Road Trip Clwydian Range And Dee Valley Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty
Read Time: About 19 minutes
Clwydian Hills, Andrew
The Clwydian Range and Dee Valley is an Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty (AONB) in North East Wales. The region is renowned for its stunning landscapes, intriguing history, and diverse wildlife. The Clwydian Range is perfect to drive in a campervan comprising a series of undulating hills and sprawling moorland, characterised by heather-clad slopes, limestone cliffs, and panoramic vistas. The highest peak is Moel Famau, a popular spot for hikers. This campervan road trip itinerary will highlight the best attractions, useful campervan hire locations, and beautiful UK campsites for a campervan road trip in the Clwydian Range and Dee Valley Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty. Our campervan road trip itinerary is easy to tailor to your preferences, so go ahead and use this blog to help you to create a holiday to the Clwydian Range and Dee Valley.
The Dee Valley includes the River Dee and the enclosing landscapes, extending from Llangollen to Corwen. There is plenty of picturesque scenery to admire at every turn, including dramatic limestone escarpments of Eglwyseg Rocks and the historic Llangollen Canal. Together, the Clwydian Range and Dee Valley offer an enticing blend of outdoor activities like hiking, cycling, and exploring ancient hillforts, as well as opportunities to experience the region's cultural heritage through its beautiful historic sites and lovely villages.
- What is There to Do in The Clwydian Range And Dee Valley Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty?
- What Towns are in The Dee Valley?
- Dee Valley Waterfall
- How Long is The Clwydian Range?
- What Mountains are in The Clwydian Range?
- Best Camping at Clwydian Range And Dee Valley Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty
- Best Campsites at Clwydian Range
- Tent Camping at Clwydian Range
- Caravan Camping at Clwydian Range
- Clwydian Glamping Pods and Campsite
- Clwydian Range Campervan Road Trip Prices
- Best Campervan Road Trip Clwydian Range
- And Now on to Conwy!
What is There to Do in The Clwydian Range And Dee Valley Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty?
Train through the beautiful Dee Valley on the Llangollen Railway
Explore more scenery on various hikes and trails that cater to all experience levels. Hop on a beautiful section of the Offa's Dyke Path, which follows the hilltops from Prestatyn to Chirk. The route is moderate to challenging and covers 177 miles (285 km). However, our readers can walk shorter sections within the Clwydian Range. Hardier types tackling the entire route will take around three days to complete. However, this depends entirely on the walker's pace and the number of detours. The popular sections include walks from Bodfari to Llangollen, which passes several Iron Age hillforts and boasts gorgeous views.
The Loggerheads Country Park Trails is another fantastic route for walkers, covering 1 - 4 miles, depending on your route. Located in the Leete Valley, Loggerheads Country Park offers a variety of routes, including the Riverside Walk and the Leete Path. These paths wind through woodlands alongside the river and past limestone cliffs, making them fantastic paths for days out with the family. From the Ponderosa Café on Horseshoe Pass, Horseshoe Pass and Llantysilio Mountain Walk is a challenging route that takes walkers over Llantysilio Mountain, with dramatic views of the Dee Valley and the surrounding peaks. The trail is rugged and remote, best suited for more experienced hikers. A collection of shorter walks, known as Community Miles in the county of Denbighshire, make it easy for our readers who prefer hours-long or day excursions. Many of these walks are perfectly positioned near some of the best campsites in Denbighshire, making it easy to turn a day hike into a proper weekend getaway.
Tent, Motorhome and Campervan from £60
Fron Farm Caravan and Camping Park were first established in 1962 and take pride in offering an unrivalled sense of hospitality. The family-run camping park is also a working farm set in proximity to Mold in Flintshire.
An excellent network of tracks, climbs, roads, and descents will get the heart racing for our readers who prefer pedalling. The privately owned forest park of Coed Llandegla, on the southwest end of the Clwydian Range, is perfect for everyone, with carefully designed trails to suit all abilities and fitness levels. The park covers 2.5 square miles, is one of the biggest mountain biking centres in the UK, and features a hire shop.
If you enjoy exploring on horseback, the Clwydian Range and Dee Valley have a selection of riding stables with equipment, advice and well-trained horses.
The Clwydian Range is crisscrossed with several stunning streams and rivers, with a few notable bodies ideal for water-based antics. The limestone River Alyn, famed for its picturesque settings within the Loggerheads Country Park, is a tranquil spot for walking and observing wildlife. Running parallel to the Clwydian Range, the River Clwyd is a popular spot for angling with exceptional salmon and trout fishing. It is also an excellent canoeing and kayaking, especially in the rapids near Llangollen. The serene section of the river is perfect for beginners, while the Llangollen White Water Centre is a hotspot for more experienced paddlers. The calmer stretches of the river are great for stand-up paddleboarding, and there are several rental services and guided tours for all ages. The rapids near Llangollen are ideal for white water rafting, and thrill-seekers can enjoy an exhilarating experience with several outdoor centres offering guided rafting trips. The Llangollen Canal, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, is perfect for enjoying waterside walks, narrow boat trips and canoeing. The Pontcysyllte Aqueduct is a highlight, and a trip to Llangollen is ideal for a day out. It is located just under an hour away.
