About The Round

An Exhilarating High-Level Walk

The Llangollen Round is an exhilarating high-level route taking in all the summits encircling the picturesque Vale of Llangollen. While walking it rewards you with some of the most breathtaking panoramic views in Britain, there is no doubt that it is a serious challenge. It is certainly no stroll in the park!

Llangollen has long been an area beloved by walkers, but this particular circuit—much of it traversing open access mountain land—had never been described before. It is an exciting route, an athletic challenge, a splendid walk on the wild side, and an opportunity to feel truly off-the-beaten-track, while never being far from the welcoming accommodation, dining, and transport links of Llangollen town.

50 Years of Dedication to Cancer Research

It is more than 50 years since a committee supporting cancer research was first established in Llangollen. The name may have changed once or twice over the years, but the committee’s dedication to the cause has remained resolute. The current committee for Cancer Research UK in Llangollen organises several fundraising initiatives every year.

The Llangollen Round represents something new and different:

• Conceived and realised through the inspiration, tenacity, and generosity of local volunteers and sponsors.
• Detailed route research written by local author Judy Smith.
• Beautifully designed and published with the generously-given expertise of Red Dog Books in Brittany.
• Over £400,000 contributed to Cancer Research UK through book sales and event entry fees.

To learn more about how your support drives life-saving progress, read the Cancer Research UK Annual Supporter Update ↗.

Route Highlights & Terrain

The 35-mile trail is divided into 6 distinct sections determined by road and public transport access points:

• Heather Moorland: Sweeping open mountain country, ablaze with purple heather in late summer (August–September).
• Limestone Grassland: The iconic limestone escarpment of the Eglwyseg Rocks, towering above the valley.
• Forest Tracks: Ancient deciduous woodlands and serene coniferous plantations.
• Historic River Crossings: The River Dee is crossed twice—by the 17th-century stone bridge at Carrog in the west, and on Thomas Telford’s world-famous aqueduct at Pontcysyllte in the east.
• Highest Summit: Moel Fferna at 630m (2,067 ft), offering a gentle ascent along mountain paths.
• Panoramic Vistas: On clear days, pick out Snowdonia, the Clwydian Range, the Mersey Estuary, the Peak District, the Cheshire Plain, the Wrekin, the Long Mynd, the Breiddens, and the Berwyns.