2021 is Visit Wales’ Year of Outdoors. Just as well really as we are recovering from a pandemic and outdoor socialising it a safer option.
North East Wales can offer a host of unique outdoor experiences. It is a great place for getting active, whether you’re an amateur or elite and can be less crowded than our neighbours in Snowdonia.
Walking is such a popular activity right now, we have already dedicated a few blogs to this topic. Read about our community miles and Corwen and it’s walking festival here in our previous features
If Cycling is more your thing, some of the best cycling opportunities found anywhere in the UK can be found here. Why not explore North East Wales countryside on two wheels, it’s also sustainable way to travel letting you see more of our stunning countryside by slowing down, helping with congestion, better for the environment and an excellent way to keep fit.
Denbighshire has many cycling jewels, the Clwydian Range and Hiraethog have some of the best bridleway cycle route networks in the country that pass through a landscape of outstanding beauty. Details of family, easy, moderate and hard routes can be found at ridenorthwales.co.uk ,together with links to local events and bike facilities. The MTB Marathon Series normally visits every year with around 1,300 mountain bikers rising to the challenge of the Clwydian Range hills.
Using Loggerheads as its main gateway to the Clwyds you can ride the untamed trails, steep climbs and exhilarating berms within these distinctive heather-clad hills. The Clwydian Range forms part of the Clwydian Range and Dee Valley Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty, and as we’ve already mentioned we believe the best way to see the stunning scenery is from a bike! The technical challenges and swooping descents along with a range of facilities to keep you rested and refreshed between rides makes this area a Cycling Centre of Excellence, designed to deliver the Grin Factor.
Privately owned Coed Llandegla is recognised as one of the best mountain bike centres in the UK, cycle hire and training are available at the centre as well as an award winning café and shop which will cater to your every need. During the spring, early risers can even get a glimpse of one of Wales’ rarest bird, the black grouse at the Coed Llandegla through an RSPB viewing scheme, followed by a hearty breakfast.
Marsh Tracks is another cycling asset in Denbighshire an exciting venue with a 1.3km closed circuit road track and a national standard BMX track with challenging jumps and bends. The circuit road track is a fantastic venue for walking, running and cycling, including disabled cycling. Children and adults can attend training courses and the tracks are available for hire. If you fancy a change from the bike, why not try your hand at a Nordic walk session that is also available at Marsh Tracks.
Marsh Tracks is located on Route No 5 of the National Cycle Network which links Gronant, Prestatyn, Rhyl on a cycle route that runs along the north Wales coast, almost completely free of traffic. Route No. 5 can be used to visit Brickfields Pond and Gronant Dunes Local Nature Reserves which has the only breeding colony of little terns in Wales. At Rhyl Harbour there is also the Bike Hub, open 7 days a week for bike hire right next to right next to Pont Y Ddraig. The new iconic Pedestrian and Cycle Bridge. Located next door to the Bike Shop is our Harbour Hub Café which serves a wide range of hot and cold snacks, and barista coffee.
If you prefer a more water based adventure Denbighshire is home to Whitewater active a UK Premier Outdoor Activity Provider. They can offer an activity to suit you and your family or team. Choose from the many and varied experiences on offer, from Whitewater Rafting to a 90 foot Abseiling experience, from kayaking the Whitewater rapids to descending into the mysterious green gorges of Wales.
For more information and booking visit here.
Just on Denbighshire’s border with Conwy, you can explore over 2500 acres of forest, moorland and lakes amid stunning upland scenery of Brenig managed by Welsh Water. With a Visitor Centre, Café, Gift Shop, Osprey Exhibition, Adventure Playground, Cycle Hire, Mountain Biking, Walking Trails, Sailing and world class Fishing to discover, there’s plenty to choose from and open all year round and parking at the visitor centre just £2.50 for the whole day.
So whatever your looking for to entertain the family or just bring a little adventure into your life we really do have plenty to choose from for a wide range of ages, abilities and interests.
Blog written by Denbighshire County Council Tourism Department as part of the Destination Management Plan 2021.