Sense of Place Toolkit Clwydian Range Sense of Place Toolkit 2

Sense of Place Toolkit http://www.clwydianrangeaonb.org.uk/brandcentral/ Clwydian Range Sense of Place Toolkit 2

“The Clwydian Range is one of Britain’s most What is this enchanting landscapes, special not only for its document for? majestic line of hills but also for the delightful This Sense of Place Toolkit is one of a series of four documents that mix of wildlife sustained in the beautifully describe the Clwydian Range branding programme: varied scenery.” • Brand Review and Definition Iolo Williams – BBC and S4C nature presenter – qualities to be communicated and current branding practice – positioning, values, proposition and messages for the brand • Brand Guidelines – graphic standards and corporate guidelines, including the logo “I have got wonderful memories of the area. • Communications Strategy – expression of the brand across all major media The Clwydian Range is a really beautiful part • Sense of Place Toolkit of Wales and one that more people should – practical materials for use in engaging with the brand sample - and will enjoy.” A strong branded identity for the Clwydian Range, consistently applied, Ian Rush, Liverpool and Wales footballing legend strengthens the positioning and promotion of this special landscape, helping both visitors and locals to appreciate what the area offers.

This toolkit is intended to help local businesses and organisations represent and promote the Clwydian Range positively and accurately to all the people that they deal with, especially visitors to the area. “Whatever the weather, the Clwydian Range is The kit includes Clwydian Range graphics, photography, themes, text definitely a highlight of our wonderful Welsh and template documents for use in all sorts of promotional materials, countryside and well worth a visit!” such as websites, leaflets and advertising. Derek Brockway – Weatherman Walking, BBC Wales http://www.clwydianrangeaonb.org.uk/brandcentral/ Clwydian Range Sense of Place Toolkit 3

Contents

1. Sustainable tourism 4 5. The Range story in words 8 in the Clwydian Range and pictures Clwydian Range, upland 5.1 The Range 9 frontier of North Wales, 5.2 Landscape 12 is an unmistakable 2. 5 5.3 Views 15 How to use this toolkit chain of purple heather- 5.4 Nature 19 5.5 History 21 clad summits topped 3. Clwydian Range in a nutshell 6 5.6 Activities 23 by Britain’s most 5.7 Community 25 dramatically situated 5.8 Attractions 27 hillforts and linked by 4. 7 5.9 Learning and Caring 29 Participating in Clwydian Offa’s Dyke Path National Range initiatives 5.10 Getting here 31 Trail. Famous for its stunning views, this is one 6. Design guidance 33 of the least discovered yet most welcoming and easiest to explore of the 7. Further information 33 and assistance UK’s finest landscapes.

This publication is part of a series of documents designed to define and ensure consistency when communicating the Clwydian Range brand.

Brand Review & Definition Brand Guidelines Sense of Place Toolkit Communications Strategy http://www.clwydianrangeaonb.org.uk/brandcentral/ Clwydian Range Sense of Place Toolkit 4

1. Sustainable tourism in the Clwydian Range

The Clwydian Range Sense of Place toolkit Why is this important to This is one of Britain’s finest protected The term sense of place is intended local businesses? “The Clwydian Range landscapes, renowned for its purple, to convey an area’s unique feel and As the landscape highlight of north east Area of Outstanding heather-clad summit chain, dramatically appearance, all the things that together Wales, the Clwydian Range is a powerful situated hillforts and wonderful views. make it special and different from other Natural Beauty is magnet drawing visitors to the region, The Range is a very special area to places. This toolkit is one element of a encouraging them to spend more time our greatest asset in live in, to work in and to visit. This is branding programme aimed at encouraging here, stay in local accommodation, take promoting sustainable reflected in its status as one of just five sustainable tourism in and around the advantage of local services and enjoy designated Areas of Outstanding Natural Clwydian Range. The programme seeks to tourism in Flintshire local attractions. This toolkit is designed Beauty in Wales, which alongside the bring clarity, impact and consistency to the to help local businesses and organisations & Denbighshire, three National Parks are the country’s way that the Range is communicated to take advantage of the Range’s pulling bringing almost most treasured landscapes. all people interested in visiting this special power for sustainable tourism. scenic area. £500million each year into the local economy. Sustainable tourism The kit provides the wherewithall for local Managing Clwydian Range requires great people to talk about and illustrate the I believe that by using care in balancing the needs of tourism, special qualities of the Range within their this toolkit effectively farming, recreation, conservation, the own visitor communications. It includes we can greatly community and the local economy. It’s Clwydian Range graphics, photography, therefore essential that any development themes, text and template documents for encourage visitors to of tourism in the area is sustainable. In use in all sorts of promotional materials, appreciate and enjoy other words, that it does not diminish such as websites, leaflets and advertising. all that the Clwydian the special qualities for which the area is cherished or detract from the lives of We hope you find it helpful in making your Range has to offer.” those that live and work here. offering a special part of our many visitors’ David Scruton - Chairman, Clwydian Range experience. Clwydian Range Tourism Group http://www.clwydianrangeaonb.org.uk/brandcentral/ Clwydian Range Sense of Place Toolkit 5

2. How to use this toolkit

Your Sense of Place toolkit is intended In case it helps, here are a few ideas Introduce visitors to the Countryside to be flexible. We’ve tried to design it for how you might help the visitors you Code and the concept of the Access so that it’s easy for you to find what you meet make the most of their time in the Land. Encourage them to visit the need and then straightforward to start Clwydian Range. Country Parks. using it. Encourage your visitors to experience Promote the Clwydian Range using As you go through this document the wilder, less visited parts of the Range photographs and pictures of this you’ll find photos, illustrations, themed – provide walking guide books and wonderful landscape. Illustrate the information, branding guidance and Ordnance Survey maps of the area. changes brought to the area by the template documents that we hope you’ll changing seasons. find helpful. In many cases you’ll find Direct them to some of the ”not to be links that lead you on to more specific missed” places listed in this toolkit. Use Clwydian Range locations as names information either within the toolkit DVD for your rooms or items on your menu to or stored elsewhere on the internet. Find out about special walks and events evoke these special places. run by the Clwydian Range team. The toolkit is also available for download Downloading text Downloading images from the World Wide Web, so that as new Make sure you let your visitors know The information and images used in this On pages where you can download material is added you can easily get hold about events happening in and around toolkit can be downloaded, allowing images, you will see this symbol in the of updated versions of the kit. the Range, especially those directly you to print them off or use them when bottom left corner of the page. connected with the landscape. offline. To download a copy of any text Keeping much of the more detailed from this toolkit look for this symbol in information on the World Wide Web Recommend the best places to eat and the bottom left corner of the page. makes it a lot easier to keep it up to date drink in and around the Range, especially and saves you the bother of needing to those that give a real sense of the replace your DVD with new versions. community spirit here and promote fresh, local produce. To download an image for print or web, click the link You know your visitor audiences much below each image. better than we do, so you are the best Provide copies of Clwydian Range Click here to download the judge of how to deal with them, what information leaflets and other printed text resources for this page. This symbol means that the images on information is useful and when to provide materials relating to the landscape. that page may be downloaded. To do it. The tools in this kit should help you Clicking on this symbol will allow you to this you can click on the links below each to do this more easily and with more Inform visitors about the Countryside download a text document of the page image, which are the coloured words certainty about the content that relates to Code and the concept of Access Land. being viewed. Print and Web. the Clwydian Range landscape. Encourage them to visit the Country Parks. http://www.clwydianrangeaonb.org.uk/brandcentral/ Clwydian Range Sense of Place Toolkit 6