Those with an eye for history and geology can trace the region's history back some 400 million years by exploring a wealth of historic ruins. Visit Caer Drewyn Hillfort, Moel Hiraddug, and Denbigh Castle, enjoying the rich history that helped shape the Clwydian Range and Dee Valley. We also recommend stopping at the stunning Cistercian Valle Crucis Abbey, founded in 1201 and tucked within the lush settings of the Dee Valley. The 13th-century Dinas Brân Castle, perched dramatically on a hilltop above Llangollen, is also worth a visit for day trips to the town.
What Towns are in The Dee Valley?
Clwydian Hills. Euan Semple
The Dee Valley, part of the Clwydian Range and Dee Valley Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty (AONB), is home to several picturesque towns and villages. Llangollen is perhaps the most famous town in the Dee Valley, renowned for its stunning riverside location, historic steam railway, and its reputation as a gateway to outdoor adventures, like hiking, kayaking, and exploring nearby landmark sites like Dinas Brân Castle and Valle Crucis Abbey. Corwen is a small market town at the western edge of the Dee Valley, famed for its connections to Owain Glyndŵr, the Welsh national hero. It is a great base for exploring the surrounding countryside, including the Berwyn Mountains and the scenic Dee Valley. The charming village Carrog, on the banks of the River Dee, boasts stone cottages and the Carrog railway station, which is part of the Llangollen Heritage Railway. The village of Trevor, near Llangollen, is famous for its proximity to the Pontcysyllte Aqueduct, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. These are just some stunning settlements with plenty to offer in the scenic Dee Valley.
Dee Valley Waterfall
For readers who prefer a more serene pursuit, why not enjoy gentle riverside walks at Horseshoe Falls, an artificial weir on the River Dee? Designed by Thomas Telford, the curved shape of the weir creates a picturesque setting and is a lovely spot for walks and lazing. While Horseshoe Falls is the most visited of the waterfalls in the Dee Valley, there are numerous burbling streams and minor falls, especially in the wooded areas and hills. The Llangollen Railway is a great way to soak in some of the most beautiful parts of the Dee Valley, including the Berwyn Mountains and the River Dee, without the exertion of a long walk. It pairs beautifully with a quiet stroll among the gardens and gothic-furnished Plas Newydd house.
The small, family-run Penisar Mynydd Caravan Park is a peaceful site set amid the lush Clwydian Hills, an Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty.
A wealth of varied attractions make Clwydian Range and Dee Valley National Landscape, Wales's newest designated Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty, a must-visit destination for outdoor enthusiasts.
How Long is The Clwydian Range?
The Clwydian Range extends approximately 20 miles from the north at Prestatyn Hillside, near the coast, to the south of Llandegla. This series of rolling hills forms a distinct ridge that boasts uninterrupted views of North Wales, the Dee Estuary, and beyond.
What Mountains are in The Clwydian Range?
Clwydian Hills. Summonedbyfells
Moel Famau is the highest peak in the Clwydian Range, at 554 metres (1,818 feet). The peak is famous for its Jubilee Tower at the summit, which is ideal for soaking in panoramic views of North Wales and beyond. It is also a big hit with hiking enthusiasts. Our hiking enthusiasts can hop on a moderately complex trail to the mountain's summit, with various starting points like Bwlch Penbarras car park. The trail steadily climbs through heather moorland, leading to the Jubilee Tower at the summit. Reward yourself with spectacular panoramic views. The distance of the route varies and typically takes 3 - 5 miles for a round trip.
Moel Arthur is the second tallest peak, with a hillfort at its summit. At 440 metres (1,444 feet), it holds one of the largest hill forts in Wales, Penycloddiau. Take a circular walk up to the summit through a mix of open moorland, stopping at historic sites, and stunning viewpoints. The walk is strenuous and covers 4 - 5 miles on a round trip.
Moel y Parc, standing at 398 metres (1,306 feet), has a stunning network of walking trails and fantastic vistas of the coast and the surrounding hills. Hikes up Moel y Parc are relatively less crowded on a well-marked trail, making it an ideal route for our readers who want to escape the crowds. The trail covers 4 miles on a round trip.
Located near Moel Arthur, Moel Llys-y-coed is quieter and less frequented. It boasts a height of 465 metres (1,526 feet) and enjoys equally stunning scenery over the Clwydian Range.
