Places to go

Lovely, cosy cottage in beautiful, peaceful setting and well equipped with everything we needed. Good base for exploring and our week wasn’t really long enough to see everything we had planned. Siwan and Clwyd are friendly and welcoming hosts – Graeme & Jackie Jones, United Kingdom. Aug 2019

Nodyn y Nant is set in the beautiful Ceiriog Valley, located just over the Welsh border, a valley which retains its own traditions, culture and lifestyle. Described as a ‘piece of heaven that has fallen to earth’ by Lloyd George, the area has remained relatively undiscovered – a secret hideaway!

Here is a valley just waiting to be explored with unrivalled countryside, excellent variety of persuits and attractions, and a warm and friendly welcome. The Ceiriog Valley lies immediately south of and parallel to the picturesque Vale of Llangollen. Yet it is the Ceiriog Valley that has been called ‘little Switzerland’ and given rise to three notable poets, undoubtedly inspired by their love for their homeland.

It is all the more surprising, therefore, that had Lloyd George not spoken so passionately in its defence, we may never have known of its beauty.

Several local pubs, some within walking distance and good food are available. Shops, post office in the village just a few minutes walk away. The secret “back route” over the mountain means that Llangollen is only 5 minutes away by car. In-house information is provided about activities and attractions in Mid and North Wales.

Thank you for making our stay a home from home,loved the location and cottage comforts. Will be back and recommending!Wonderful hosts – Hana and John Jones, Stoke-on-Trent

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Activities

For those wishing to relax and unwind there are many fine pubs & restaurants in the area including the nearby Boat Erbistock restaurant situated in an idyllic setting by the River Dee. There are also many pretty country villages and impressive castles and historic houses to visit.

For the more energtic the Borderlands is unsurpassed walking country, has many rivers to fish as well as golf and whitewater activities.

Walks in beautiful scenery
Ideal for those who love the outdoors, there are plenty of fantastic walks in the area as well as some great pubs. The Offa’s Dyke Long Distance Footpath traverses the Valley to the west of Chirk Castle and crosses the B4500 at Castle Mill. There are numerous footpaths and bridleways across the contours of the valley and for the less ambitious, the line of the former Glyn Valley Tramway provides a pleasant, short walk and can be accessed at Pandy. The more adventurous can enjoy the Berwyn Mountains with their expansive vistas and solitude.

Cycling
The valley provides ideal territory for cycling and mountain biking, from gentle rides following the course of the River Ceiriog to the more energetic rough terrain tracks on the mountain tops. Berwyn Mountain Biking in Glyn Ceiriog provide bike hire, equipment and maps. Alternatively, cycle hire is available in Chirk, 6 miles. Llandegla Forest, which has become a haven for mountain bikers, is just 13 miles away. Guests are welcome to bring their own bikes and store them securely on site.

Historic Houses and Castles
Chirk Castle and Gardens (Natioanl Trust) is a 700 year old marcher fortress, which commands fine views over the surrounding countryside. Erddig (NT) is a delightful house with elegant interiors. Both a short drive from Nodyn y Nant. www.nationaltrust.co.uk

Golf
Chirk Golf Club has 2 courses set in 200 acres of gentle countryside (1) an 18 hole championship course (2) a par 3, 9 hole Mine Rock course, and floodlit driving range and club house. There are many excellent golf courses in the area including Wrexham Golf Club; Clays Golf Club; De Vere Country Golf Park, Vale of Llangollen Golf Club.

Racecourses
At Bangor-on-Dee (8 miles) and Chester (20 miles).

Craft Centres
There are numerous craft centres and workshops in the area selling antiques, pottery and traditional welsh items. Slightly further a field is Plassey Craft Centre near Wrexham, and the Celtic Craft Centre in Ruthin.

Fishing
The River Ceiriog is home to trout and sea trout. Some of the local hotels have private fishing rights and the Glyn Ceiriog Fishing Club has rights on four stretches of the river. Day tickets are available from The Cross Grocery Shop, Glyn Ceiriog.

Canal Activities
Boat rides from Trevor to Chirk and horsedrawn rides from Llangollen.

Horse Trekking and Quad Bike Centre
Explore the beautiful and spectacular scenery of the Ceiriog Valley on horseback or quad bike. Pony Treks and Quad Off Road Riding to suit all. Horses and Ponies for all abilities. www.quadtreks.co.uk

Llangollen
This most interesting town has many attractions and activities including the International Music Eisteddfod held each July. www.llangollen.org.uk

The Wider Area

Marches Town – Historic towns including Chester, Shrewsbury, Oswestry, Market Drayton and Ludlow are all within an easy drive of Nodyn y Nant.
Chester – An historic city with links to Roman times. Excellent shopping facilities that can be accessed from the world famous Rows – a covered pedestrian area that dates back to the time of Elizabeth I.
Snowdonia National Park – The wonderful scenery and many tourist attractions within the park are all within an easy drive.
Beaches – The beaches of Rhyl and Prestatyn are about one hour away.

Useful links

Official Llangollen website – www.llangollen.org.uk
Wrexham – www.wrexham.gov.uk
Denbighshire – www.denbighshire.gov.uk
International Eisteddfod – www.International-Eisteddfod.co.uk
Visit Wales – www.visitwales.com