Llangollen - Valle Crucis Abbey

Valle Crucis Abbey, 2mi/3km north of Llangollen, was founded by Prince Madog ap Gruffydd Maelor in 1202 for Cistercian monks. The remains include the west front of the church, with three beautiful 14th century windows, a pointed arch at the east end, the sacristy, the chapterhouse, the dorter and the fish pond. In a field a quarter of a mile away is the early ninth century Eliseg's Pillar, commemorating Eliseg, Prince of Powys, and his victory at the Battle of Bangor, in which he lost his life. From here the road climbs to the Horseshoe Pass (1,353ft/412m) with Moel-y-Gamelin (1,897ft/578m).