3. Clwydian Range in a nutshell

What’s special about the Peaceful open space… Protection for its special qualities… This unspoilt, uncrowded landscape This is one of Britain’s finest landscapes, Clwydian Range? “The Clwydian Range offers a rare sense of breathing space designated an Area of Outstanding is one of Britain’s most and tranquillity to revive the body and Natural Beauty. Where it is and what it looks like… uplift the spirit. enchanting landscapes, The Clwydian Range is an unmistakable What else makes the special not only for its chain of summits, many clad in purple In touch with nature… majestic line of hills but heather moorland, topped by Britain’s The Range’s variety of natural settings Range so attractive to also for the delightful mix most dramatically situated hillforts. It’s the and habitats support a wealth of flora visitors? imposing upland frontier of North Wales, an and fauna, such as lekking grouse and of wildlife sustained in the iconic presence visible from all directions reclusive otters. beautifully varied scenery. inviting discovery and exploration. Accessibility… My links with the area go It’s easy to get here by road and Powerful connection with history… public transport. The Range is also back to the 1980s when as Breathtaking views… The dramatic Celtic hillforts, medieval a conservationist I was Rising well above its surroundings, the churches, the local mining and quarrying straightforward to explore, with roads views from the main ridge are stunning tradition all give a strong sense of crossing the main ridge, well marked involved in work to protect – towards Merseyside, the Irish Sea following in the footsteps of ancestors. trails and all ability access routes. the black grouse here. and Great Orme to the north – over the Buzzards circling the A great base for nearby attractions plains and Pennines of England to the Opportunity for healthy activities… purple moorland summits, east – towards Snowdonia in the west – The emphasis here is on peaceful and day trips… to Llantysilio Mountain and the Berwyn pursuits in an inspiring and safe There’s also plenty to see and do just dippers and otters deep in the south. From both east and west environment - walking, cycling or horse- beyond the boundaries of the Range, in the wooded valleys, the panoramas of the Range are equally riding to explore the countryside, wildlife such as a visit to Rhuddlan Castle, the butterflies and wildflowers breathtaking, with the familiar shapes watching or photography to capture markets of Denbigh, Mold and Ruthin, the golden sands of the coast and Dee adorning the limestone of Foel Fenlli, Moel Famau, the Jubilee special moments, perhaps mountain grassland – these are just Tower, Moel Arthur and Moel Hiraddug biking or even para gliding to really get estuary or the spectacular landscapes standing out. the pulse racing. of Llangollen. Chester, Liverpool and some of the magical sights Snowdonia are all within a day trip. that make Clwydian Range Variety of magnificent scenery… Alive with vibrant communities… one of the treasures of A sense of the wild without the As well as the heather moorland and Thriving local communities that have natural Wales.” pastureland of the summit chain, the helped shape this land for generations demands of the mountains… Range encompasses: limestone country make the Range a fulfilling place to live The Clwydian Range is higher and Iolo Williams – BBC and S4C Nature with its crags, pavements and specially and a vibrant place to visit. Delightful wilder than other famous lines of hills Presenter conserved grasslands; rivers and streams villages and interesting local towns are such as the Malverns, yet its imposing gurgling through magical wooded valleys; home to many special events and an summits and stunning views are much the varying texture of forested hillsides; and excellent range of accommodation, pubs, easier to attain than in tougher mountain the fertile farmland of the lower slopes. dining and shopping. landscapes such as Snowdonia. http://www.clwydianrangeaonb.org.uk/brandcentral/ Clwydian Range Sense of Place Toolkit 7

4. Participating in Clwydian Range initiatives

What does it mean to Shared Values Encouragement of diversity – A place where everyone is welcome “In managing this be part of the Clwydian and always has been Tranquillity – Where the rich diversity in nature is beautiful but fragile Range? – A place where you can hear as well conserved and nurtured environment it is of This magnificent scenic area stands for as see the special qualities of the some very important values. They reflect landscape – birdsong, wind across the the utmost importance Accessibility with responsibility dedication to maintaining the Range as moorland, rushing streams… – A place where things are near at hand that major initiatives a special place, both by conserving the – Where visitor activities complement and it’s easy to go as you please here are sustainable. physical landscape and by promoting the the tranquillity – walking, cycling, – Where we are all responsible for well-being of people who live and visit here. horse-riding, fishing, admiring the Maintaining a healthy protecting this special environment views, bird watching… balance between We expect all those who participate in Sustainability conservation, Clwydian Range sustainable tourism Health of body and soul – A place committed to sustainable programmes to demonstrate commitment – A place for sensitive exploration and recreation, tourism and practices in all activities to these principles in their own activities. reflection as well as the excitement of – Where “green” behaviour by all is community can only wild open spaces positively encouraged be achieved through – With an emphasis on healthy activities and learning by experiencing partnership. This toolkit Community spirit – A place that’s about its people and is an example of such Respect for nature and heritage culture as well as its scenery teamwork, built in – A place to be stimulated by natural – Where local participation in the and cultural richness in a variety of consultation with local landscape is promoted and supported settings people for the benefit of – With opportunities to learn about all all. It’s just one of the aspects of the landscape ways we can encourage attitudes and behaviour that will keep this area special for everyone.” Howard Sutcliffe – AONB Officer, Clwydian Range http://www.clwydianrangeaonb.org.uk/brandcentral/ Clwydian Range Sense of Place Toolkit 8

5. The Range story in words and pictures

There are so many aspects to the hillforts, many just fancy chilling out with building up the narrative behind them Clwydian Range story. Everyone finds a cappuccino at the Loggerheads café. in both words and pictures, so you can something about this place that’s special pick what’s interesting and relevant to the to them. For some it’s the walks and This section of the toolkit sets out the visitors you deal with, and then use that the views, others enjoy the flowers and main elements of the Clwydian Range within your own materials. butterflies of the limestone grasslands, a story, told from the visitor’s point of view. few yearn to glide above the heather and We’ve based it on a series of themes,

“The only way to really get to know places is to experience them. This Sense of Place toolkit is intended to promote exactly that. The Range landscape views nature History It aims to bring to life Dramatic upland One of Britain’s Breathtaking views Up close with nature In the footsteps of frontier of North Wales finest, most varied in open, tranquil ancestors in words and pictures landscapes countryside the wonders of this area, so familiar to those of us who live and work here. Now it’s up to us to pass on the message, encouraging others to experience the Clwydian Range, so that they enjoy and value this special landscape activities COMMUNITY attractions A place to appreciate Getting here Healthy recreation for as much as we do.” Alive with vibrant Always more to see and conserve Less discovered yet everyone communities and and do easy to reach and Vanessa Warrington – Visitor quality services explore Services Manager, Clwydian Range

http://www.clwydianrangeaonb.org.uk/brandcentral/ Clwydian Range Sense of Place Toolkit 9

5.1 The Range Dramatic upland frontier of North Wales

What’s the story? Visible from all directions, the Range Personal experience is an unmistakable natural landmark, This theme talks about the striking Geology of the Range inviting discovery and exploration. Offa’s The foundations of the Clwydian visual impact of the Clwydian Range. Dyke Path National Trail runs the length “The Clwydian Range has Range tell a dramatic story, Use it when you need to say what’s of the Range, linking the summits and been grazed by numerous which unfolded as today’s Wales giving access to wide open space with really distinctive about the area and ‘commoners’ for hundreds was assembled during a journey breathtaking views. of years, my family being northward across the globe that took why it’s a “must see” for visitors who nearly five hundred million years. love Britain’s special landscapes. Clwydian Range is named after the amongst them. This Area River Clwyd which flows in the vale of Outstanding Natural The Range’s oldest rocks were built Talking points immediately to the west. Clwyd is Beauty is managed from deep sea mud layers, crumpled pronounced like “fluid” with a “c”. today as part of a team and fractured by Earth movements. These Silurian rocks now form many • Upland frontier effort between farmers • Summit chain of the Range’s summits. Not to be missed bordering the Range • Heather and hillforts • The beautiful, quieter section of the Range and local authorities. A Today’s limestone areas, such as at • Offa’s Dyke Path National Trail from Clwyd Gate southwards recent example would be Bryn Alyn, were formed 350 million years ago from the remains of plants • The impressively individual hills of Graig that of the Heather and and creatures in shallow tropical Words to use Fawr and Moel Hiraddug to the north Hillforts project returning Carboniferous seas teeming with life. The Clwydian Range is the upland • Moel Famau with its famous Jubilee Tower the heather moorland to Next the gritstones of Moel Findeg frontier of North Wales, an imposing its former glory, whilst were laid down in river deltas and • Prestatyn hillside overlooking the Irish Sea coastal beaches. chain of hillfort-topped summits, clad also opening up the land in purple heather moorland. These run north-south for 25 miles from the coast at as additional grazing for This area was a hot desert at the Prestatyn to the Nant y Garth Pass. Further information sheep. This magnificent latitude of today’s North Africa 200 – Link to Exploring Clwydian Range landscape is representative million years ago, when the red sandstones of the Range’s lower Well known tops include Graig Fawr leaflet of our livelihoods and roots (153m), Moel Hiraddug (265m), Moel – Walking the Clwydian Range booklet slopes in the Vale of Clwyd were Maenefa (286m), Moel y Parc (398m), – Ordnance Survey maps Landranger and is worth investing in to formed. Penycloddiau (440m), Moel Arthur (456m), 116 and Explorer 265 ensure it can be enjoyed by Moel Famau (554m), Foel Fenlli (511m), – Heather and Hillforts film all who live and work here Huge ice sheets during the last Ice Moel Gyw (467m), Moel Llanfair (447m), on this DVD Age 20,000 years ago sculpted as well as those visiting the the land into the imposing line of Moel y Plas (440m) and Moel y Waun – www.heatherandhillforts.co.uk area.” summits we see today. Since then (412m). Britain’s most dramatically – www.clwydianrangeaonb.org.uk the surface look and feel of this situated Iron Age hillforts, home of the Peter Rowley Williams – Hill Farmer magnificent landscape have been Celts, perch atop some of these summits. and Chairman Clwydian Range influenced by thousands of years of Graziers Society human endeavour.

