It was wet at home but then the forecast for North Wales showed snow.
So we thought we would give it a go, it would be rude not to. We thought we would try the moorland road to Worlds End – this has to be one of the best-kept secret roads. (Thanks to Frank for sharing it with us)
This is a good trip summer or winter.
We travelled along the M56 headed for the A55 North Wales then took the A483 towards Wrexham and took the turn off for Coedpoeth ( A525) just after Wrexham.
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Coedpoeth
On the way you will pass Nant Mill which is well worth stopping to see as it has a small waterfall and a river side walk.
https://www.wrecsam.gov.uk/english/leisure_tourism/NantMillVisitorCentre.htm
A local walk
https://www.wrexham.gov.uk/english/leisure_tourism/walks/routes/route3.htm
The road from Coedpoeth to Llangollen is Via Worlds End,Whilst its a normal tarmac road its single track in places with passing places. If its very wet, risk of snow / ice don’t go on this route unless you have a good 4×4 with the correct tyres and are an experienced driver. The road disappears in snow, it was difficult for us to follow and we know it well, its very steep with some big drops. If the weathers good it’s spectacular.
Keep an eye out for walkers as its part of the Offers dyke path
As you leave Coedpoeth look for the Worlds End and Minerva Lead mines sign on the left.
Before you reach the Lead Mines there is a small road on the right taking you to Worlds End.
Just follow your sat nav across the moors and wood land straight to Llangollen. The road is very tight with passing places, in summer you may get twigs etc scratching your car as the hedges could do with a trim. There is a small ford looks good but only a couple of inches deep so easy drivable in modern cars
I found this excellent video which will give you an idea of what its like in better weather
World’s End is a narrow vale located between Wrexham and Llangollen in Denbighshire, Wales. It is a very popular destination with walkers and cyclists owing to its spectacular scenery and outstanding landscape. The walk over the hills offers a remarkable 360 degree view on a clear day and equally scenic experience otherwise on less sunny days.
Llangollen
Well known for the surrounding hills and the River Dee, Llangollen has something for every visitor. It’s a small town with a wealth of independent shops and interesting places to visit.
You can walk along the Victoria Promenade, picnic in the Riverside Park which also has a good kids play area or sit and watch the river.
If you just want to relax, let the train take the strain and ride on the steam railway or experience peace and tranquility, gliding along the canal on a horse-drawn boat. Llangollen is part of the UNESCO World Heritage Site along eleven miles of canal from Gledrid to the Horseshoe Falls via the spectacular Pontcysyllte Aqueduct.
If you wanted to stay for longer Llangollen is a fantastic base as there is plenty to do in the area, lots of walking and outdoor pursuits but also good eating places spa’s etc.
Llangollen has a few unusual shops.
Harleys Vintage Boutique. Sells some nice branded vintage stuff dog friendly too.
https://www.facebook.com/harleyvintage/timeline
Pro Adventure sell a good range of high end outdoors type stuff that’s often difficult to find
https://www.proadventure.co.uk
Lots more independent shops too.
Lunch
We went to the M-eating point for lunch (we have been back several times since)
Its a basically furnished place but it was rammed full as the food is good. We had a fussy eater, two greedy pigs, a picker and a vegetarian, they catered for them all no problem with a good variety on offer. It is excellent value and they allow dogs in, it’s a short walk for the town centre car park. It is great as its designed for walkers, mountain bikes etc, staff where very helpful too, coffees are big, toys for the kids and books to read.
As it was snowing we though we would go home via the Horseshoe Pass, but if it is bad weather you are safer on the normal roads.
If the sign says closed this means they are advising you don’t use it as its dangerous! There is no barrier across the road.
If you are interested in cars or motorbikes then the Ponderosa at the top of the Horseshoe Pass is the place for you as lots of bike and car clubs use it as a stop off point. Even if cars and bikes don’t interest you it is a nice cafe with stunning views, good food, clean toilets.
Nice drone footage of the area:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xlRU7o4hnSA://
https://www.ponderosacafe.co.uk
At 1,400 ft above sea level it offers some of the most stunning views in the area and breathtaking walks that make you feel on top of the world! To the north of the cafe the Clwydian Mountain range is clearly visible (weather permitting!!!) and on a very clear day the three peaks of Snowdon can be clearly recognised.
As you leave the cafe you can pop in to Rosie’s Cider farm, its nothing much to see but the cider is excellent.
It’s on the roundabout at the north end of the Horseshoe Pass, where the A5104 Chester – Corwen road is intersected by the A542, Llangollen – Ruthin.
LL11 3BA will get you close.
Leave the Cider farm and head towards Llandegla which has a big forest, famous for its cycling routes and a small fishery / campsite with a good cafe.
Casgan Ditw
Llandegla
Wrexham
LL11 3AA
It is a nice tranquil place just to sit, they offer free fishing for under 12’s pleas call to check availability.
The cafe is very good too.
Out of the fishery and follow signs for Wrexham/ Chester and head for home.