Velvet Hill Run, Llangollen (9.9 km)

Velvet Hill rises on the south side of the Dee Valley above the old abbey ruins, with wide views back towards Castell Dinas Bran. This 9.9 km circular run leaves Llangollen along the canal, climbs over the hill, then drops back via the river. With roughly 320 metres of climbing, it is a solid hill run with flat towpath at the start to warm up.

The route

• Start: Llangollen, near the town centre
• End: Llangollen (circular)
• Distance: About 9.9 km (6.1 miles)
• Terrain: Canal towpath, woodland paths, and hillside tracks — a sustained climb onto Velvet Hill with muddy and slippery sections after rain; some road and riverbank paths on the return

The canal and main hill paths are easy to follow. The upper woodland sections can fork, and the bracken-covered slopes are uneven underfoot. The route passes Valle Crucis Abbey and Horseshoe Falls on the way back.

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