Llandegla Voyage Tips and guide

Contents

Llandegla, or Llandegla-yn-Iâl, is a small village nestled in the upper valley of the River Alyn in Denbighshire, Clwyd, Wales. Situated 253 m (830 ft) above sea level, it offers a tranquil escape with a rich history and stunning natural surroundings. In 2011, the community had a population of 567.

The name Llandegla is Welsh for the "Parish of Saint Tecla," honouring the patron saint of the local church. Originally, this was likely dedicated to a Welsh virgin named Tegla Forwyn ("Thecla the Virgin"). The village is also known as Llandegla-yn-Iâl, which distinguishes it as "St Tegla's in Yale," with Yale being an old Welsh commote meaning "fertile hill country."

Historically, Llandegla was a significant stop on the drovers' roads, where cattle from the north-west coast of Wales were driven to English markets. This trade was central to the village's economy, and several inns once catered to the drovers. As this trade declined in the 19th century with the arrival of railways, many locals found work in the surrounding quarries.

The village has a connection to the founding of a world-renowned American university. The estate of Plas yn Iâl within the village was the seat of the Iâl family. A prominent member, Elihu Yale, served as a governor of the British East India Company and made a significant donation to a new educational institution in New Haven, Connecticut. This act of sponsorship led to the college being named Yale College, which later became Yale University. Elihu Yale himself is buried in nearby Wrexham.

Llandegla also has a rich folklore, including traditions associated with St Tecla’s Well, a holy well once used for pilgrimages to cure "St Tecla's disease." The village hosts an annual Summer Fete featuring vegetable and artwork competitions and children's sports races.

Llandegla is located on the A525 road, providing straightforward access from Ruthin to the west and Wrexham to the east. The village's elevated position offers scenic drives and panoramic views of the surrounding countryside.

The village itself is small and easily explored on foot. For venturing further afield, the Offa's Dyke Path and the Clwydian Way long-distance walking routes pass directly through Llandegla, offering excellent opportunities for hiking.

• St Tecla's Church. Believed to be an early-mediaeval foundation, it was recorded as a chapelry of Valle Crucis Abbey in the 13th century. The current building was heavily rebuilt in 1866.
• St Tecla's Well. Located in a field near the church, this holy well was historically a site of Christian pilgrimage.
• Natural Scenery. The village is surrounded by impressive landscapes, including the Clwydian Range to the north-west and the dramatic Horseshoe Pass to the south.

• Mountain biking at Coed Llandegla. Just outside the village lies one of the UK's most famous mountain biking centres. It features a range of graded trails for all abilities, attracting tens of thousands of visitors annually.
• Walking and hiking. With the Offa's Dyke Path and Clwydian Way passing through, Llandegla is a superb base for walkers. These trails offer routes through varied and beautiful terrain.
• Attend the summer fete. If visiting in the summer, immerse yourself in local culture at the annual village festival.

• 53.05575-3.199831 Llyn Rhys Campsite, Llandegla LL11 3AF (A5104 south of A525), ☏ +44 1978 790627, [email protected]. Has 40 pitches and 4 caravan sites. 

• Ruthin - A historic market town with a castle and a variety of independent shops.
• Wrexham - A larger town to the east, home to the burial site of Elihu Yale and a bustling town centre.
• Horseshoe Pass - A scenic mountain pass offering breathtaking views and further walking opportunities.
• Llangollen - A bustling town on the River Dee, home to the ruins of Valle Crucis Abbey.