Horseshoe Pass

From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia

The Horseshoe Pass (Welsh: Bwlch yr Oernant, direct translation: pass of the cold stream) is a mountain pass in Denbighshire, north-east Wales. It separates Llantysilio Mountain to the west from Cyrn-y-Brain to the east. The A542 road from Llandegla to Llangollen runs through the pass reaching a maximum height of 417 metres. The road travels in a horseshoe shape around the sides of a valley giving the pass its English name; this route dates from 1811 when a turnpike road was constructed across the area. The road is frequently closed in winter due to snowfall or landslides.

Slate quarrying began in the area during the 17th century and became a major industry in the 19th century. The quarries closed during the 20th century and some have filled with water. The disused cliff faces are home to ring ouzels and have held choughs.

There has been a café at the northern entrance to the pass since about 1930 when water had to be brought up by mules. The current building is called the Ponderosa Cafe and is popular with tourists, bikers, and helicopters, which can land there. To the south of the pass is the Britannia Inn which was built in the 14th century by monks from Valle Crucis Abbey.