The natural environment is a fantastic place for outdoor adventures, with lots of opportunities for a range of exciting activities. Enjoy the National Landscape by taking part in your favourite pastimes or try something new!
Horse riding
With an incredible choice of landscapes and hundreds of kilometres of bridleways and byways, The Clwydian Range and Dee Valley National Landscape is the perfect destination for horse riding. Imagine riding along leafy lanes, splashing through streams, exploring forests and crossing windswept mountains, we have something to suit everyone. Not surprisingly we have plenty of riding centres to give you advice on when and where to ride – and of course provide a horse and instruction if required. Some even offer equine B&B if your own four-legged friend comes along on holiday.
Fell running
The National Landscape is made for fell running, with lots of hillside paths traversing superb scenery. It’s home to Excalibur, one of the UK’s toughest off-road marathons, and the popular Cilcain Mountain Race every August Bank Holiday. Why not join the Clwydian Range Runners who regularly run the paths of the area and raise money for local causes through their events.
Social gatherings
From festivals and eisteddfodau to farmers markets and comedy nights, there are events happening all over the Clwydian Range and Dee Valley, all through the year. Come along to sample local produce, or spend an evening listening to a Welsh Male Voice Choir. Take part in one of the increasing number of national organised events that take place on our beautiful mountains and moors or why not pick up our own events guide, Out and About. For more information, see our events.
Food and Drink
The communities within the National Landscape are rediscovering the joy of producing artisan food and drink from the fantastic quality of produce that we have in the area. You too can discover world class dishes and products throughout the Clwydian Range and Dee Valley – to eat here or take away! To find out more about these companies or to find a food and drink event, follow the links below.
On the water
From the world famous canal boats at Llangollen to the relatively new sport of stand-up paddle boarding, you can find a wide choice of water based activities along our rivers and canal. Canoeing and rafting as well as gorge walking and kayaking can all be found locally, and don’t go home without experiencing an unforgettable trip across the Pontcysyllte Aqueduct.
Mini golf
The bespoke mini golf at Riverside Park in Llangollen has 9-holes with some representing places and features of interest within Dee valley. You can golf your way around the National Landscape in miniature and all profits from the golf go back into supporting vital conservation work in the area.
- Open from Easter and then every weekend and School holidays until the end of October. From 10-4pm.
- Tickets are £4.00 child and £5.00 adult. It will take approximately 40 minutes to complete the course.
- The course is not accessible for wheel chair users.
- There is plenty to enjoy in the vicinity including playgrounds, a skate park and scenic views of the River Dee.
Education
By getting out in the fresh air and close to nature, children can learn more about why the landscape looks like it does, how our ancestors lived and why the plants and animals that share our world need to be looked after.
The National Landscape team run regular events aimed at teaching youngsters about the natural world and their place in it. Instead of being stuck indoors they can get their hands dirty (and clothes!) with minibeast safaris, bilberry hunts, pond dipping and all sorts of other messy, splashy fun.
Activity Groups & Societies
Ten things to do in the Dee Valley
A summer challenge for families to explore the landscape of the Dee Valley and discover the Pontcysyllte Aqueduct and Canal World Heritage Site. Download the pdf to see the activities – can you complete all 10?