Horse Shoe Pass

Horseshoe Pass, Llangollen LL20 8DR, Wales

Horse Shoe Pass, Wales. This is one of the first and most unforgettable places I've visited. The Horse Shoe Pass, or in Welsh 'Bwlch yr Oernant' means 'Pass of the Cold Steam'. Located in Denbighshire North-East Wales this view will not disappoint, being situated in the middle of, and separating mountains Llantysilio and Marilyn the A452 from Llandega to Llangollen road is under appreciated.

The Pass has it's peak height of 1368ft where you will find yourself obliged to stop and gasp over the view. However, making a slow drive up the A452 is thoroughly enjoyable for both passengers and drivers who care to take the 360 degree round scenic view in. Approaching the pass from the East via Llandegla is in my books, the only way up, although you could opt to approach from the Llangollen side. My personal choice when visiting this area is to approach via the A452 East and eventually find myself into the beautiful town of Llangollen.

It is definitely easy to get distracted by the view whilst driving along this road and anyone wishing to drop in at the Pass, should be warned that it is a popular place for Mobile Speed Camera Units to position as it is easy to get carried away! The majority of the A452 is national speed limit (60 mph), although in some places you find yourself travelling much slower, either because you're admiring the view or you've come close to the top of the mountain, sped over the cattle grids and realised that many stubborn sheep reside on the road. You'll find that most of the sheep are not shy, and that your horn is deemed useless in some cases.

Although not signposted as the highest the road reaches, you would have to be really distracted by the view, or the sheep in order to miss the large lay-by on the side of the road. This is the place that most people choose to admire the outstanding scene from and can get busy at weekends but usually remains rather quiet. If you are equipped for a bit of up-hill hiking, then parking your car in the lay-by and going for a 'trek' to the top of the mountain is definitely worth it. It takes roughly 20 minutes to get to the top and you may find that as you think you're approaching the top, an unsuspecting new layer of hill appears out of nowhere! You will instantly know when you get to the top with the indistinguishable all around view of the mountain valleys surrounding. Although not a long trip to the top, it is quite steep and would definitely be advisable to take with you a drink. When I reached the peak point I recall being cold, having avoided most of the wind on the walk up shielded by the hill, the top is very open and prone to a strong breeze. The visit to the 1800ft peak was cut short due to 'unpreparedness'. Next time I visit a picnic at the top is in motion.

With Llangollen just 10 minutes away from the top road, this trip is ideal for families, lone travellers, or groups. Families with younger children can enjoy the passing view in the car before ending up in the town, where you can find many tourist attractions aimed at you. The Pass is also a peaceful place with only a few visitors passing here and there, making it a good place to chill, reflect and think. Although not advised, friend groups can find stuff to do too, my friends and I spent around an hour playing football in the road. Clearly this isn't the wisest of activities to undertake, however we remained what could be referred to as responsible and quickly cleared the road when vehicles approached.

The Horse Shoe Pass is a must visit! The roads are easily navigable, and easy to drive down boasting a rather new road surface.

I hope you Enjoy Touring the Horse Shoe pass.

FUN FACT: in case you were wondering where the name 'Horse Shoe Pass' came from, it is because the road travels in a 'horse shoe' shape around side of the mountain valleys.

#wales #horseshoe #scenic