The most established cycling route in the immediate area follows the Llangollen Canal towpath from Trevor Basin to Llangollen, part of National Cycle Route 85. This resurfaced, largely traffic-free section passes directly across the Pontcysyllte Aqueduct — where cyclists are asked to dismount — and continues on past the River Dee and Horseshoe Falls, making it a genuinely rewarding, mostly flat ride.
It's worth being clear-eyed about the wider network here: National Cycle Route 85 was originally planned to run all the way from Chester through Wrexham to Llangollen, Corwen and beyond, but that fuller route was never completed, and the National Cycle Network does not currently pass through Wrexham or Ruabon itself. Only the Trevor-to-Llangollen towpath section, along with the resurfaced stretch from Chirk to Trevor, has actually been built.
For cyclists starting from Ruabon itself, the practical route to the towpath runs via quiet lanes and roads through Acrefair and Cefn Mawr to reach Trevor Basin, rather than via any dedicated, signed cycle path direct from the village. Riders should plan on sharing the road for that initial stretch before picking up the traffic-free towpath section.
The towpath section between Trevor Basin and Llangollen is largely traffic-free but narrow in places, with a mandatory dismount across the Pontcysyllte Aqueduct itself. There is no dedicated cycle path directly from Ruabon to Trevor Basin; cyclists should use ordinary roads via Acrefair and Cefn Mawr. Bike hire is not available in Ruabon itself; check Llangollen for local hire options.
Search hotels, B&Bs, guesthouses and self-catering — powered by Booking.com.
Search Accommodation on Booking.com →Powered by Booking.com — our affiliate partner
Day trips