The A542, in the Clwydian Range and Dee Valley

Horseshoe Pass

From Llangollen to LlandeglaOne of the very best roads for 15 miles round

Length: 8.0 mi
Climbing: 1,378 ft
Highest point: 1,368 ft
Steepest: 12%

Map of Horseshoe Pass, from Llangollen to Llandegla, on its contours. — Contours from open elevation data. Road © OpenStreetMap contributors.

Its bends, along ittwistiest at the dashed line

The A542 north from Llangollen climbs in a great curve round the head of a valley, the horseshoe that names it, to Bwlch yr Oernant at the top. The slopes are scored with old slate workings, and the views run back down towards the Dee.

There's a café at the top that's a meeting point for cars and bikes on a fine weekend, and car parks near the summit. It can close in snow. The climb from Llangollen is the better way round to see it.

Gentle bends
Hills either side
Through the Clwydian Range and Dee Valley National Landscape

More roads

The A4086, in Eryri
Llanberis Pass
From Nant Peris to Pen-y-Gwryd
The A537, in the Peak District National Park
The Cat and Fiddle
From Macclesfield to Buxton
The A57, in the Peak District National Park
Snake Pass
From Glossop to Ladybower

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