Wrexham - The Great Outdoors

Wrexham is so much more than its thriving town centre - one of the county's greatest assets is its countryside. From the rolling pastures of the Maelor to the dramatic hills of the Ceiriog Valley, the Wrexham landscape provides the perfect setting for outdoor adventure.

Country Parks

Wrexham has no fewer than six delightful country parks. You can enjoy magnificent views of the Vale of Llangollen from Ty Mawr and Bonc yr Hafod, take a bike ride along the Alyn Waters cycleway or a stroll around Stryt Las.

Why not experience the "Mole Tunnel" at Nant Mill or gain an insight into 300 years of history at Minera Lead Mines and Country Park, starting point of the fascinating Clywedog Valley Trail?

Throughout the year, especially during the school holidays, the parks run an exciting programme of activities from guided walks, bug hunts and animal tracking to painting and even blacksmithing.

More about Wrexham's Country Parks

Walking, Cycling, Horse Riding, Fishing

Walking is often the best, and certainly the most relaxing, way to explore Wrexham's countryside - and keep the whole of the family fit in the process.

Although only a few miles from the busy A5, the Ceiriog Valley is largely undiscovered and remains quiet and unspoilt. This makes it the perfect spot for horse riding - there are unrivalled equestrian routes throughout the valley and a range of riding stables offering everything from an hour's ride to a full-day hack for riders of all standards. For those who prefer pedal power, there is plenty of safe cycling, including a superb new 25-mile circular cycle route in the Ceiriog Valley, a place described by Lloyd George as "a little bit of heaven on earth".

Wrexham is also forging a reputation for the quality of its golf courses. Wales was recently voted "Undiscovered Golf Destination of the Year" and Wrexham is attracting its fair share of golfing tourists to venues such as Wrexham Golf Club, Clays Golf Club, Chirk Golf Centre and the Plassey Golf Club. See "Golf in the North Wales Borderlands" leaflet from the TIC for more information.

Anglers can enjoy great fishing in lovely surroundings every month of the year. The grayling, sea trout and salmon fishing on the River Dee is superb and the Ceiriog is also a fine game river. For coarse anglers, the big barbel at Bangor-on-Dee are a worthy challenge and the whole river, as it winds through the lovely Maelor landscape and on towards Llangollen, is packed with fish including pike, perch, bream, roach, dace and chub.

Away from the riverbank, there are fine fisheries including Chirk for specimen trout and Sontley Pools and Trench Farm at Penley for coarse fish, especially the ultimate quarry - big carp.

More about Walking in Wrexham

Gardens

As the daylight hours lengthen and spring begins to warm the air, surely one of the greatest pleasures is to visit a beautiful garden. Whether you're looking for tips and ideas or simply want to stroll around and soak up the sights and scents, Wrexham has it all - from nationally renowned grand designs to simple cottage gardens.

Both Chirk Castle, winner of the National Trust Gordon's Gin "Garden of the Year" in 1999, and Erddig Hall, which has one of the most important surviving 18th century gardens in Britain, are among the prestigious "Premier Gardens Wales". On a more intimate scale, The Garden House at Erbistock features marvellous shrub and herbaceous planting and a National Collection of hydrangeas.

For the more adventurous

Even adrenaline junkies will find plenty to keep them buzzing in the Wrexham countryside.

Whether you choose a specialist operator such as Ceiriog Country Holidays and Hillwalk Wales or a true multi-activity centre like Motor Safari or Marchwiel Leisure, there is something to suit everyone. From climbing, abseiling or canoeing through to clay pigeon shooting, quad biking and paintball, there are thrills around every corner.