Our Day 4 route had been a toughie! So we were looking forward to an easier day on the cycle route from Bala to Llangollen as we continued our Mid Wales tour.

As a bonus, it was also fine weather when we left the hotel. Indeed, the temperatures were now beginning to creep up.

First of all, we began our day of cycling by heading back past Llyn Tegid.

Then joining local cycle route 16.

Soon we were heading up Garth Goch (‘up’ being the operative word!) – just to test the legs.

Then, as we followed the River Dee valley, even though we might not have been as high up as yesterday, the views were once again spectacular. 

Crossing the River Dee, we cycled on towards Llanderfel.

From there we contiued to follow the River Dee valley below Mynydd Mynyllod.

Following the valley eventually brought us to Corwen. We decided to stop for lunch here.

This small town sits at the foot of the Berwyn Mountains. Corwen is  considered the ancestral home of Wales’s national hero, Owain Glyndwr, who led a rebellion against the English in the 15th century. The mythic figure is now said to lie sleeping until his country’s greatest need. 

Leaving Corwen, we continued to follow the River Dee valley.

In doing so, we cycled through Carrog.

Before arriving at Llangollen, we visited Horseshoe Falls.

We were not sure what we were expecting, but it wasn’t the fact that Horseshoe Falls isn’t a waterfall at all, more a manmade weir. It was a horseshoe shape though!

It was, however, a lovely spot to take a brief break.

It is also the starting point of the Llangollen Canal.

Nearby is Chain Bridge Hotel, the only place to cross the river up until the Victorian times.

After a brief return to the road, for the last few miles we joined the Llangollen Canal.

Today, our Mid Wales Day 5 cycle route had taken us from Bala to Llangollen. You can view our route below: 

After checking in to the hotel we headed back into town for a look around.

That, and a cuppa at the side of the canal.

Tomorrow we are off to Chester.