Nantglyn: Walking Routes and Village History

Nantglyn can be discovered through its landscape and architectural history: the historic village centre climbs the hill behind the church, while walking routes lead from the village into the surrounding countryside. The village lies on the tip of a spur between a small stream and the Lliwen. The stream rises in the foothills of Mynydd Hiraethog and flows eastwards to the Lliwen.

Walking Routes with Views

The new Nantglyn route comprises two circular walks, Y Waen and Foel Gasyth, which start in the village. The routes offer far-reaching views of Hiraethog and the northern Clwydian Range. As part of their development, the signposting was improved and, where possible, cattle grids were replaced with gates. Since route conditions can change, check the latest route details before setting out. The Nantglyn Yew Walk connects with Taith Clwyd, also known as the Clwydian Way.

The two village walks give you a clear starting point for planning, while the link to the Clwydian Way provides another named route to explore.

Church, Churchyard and Memorials

St James stands at the heart of Nantglyn, near the old stone bridge over the Afon Lliwen. The medieval church is a Grade II listed building and preserves significant original fabric. Its simple Gothic character is evident inside and out. The churchyard contains chest tombs dating from the 1770s. The grave of Dr William Owen Pughe and his family bears a Welsh inscription in the orthography he developed; an obelisk marks the burial place of Robert Davies, Bardd Nantglyn.

The Pulpit Yew, an ancient common yew (Taxus baccata), also stands in the churchyard. Welsh slate steps inside its hollow trunk lead to an outdoor pulpit with a seat and lectern. According to local legend, the Methodist preacher John Wesley preached from the yew in 1790. The site of today’s St James may also have older significance: the church stands on a site that was probably a Celtic llan. This cautious interpretation forms part of the village’s history without claiming a definite date.

Chapels and the Village’s History

The chapels also tell the story of different periods of construction. Waen Presbyterian Chapel was rebuilt in its present form in 1862. The adjoining school hall was built in 1908 in the style of the chapel. East of the village, St Mordeyrn is considered the earliest foundation at this site; antiquarians have studied the chapel since the 16th century. Nantglyn was also an ancient ecclesiastical parish in Denbighshire, comprising the townships of Blaenau, Cwmllwm, Hendre and Plas.

This local history can be considered alongside the visible features of the landscape. St James stands at the edge of a natural terrace above the stream; beyond it, the historic village centre climbs the hill. The combination of hillside, watercourse, church and churchyard gives the village a distinct spatial structure, rather than reducing its history to a series of dates.

Getting Here and Choosing a Base

The B5435 runs along the southern edge of Nantglyn. There, the B4501 from Denbigh meets it; Denbigh is 6 km to the north-east. Nantglyn can be reached from Dinbych on the Fflecsi bus, route 77. Check current road conditions and Transport for Wales bus service information when planning your journey. If walking is the focus of your stay, the two circular routes offer a practical starting point for planning; those particularly interested in architectural history will find other highlights in the churches, churchyard and chapels. Choose your holiday cottage based on which of these interests matters most for your trip.

Discover more destinations: Llandegla, Llangollen, Tremeirchion, Mold, Cynwyd, Llanrhaeadr, Henllan, Llandrillo.

For the wider travel overview: Denbighshire.