Dee Valley Stays

Walkers and cyclists, you find yourselves in the Clwydian Range and the Dee Valley Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty, so there are masses of outdoor opportunities right from the doorstep – and nature lovers, keep your eyes peeled for otters and water voles on your rambles. On the edge of Snowdonia National Park, Lake Bala (20 minutes’ drive) has scenic waterside walks plus canyoning and kayaking at the National White Water Rafting Centre (25 minutes). Deeper into the park, Betws-y-Coed (35 minutes) is the hub of long-distance mountain hikes and bike rides, or shorter, family-friendly jaunts to waterfalls. Buzzy Llangollen (20 minutes) has pretty walks along the Victoria Promenade overlooking the River Dee, as well as canal trips over the spectacular Pontcysyllte Aqueduct (half an hour) to Horseshoe Falls (20 minutes). Golf and fishing are both available in town, and if you’re after more daredevil pursuits, try white-water rafting down the river. Love your history? Prehistoric sites abound locally, including the remnants of an Iron Age hill fort at Caer Drewyn and the megalithic stone circle of Moel Tŷ Uchaf (both 10 minutes). From each spot, you have amazing hill views.