Best Camping at Clwydian Range And Dee Valley Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty
Clwydian Hills. Puffin11k
The Clwydian Range and Dee Valley have many great campsites ideal for escaping the complexities of the modern world. Immerse yourself in captivating natural beauty in this designated National Landscape, and spend glorious holidays among the rolling hills and lush valleys. Wake up to breathtaking views of the Clwydian Hills, including Moel Famau, the highest peak, and explore attractions like the Llangollen Canal and River Dee. We recommend camping in Llanferres, St Asaph and Prestatyn. Prestatyn is ideal for our readers who want coastal scenery, with quick access to the Clwydian Range and Dee Valley attractions. Llanferres is right on the cusp of the AONB, while St Asaph is a visitor attraction and a local place of worship with the smallest ancient cathedral in Britain. Read on to see what activities are near our Clwydian Range and Dee Valley campsites. The Clwydian Range and Dee Valley are a joy to explore—just like the range of breathtaking campsites in Liverpool waiting further west.
Llanferres is a charming village in the heart of North Wales and a fantastic base for outdoor excursions. Book a campsite in Llanferres, wake up to the stunning backdrop of the Clwydian Range and Dee Valley, and enjoy immediate access to scenic walking trails that lead into the surrounding hills, including the popular paths to the Clwydian Range. Nestled at the base of the Clwydian Hills, the village is a gateway to exploring Offa's Dyke Path, and the glittering Llyn Brenig reservoir, a stunning spot for cycling, hiking and birdwatching. The charming town of Llangollen is a short drive away, with historic landmarks like Horseshoe Falls. Llanferres' location ensures a fantastic base for camping and outdoor adventures. Our campsite locations in Llanferres include campsites in Mold, campsites in Ruthin, campsites in Wrexham, campsites in Llandegla, campsites in Minera, campsites in Clawddnewydd and campsites in Caerwys.
The city of St Asaph, in North Wales, is an excellent base for scenic escapes and open-air pursuits. Escape the modern world for the big skies and relaxed atmosphere at this welcoming settlement with various outdoor activities at your fingertips. Head over to Dyserth Waterfall, a must-see, located a few miles from St Asaph. Admire the cascading waterfall cutting through lush scenery before heading over to Offa's Dyke Path, which passes close to the city. The Braint River and nearby St. Asaph Nature Reserve are fantastic spots for birdwatching and enjoying local flora and fauna. The proximity to the Clwydian Range and Dee Valley adds to the appeal of campsites in St Asaph. Our St Asaph campsite locations include campsites in Holywell, campsites in Rhuddlan, campsites in Rhyl and campsites in Denbigh.
Prestatyn is located on the northern coast of Wales and blends coastal capers with lush inland adventures. The town is famed for its extensive sandy beach, perfect for family outings, picnics, and watersports. Walkers can hop on the Prestatyn to Dyserth Way, a popular walking trail following the route of a now-disused railway line while soaking in gorgeous vistas of the countryside and the Clwydian Range. Nearby, the Clwydian Range and Dee Valley brims with stunning walking and hiking routes, making it ideal for days out. Prestatyn is also a gateway to the Dyserth Waterfall in the nearby hills. Book a campsite in Prestatyn for both coastal and countryside adventures. Campsite locations include campsites in Dyserth, campsites in Towyn and campsites in Abergele.
Best Campsites at Clwydian Range
We have selected three stunning campsites in the Clwydian Range that showcase the best of the Clwydian Range and Dee Valley. Llyn Rhys Campsite in Wrexham is great for accessing Offa's Dyke Path, while Corn Bwch in St Asaph is perfect for both coastal and countryside escapes. The. Station House Caravan Park in Denbigh is perfect for walking and exploring the towns of Mold and Denbigh. Read on for more details.
Llyn Rhys Campsite in Wrexham
Llyn Rhys Campsite, Wrexham
Llyn Rhys Campsite is a fab family-friendly site in Llandegla on the Offa's Dyke Path and just 15 minutes by car from Llangollen. As you survey the gorgeous North Wales countryside, let out a sigh of contentment and anticipate a holiday filled with outdoor activities in the Clwydian Range and horse-drawn canal boat rides at the UNESCO World Heritage Site. The campsite rests at the start of the Clwydian Range and has a range of well-maintained facilities, including showers, toilets, and a washing up room. Pitches for tents and touring vehicles are on grass with optional electric connections. Barbecues and campfires are encouraged, and pets are welcome.
Corn Bwch Campsite in St-Asaph
Corn Bwch Campsite, St-Asaph
Fall in love with the beauty of North Wales at Corn Bwch Campsite, a peaceful retreat in the heart of the countryside. The campsite has spacious non-electric grass pitches, clean facilities, and a friendly, welcoming atmosphere. Modern amenities, including well-maintained toilets, showers, and electric hook-ups and the site also encouraged barbecues and campfires for cosy evenings under the stars. Explore the surrounding area easily and uncover famous attractions like St Asaph, renowned for its historic cathedral. The Clwydian Range and Dee Valley are ideal for accessing excellent hiking opportunities, including trails like the Offa’s Dyke Path. Swap verdant countryside and imposing mountains for the sandy beaches of the North Wales coast, located a short drive away.
