here, why not take the farm tour along the banks of the River Dee?
Lying close by is the historical town of Corwen. Steeped in the fascinating history of Owain Glyndŵr, this bustling market town is proud of its historical association with the Welsh prince and in 2007 a dramatic new statue of Glyndŵr was unveiled in the centre of the town. Corwen is also the gateway to the Berwyn Mountains and there are some great routes leading from the town making it a favourite with walkers.
The village of Carrog, a few miles from Corwen is a picturesque location – see it at its best travelling the railway that traverses this stunning valley from a lovingly restored station. Or why not alight and walk the valley yourself?
Glyndyfrdwy Railway – take the steam train to Llangollen or Carrog or walk the Dee Valley Way into the beauty of the mountains.
For an exceptionally beautiful location look no further than the Horseshoe Pass – famous for its outstanding views and ancient rock formations, there are walks a plenty throughout this area and luckily the Ponderosa Café Complex on the pass is open for hot food and drinks – just what you need after all that walking!
Head down from the pass into the basin of the valley where Valle Crucis Abbey is set in picturesque grounds. Explore this 11th Century Cistercian abbey and find out how the monks lived prayed and worked here over 800 years ago.
Not far from Valle Crucis Abbey is Llangollen Wharf – home to a colourful collection of barges both horse drawn and motorised. The motorised aqueduct cruise traverses the heights of Thomas Telford’s Pontcysllte Aqueduct – and at 126ft high it’s well worth it for the views alone! Llangollen, home of the annual International Music Eisteddfod, whatever the time of year this gem of a town is worth exploring – it’s packed full of interesting and unusual shops including arts & crafts, boutiques and delicatessens.
Finally round your tour off in style with a visit to Plas Newydd, home to the infamous Ladies of Llangollen. Their unconventional friendship made waves in Regency Society and their unusual home welcomed the celebrities of the day.