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.
As an Amazon Associate we earn from qualifying purchases.
Frequently 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.
What’s Nearby?
Walk11.4 mi awayMoel Famau Circular from Loggerheads Country Park
Cheshire
A substantial climb to the highest point in the Clwydian Range with panoramic views from the ruined Jubilee Tower at the summit.
Walk12.2 mi awayPistyll Rhaeadr Waterfall and Berwyn Ridge Walk
Powys
A demanding dog friendly mountain walk from the tallest single drop waterfall in Wales onto the wild Berwyn ridge and back.
Walk16.1 mi awayLlyn Brenig Reservoir Circular Walk
Conwy
A reservoir circuit high in the Denbighshire hills with wide moorland views and good visitor facilities at the start.
Walk18.1 mi awayLlyn Tegid (Bala Lake) Shoreline Walk
Gwynedd
A long dog friendly shoreline circuit of Wales' largest natural lake, with miles of grass meadow, pebble beach and views to the Aran and Arenig peaks.
Walk20.9 mi awayWhitchurch Waterways Country Park
Shropshire
A canal and waterway walk near Whitchurch with calm towpath stretches, waterside wildlife and a relaxed atmosphere throughout.
Walk22.2 mi awayBwlch y Groes and Aran Fawddwy Circular
Gwynedd
A demanding dog friendly mountain circuit from the highest tarmac road in Wales over the wild Aran ridge to its highest summit, Aran Fawddwy.
