This is an adorable walk following the trail of Drewyn the giant through stunning woodland adjacent to the town of Corwen, a 15 minute drive west of Llangollen.

I’ve thought about this walk many times since we went as we had such an amazing day there. But kids football matches and my never ending list of new places to go seems to always win versus a return trip here, however I’m determined to go back soon and I’d highly recommend a visit here.

You might also have heard of it by its other name, the ‘Corwen Giant Trail’. A friendly giant called ‘Drewyn’ has wandered through the valley, having visited his sweetheart the milkmaid who lives on neighbouring Caer Drewyn Hillfort and dropped some giant sized items along the way! Little ones will love finding them and of course it always helps to have a little encouragement to keep them walking.

As well as this you will find some lovely spots to play in streams, waterfalls and stepping stones as well as a brilliant vantage point with spectacular views across the Dee Valley.

Parking

There’s a large pay and display car park, off Green Lane in the centre of town (next to the train station). However do consider arriving via the Llangollen-Corwen Heritage Railway which was extended to Corwen in 2014. The train line hugs the banks of the River Dee and makes for a beautiful journey, especially if you can catch one of the steam trains.

Walk

From the car park walk through the town to a road called Mill Street, which is located off the main high street in between the HSBC and Post Office.

Walk up to the road and straight on up the grass verge signposted Coed Pen-y-Pign and follow the track through the woodland.

The first giant spot is a large hammer! At this point you can turn left to do the 1/4 mile ‘Dagger Trail’ loop. This trail doesn’t have any Giant’s objects on it so if you want to cut down on the mileage then you can skip this bit.

If you do decide to do it though you’ll find lots of wildlife information boards aimed at children and a few wooden animal carvings. It rejoins the main path at the spot in the next paragraph.

Back on the main path you’ll come to the Gorsedd stone circle which was erected for the National Victory eisteddfod in 1919 (to the left of this are some rocks which our kids absolutely loved playing on so you might want to let the older ones stop here for a play).

Walk to the far end of the stone circle towards an iron gate in the stone wall where you’ll find both the giant’s toothbrush and a gorgeous little stream with stepping stones to play in (be careful as they were pretty slippy on our visit!).

Back on the main path, continue upwards to spot the Giant’s spoon and further on, his comb!

Continue on and stop to admire this gorgeous little bridge over the stream, it was such a picturesque little spot and the kids enjoyed scrambling over the rocks.

A little on from here and up some stone steps you’ll reach the end view point marked with a stone monument to celebrate the marriage of the Prince of Wales in 1863. Legend has it that Welsh Prince Owain Glyndwr, in a fit of rage, hurled his dagger from the hillside with such force that it left its outline in a rock below! The view, 800 feet above the town is stunning, with the beautiful Dee Valley with its river and hills stretching below you. The final Giant’s item can also be found here!

To return, follow the path back down the same way you came and have a well deserved cake in one of the town’s cafes!