Buy the OS Route Map and instructions for this route
Setting out on the raised stretch of the Shropshire Union canal above Llangollen’s raging Dee, make the most of the level going, as things soon take a steep turn north, relentlessly climbing the narrow lanes towards World’s End and Offa’s Dyke bridleway near the summit.
The border-marking Dyke bridleway leads the route on railway sleepers north-west into Llandegla Forest for the optional slug of extensive purpose-built singletrack — not to mention the opportunity to utilise Oneplanet Adventure’s bike shop and cafe facilities.
If the 30-mile loop is not enough, rejoin the road on the opposite side of the forest, head towards the Horseshoe Pass and turn west at the Ponderosa biker’s haven. Then continue along the north side of Llantysilio Mountain before doubling back and dropping into the valley. Follow the road tracking the River Dee east, through Rhewl and back to Llangollen.