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5.1 The Range

Vew northward from Moel y Parc. Moel Famau Country Park. View southward from Moel yr Accre. Foel Fenlli. Print (26cm x 19.5cm) | Web (600px x 450px) Print (25cm x 18cm) | Web (600px x 450px) Print (26cm x 19.5cm) | Web (600px x 450px) Print (20cm x 29cm) | Web (450px x 600px)

Penycloddiau from Moel Arthur. The Range from Bryn Alyn. The Range from Bryn Alyn. Offa’s Dyke National Trail. Print (30cm x 40cm) | Web (600px x 450px) Print (40cm x 30cm) | Web (600px x 450px) Print (26cm x 40cm) | Web (450px x 600px) Print (26cm x 40cm) | (450px x 600px)

Jubillee Tower the summit of Moel Famau. Offa’s Dyke National Trail, Coed Llangwyfan. Moel Famau in winter. Moel Famau from Ruthin. Print (20cm x 15cm) | Web (600px x 450px) Print (40cm x 25cm) | Web (450px x 600px) Print (24cm x 18cm) | Web (600px x 450px) Print (40cm x 26cm) | Web (600px x 450px) To download an image for print or web, click the link below each image. http://www.clwydianrangeaonb.org.uk/brandcentral/ Clwydian Range Sense of Place Toolkit 11

5.1 The Range

Moel Famau from the top of the hill at Loggerheads. DCC. Print (25cm x 3cm) | Web (600px x 73px)

The Range from Ffridd Fawr. DCC. Print (80cm x 9cm) | Web (600px x 110px)

The Jubilee Tower, Moel Famau. DCC. Print (30cm x 6cm) | Web (600px x 165px)

To download an image for The Range from Bryn Alyn. DCC. print or web, click the link Print (60cm x 10cm) | Web (600px x 110px) below each image. http://www.clwydianrangeaonb.org.uk/brandcentral/ Clwydian Range Sense of Place Toolkit 12

5.2 Landscape One of Britain’s finest, most varied landscapes

What’s the story? The Clwydian Range embraces a delightfully advice and information about the Range, Personal experience varied range of scenery in a compact area participate in family friendly activities and This theme outlines the magnificence and of land, from wild moorland summits to enjoy excellent refreshment facilities. variety of the Clwydian Range landscape, gentle pastoral farmland. The look of the “This year, 2010, we’re the reason why it’s amongst the “crown land today is the result of generations of Not to be missed jewels” of Britain’s and Europe’s scenic endeavour by those who farm here. celebrating the 25th areas. It gives landscape highlights that • Bryn Alyn limestone crags and anniversary of the The windswept heather moorland of grasslands, a wonderful viewpoint onto you can pass on to visitors and explains Clwydian Range’s what it means to be an Area of Outstanding the highest summits is vivid purple in the Range. mid summer. Active agricultural and • The Leete path from Loggerheads Natural Beauty. designation as one of conservation management ensures the Country Park to Cilcain. moorland is in excellent condition. Britain’s landscape • The Forestry Commission woodland “crown jewels”. It’s a Talking points at Coed Nercwys. • Area of Oustanding Natural Beauty The Range’s limestone country is notable good time to remember for its rocky crags and pavements, natural • Europarc Charter grasslands and disappearing streams. Further information that Areas of Outstanding • Heather moorland – Clwydian Range Centre, Loggerheads Natural Beauty have • Limestone grassland Wooded hillsides give a different texture to Country Park a special place in the • Woodlands and river valleys the landscape, whether pine-forested or – Exploring Clwydian Range leaflet • Geological foundations with mixed deciduous tree cover. – Geodiversity of the Clwydian Range heart of the nation. leaflet They don’t happen by Words to use Rivers and streams gurgle through magical – www.clwydianrangeaonb.org.uk/ accident. These special wooded valleys, such as the River Wheeler about The Clwydian Range was designated one at Bodfari and the Alyn at Loggerheads, landscapes have been of Britain’s Areas of Outstanding Natural inspiration of Mendelssohn’s Rivulet. Beauty in 1985. There are only 5 such areas moulded and shaped by in Wales, which also has 3 National Parks. Pastureland covers much of the Range both The Europarc the communities that live These designated landscapes are the “crown on higher ground and on the fertile farmland Federation and work in them. As jewels” of the British countryside, treasured of the lower slopes. for their natural and cultural heritage. The EU’s Europarc Federation is a result of this massive the voice of Europe’s protected Rocky outcrops; remnants of lead mines; areas, helping them preserve the commitment and effort The Range has also recently been awarded slate, sandstone and limestone quarries; all continent’s natural beauty for all they’re here for all to Europarc status through the Charter point to the Range’s massive foundations, to experience and enjoy. It fosters for Sustainable Tourism in Protected bedrock up to 490 million years old. visit, enjoy and value for Landscapes. collaboration and exchange of expertise amongst its 500 members, generations to come.” Loggerheads Country Park is the gateway who manage the green jewels of Recently designated a Europarc, the to the Clwydian Range and the ideal place David Shiel – Assistant AONB Europe’s land, sea, mountains, Clwydian Range is hence also recognised to start a visit. There you can see many of Officer, Clwydian Range forests, rivers and cultural heritage. as one of Europe’s most important areas of the special features of the landscape, get Click here to download the natural beauty, protected for all to enjoy. text resources for this page. http://www.clwydianrangeaonb.org.uk/brandcentral/ Clwydian Range Sense of Place Toolkit 13

5.2 Landscape

Prestatyn hillside. Bryn Alyn. Ffynnon Beuno Caves, Tremeirchion. Limestone pavement at Bryn Alyn. Print (30cm x 40cm) | Web (450px x 600px) Print (40cm x 30cm) | Web (600px x 450px) Print (30cm x 40cm) | Web (450px x 600px) Print (40cm x 26cm) | Web (450px x 600px)

Heather on Moel Famau. Cottage near Cilcain. Hawthorn at Bryn Alyn. Sunset over Moel Famau from Coed Nercwys. Print (22cm x 30cm) | Web (450px x 600px) Print (43cm x 29cm) | Web (600px x 450px) Print (29cm x 43cm) | Web (450px x 600px) Print (26cm x 20cm) | Web (600px x 450px)

Moel Arthur. Loggerheads Country Park. Moel Fenlli. Limestone pavement at Bryn Alyn. Print (26cm x 19.5cm) | Web (600px x 450px) Print (18cm x 24cm) | Web (450px x 600px) Print (27cm x 42cm) | Web (450px x 600px) Print (43cm x 29cm) | Web (600px x 450px) To download an image for print or web, click the link below each image. http://www.clwydianrangeaonb.org.uk/brandcentral/ Clwydian Range Sense of Place Toolkit 14

