‘A little bit of heaven on Earth‘ was how Lloyd George described the Ceiriog Valley. Our picture perfect country inn in the Cerioig Valley has remained a relatively undiscovered gem over the decades. Only a few miles from the English border and the A5, the Ceiriog Valley has retained its cultural heritage and unspoilt countryside and remains a true walkers paradise.
Tucked away in the southern part of the Ceiriog Valley, The West Arms offers an idyllic staycation spot for those who want to uncover some of North Wales’ best kept secrets. Shhhh don’t tell everyone.
Valley of the Poets
The Ceiriog Valley was home to three notable Welsh poets – John Ceiriog Hughes (1832-1887), Huw Morus (1662-1709) and Rev. Robert Ellis (1812-1875). John Ceiriog Hughes, commonly known as ‘Ceiriog’ is often referred to as the ‘Robert Burns of Wales’, and was born at Penybryn Farm (the oldest longhouse farm in the area) next to Llanarmon DC. From our country inn in Cerioig Valley you can visit the site winding past the remains of late medieval farms and across streams and old drove roads.
Curious caves
Cave explorers will be thrilled to visit the Minera Hoffman Kiln, Wrexham is just 45 mins from The West Arms. The huge limestone quarry, distinct from the lead mine of the same name, once the largest in Wales features towering cliffs, fairytale-like woodland ruins and the spooky remains of an underground Hoffman kiln, from 1868. There are 24 chambers around a central chimney, each capable of holding 120 tons of limestone. A cave adventure like no other!
Wonderous walks
The Offa’s Dyke Long Distance Footpath, which celebrates its 50th Anniversary in 2021, crosses the Ceiriog Valley to the west of Chirk Castle. There are numerous footpaths and bridleways across the contours of the valley and for the less ambitious, the line of the former Glyn Valley Tramway provides a lighter walk and can be accessed at Pandy. The more adventurous can enjoy the Berwyn Mountains with their sweeping Valley views.
From our country inn you can enjoy a plethora of local trials. Here are just a few to get you started.
The Ceiriog Gorge
If you can keep a secret this is one of our best kept.
From the heart of Llanarmon DC take the no through road signposted to Swch-cae-rhiw along the Ceiriog Valley. After 1 ¾ mile turn right along a lane by an old chapel, over the river and onwards between a house and a converted barn. Go through the gate ahead, follow the gated stony track to the end then bear left to continue near the fence. Walk to the next field and cross the footbridge over the river to rejoining the road above. At the end follow a signposted path down over the river, up the left fork past Swch-cae-rhiw. Continue up a stile, then up past pines to a gate into Open Access land. Ta da! A view of the Ceiriog’s gorgeous gorge beholds.
For more directions on how to reach the gorge from our country inn in the Cerioig Valley, click here.
Secret waterfalls
Did you know that we are just 20mins drive from one of the UK’s famous waterfalls, and one of the Seven Wonders of Wales – The Pistyll Rhaeadr. A favourite amongst our guests and once featured in the Timotei shampoo TV adverts. This natural attraction offers a 3-mile circuit crossing the foot of the fall and returning to the car park via old quarry heaps and hillsides. Be sure to take plenty of photos.
The Stream in the Sky
The West Arms is a short distance from an 11-mile World Heritage Site canal which you can walk across by foot. The Llangollen Canal spans across 3 counties and 2 countries with the highlight of the walk being the crossing of the Pontcysyllte Aqueduct (or the Stream in the Sky). Take in those spectacular 360 views of the Dee Valley on this historical awe inspiring attraction.
To book a staycation this summer in our country inn in Cerioig Valley email us on info@thewestarms.com.