Top 5 Scenic Walks Around Wrexham

 

If you’re after a base for an outdoor break in North Wales, Wrexham makes an excellent choice – it’s well placed for outings up into the hills and mountains, strolls along the coast or visits to all sorts of places of interest either side of the Wales/England border. And at the end of the day, the market town’s big enough to have plenty of places for a well-earned meal and a drink or few…

Whether you’re exploring the stunning countryside around Broughton, hiking up Hope Mountain or sauntering around one of the many gorgeous country parks here, there’s something to suit all sorts of visitors around here. 

Not sure where to start? Have a look at our guide to the top five scenic walks around Wrexham...

Walk through the Ceiriog Valley

Let’s kick things off with a trip to the Ceiriog Valley– an absolute must-do when you’re in the area. It’s around half an hour’s drive from the large market town of Wrexham and a very popular destination with walkers of all abilities.

Those with lots of energy might want to complete the entire 12-mile stretch from the impressive Berwyn mountain range to the historic town of Chirk. This waymarked trail is divided into seven stages, each with its own interesting history and fantastic views over the surrounding countryside. There are also a number of lovely pubs enroute, such as The Hand at Llanarmon, where you can stop for something to eat and drink before setting off again.

If you prefer a shorter stroll, perhaps explore the landscape around Pontcysyllte Aqueduct and Canal World Heritage Site – built by the Scottish civil engineer Thomas Telford – also known as the ‘Stream in the Sky’.

Into your rhymes and ballads? The valley has connections with a few literary figures including three notable Welsh poets – John Hughes, Huw Morus and Robert Elis – as well as the novelist Islwyn Ffowc Elis.

After your walk, treat yourself to a meal at one of our best places to eat in Wrexham.

Explore the Maelor Way

At 24 miles long, the Maelor Way is an excellent destination for experienced walkers and seasonal strollers alike. This long-distance footpath starts at Castle Mill near Chirk and continues all the way to Grindley Brook, a small village close to the town of Whitchurch.

The scenic route winds its way through the counties of Wrexham, Cheshire and Shropshire and links six long-distance paths including Offa’s Dyke National Trail.

Follow public footpaths, quiet lanes and bridleways though attractive countryside and pass through tiny villages like Bronington and Hanmer, where you can potter around independent shops and get some lunch at a local café or pub.

Browse our pick of things to do in Wrexham while you’re in the area.

Alyn Waters Country Park

Alyn Waters is the largest and arguably most popular of the country parks in Wrexham. It’s a gorgeous green space with a whole host of woodland, grassland and riverside walks to choose from. 

The park is split into two parts – known as Gwersyllt and Llay – that lie either side of the River Alyn. The Gwersyllt side has space for parking, a visitor centre with café and a well-stocked gift shop. For something that goes beyond just a walk, try out the trim trail where you can see a variety of wildlife such as kingfishers, newts and grass snakes. This particular route also has a selection of simple exercise equipment that you can try out along the way.

Next, head over to the Llay side and potter around the local nature reserve, keeping an eye out for the abundance of insects, birds and other creatures that thrive here. You might want to spend some time at the excellent adventure playground too, where the kids can burn off any remaining energy before you all head back to your campsite for the night.

All in all, this is a fantastic spot for a family day out – and dogs are welcome too, so bring your beloved pooch along to sniff out some new smells. Admission to the park is free but there is a charge for parking.

Amble through Broughton

Broughton is another of the area’s country parks, just three miles west of Wrexham. It spans across approximately 1150 acres and is a marvellous place to ramble around for a few hours.

A particularly scenic Broughton walk is the 4.5-mile circular trail that starts and ends at Moss Valley Golf Club car park. Along the way you’ll get to explore the village, the stunning countryside that surrounds it and some magical areas of woodland. 

It should take no more than three hours in total to complete this walk at a leisurely pace, even if you stop to snap pics of views over the historical Brymbo Steelworks as well as Gresford and the Cheshire Plains.

Keen to explore another close-by country park and maybe climb a mountain? Then head to Waun-Y-Llyn, less than 20 minutes’ drive away. There’s a huge number of walking trails available here, many of which go via the 330-metre Hope Mountain. Whether you stick to the well-surfaced paths or scramble through the heather and gorse bushes, you’ll be treated to lake scenes and outstanding views across Hawarden and the Wirral when you finally reach the summit. 

Escape to a local campsite for a night or two.

Clywedog Valley Trail

This easy-to-follow riverside route runs from Minera Lead Mines and ends at Kings Mill. Whether you walk the entire 5.5 miles or choose a shorter section to stroll, you’ll get the chance to explore the rich industrial history of the valley while admiring the rare habitats and species that call this place home.

Have your camera at the ready because you’re likely to spot pretty and interesting wildflowers, like the creeping yellow birdsfoot trefoil, and special animals like pipistrelle bats.

Remember to wear suitable footwear as the final section of this walk (after crossing Sontley Road and heading towards Kings Mill) can get very muddy in wet weather.

If you’re ready to book a nearby campsite then check out our guide to all you need to know about camping in Wrexham.