5.2 Landscape

View from Graig Fawr, Meliden. DCC. Print (60cm x 6cm) | Web (600px x 73px)

Sunrise, Coed Moel Famau. DCC. Print (25cm x 7cm) | Web (600px x 110px)

Moel Famau from the Vale of Clwyd. DCC. Print (40cm x 13cm) | Web (600px x 165px) To download an image for print or web, click the link below each image. http://www.clwydianrangeaonb.org.uk/brandcentral/ Clwydian Range Sense of Place Toolkit 15

5.3 Views Breathtaking views in open, tranquil countryside

What’s the story? the Irish Sea to the north – Merseyside, Not to be missed Personal experience the plains and Pennines of England to the The stunning views both of the Range • Gwaenysgor viewpoint car park east – Llantysilio Mountain and Berwyn overlooking the coast and from the Range are spotlighted to the south – Cader Idris, Snowdonia, • View towards Rhyl from the summit of “The weather is a big part here, helping you to encourage people Great Orme to the west. Graig Fawr of the Clwydian Range to visit the best viewpoints. The views vary depending on position • Outlook from the windswept top of experience, as I found out along the Range, to the north Prestatyn Moel y Gyw when filming in the area Talking points Hillside and Moel Hiraddug offer • The northern Range as seen from the for Weatherman Walking. sensational views of the coast, at the common above Rhosesmor • Panoramas of the main ridge from On a clear day the views southern end Moel y Plas looks toward • The southern Range seen from Bryn east and west from the lofty summits are the remote country of Berwyn. Alyn or Moel Findeg • Viewpoints in the north towards the • The view from Denbigh castle sensational in all directions, sea Moel Famau Country Park is the summit • The Range’s highest viewpoint on literally putting life in • Viewpoints in the south towards of the Clwydian Range – this area of perspective. With the wind heather moorland includes the highest Moel Famau remote country in your hair it’s a great place • Central viewpoints on the Range point on the Range’s summit chain, to to blow away the cobwebs • Many wonderful long distance vistas, which there is straightforward access Further visitor from Bwlch Penbarras car park. Atop and get refreshed. In the e.g. to Snowdonia information Moel Famau are the ruins of the Jubilee mist it’s more intimate and – Exploring Clwydian Range leaflet Tower, the Range’s iconic monument other worldly being closed Words to use famously visible from all directions. – www.clwydianrangeaonb.org.uk/ off from your surroundings. For many people the Clwydian Range is panoramic-views special because of its breathtaking views. The views onto the main ridge are many And without the occasional The open spaces are also refreshingly and varied, such as from the limestone rain we wouldn’t have peaceful, so you can listen to nature as crags of Bryn Alyn, the viewpoint at the beautiful greens and well as look at the scenery. Loggerheads Country Park, the town purples of the grassland of Denbigh and the common above the The Jubilee Tower This stands on the summit of Moel and heather moors to enjoy. Views of the Range, especially from village of Rhosesmor. Famau, high point of the Range. east and west, are truly panoramic – an Whatever the weather, After sunset the outlook is no less Designed by Thomas Harrison of Chester unmistakable outline of the imposing in the syle of an Egyptian obelisk, the the Range is definitely a exceptional. A lack of light pollution summit chain. The ridge itself towers tower was built in 1810 to commemorate highlight of our wonderful means that on a clear night you can see above the surrounding land and sea, the Golden Jubilee of George III. In 1862 Welsh countryside and well countless stars in the dark skies. giving a lofty viewpoint on everything a storm caused its collapse. The remains worth a visit !” around and about. provide a remarkable viewpoint as far afield as the Isle of Man and Snowdonia Derek Brockway – Weatherman Views from the Range are amongst the on a clear day. Walking, BBC Wales most open and varied in Wales – towards

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5.3 Views

Moel Arthur, Iron Age Hillfort. View from Bryn Alyn. View from Moel Findeg. Looking out from Bryn Alyn. Print (40cm x 30cm) | Web (600px x 450px) Print (40cm x 30cm) | Web (600px x 450px) Print (35cm x 26cm) | Web (600px x 450px) Print (35cm x 26cm) | Web (600px x 450px)

View over Rhyl and Great Orme from summit of Moel Hiraddug. Sunrise Moel Famau. Sunrise Moel Famau. Early morning at Moel Famau. Print (26cm x 19cm) | Web (600px x 450px) Print (20cm x 15cm) | Web (600px x 450px) Print (26cm x 20cm) | Web (600px x 450px) Print (20cm x 15cm) | Web (600px x 450px)

Loggerheads Country Park. DCC. Enjoying the view at Loggerheads. Penycloddiau. Moel Famau from Loggerheads. DCC. Print (15cm x 20cm) | Web (450px x 600px) Print (35cm x 26cm) | Web (600px x 450px) Print (30cm x 40cm) | Web (800px x 1200px) Print (20cm x 15cm) | Web (600px x 450px) To download an image for print or web, click the link below each image. http://www.clwydianrangeaonb.org.uk/brandcentral/ Clwydian Range Sense of Place Toolkit 17

5.3 Views

Moel Famau from the top of the hill at Loggerheads. DCC. Print (40cm x 8cm) | Web (1600px x 320px)

Overlooking Rhyl and Prestatyn from Graig Fawr. DCC. Print (60cm x 6cm) | Web (1600px x 170px)

Views from Moel Famau. DDC. Print (60cm x 15cm) | Web (1600px x 440px) To download an image for print or web, click the link below each image. http://www.clwydianrangeaonb.org.uk/brandcentral/ Clwydian Range Sense of Place Toolkit 18

5.3 Views

View of the Range from Gop Hill. DCC. Print (40cm x 8cm) | Web (1000px x 106px)

Views of the Range south of Penycloddiau. DCC. Print (60cm x 13cm) | Web (1000px x 217px)

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5.4 Nature Up close with nature

What’s the story? woodland of the Alyn river valley Special Pen-y-Ffrith Bird Gardens, with its Personal experience Area of Conservation (SAC) is home to waterfowl, pheasants, rheas and owls. Here we talk about biodiversity, so otters, dippers and the emblematic herb Loggerheads Country Park, wildflower that you can be knowledgable with paris at Loggerheads Country Park. garden and nature trail through river “The heather moorland, visitors about the Range’s wonderful valley, woodland and limestone crags with its intense purple Elsewhere hawthorn, mountain ash and array of flora and fauna. and grassland conifer plantations can be seen on the colour and distinctive hillsides, whilst oak and birch thrive in birdlife, is perhaps the Further information Talking points the valleys. best known aspect of - Clwydian Range Centre at Loggerheads • Wildflowers and butterflies of the this area’s flora and limestone grasslands The moorland mix of heather, gorse and - Leaflets and websites for highlighted bilberry, supports grouse, stonechat and fauna. But for me it’s • Ash woodland of the Alyn river valley at nature locations whinchat, and is visited by buzzards - www.clwydianrangeaonb.org.uk/ the amazing variety Loggerheads sweeping over the high ground. • Upland birds of the heather, gorse and biodiversity of habitat that makes bilberry moorland The rolling grassland hills and pastoral the Clwydian Range • Grazing animals of the uplands fringes, grazed by sheep, cattle and exceptional. Within • Many specially conserved nature sites horses, are also frequented by hares. to visit a relatively small The rivers and lakes are inhabited by Strange shapes in the area you can also find carp, trout and salmon, and attract much heather help black grouse wooded river valleys, Words to use birdlife including the kingfisher. The opportunity to get up close with Many people wonder what the strange limestone grasslands, nature is the top attraction for many shapes cut into the heather are, for areas of pine forest, who visit the Range. The area’s diverse Not to be missed example on Moel Famau. They’re part scenery provides for a spectacular variety Coed Nercwys home to nightjars, long of the upland management that has secluded lakes and of habitats that support a wealth of flora eared owls and great crested newts. taken place here for generations. A rolling pastureland. combination of burning and cutting and fauna. Llyn Gweryd nature trail and wildfowl park. encourages new heather to grow, Each supports a North Wales Wildlife Trust sites at Graig providing fresh grazing for sheep, also The limestone grasslands are rich in wild characteristic mix of Tremeirchion, Dyserth and Aberduna. creating excellent nesting and feeding flowers such as cowslip, rockrose and plants and wildlife, Woodland Trust site at Coed Ceunant. areas for upland birds. This is especially autumn gentian, providing an ideal habitat important for the black grouse, one of the so that the Range as a for butterflies and moths, for example the Moel Findeg includes birch woodland, heath and purple moor-grass wetland. rarest birds in Wales, found here in small whole is a wonderful Sites of Special Scientific Interest (SSSI) numbers. Very early on spring mornings at Bryn Alyn and Loggerheads. Bishops Wood - Site of Special Scientific male black grouse gather to display and mosiac of nature.” Interest (SSSI) near Prestatyn compete for females. The grouse “lek” Kate Taylor - Senior Biodiversity Broadleaved woodlands represent a link Coed Bell where bluebells carpet the is an extraordinary and increasingly rare Officer, Denbighshire County with the landscape as it appeared after semi-natural woodland in the spring. spectacle in the hills of North Wales. Council the last ice age. For example the ash Click here to download the text resources for this page. http://www.clwydianrangeaonb.org.uk/brandcentral/ Clwydian Range Sense of Place Toolkit 20

