When you live close to the Snowdonia National Park, it’s easy to get distracted with all of the amazing things to do in North Wales. However, you’ll find the more popular a place is, the more it’s crowded! And that’s why it’s lovely to live in North East Wales because there are many gems with fewer people attached to them. If you’re on your holidays here this summer, here are my 4 recommended things to do in North East Wales.
Spa day at Llanrhaeadr Springs – Ruthin
Not to be confused with Llanrhaeadr -ym-Mochnant where the waterfalls are. The 5* spa hotel is set among scenic views of the Dee Valley with shepherd hut and hotel accommodation. What I love about this spa is it has an affordable price tag. For £20 you can spend a few hours relaxing in the naturally lit hydrotherapy pool, steam and sauna rooms in complimentary slippers and robe. They always have good deals on their treatment packages too. Last time I had a great back massage. I finally met a therapist who understood the concept of the right pressure!!! It’s a regular treat for my best friend and me, and we’ll start the day off with lunch at the bistro. I find the menu quite limited but they’ve always been happy to cater to my Vegan requests.
Mountain Biking Coed Y Llandegla – Llandegla
Just by the village of Llandegla, North West of the Ruabon Moors, this forest makes an amazing day out for mountain biking (and dog-friendly walking). It’s got a lovely family green run which goes through the forest and around the reservoir as well as blue, red and black runs. Be warned, it’s a hilly forest and a good cardio tester. Sadly I haven’t been back since I chipped a bone whilst on the red run – on the to-do list though. You can hire and buy bikes whilst there as well as various other equipment. The cafe is pretty special too with monster sized food portions.
Canoe over the Chirk and Pontcysyllte Aqueduct – Trevor
Cross the aqueduct high up above the Ceiriog Valley, with the fast flowing Afon Ceiriog running below and brave the ‘The Darkie Tunnel’ Whilst on the aqueduct, you can put one foot in Wales and the other in England as the impressive structures straddle both countries. Keep on paddling until you reach the Pontcysyllte Aqueduct which is equally as stunning. A slow and scenic journey is waiting for you and one of my favourite routes. Canoe lessons and hire are from TnR Coaching based at the Boathouse by Chirk Marina.
Hike the Llantysillio Mountain – Llangollen
There are so many hills around the Llangollen area and it’s a great base if you’re planning on conquering them all! The Llantysillio peaks stand out for me with their sharp descents. In the summer, they are purple heather clad peaks and the path is clearly walked in and can be seen from quite a distance. If you’d like to get to know the area I recommend the Corwen Walking Festival every September.
All of these places I’ve mentioned are easily reached on a weekend whilst on holiday in North East Wales. There are some nice stretches of road too for those who like a road trip.
I’m keen to know what and who you recommend around these parts and if you’re a visitor coming to stay and have any questions, just leave a comment below and I’ll do my best to help you.