A brand new guide to 14 great walks in the forests and country parks of the Clwydian Range Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty has just been published.
“Clwydian Range – Waymarked Walks” includes something to tempt everyone in this walker’s paradise, from a gentle all-ability stroll, pleasant short walks, exhilarating longer routes and breathtaking ridge top climbs.
The walks, which range from less than 500 metres to more than 10km and take from just 20 minutes to over five hours, enable walkers to explore a spectacular landscape of forest, moorland, watercourses, ancient history and superb views, with plenty of opportunity for wildlife spotting along the way.
The new free guide was made possible by collaboration between Forestry Commission Wales, which manages the forests on behalf of the Welsh Assembly Government, and the Clwydian Range Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty with funding from rural regeneration agency Cadwyn Clwyd.
Rachel Jones, Forest Partnership Warden for FC Wales and the AONB, said, “There really is something for everyone in this guide. You can create longer walks by combining two or more walks, or complete circular walks in either direction for a change of scenery.”
Sections of some walks can also be done as shorter, linear walks.
Cadwyn Clwyd provided financial support through their project to develop the Clwydian Range as a sustainable tourism destination, which is supported by the Rural Development Plan (RDP) for Wales 2007-2013. The RDP is funded by the European Agricultural Fund for Rural Development and the Welsh Assembly Government.
Cadwyn Clwyd Project Officer Keira Derbyshire said, “It’s fantastic to see this leaflet in print and we are delighted that through its publication the fascinating, beautiful and diverse heritage within and around the forests and country parks of the Clwydian Range has been made that little bit more accessible to the local community and visitors alike.”
Carolyn Thomas, Chair of the Clwydian Range Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty, said, “These great walks all start from a public car park where there is more information to enable visitors to experience the full beauty of the area.
“In addition, there are interactive heritage trails that bring the history of local hillforts to life. Visitors can access audio points along the way through their mobile phone or download free mp3 versions from the website in advance.”
Further information, along with directions and a downloadable copy of the leaflet, can be found on the FC Wales website at www.forestry.gov.uk/wales.
Copies of the leaflet can also be obtained from the Clwydian Range Centre at Loggerheads www.clwydianrangeaonb.org.uk and local tourist information offices.
To download the audio trails visit www.heatherandhillforts.co.uk.