5.4 Nature

Wild Garlic Ramsons. DCC. Coed Bell. DCC. Moel Famau. DCC. Tree, Bryn Alyn. DCC. Print (30cm x 22cm) | Web (600px x 450px) Print (22cm x 25cm) | Web (450px x 600px) Print (20cm x 17cm) | Web (1200px x 1030px) Print (26cm x 19.5cm) | Web (600px x 450px)

Old Trees, Moel Famau. DCC. Tortoiseshell on Devil’s Bit Scabious. DCC. Hoverfly on Devils Bit Scabious. DCC. Bloody Cranesbill. DCC. Print (25cm x 18cm) | Web (600px x 450px) Print (22cm x 16.5cm) | Web (600px x 450px) Print (22cm x 16.5cm) | Web (600px x 450px) Print (34cm x 25.5cm) | Web (450px x 600px)

Watching for black grouse. DCC. Grass snake. DCC. Autumnal woods. DCC. Print (22cm x 16.5cm) | Web (600px x 450px) Print (19.5cm x 26cm) | Web (450px x 600px) Print (19.5cm x 26cm) | Web (450px x 600px) To download an image for print or web, click the link below each image. http://www.clwydianrangeaonb.org.uk/brandcentral/ Clwydian Range Sense of Place Toolkit 21

5.5 History In the footsteps of ancestors

What’s the story? Offa’s Dyke Path National Trail, linking • Evidence of former lead mining at many of the Range’s summits and Loggerheads Country Park Moel Arthur hillfort This theme deals with the Range’s hillforts, calls to mind the former Mercian • Tour of Golden Grove Elizabethan The prominent dome-shaped cultural heritage. Many visitors are lands of King Offa nearby. manor house (pre-booking required) summit of Moel Arthur nestles interested in the human history of a between Penycloddiau and Moel Well-preserved churches within and landscape and will value any insights Llys y Coed. The Iron Age hillfort just beyond the Range illustrate how here was built around 2,500 years you can give them on this. many of today’s settlements grew up in Personal experience ago. Although small it has some of Medieval times. the largest ramparts of all the hillforts in the area. Activity on Moel Arthur Nearby, Edward I’s castles at Denbigh, “The Clwydian Range Talking points wasn’t just limited to the Iron Age. Ewloe, Flint, Rhuddlan and Ruthin evoke a is a landscape where There is a possible Bronze Age burial • Iron Age hillforts and the Celts period of English control over Welsh land. • Well-preserved medieval churches and you can reach out and mound in the centre of the hillfort and evidence of quarrying on the settlements Dramatic examples of this area’s mining touch the past. The southern edge of the hill. Legend • Castles at Denbigh, Ewloe, Flint, and quarrying tradition are a reminder of dramatically situated has it that the hill was also exploited Rhuddlan and Ruthin its industrial heritage. hillforts, beautifully during the ‘Cilcain Gold Rush’, by • Mining and quarrying heritage ever-optimistic gold diggers. The Mold Gold Cape replica in nearby preserved medieval Mold Museum is an iconic artefact churches and spectacular Words to use featured in the BBC / British Museum’s Clwydian Range resounds with echoes “History of the World in 100 Objects”. scars of former mines and of the past. The immense impact of quarries are all there right Further information human endeavour on this landscape You can get an impression of what it was in front of us. Nowhere – Heather and Hillforts series of hillfort over thousands of years is clear to see in like in days gone by to be under lock and leaflets living evidence from prehistoric, medieval key in this area’s historic Gaol at Ruthin. is this immediate sense – Enjoy Medieval Denbighshire brochure and modern times. of history more apparent – www.clwydianrangeaonb.org.uk/ than at Penycloddiau. historical-landscape The six hillforts astride the Clwydian Not to be missed – CADW website Range summit chain are the most • Hillfort locations of Penycloddiau, Moel Recent restoration of this www.cadw.wales.gov.uk/ dramatic in Britain, representing one Arthur and Foel Fenlli enigmatic Iron Age site of the highest concentrations of Iron • Medieval churches at Llanarmon-yn- gives a genuine feel of the Age settlement in western Europe and lal, Llanfair Dyffryn Clwyd, Llanferres, place our Celtic forbears providing an insight into the lifestyle of Cilcain, Nannerch, Llandyrnog, Bodfari, the early Celts. Tremeirchion, Dyserth, Gwaenysgor called home.” The Range also includes Stone Age and Llanasa Fiona Gale - County Archaeologist, caves and Bronze Age burial monuments • Rhuddlan Castle Denbighshire County Council and axe factories, such as at Moel Arthur. Click here to download the text resources for this page. http://www.clwydianrangeaonb.org.uk/brandcentral/ Clwydian Range Sense of Place Toolkit 22

5.5 History

Crossville Teahouse & Gardens, Loggerheads. Jubilee Tower, Moel Famau around 1910. Devil’s Gorge, Alyn Valley. Clive Engine house, Meliden. Print (25cm x 15cm) | Web (600px x 367px) Print (27cm x 17cm) | Web (600px x 378px) Print (24cm x 18cm) | Web (600px x 450px) Print (30cm x 40cm) | Web (450px x 600px)

Church of Corpus Christi, Tremeirchion. Devil’s Gorge, Alyn Valley. Medieval re-enactment, Moel Famau. Penycloddiau on the Offa’s Dyke Path. Print (40cm x 30cm) | Web (600px x 450px) Print (18cm x 24cm) | Web (450px x 600px) Print (25cm x 17cm) | Web (600px x 450px) Denbighshire Countryside Services. Print (23cm x 17cm) | Web (600px x 450px)

Medieval reenactment. Medieval re-enactment, Moel Famau. The River Alyn at Loggerheads.. Dyserth Church. DCC. Print (30cm x 22cm) | Web (600px x 4500px) Print (25cm x 19cm) | Web (600px x 450px) Print (24cm x 18cm) | Web (600px x 450px) Print (17cm x 17cm) | Web (600px x 450px) To download an image for print or web, click the link below each image. http://www.clwydianrangeaonb.org.uk/brandcentral/ Clwydian Range Sense of Place Toolkit 23

