3 Easy Walks in Llangollen
Llangollen is one of those places that just makes me happy.
It will always have a special place in my heart - It’s where we got married and where we’ve spent countless hours exploring the great outdoors with my toddler.
Surrounded by dramatic hills, flowing rivers and a whole lot of history, it’s a brilliant place to explore. I’ve spent plenty of time here walking with my little one, sometimes with her walking alongside me, other times snuggled up in my Deuter carrier (usually demanding snacks).
If you’re after some easy walks near Llangollen that still deliver on scenery and adventure, these three have been our favourites. They’re all toddler-friendly, manageable in a couple of hours or less, and pack in loads of views, fresh air and fun.
1. Castell Dinas Brân Walk
Starting location: Market Street Car Park, Llangollen
Time: 1 - 3hrs
Distance: 5km
Elevation: 220m
You can’t visit Llangollen without noticing Castell Dinas Brân - that striking ruined castle perched right on top of the hill. It looks like it’s going to be a tough climb, but it’s actually surprisingly manageable, even with a toddler in tow.
We normally start from the town itself, and park in the Market Street Car Park. It’s a steady uphill path to Castell Dinas Bran, but nothing too technical, and my toddler managed a good chunk of it on foot. I did carry her for the steeper sections, but the promise of a castle at the top kept her going!
The views from the top are unreal — you can see right across the Dee Valley, the River Dee winding below, and the surrounding hills stretching into the distance. It’s the kind of spot where you want to sit for a bit with a snack and just take it all in (and let your legs recover if you’ve had a toddler on your back).
👉 Read my full guide to the Castell Dinas Brân Walk here
2. World's End Circular Loop
Starting location: what2words:///beefed.treetop.holiday
Time: 1 - 2hrs
Distance: 2.5km
Elevation: 100m
This one feels like a proper little adventure without being too challenging. The circular walk around World’s End is a mix of open moorland, forest paths, and rocky tracks - it’s varied, scenic and never boring.
I followed this route on Komoot, and we parked on a lay-by at at what2words:///beefed.treetop.holiday to make the most of the higher start point. The walk loops around the dramatic crags, along open moorlands and down through the forest. Not forgetting the incredible views through the valley and beyond.
My toddler loved spotting highland cows, finding hidden caves in the forest and picnicking by the river. There are a few uneven bits, so a carrier is handy if you’ve got little legs in your group. But for the most part, it’s very doable, and you really feel like you’ve been somewhere special by the end.
👉 View the World’s End walk on Komoot
3. Horseshoe Falls Loop
Starting location: Horseshoe Falls Car Park
Time: 30min - 1hr
Distance: 1.3km
Elevation: 10m
This walk is ideal for a slower-paced outing or when you want something peaceful and easy to follow. It’s a lovely riverside loop starting from Berwyn, following the River Dee to the Horseshoe Falls - a beautiful weir designed by Thomas Telford.
It’s flat, well-surfaced and completely pushchair-friendly if needed (bonus!). We meandered along the path with plenty of stops to throw stones in the river, wave at passing ducks, and have a snack by the water.
The falls themselves are really pretty — a calm, curving stretch of water that’s ideal for a relaxed sit-down, family picnic and some photos. You can extend the walk a little by heading towards the canal too, but even the basic loop is a lovely way to spend an hour or two.
👉 See the Horseshoe Falls route on Komoot
Llangollen is such a brilliant base for family-friendly walking - and these three routes have been perfect for getting out with my toddler without overdoing it. I love how easy it is to find a bit of adventure here.
If you’re planning a visit with young children, I’d absolutely recommend giving one (or all!) of these a go. Pack some snacks, bring the carrier just in case, and enjoy every muddy-booted moment.
And if you're looking to add a few more adventures to your itinerary, don’t miss my blog on the best things to do in North Wales.