Attractions and Places To See around Cynwyd - Top 20
Best attractions and places to see around Cynwyd are found in the Upper Dee Valley, a region known for its natural beauty and connection to the Berwyn Range. This area offers a landscape of mountains, valleys, and significant natural features. Visitors can explore various summits and historical engineering marvels.
Best attractions and places to see around Cynwyd
- The most popular attractions is Horseshoe Falls, a man-made monument that is a masterpiece of Thomas Telford Engineering. This 140-meter-long weir diverts water from the River Dee into the Llangollen Canal, marking the start of the Pontcysyllte Aqueduct and Canal World Heritage site.
- Another must-see spot is Cadair Berwyn Summit, a viewpoint and the highest point of the Berwyn Hills. At 2,730 feet (827 m), it offers extensive views across this quiet part of upland Wales.
- Visitors also love Moel Sych Summit Cairn, a viewpoint that was once thought to be the highest summit in the Berwyn Range. At 2,712 feet (827 m), it provides terrific views and marks the meeting point of three historic counties.
- Cynwyd is known for its mountain summits, natural monuments, and historical engineering. The region offers a variety of attractions to see and explore, from high peaks to significant waterways.
- The attractions around Cynwyd are appreciated by the komoot community, with 39 upvotes and 14 photos shared by visitors.
Last updated: May 6, 2026
Cadair Berwyn Summit
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Cadair Bronwen Summit Cairn
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Moel Sych Summit Cairn
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Moel Fferna
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The Dee Valley is a good base for hikes to Moel Fferna, with plenty of accommodation options and places to eat and drink.
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Horseshoe Falls
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The Llantysilio Green weir, more commonly known as the Horseshoe Falls, is a 140-meter-long, horseshoe-shaped weir designed by Thomas Telford in 1808 to divert water from the River Dee into the Llangollen Canal. This prominent structure is a significant piece of engineering and a feature of the World Heritage Site, providing water for the canal and attracting tourists with its unique design and surrounding landscape. The Llantysilio Green Car Park is a designated access point for visiting the falls. In the late 19th century a long piece of wood, about 30cm wide, floated on the water here to deflect floating debris away from the canal intake. It was fixed at one end. Itโs visible in the photo, taken c.1890. Some trippers couldnโt resist the temptation to walk along it, ignoring a warning sign nearby, if they werenโt spotted by the โwatermanโ in charge of the sluice. Local residents took a dim view of such โunheeding follyโ. ๐๐
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The loop from Llandrillo going anticlockwise is very steady and pleasant. But be prepared for substantial bog trotting in the central part of the valley passing the area marked as Gwern Wynodl. Even with newish goretex boots, we came away with wet feet. Good boots and gaiters, or wellies for that section highly recommended. Return section (first section if doing it clockwise) is also pretty boggy in parts. It also seemed like a bit more of a slog doing it clockwise.
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Located on the River Dee, near to Llantysilio, this masterpiece of Thomas Telford Engineering is where the Pontcysllte Aqueduct and Canal World Heritage site begins. He designed this weir to draw water from the River Dee in to the canal, and it became a stunning addition to the landscape. At 460ft (140M) long, itโs a sight to behold.
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The distinctively shaped weir, which is 460 feet (140 m) long, helps create a pool of water that can enter the Llangollen Canal (via an adjacent valve house and flow meter). The canal west of Pontcysyllte Aqueduct and the construction of the weir were authorised by an Act of Parliament obtained in 1804 by the Ellesmere Canal Company. The canal was a navigable feeder, which supplied water to the Ellesmere Canal beyond Pontcysyllte, and to the Chester Canal, to which it connected near Nantwich. Thomas Telford was the civil engineer responsible for the design, and the canal and feeder were completed in 1808.
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Beautiful spot to sit and have a sandwich, looking at the views and down at the Llyn below
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Frequently Asked Questions
What kind of natural landscapes can I explore around Cynwyd?