5.6 Activities Healthy recreation for everyone

What’s the story? the valleys, perhaps taking in a pub lunch practitioners who must first acquire a Personal experience – there are also many opportunities for permit. This theme concentrates on the many guided walks, especially in Loggerheads, outdoor pursuits that people enjoy Moel Famau Country Parks, also on Abseiling – at the Devil’s Gorge, a on the Range, helping you to point Prestatyn Hillside. disused lead mine between Loggerheads “I have got wonderful Country Park and Cilcain, qualified visitors in the right direction for their memories of the area. As Cycling and Mountain Biking – service providers offer instruction and chosen activity. undulating scenery, a network of equipment for a thrilling rock and rope a boy I often used to go on side roads, quiet lanes, by-ways experience. family walks and school and bridleways make for varied and trips around the Clwydian Talking points interesting cycling throughout the Range, with more demanding mountain bike Range. I’ve got so many • Walking, including Guided Walks country nearby at Coed Llandegla. Further information great recollections of • Cycling and Mountain Biking – Walking, cycling and other activity places like Loggerheads • Horse Riding Horse Riding – on horseback is one leaflets from the Range Centre or • Fishing of the best ways to see many parts of website and Moel Famau. It’s a • Para Gliding the Range – uncrowded bridle ways – www.clwydiancountry.co.uk/menu/ really beautiful part of with spectacular views from the saddle activities/ Wales and one that more provide for short rides or longer treks. – www.clwydianrangeaonb.org.uk/ visiting people should sample Words to use Fishing – specialist facilities provide – www.ridetheclwyds.com/ - and will enjoy. When The Range is a great place to be active for excellent fishing in wonderful people are local to an area in the fresh air amidst beautiful scenery surroundings, such as carp fishing at – the emphasis is on tranquil enjoyment beautiful Llyn Gweryd. Offa’s Dyke Path they sometimes don’t see but there are also some specialist National Trail or appreciate just how opportunities for thrill seekers. Whatever Photography and Painting – be Offa’s Dyke Path is one of Britain’s much natural beauty is you choose you’ll experience the special creative in the fresh air with a wealth finest long distance trails. Opened qualities of this area in magnificent, safe, around them and on their of scenery, nature and cultural heritage in 1971 it runs the length of the accessible surroundings. to capture on memory card or film, Wales-England border for 177 miles, doorstep. But believe me, sketchbook or canvas – like famous linking Chepstow with Prestatyn. the Clwydian Range is a Walking – this is wonderfully varied British landscape artist Richard Wilson The trail is named after the country with something for everyone, really lovely place, one who once immortalised the landscapes spectacular dyke which King Offa including a sense of wildness, but without of Loggerheads and Moel Famau. constructed in the 8th century as a which I can definitely the demands of more mountainous boundary for his Kingdom of Mercia. recommend people from landscapes – follow Offa’s Dyke Path, Para gliding – a regulated site Within the Range the path follows one of Britain’s greatest long distance near and far to visit.” between Bwlch Penbarras car park the hilltops rather than the actual trails, the length of the Range – or just and Moel Famau provides excellent dyke, providing a wonderful route Ian Rush, Liverpool and Wales enjoy short strolls to viewpoints, day hikes paragliding opportunities for experienced along the summit chain. footballing legend through varied scenery or gentle walks in

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5.6 Activities

Offa’s Dyke National Trail, Penycloddiau. DCC. Moel Findeg and Moel Famau. DCC. Prestayn Hillside. DCC. Cycling the Range. DCC. Print (35cm x 26cm) | Web (600px x 450px) Print (28cm x 37cm) | Web (450px x 600px) Print (20cm x 15cm) | Web (600px x 450px) Print (13cm x 17cm) | Web (450px x 600px)

Bwlch Pen Barras - Winter time. DCC. Fishing. DCC. Merida Mountain bike event, Moel Famau. DCC. Cycling - Ride the Clwyds. DCC. Print (15cm x 30cm) | Web (450px x 600px) Print (30cm x 22cm) | Web (450px x 600px) Print (20cm x 15cm) | Web (600px x 450px) Print (19cm x 14cm) | Web (600px x 450px)

Bird Watching. © Crown copyright (2010) Visit Wales. Fishing the Dee. DCC. Horse Riding. © Crown copyright (2010) Visit Wales. Paragliding. © Crown copyright (2010) Visit Wales. Print (10cm x 13cm) | Web (450px x 600px) Print (10cm x 4cm) | Web (600px x 450px) Print (10cm x 13cm) | Web (450px x 600px) Print (13cm x 10cm) | Web (600px x 450px) To download an image for print or web, click the link below each image. http://www.clwydianrangeaonb.org.uk/brandcentral/ Clwydian Range Sense of Place Toolkit 25

5.7 Community Alive with vibrant communities and quality services

What’s the story? For many of the Range’s visitors, Services provided to visitors in the Personal experience Active communities with roots in the exploration of the Clwydian Range villages and towns of the Range include: represents a continuing tradition • High standards and a warm welcome at landscape are the lifeblood of the enjoyed by generations. For example, B&Bs, Guest Houses and Hotels Clwydian Range. This section helps trips to Loggerheads Country Park • Self catering accommodation with “It’s important to make you explain what’s special about the from Merseyside, borne of school and family-friendly facilities it easy for visitors and people in and around the Range, as family visits since the 19th Century, are • Well appointed campsites & caravan parks locals to find information well as summarising the top quality maintained to this day. • Traditional country pubs, many serving wholesome, home cooked food services they offer visitors. on the internet about our Many of the attractive stone villages of • An excellent range of restaurants, tea thriving communities. the Range are conservation areas and shops and coffee houses well worth exploring for their churches, The Clwydian Range Talking points local walks, country pubs, tea houses business group directory • Community roots in the landscape and shops, e.g. Graigfechan, Llanarmon- Further information yn-lal, Llanbedr Dyffryn Clwyd, Eryrys, lists all sorts of tourist • Villages and towns to visit – Out and about in Denbighshire booklet Maeshafn, Llanferres, Loggerheads, – Links to village websites services. Our villages and • Local events Cilcain, Llandyrnog, Nannerch, Bodfari, – www.clwydiancountry.co.uk/menu/ towns also have their own • Fresh local produce Tremeirchion, Cwm, Dyserth, Gwaenysgor, places-to-stay/ • Local services Llanasa. – http://www.clwydiancountry.co.uk/ websites, highlighting menu/food-and-drink/ Towns just off the Range – Ruthin, historic features, Words to use Mold, Denbigh, St Asaph, Prestayn and – http://www.clwydiancountry.co.uk/ special events and local Rhyl - also have traditional links with menu/services/ Vibrant local communities are the heartbeat facilities. We encourage the landscape and offer comprehensive – http://www.clwydiancountry.co.uk/ of the Clwydian Range – their traditions facilities (see “Attractions” section menu/events/ all businesses and and close ties to the land are very much for more). alive in this distinctively Welsh area, organisations in the area revealed both in the many events that take Events that highlight the special Caffi Florence to ensure they’re visible place within the Range and the excellent relationship between community and Alongside the tea gardens at Loggerheads local services available to visitors. on these web pages, which landscape include: Country Park is Caffi Florence. Run by Jane • Prestatyn Walking Festival in May Clough and her team since 2008, the café is we’ve linked into www. The people of the Clwydian Range have • Woodfest at St Asaph in June a brilliant example of how a community can a unique north east Walean perspective, clwydianrangeaonb.org. • Gwˆ yl Rhuthun / Ruthin Festival in July take great pride in its special surroundings very much a part of rural Wales but with • The Denbigh & Flint Show in August and create a high quality service to match uk, so people can find strong links across the nearby border • Llanarmon-yn-lal Show and Sheep Dog them. Based on local produce, freshly everything about the with England. The Welsh language and Trials in August prepared by local staff, Caffi Florence offers culture thrive here in a way that is open Clwydian Range in one • Cilcain Show & Mountain Race in August the thousands who visit this gateway to the and welcoming to all, such as at Theatr • Mold Food Festival in September Clwydian Range not only excellent food and place.” Clwyd in Mold, one of the nation’s most • Many family friendly activities at drink, but also an insight into the rich social important centres for the dramatic arts in Marilyn Jeffery – IT Support, Loggerheads Country Park heritage of the country park and a venue for Welsh and English. new events and activities. Clwydian Range Business Group

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5.7 Community

‘Herbs’ Newsagents. White Horse Inn, Cilcain. DCC. The Village of Cwm. The Denbigh and Flint Agricultural Show. DCC. Print (14cm x 19cm) | Web (450px x 600px) Print (30cm x 20cm) | Web (450px x 600px) Print (16cm x 21cm) | Web (450px x 600px) Print (18cm x 13cm) | Web (600px x 450px)

The Denbigh and Flint Agricultural Show. DCC. Sheep at the Denbigh and Flint Agricultural Show. DCC. Dining at the Talardy Hotel, St Asaph. © Crown copyright (2010) Socialising at the Talardy Hotel, St Asaph. © Crown copyright Print (15cm x 10cm) | Web (600px x 450px) Print (15cm x 11cm) | Web (600px x 450px) Visit Wales. (2010) Visit Wales. Print (15cm x 10cm) | Web (600px x 450px) Print (15cm x 10cm) | Web (600px x 450px)

