Llangollen Canal and Valle Crucis Abbey Walk
Denbighshire
The Llangollen Canal is one of the great engineering achievements of the canal age and a UNESCO World Heritage site, slipping along the wooded hillside above the River Dee on its way to the Pontcysyllte Aqueduct. This dog friendly walk pairs a stretch of the towpath with a short rural section through the Eglwyseg valley to the impressive ruins of Valle Crucis Abbey, returning the same way.
This is a relaxed easy walk on flat towpath, country lanes and short field paths. Dogs can be off lead on the towpath and lanes well clear of cyclists, but should be on the lead through the few sheep fields between the abbey and the canal. Llangollen is one of the most dog friendly towns in North Wales, with multiple cafes and pubs welcoming dogs, and the abbey grounds are dog friendly on a lead. Parking is at the pay and display car park beside the abbey, with overflow at the small Llangollen Wharf.
At a Glance
- Distance
- 7.0 km (4.3 miles)
- Difficulty
- Easy
- Duration
- 2 hr 30 min
- Walk Type
- Canal, Historic
- Route Type
- Out and Back
- Off Lead Potential
- High
- Livestock Risk
- Low
- Facilities
- Toilets and seasonal cafe at Valle Crucis Abbey, dog friendly cafes and pubs in Llangollen.
- Parking
- Pay and display car park at Valle Crucis Abbey, around 30 spaces, additional parking at Llangollen Wharf.
Dog Friendly Stays Nearby
Make a weekend of it. These are the closest dog friendly places to stay to Llangollen Canal and Valle Crucis Abbey Walk, each one checked for its dog policy before we listed it.
Booking links are affiliate links. We may earn a commission if you book through them, at no extra cost to you. Prices are a guide only and change with dates and availability.
All dog friendly stays in DenbighshireFrequently Asked Questions
Is Llangollen Canal and Valle Crucis Abbey Walk dog friendly?
This walk is a great choice for dogs, earning a solid 8/10 for dog friendliness. The route takes in the towpath of the UNESCO World Heritage Llangollen Canal and the ruins of Valle Crucis Abbey, both of which welcome dogs, and nearby Llangollen is considered one of the most dog friendly towns in North Wales, with multiple cafes and pubs happy to have canine visitors.
Can dogs be off lead at Llangollen Canal and Valle Crucis Abbey Walk?
Dogs can enjoy some good off-lead time on the canal towpath and the country lanes, as long as you're well clear of cyclists. The exception is the short section through sheep fields between the abbey and the canal, where dogs will need to be kept on the lead, and the abbey grounds themselves also require leads.
What should I know before visiting Llangollen Canal and Valle Crucis Abbey Walk with my dog?
The walk is an easy, flat route on towpath, country lanes and short field paths, so it's accessible for most dogs. Parking is at the pay and display car park beside Valle Crucis Abbey (around 30 spaces), with overflow available at Llangollen Wharf, and there are toilets and a seasonal cafe at the abbey if you need a break. For post-walk refreshments, Llangollen town has plenty of dog friendly options to choose from.
Visitor Reviews
No reviews yet. Be the first to share your experience.
What’s Nearby?
Walk1.1 mi awayHorseshoe Falls and the Llangollen Canal
Denbighshire
A flat towpath walk for dogs on a lead from Llangollen Wharf to Thomas Telford's Horseshoe Falls weir, with a paddling spot for them at the end.
Walk1.5 mi awayCastell Dinas Bran Circular from Llangollen
Denbighshire
A steep climb from Llangollen to a ruined hilltop castle, with a canal towpath dogs can trot along and wide Dee Valley views for their owners.
Walk4.3 mi awayPontcysyllte Aqueduct and Trevor Basin
Wrexham
A flat towpath route for dogs on a lead across Thomas Telford's Pontcysyllte Aqueduct, the tallest navigable one in the world, with dog friendly pubs at either end.
Walk7.9 mi awayErddig Parkland Walk
Wrexham
A National Trust parkland walk through 1,200 acres where dogs can run free in a designated area, past a waterfall and a Norman motte and bailey.
Walk9.2 mi awayOswestry Old Racecourse Common
Shropshire
An easy figure of eight where dogs roam off lead around an 18th century hilltop racecourse above Oswestry, with grandstand ruins and views over England and Wales.
Walk9.4 mi awayNercwys Forest Circular
Flintshire
A hilly conifer forest circuit near Mold with off lead areas for dogs to run free on hard, well drained paths and views from the high ground.