Valle Crucis Abbey, Glyn y Groes, Denbighshire, Wales

In some ways, it seems strange to find Llangollen situated amid the steep sides of the Dee valley when there is flatter ground to had only a few miles away but that's how it is. Maybe proximity to a fast-flowing river and being a staging post on Thomas Telford's road through to Holyhead for Irish mail coaches was seen as a better thing. In one sense, that is a better thing because it has left the valley of Glyn y Groes in a more tranquil and serene state, at least in the low season when not so many frequent the camping and caravanning site that is to be found here. Somewhat strangely, that clusters around the more ancient and alluring ruins of Valle Crucis Abbey.

The abbey dates from the thirteenth century and remained active until dissolution by King Henry VIII in 1535. Its having suffered a fire in its first century or having non-pious monks did little to shorten its life until the political and religious winds really took a turn against it. Following dissolution, it went into disrepair and some of its ancillary buildings got used as farm outhouses. These days, it is much better looked after by CADW who staff the antiquity during the high season when you need to pay for entry but it is open to all without charge in the low season if you fancy a less costly look.