Local markets. Denbighshire County Council. Golden Grove, Gwaenysgor. Print (10cm x 15cm) | Web (1200px x 900px) Print (16cm x 12cm) | Web (1200px x 800px) To download an image for print or web, click the link below each image. http://www.clwydianrangeaonb.org.uk/brandcentral/ Clwydian Range Sense of Place Toolkit 27

5.8 Attractions Always more to see and do

What’s the story? of Bishop Asaph, the salmon and the – www.ruthincraftcentre.org.uk Personal experience ring – use the extensive leisure centre – www.eryri-npa.gov.uk It’s important to convey to visitors in summer – www.visitanglesey.co.uk that as well as the immediate area • Golden sands, sea breezes and all the – www.ahne-llyn-aonb.org “North Wales has so of the protected landscape, a stay fun of the prom at Prestatyn and Rhyl – – www.visitliverpool.com much to offer the in the Clwydian Range provides a within walking distance of an excellent – www.visitchester.com great base for trips to attractions both range of shops and stores visitor. As people speed nearby and within a day trip from • The fascinating coastal landscape and towards the splendours wildlife of the dunes at Gronant of Snowdonia or the here. That’s what this theme aims to • Llangollen and the Dee valley - explain. spectacular landscapes, including the Gronant Dunes, Lleyn they often Medieval abbey of Valle Crucis and Prestatyn overlook the less castle of Dinas Bran, steam trains, The dunes at Gronant form a vaunted but equally Talking points horse drawn barges, international eisteddfod and Pontcysyllte aqueduct very different sort of conserved special countryside of landscape. This unspoilt area of • Other attractions close by world heritage site the borderlands. The • Possible day trips from here coastal duneland near Prestatyn has an atmosphere all its own. The Just a day trip away Clwydian Range is the empty, windswept, open spaces are Near the Range • Venture into the rugged mountains of heartland of this area, home to the last colony in Wales of • Ruthin – a traditional market town that Snowdonia or the wild land of Berwyn the Little Tern, Britain’s second rarest its scenic highlight. has retained its character – visit the • Discover the two other Areas of breeding seabird. These summer Clear presentation Craft Centre and the Gaol – browse Outstanding Natural Beauty in North visitors from West Africa are watched of this outstanding distinctive shops with all the usual Wales, Anglesey and Lleyn around the clock to protect them services • Experience the magnificent Roman city from predators. landscape is a great • Mold – famed for its Gold Cape (there’s of Chester step forward for tourism a replica in the Museum) and Theatr • Cross the Mersey to the great city of here. It helps us show Clwyd – visit the imposing town square Liverpool, World Heritage Site home of for a good selection of shops and the Liver Birds and the Beatles visitors what they are facilities missing and encourage • Denbigh – dating back to the wider exploration of 11th Century the county town of Further information Denbighshire is known for its castle and our wonderfully varied – www.northwalesborderlands.co.uk walls, with a good range of shops and region.” – www.llangollen.org.uk facilities – www.rhyl-prestatyn.co.uk David Evans – Tourism Manager, • St Asaph – see the smallest ancient Flintshire County Council – www.clwyd-theatr-cymru.co.uk cathedral in Britain – hear the legend

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5.8 Attractions

Flint Castle. © Crown copyright (2010) Visit Wales. Canal boat on the Pontcysyllte Aqueduct. © Crown copyright Llangollen Railway. © Crown copyright (2010) Visit Wales. Llangollen International Music Eisteddfod. © Crown copyright Print (16cm x 10cm) | Web (450px x 600px) (2010) Visit Wales. Print (16cm x 11cm) | Web (600px x 450px) (2010) Visit Wales. Print (15cm x 10cm) | Web (600px x 450px) Print (15cm x 10cm) | Web (600px x 450px)

Rhuddlan Castle. © Crown copyright (2010) Visit Wales. St Asaph Cathedral. Denbigh Castle. © Crown copyright (2010) Visit Wales. Ruthin Gaol. DCC. Print (12cm x 15cm) | Web (450px x 600px) Print (25cm x 19cm) | Web (600px x 450px) Print (15cm x 10cm) | Web (600px x 450px) Print (10cm x 13cm) | Web (450px x 600px)

Chester. Visit Chester and Cheshire. Ruthin Craft Centre.. DCC. Children playing on the beach, Prestatyn. © Crown copyright Liver building and dock in Liverpool. Print (15cm x 12cm) | Web (600px x 450px) Print (10cm x 4cm) | Web (600px x 450px) (2010) Visit Wales. Print (22cm x 16cm) | Web (600px x 450px) To download an image for Print (15cm x 10cm) | Web (600px x 450px) print or web, click the link below each image. http://www.clwydianrangeaonb.org.uk/brandcentral/ Clwydian Range Sense of Place Toolkit 29

5.9 Learning and Caring A place to appreciate and conserve

What’s the story? Many sites of special interest are Personal experience Further information You may well deal with interpreted through information displays – www.clwydianrangeaonb.org.uk/ and leaflets. educational groups or volunteers events “I’ve been a member of the – www.clwydianrangeaonb.org.uk/ who value the Range as a special conservation volunteers volunteering landscape to learn about or care Getting involved with in the Clwydian Range for. This theme summarises the landscape for 12 years. The work information they’ll find of interest. The landscape of the Clwydian Range we do is very rewarding: doesn’t look after itself, but thankfully maintaining footpaths, Heather and there are many whose life’s work is to Talking points keep this place special. hedge laying, coppicing Hillforts project • Educational activities and events woodland, heather Until recently the Range’s iconic • Opportunities to get involved Conservation staff of the Clwydian burning and dry stone hillforts and glorious purple heather had been in decline, due to changes • Sources of further information Range team, Forestry Commission Wales, North Wales Wildlife Trust and walling are just some in farming practices and degradation other organisations work closely with the of the jobs we lend a of the moorland. So a special Heather and Hillforts project was set up to local farming community to care for this hand with. It’s all given Words to use wonderful scenery, its habitats, wildlife restore this special landscape. It’s an active partnership between those Clwydian Range is a great place to learn and heritage. me a much deeper who farm this land and experts from more about our natural environment and understanding of this the Clwydian Range team. As a result Notable successes in recent years include cultural heritage. Its varied scenery, flora, outstanding landscape these dramatic summits are back fauna, underlying geology and historical great improvements to the heather and a strong sense of to their best and now protected for importance all provide excellent learning moorland and iron age hillforts, working in generations to come. opportunities for primary, secondary, close partnership with local landowners. connection with my higher and adult education. surroundings. The But there’s always more to do and you Loggerheads Country Park in particular can help. Many people gain personal volunteers are a great hosts a programme of educational events fulfillment and a lot of fun from being team and we have lots and welcomes numerous school groups, members of the local conservation of fun as well as getting many run by the Forest Education Team, volunteer programme. Forestry Commission Wales. plenty of exercise. I’d recommend volunteering IMPIO is the forest education initiative in to anyone who cares about north east Wales. Also the Arden Education group is based at Aberduna Quarry. this special place.” Tony King – Conservation Volunteer, Clwydian Range

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5.9 Learning and Caring

The Clwydian Range Centre at Loggerheads Country Park. The Clwydian Range Centre at Loggerheads Country Park. Educational Activities in the Clwydian Range. Denbighshire Events at Loggerheads Country Park. Denbighshire Countryside Denbighshire Countryside Services. Denbighshire Countryside Services. Countryside Services. Services. Print (19cm x 14cm) | Web (600px x 450px) Print (19cm x 14cm) | Web (600px x 450px) Print (18cm x 24cm) | Web (450px x 600px) Print (19cm x 14cm) | Web (600px x 450px)

Heather restoration with Volunteers on Moel Famau. Volunteers improving access. Denbighshire Countryside Working with Volunteers. Denbighshire Countryside Services. Working with Volunteers. Denbighshire Countryside Services. Denbighshire Countryside Services. Services. Print (26cm x 20cm) | Web (600px x 450px) Print (20cm x 26cm) | Web (450px x 600px) Print (26cm x 20cm) | Web (600px x 450px) Print (20cm x 26cm) | Web (4500px x 600px)

