When it comes to scenic routes, you won’t be disappointed when you visit North East Wales by car. There is no better place to set off from, on an unforgettable road trip, than Llanarmon DC. The West Arms offers a perfect resting place for car enthusiasts to take their precious four wheels out and about for a well deserved spin through the winding country roads and enchanting green forest scapes of the Ceiriog Valley countryside.
Here are some of our favourite routes starting from our country Inn in Llanarmon Dyffryn Ceiriog which will steer you to a few of the best natural wonders of our Valley. These routes are also suitable for on-road cycling. So fasten your seat belt and get ready to take in all the beauty of North East Wales by car from your driving seat.
The double lake tour – Lake Vyrnwy & Lake Bala
- 45 mins from The West Arms in Llanarmon DC via B4396
- 53 mins the longer way through via Llanrhaeadr and B4393
Starting from Llanarmon Dyffryn Ceiriog drive to Llanrhaeadr ym Mochnant via the B4393. While in Llanrhaeadr ym Mochnant you can make a little detour and have a tea break at Pistyll Rhaeadr whilst you take in the spectacular views of this world renowned waterfall.
Continue along the B4396 and B4391 until you reach Lake Vyrnwy.
Lake Vyrnwy is popular for bird watching & sailing. With its woodland, moorland and farmland, Lake Vyrnwy has become an internationally important nature reserve for wildlife and habitats. Visit the RSPB Lake Vyrnwy Visitor Centre and observe the amazing variety of birds and scenery. It is also well known for stargazing because there is so little light pollution. The 12 mile route around the lake offers remote mountains, ancient woodlands, expansive waters, an iconic neo-Gothic water tower and even a Sculpture Trail.
If you want to press on to another Lake, continue on the B4393 which will take you up to Llyn Tegid, Bala, the largest natural lake in Wales. The River Dee flows in and out of Bala Lake before continuing to Corwen and Llangollen. The lake takes its name from Tegid Foel, an enchanted character in the Mabinogi – early native Welsh tales – and it is indeed enchanting. The area is popular for game fishing and is home to the rare ‘gwyniad’ fish – a species that has been in the lake since the last Ice age. There are two sailing clubs and hire facilitates for canoeing and sailing here too.
From Horseshoe to Horseshoe
Horseshoe Falls to Horseshoe Pass
- 34 mins to reach Horseshoe Falls via the B4500
- 58 mins to reach Horseshoe Pass from The West Arms via the B4500
A very scenic road which takes you through plenty of covered forest and hillside bends. Half way between Llanarmon and Horseshoe Falls you will pass Glyn Ceiriog, the largest village in the Ceiriog Valley. If you stop by here you will find charming craft shops and the The Ceiriog Memorial Institute – a memorial to the famous poet ‘Ceiriog’ and to other notable Welshmen since 1911 home to a rare collection of memorabilia.
Continue up the B4500 and you will reach Horseshoe Falls. Designed by Thomas Telford, this extraordinary horseshoe-shaped weir enhances the beauty of the surrounding landscape and makes a perfect picnic stop. The Horseshoe Falls and its neighbouring meadow, along with 17 km of canal, comprise the Pontcysyllte World Heritage Site a UNESCO designated area.
Continue again on the B4500 and you will reach Horseshoe Pass, a popular milestone for many motorists and cyclists. This mountain pass separates Llantysilio Mountain to the west from the 565 metre mountain and Marilyn Cyrn-y-Brain to the east. The A542 road from Llandegla to Llangollen runs through the pass, reaching a maximum height of 417 metres. Stop for refreshments at the Ponderosa Café, a famous pit stop for many touring motorcyclists and car clubs and take the opportunity to enjoy the magnificent views from the top.
Wherever your next North East Wales by car takes you, you can return to The West Arms for a delicious meal and a clean and comfortable room as you upload all those memories.