The Clwydian Range and Dee Valley Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty is part of the border between England and North Wales, running south from Prestatyn as far as Llangollen and Corwen. The brooding limestone hills shape much of the landscape, notably at Bryn Alyn and Loggerheads Country Park. Rare plants like autumn gentian and orchids colonise areas of the limestone grassland, and the heather moorlands are of world importance and are home to the increasingly rare curlew and black grouse. Down in the valleys is fertile farmland, peppered with the area’s industrial heritage and where otters can be seen in the rivers.

This is 390 square kilometres at the gateway to North Wales, unspoilt and with a rich cultural history that is just slowly slipping back into the earth. The remains of several ancient hillforts can still be seen, perfectly positioned for defending long-forgotten settlements. Other man-made monuments include the ruins of Castell Dinas Bran, Eliseg’s pillar, Valle Crucis Abbey and the impressive Chirk Castle. The Pontcysyllte Aqueduct and Canal is a World Heritage Site.

Top Clwydian Range and Dee Valley AONB Camping Options