Celebration event at the Jubilee Tower. Denbighshire Countryside Heather burning for management. Denbighshire Countryside Volunteering in the Clwydian Range. Denbighshire Countryside Footpath work in the hillforts. Denbighshire Countryside Services. Services. Services. Services. To download an image for Print (26cm x 20cm) | Web (600px x 450px) Print (20cm x 26cm) | Web (450px x 6000px) Print 26cm x 20cm) | Web (600px x 450px) Print (20cm x 26cm) | Web (450px x 600px) print or web, click the link below each image. http://www.clwydianrangeaonb.org.uk/brandcentral/ Clwydian Range Sense of Place Toolkit 31

5.10 Getting here Less discovered yet easy to reach and explore

What’s the story? England and beyond via the motorway Not to be missed Personal experience network of the M56, M6 and M62. This theme highlights how easy it is • Offa’s Dyke Path National Trail, running the length of the Range to visit the Clwydian Range and that Main line trains to Prestatyn give access • Loggerheads and Moel Famau “The Clwydian Range is even so it is still one of Britain’s least to the northern end of the Range, whilst long distance bus routes serve Country Parks an accessible landscape crowded special landscapes. This surrounding towns and link with local • Coed Nercwys All User Trail for people of all should help you explain to potential services into the Range itself. abilities to visit. There visitors how the Range really is within are numerous trails, reach wherever they’re coming from. The Clwydian Ranger bus service Further information operates in summer on Sundays and viewpoints and places – Exploring Clwydian Range visitor Bank Holiday Monday, providing further leaflet of interest where, for transport options from July to September. Talking points – Visitor leaflets for Loggerheads and example, our daughter Moel Famau Country Parks Walking and cycling routes within the - who uses a wheelchair • How to get here – Forestry Commission visitor leaflet for Range link with major public rights of • Maps of the Range and its Coed Nercwys - can enjoy and share way, such as the Wales Coast Path and surroundings – www.clwydianrangeaonb.org.uk North Wales Coast Cycle Route. in the magic of this • Accessibility of key locations – www.ridetheclwyds.com Once within the Range, much of the beautiful area. Our own – www.northwalesborderlands.co.uk/ scenery is within reach for most people. how-get-here positive experience of this has proved helpful Words to use There is access for all abilities at The Clwydian Range is exceptionally easy Loggerheads Country Park, one of the in advising local to get to and explore. But that doesn’t Range’s highlights. Car parks on the Loggerheads Country businesses on all-ability mean its overcrowded with visitors. ridge give straightforward routes to Park Trail hilltops, viewpoints, hillforts and other access matters, working Loggerheads is the gateway to the points of interest. together to ensure This is actually one of Britain’s least Clwydian Range. In a compact and crowded scenic areas. For every square beautiful area, just off the main road that our wonderful Offa’s Dyke Path National Trail and the mile of protected landscape, the Range between Mold and Ruthin, you can rest of the Clwydian Range’s network of countryside is special attracts less than half the number of find much of what’s special about footpaths, bridleway and byways make for everyone.” visitors that the nearby Snowdonia the Range – magical wooded valleys, for a wealth of interesting routes to suit National Park receives. stunning limestone cliffs, views of the Kelly Benton – Accessibility Officer, all abilities and ambitions. heather clad summits, fascinating Clwydian Range Tourism Group Getting here is very straightforward. industrial and social heritage. The Park’s recently improved all abilities The Range is well served by road, trail enables everyone to experience especially the A55 North Wales trunk this beautiful landscape. route, with good links to north west

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5.10 Getting here

Family Cycling. DCC. Ride the Clwyds, Above Cilcain. DCC. Start of Offas Dyke path at Prestatyn. DCC. Walkers at the Offa’s Dyke Path Monument, Prestatyn. DCC. Print (24cm x 18cm) | Web (600px x 450px) Print (17cm x 13cm) | Web (600px x 450px) Print (30cm x 20cm) | Web (450px x 600px) Print (16cm x 20cm) | Web (450px x 600px)

Offa’s Dyke Path Monument, Prestatyn. DCC. Roman helmet sculpture at Prestatyn Hillside Gardens. DCC. The Clwydian Ranger Bus Service. Denbighshire Countryside Llangollen Railway. © Crown copyright (2010) Visit Wales. Print (15cm x 20cm) | Web (600px x 450px) Print (13cm x 20cm) | Web (600px x 490px) Services. Print (34cm x 28cm) | Web (600px x 490px) Print (15cm x 10cm) | Web (600px x 450px)

M62 M6

M61

Liverpool Manchester

Warrington Prestatyn Llandudno M53 Holyhead Rhyl M56

A55 A55 Conwy Northwich A55 Bangor A55

Denbigh ENGLAND Chester M6 Mold Caernarfon A5 Ruthin A483

Stoke on Trent A494 A487 A5 Wrexham

Blaenau Ffestiniog Whitchurch

Pwllheli A41 Oswestry A470 Stafford A494

A5 Shrewsbury Telford W ALE S M54 M42

Wolverhampton Local map. Denbighshire Countryside Services. Regional map. Denbighshire Countryside Services. UK map. Denbighshire Countryside Services. M6 Print (34cm x 28cm) | Web (600px x 490px) Print (38cm x 24cm) | Web (600px x 370px) Birmingham Print (19cm x 19cm) | Web (600px x 600px) Aberystwyth M5 To download an image for print or web, click the link below each image. http://www.clwydianrangeaonb.org.uk/brandcentral/ Clwydian Range Sense of Place Toolkit 33

6. Design guidance 7. Further information and assistance

There are many ways of linking For further assistance Tourist Information communications to the Clwydian Range landscape, through themes, messages, relating to the brand: Centres [T.I.C.] photography and imagery as outlined and provided in this Sense of Place Vanessa Warrington Llangollen T.I.C. Toolkit. Please note however that the Countryside Officer (Visitor Services) Y Capel, Castle Street, Llangollen, Clwydian Range logo is reserved for Loggerheads Country Park, Nr Mold. Denbighshire LL20 8NU use by the managing authorities of the Denbighshire. CH7 5LH Telephone: 01978 860828 Range and their approved strategic Telephone: 01352 810614 Email: [email protected] partners. Usage of the logo by others is Facsimile: 01352 810644 www.ridetheclwyds.com not permitted other than by prior written Email: vanessa.warrington@denbighshire. agreement. This is to ensure that the gov.uk logo is protected as a unique device Rhyl T.I.C. depicting the Clwydian Range, thereby David Shiel The Village, West Parade, Rhyl, avoiding devaluation of the brand by Assistant AONB Officer Denbighshire LL18 1HZ potential overuse or misuse of its logo. Loggerheads Country Park, Nr Mold. Denbighshire. CH7 5LH Telephone: 01745 355068 Telephone: 01352 810614 Email: [email protected] Facsimile: 01352 810644 www.ridetheclwyds.com Email: [email protected]

Mold T.I.C. Howard Sutcliffe Library, Museum and Gallery, AONB Officer Earl Road, Mold, Flintshire CH7 1AP Loggerheads Country Park, Nr Mold. Telephone: 01352 759331 Denbighshire. CH7 5LH Email: [email protected] Telephone: 01352 810614 www.ridetheclwyds.com Facsimile: 01352 810644 Email: howard.sutcliffe@denbighshire. gov.uk Wrexham T.I.C. Lambpit Street, Wrexham LL11 1AY Telephone: 01978 292015 Email: [email protected] www.ridetheclwyds.com http://www.clwydianrangeaonb.org.uk/brandcentral/ Clwydian Range Sense of Place Toolkit 34

The Clwydian Range Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty is fi nanced by: This branding programme has been developed for Clwydian Range Area of Denbighshire County Council Outstanding Natural Beauty by: Flintshire County Council Countryside Council for Wales Ivor Coleman, Hi-Clarity Communications – Research and Writing Additional funding for this branding project has been provided by: www.hi-clarity.co.uk Cadwyn Clwyd Splinter Design Communications – Design and Production www.splinter.co.uk