Grisport bootsWith the weather speedily warming up and the meteorological summer now started (From the 1st June), it may just be the right time time to dig out your Grisport boots and enjoy our top 3 suggested North Wales walking spots!

Our carefully selected walks offer rolling hills, fantastic views, plenty of history, some monuments and, in addition, some great examples of natural beauty. Plus, these walks are just perfect for taking your dog with you!

Fairy Glen – Betws y Coed

Fairy Glen Wales

Source: Flickr – theholyllama

A world of mystery, magic and beauty awaits you and this is probably the best way to describe the Fairy Glen walk in Conwy, North Wales.

Located on the A470, Fairy Glen is a natural attraction situated only a short walking distance from Beaver bridge, which lies just outside Betws y Coed. A combination of rapids and cascades on the Conwy River creates a picturesque and secluded gorge. This wooded gorge is protected by the Countryside Council for Wales which monitors and cares for its natural beauty.

If photography, painting or poetry is your passion, then Fairy Glen provides many inspirations and many magical scenes for you to enjoy and make the most of.

Is this walk for me?

If you are looking for a leisurely short walk with beautiful scenary and magical views, then a visit to the Fairy Glen is a must!

Recommended footwear for Fairy Glen

Depending upon the time of the year, wearing footwear with good grip and support is highly  recommended. You will be crossing wet wooden bridges, rocky grounds and walking over uneven surfaces, so walking boots that are fully waterproof, with good grip and support, are a necessity. For example, the Grisport Quatro boots are perfect for such walks.

Pincyn Llys – Ruthin

Located in the heart of North Wales, Pincyn Llys is a monument erected by Lord Bagot in 1830 following the planting of the original conifer forest.

This quiet and peaceful walk takes you from a small village named Cyffylliog through forests and open fields. At the peak, the Pincyn Llys monument is surrounded by outstanding views. This walk (also know as ‘Llys y Frenhinas’) is situated within the Clwydian Range which is classed as an ‘Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty’.

Any area that is recognised as an ‘Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty’ (AONB) has natural and beautiful landscapes that need protecting and safeguarding for the future. Wales has four AONBs and the Clwydian Range is one of them. These areas are regularly visited and are much loved by walkers, hikers and photographers alike, all enjoying the pleasure that the wonderful scenery provides.

The AONB within the Clwydian Range is recognised as such, due to the flora and fauna (plants and animals), wild moorland, towering peaks, rolling hills and dramatic gorges. For further information about this AONB, you can check out the Landscapes for Life website.

Is this walk for me?

If you enjoy walking through forests and along natural paths and would enjoy being astonished by the breathtaking views of natural beauty, then a venture out to Pincyn Llys is a must! Plus, if you are looking for a whole day’s walk, you could venture to Pincyn Llys from Cyffylliog. This circular walk is approximately 7 miles in length. For further information and a map click here.

Recommended footwear for Pincyn Llys

Due to the ‘natural’ paths en-route, walking boots with a good grip are recommended. As this route takes you through forests and along uneven ground, plenty of ankle support is important. For example, the Grisport Avenger boot offers plenty of support, grip and comfort and will be ideal for this type of walk.

Towpath Walk – Pontcysyllte

If you are looking for a tranquil stroll along towpaths, where horse drawn canal boats are visible,  (whilst enjoying a part of the World Heritage Site), then you really should visit Pontcysyllte.

Towpath walk Pontcysyllte

Source: Flickr – Richard Leonard

With a mix of aqueducts, tunnels, stunning views, wildlife and scenery on offer, then no matter what the season, there is always something of interest to see!

Starting at the Ty Mawr ‘Wildlife’ farm, you can admire the landscapes and even challenge yourselves to count how many wildlife and/or farm animals you can spot. During the Summer months, butterflies, dragonflies, grey wagtails and dippers may be spotted and, in the Spring months, you may be lucky enough to admire new born lambs skipping and playing about in the open fields, in close proximity to their mothers.

As you venture further along the path, alongside the River Dee, you can enjoy dragonflies, butterflies, moths, herons and kingfishers and you may even be lucky enough to spot the odd otter swimming in the river.  The habitats, plants and animals along this path are so unique and special that they are protected by UK and EU laws under a Site of Special Scientific Interest (SSSI) classification and a Special Area of Conservation (SAC) classification.  Other animals you may spot are woodpeckers, bats and long-tailed tits.

You will eventually reach the Pontcysyllte aqueduct.  This is a World Heritage Site and a Grade 1 Listed Build, designed by Thomas Telford back in 1805. It’s original purpose was to transport coal, sandstone, iron, chemicals and terracotta goods from Cefn Mawr and Acrefair to locations all over Great Britain.  Today, the Pontcysyllte aqueduct has been nicknamed ‘the stream in the sky’ and every year it’s estimated that 15,000 boats and 20,000 people enjoy this crossing!

Is this walk for me?

There are many routes available within this area including the Ty Mawr trail, which is approximately 1 mile long.  Alternatively, there is the Ty Mawr circular walk, which is approximately 4.5 miles long and then the Aqueduct path, which is approximately a 4 miles return walk.  These paths make for a relaxing and tranquil walk suitable for all ages and abilities. Plus, why not take your dog along with you?

For more information, please view the Wrexham Borough Council website.

Recommended Footwear for Pontcysyllte

Depending on the route you try out, you may need walking boots with ankle support, although a good sturdy ‘walking shoe’ will suffice. For example the Grisport Magma-lo shoe for ladies offers plenty of grip and support, as does the Grisport Java shoe for men. The routes mentioned above are classed as lowland walking areas, meaning that the paths are carefully maintained, are flat and are very rarely uneven. Naturally however, care should always be taken!

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