Cumbria

SPRING/SUMMER 2026 PROGRAMME
Our Spring/Summer programme takes us in every direction from Bolton. This month we head to North Wales and the beautiful valleys and hills of Denbighshire, taking in the industrial heritage of the canal network, the engineering marvel of the Pontcycyllte Aqueduct and the dramatic ruins of Castell Dinas Bran. Our walks finish in the thriving town of Llangollen, home to the canal, a steam railway and famous for hosting biannually the National Eisteddfod of Wales.

NORTH WALES
A: Chirk to Llangollen 11.5 miles, 2130 ft ascent.
Starting in the small Welsh town of Chirk we cross the Llangollen canal via a scenic stone bridge and meander through woodlands before heading uphill, across fields to skirt the dramatic 13th Century Chirk Castle. We join the Offa's Dyke path, heading northwest to contour around the hillside before dropping down to the Llangollen canal. The route follows the towpath across the famous Pontcycyllte aqueduct into Trevor basin, and then again west before continuing to follow the Offa's Dyke path, and gradually heading uphill via a disused railway, minor lane and then through some lovely woodland. Finally, we reach the open land and the famous Panorama walk, from where the views are extensive and glorious. As we venture onwards, the striking ruins of Castell Dinas Bran on its hilltop come into view. Weather permitting, we will divert from the Offa's Dyke path to climb up onto the dramatic limestone escarpment of Trevor Rocks and then circle back to ascend to Dinas Bran. The descent from the rocks is steep and tricky in places, due to loose rocks and the limestone and care needs to be taken. We will omit this section if it is wet. It's another steep climb, but on good paths up to the top of Dinas Bran from where we head downhill, again on good paths, to the market town of Llangollen.

WALK A Link to OS map

WALK B: Chirk to Llangollen 8 miles, 1500 ft ascent.
Starting on the outskirts of the small Welsh town of Chirk, we head gently upwards across fields to join the Offa's Dyke trail and the A route above, just before it descends towards the canal. We follow the description above, omitting the deviation to Trevor Rocks.

WALK B Link to OS map

WALK C: A gentle 6 mile walk on good paths with minimal ascent - details to be confirmed.

In the unlikely event of separation from the group or other emergency please take note of the following contact numbers:

Liz Moxham - 07876255849
Frank Jones - 07788736006