Castell Dinas Bran Circular: An Informative Guide

About the route

This Circular route to Castell Dinas Bran is near Llangollen, Denbighshire in Wales and is a 15km loop trail walk. The route is suitable for all skill levels and is generally used for hiking, walking, nature trips and bird watching. However, this Llangollen walk takes you to Castell Dinas Bran, on top of a high hill above the town. Therefore, great for history lovers, as the medieval ruins date back from the 13^th century.

Where to park

We parked at Pontcysyllte Aqueduct Car park. Which is open 24hrs and is free to park, there is also toilet facilities here too.

postcode: LL14 3SG Wrexham

In addition, there is a pub across from the carpark by the canal called the Telford Inn. We have heard great reviews, although we didn’t stop here ourselves. This may be worth a pit stop when you have finished your walk.

If this carpark is full, there is a larger carpark that is £3 all day.

Address: 298 New Road, Trevor, Llangollen, postcode: LL20 7TU

The Route heading up

Firstly, you start the walk from the car park by crossing the bridge over the canal. Then walk along the canal until you come to Llangollen Canal Wharf.

Next, from the road which crosses the canal (with your back to Llangollen) you will see a foot path. Then follow the path as it takes you up past the side of the school grounds.

From here it is a pretty straight route which is signposted well. What’s more, you will see beautiful views all round as you head up, that just get better, the higher up you get. Keep going until you reach the ruins of Castell Dinas Bran (about 1mile climb from the town centre).

Tip: take a hat, neck warmer and windproof jacket or fleece as it can be quite windy and cold at the top… a nice warm flask is a good idea to enjoy at the top too!  Want more Hiking Tips?

History of Castell Dinas Bran

On reaching the top of the hill, you will start to see the 13^th century castle as it rises to a height of over 1000ft. Furthermore you will witness stunning views over the surrounding hills and mountains of North Wales.

The castle is believed to have been built in the 1260s and was done so by Gruffydd Maelor II, who was a prince of Powys Fadog.

The Route Heading back down

Before heading back down, take in the beauty, the top of the hill, where the castle’s ruins remain, is a photogenic spot, surrounded by breath-taking scenery. So be sure to take some pictures before heading back and take out your flask to enjoy the views with a warm drink.

(As demonstrated by us below ha-ha!)

Once you have finished enjoying the view, if you can ever be done with that… You’re ready to head back down, so pass through the ruins and onto the path at the other side which will take you down some steep steps and onto the hillside, to a kissing gate that leads onto Panorama Road. Next take a sharp right down the hill and follow the road to Trevor Hall Woods and back to Trevor Basin and then finally back to the carpark. 

Before you go read What we pack in our hiking bags and Our Hiking Tips.

We use the Alltrails app to find routes and maps!

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Thank you for reading, we hope you find this useful – if you do this trail, let us know in the comments!

Lu & Ad

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