I visited one of UK’s most beautiful places — finally getting the recognition it deserves | UK | Travel

One of the most picturesque areas in the UK is ‘finally’ receiving the recognition it deserves. In a recent poll carried out by consumer magazine Which?, members ranked the Clwydian Range and Dee Valley in Wales as one of the UK’s most stunning locations.

The area earned high praise for its captivating scenery, walking trails, and an increasingly rare sense of peace and quiet. As one of only five Areas of Outstanding Natural Beauty in Wales, the Clwydian Range and Dee Valley is situated in north-east Wales, stretching from the coastal hills above Prestatyn to the wild Berwyn Mountains and further south to the Pontcysyllte Aqueduct and canal. It secured an impressive 81 per cent approval rating from Which? members.

The magazine’s travel expert described it as a haven for walkers and cyclists, noting that there’s plenty to discover across its diverse landscape.

Wales Online writer Portia Jones had the pleasure of visiting this splendid part of Wales on numerous occasions, trekking across the heather-covered hills of the Clwydian Range and kayaking along the waterways in the charming town of Llangollen. 

She said: « The Clwydian Range is a joy to explore and rises in a ribbon of peaks, swept with purple heather and crowned by some of Britain’s most striking hillforts.

« Its landscape shifts quickly and beautifully, moving from limestone cliffs and open grassland to shady valleys and soft rolling pasture. Two rivers shape the scene here: the Alyn and the Wheeler, each carving deep folds through the hills before slipping out of sight into hidden limestone channels. »

Moel Famau serves as the high point at 554 metres, with the range stretching from Prestatyn Hillside in the north to the Nant y Garth pass on the fringe of the Dee Valley in the south. To the west lies the Vale of Clwyd, while the landscape gently descends eastwards towards the Dee Estuary.

One of Portia’s favourite walks in this area is the Moel Famau route, which can be located on hiking apps such as Alltrails. It’s a steep yet manageable climb up the highest hill in the Clwydian Range, rewarding you with panoramic views of stunning landscapes, including Eryri, the Dee Valley, and the coastline.

Coed Moel Famau also makes for an ideal family outing if you’re visiting with children, offering a variety of walking trails of different lengths suitable for families. Additionally, there’s a blue-grade mountain bike trail and play areas for children.

For those seeking a long-distance hiking challenge, the Offa’s Dyke National Trail offers an exhilarating trek along the ridge crest before descending into the picturesque Dee Valley.

Llangollen is nestled within the narrowest section of the Dee Valley, a landscape so remarkable it has been recognised as a UNESCO World Heritage site.

Named an ‘Outstanding Universal Value’ by UNESCO, this area includes an eleven-mile stretch of canal from Gledrid to the Horseshoe Falls, featuring the extraordinary Pontcysyllte Aqueduct.

Standing at a staggering 126ft high, the Pontcysyllte Aqueduct is one of the Industrial Revolution’s most awe-inspiring feats. For anyone daring enough, a canoe ride along the world’s highest aqueduct awaits.

Soaring 38 metres above the Dee Valley, this ‘stream in the sky’ holds the title for the highest navigable aqueduct and is also Britain’s oldest.

The ‘Pontcysyllte’, a masterpiece crafted by Thomas Telford and William Jessop, continues to serve its purpose over 200 years since the beginning of its construction. 

Eighteen stone arches prop up deep cast-iron troughs filled with water, creating a unique ‘River in the Sky’ that can be traversed on foot or by boat. Each year, the Canal and River Trust welcomes nearly half a million visitors who flock to see this attraction. 

The initial 11 miles of the Llangollen Canal features embankments, tunnels, viaducts and aqueducts, including the historic Pontcysyllte Aqueduct and 31 other listed structures.

After several miles looking out at narrow boats, diverse birdlife and cottages, it was finally time to traverse the 307-metre-long aqueduct, a mere 12 feet (3.7 metres) wide.

Portia said: « I’ll be honest; it was squeaky bum time as we edged closer to the Pontcysyllte Aqueduct. Over 200 years old and not a single railing on the canal side? Just a sheer drop and a sliver of wall between you and a 126-foot plummet. Yikes.

« Once we got the nod, we lined up like a polite canoeing conga line and started our slow paddle across. Almost immediately, I clocked that the only thing between me and a dramatic tumble into the Dee Valley was a knee-high wall barely taller than the side of the canoe. Not exactly confidence-inspiring. »

You can also go rafting along the River Dee, and go on a traditional horse-drawn boat trip from Llangollen’s canal wharf towards the Horseshoe Falls.

Llangollen and the surrounding Dee Valley offer an array of fantastic dining options. For meals by the water, The Corn Mill boasts a spacious outdoor terrace overlooking the river and serves pub classics such as fish and chips, steak and pies.

The Wharf Tea Room, located adjacent to the canal, tempts visitors with homemade cakes, scones and hearty cooked breakfasts. For a sampling of local fare, pop into Llangollen Oggie Shop and Fine Foods for Welsh oggies (the Welsh equivalent to the Cornish pasty).

Gales Wine Bar and Hotel is a splendid place to unwind with a drink in its grand, wood-panelled wine bar. They also offer an array of seasonal dishes crafted from fresh local produce.

For a taste of homemade country cuisine and afternoon tea, head over to the Cottage Tearooms and Bistro. Nestled in a charming courtyard just a stone’s throw away from the iconic Llangollen Bridge, these delightful, whitewashed tearooms are a popular choice for indulging in cream tea amidst historical surroundings.

When it comes to accommodation, there’s a wide selection of modern and traditional hotels, B&Bs, and even a 16th-century drovers’ inn, promising a peaceful night’s rest.

For a unique bed and breakfast experience near the River Dee, Portia highly recommends the elegantly refurbished Riversdale House. 

Crowned winners of the North Wales Tourism Awards in 2023, this chic Victorian townhouse B&B boasts spacious, stylish rooms with views, complemented by a continental breakfast delivered to your door each morning.