Cynwyd is nestled in the Upper Dee Valley, offering a landscape dominated by mountains and valleys. You can explore the Berwyn Range, which includes prominent summits like Cadair Berwyn Summit and Moel Sych Summit Cairn. The area also features picturesque waterfalls such as Pistyll Rhaeadr and the scenic Horseshoe Falls.
Are there any family-friendly attractions near Cynwyd?
Yes, Horseshoe Falls is a great family-friendly option. This impressive 140-meter-long weir, designed by Thomas Telford, diverts water from the River Dee into the Llangollen Canal and is part of a World Heritage site. Its unique design and surrounding landscape make it an interesting visit for all ages.
What historical sites or engineering marvels can I visit around Cynwyd?
The most notable historical engineering marvel is Horseshoe Falls. This 19th-century weir, designed by Thomas Telford, is a significant part of the Pontcysyllte Aqueduct and Canal World Heritage site. Additionally, the Llangollen Railway, a heritage railway, offers scenic journeys and connects to stations accessible from Cynwyd.
What are the best hiking opportunities in the Cynwyd area?
The Berwyn Range offers excellent hiking. You can challenge yourself with routes to summits like Cadair Berwyn Summit, the highest point in the range, or Moel Sych Summit Cairn, known for its terrific views. For easier options, there are several easy hikes around Cynwyd, including routes near Pistyll Rhaeadr. You can find more details on specific trails in the Easy hikes around Cynwyd guide.
Are there any mountain biking trails near Cynwyd?
Yes, the area around Cynwyd is popular for mountain biking. You can find challenging routes like the 'Wayfarer loop from Corwen' or 'A loop around the Berwyns'. For a comprehensive list of trails, refer to the MTB Trails around Cynwyd guide.
Where can I find the best viewpoints in the region?
The summits of the Berwyn Range offer extensive views. Cadair Berwyn Summit provides panoramic vistas across this quiet part of upland Wales. Moel Sych Summit Cairn also boasts terrific views, and Moel Fferna offers views as the highest point in the Clwydian Range and Dee Valley AONB.
What running trails are available around Cynwyd?
There are various running trails catering to different difficulty levels. Options include the 'Cynwyd Forest loop from Corwen' for a more difficult run, or moderate routes like the 'River Dee and Stone Bridge loop from Corwen'. You can explore more options in the Running Trails around Cynwyd guide.
What is the highest point in the Berwyn Hills near Cynwyd?
The highest point in the Berwyn Hills is Cadair Berwyn Summit, standing at 2,730 feet (827 m). It offers extensive views and is known for being a quiet part of upland Wales.
Are there any less crowded walks or hidden gems around Cynwyd?
The Berwyn Hills, particularly around summits like Cadair Berwyn Summit, are known for being a quieter part of upland Wales, meaning you're likely to have the hills to yourself. Exploring the various peaks of the Berwyn Range often leads to serene and less crowded experiences.
What do visitors enjoy most about the attractions around Cynwyd?
Visitors particularly appreciate the stunning views from the summit areas of the Berwyn Range, such as Cadair Berwyn Summit and Moel Sych Summit Cairn. The unique engineering of Horseshoe Falls and its picturesque setting on the River Dee are also highly praised.
Can I find accommodation options near the attractions in Cynwyd?
Yes, the Dee Valley serves as a good base for exploring the area, offering various accommodation options. Within Cynwyd itself, you can find options like the Gaerhyfryd Caravan Site and Station Campsite, providing convenient access to local attractions and trails.
What is the significance of Moel Sych Summit Cairn?
Moel Sych Summit Cairn, at 2,712 feet (827 m), was once thought to be the highest summit in the Berwyn Range. It provides terrific views and is notable for marking the meeting point of the historic counties of Montgomeryshire, Merionethshire, and Denbighshire.
Most popular attractions around Cynwyd
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