Station House Caravan Park Campsite in Denbigh
Station House Caravan Park Campsite, Denbigh
Station House Caravan Park offers level grass pitches for tents and touring vehicles. Itis a well-maintained site with many facilities, including electric hook-ups, spotless shower and toilet blocks, and quick access to the small village shop for essentials. Sit back and embrace the park's serene atmosphere near the Clwydian Range and Dee Valley Area. Spend a day in the historic town of Denbigh, with its impressive 13th-century castle, charming shops, and cute cafes. Nature lovers can hop over to the Clwydian Range for unbeatable hiking opportunities, including the Offa's Dyke Path, which runs close to the park. For more greenery and open spaces, head over to the beautiful Vale of Clwyd, with its rolling hills and scenic vistas, perfect for relaxing drives or cycling.
Tent Camping at Clwydian Range
The Clwydian Range and Dee Valley National Landscape is a fantastic base for a camping holiday. Plassey Leisure Park has been carefully enhanced over 50 years to create a stunning, well-equipped camping space for tents and touring vehicles. Initially a dairy farm, the site rests on 247 acres in the Dee Valley and holds 90 touring pitches with 16 amp electric metres and a further 30 fully-serviced plots plus 50 hardstanding tents, motorhomes and caravans. Guests can expect a range of exceptional amenities, including a bar on the premises, fishing on-site, a shop and restaurant a short stroll from the pitches and an indoor heated pool.
Set in a stunning valley with spectacular views Abbey Grange Campsite if a family-friendly five-acre campsite perfect to relaxing and heading out on countryside trots.
For more tent friendly campsites in the Clwydian Range and Dee Valley, check out Abbey Grange Campsite, a peaceful 5-acre site perfect for a peaceful escape surrounded by the lush Welsh countryside. The site is nestled near the historic Valle Crucis Abbey. It boasts excellent facilities, including clean showers, toilets, electric hook-ups for campers and caravanners, a play area for the kids and the freedom to fire up the barbecue grill on your pitch. There’s even a cosy on-site pub, perfect for unwinding after exploring the Clwydian Range and Dee Valley. Nearby, you can walk along the scenic Llangollen Canal, ride on the heritage Llangollen Steam Railway or hike up to Castell Dinas Brân for breathtaking views. It’s a fantastic spot for both relaxation and outdoor discovery.
Caravan Camping at Clwydian Range
Our caravanners can peek at caravan friendly Clwydian Range and Dee Valley campsites. Nant Mill Touring Caravan Park is a traditional-style, family-owned caravan park set on seven acres with 115 pitches generously spaced over four fields. Some pitches boast stunning sea views, and all bases are well-positioned for admiring the spectacular countryside. The largest central field is reserved for families, while two small paddocks on the other side are ideal for couples. Facilities are well-maintained and include toilets, free showers, a utility room with washing machines and a playground for the wee campers.
Hop over to New Farm Caravan Park and Bungalow, and enjoy the tranquillity of an adults-only camping space in a quiet spot in North Wales.
For our caravanners who prize peace over clubhouses, consider a camping escape at Hendwr Caravan Park. This low-key site has no clubhouse or subletting and offers a relaxing community feel. Located at the foot of the Berwyn Mountain range and the fringes of the Snowdonia National Park and the Clwydian Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty, the site is a wonderful base for all open-air escapes. Stock up on camping essentials at the market towns of Corwen and Bala nearby, or rumble off to the lovely coastline of Barmouth, a quick half-hour drive away. The site has 20 touring pitches with 16 amp electric metres and offers excellent fishing on-site.
Clwydian Glamping Pods and Campsite
Llangollen Town. Jen D
There's no shame in enjoying the comforts of a glamping abode, and we’ve got a fab selection of glamping pods in the Clwydian Range and Dee Valley. Clwydian Wigwams and Campsite is a peaceful farm site with spectacular views of the Clwydian Range. Enjoy a decidedly rural vibe on a spacious site on a family-run working farm. Campers can make the most of a central location to explore Moel Famau, a 20-minute drive away, and the coastline just under an hour away. The lively town of Ruthin, 15 minutes away, is ideal for sorting bits and bobs to sizzle on the grill outside your cosy camping pod with space for five. The site also offers non-electric grass pitches for tent campers and has all the expected amenities for a comfortable stay, including toilets, showers, and a washing-up area.
If you prefer a quieter camping holiday, head to Acorn Holiday Luxury Glamping Pods, an adults-only site with jaw-dropping views over the Dee Estuary and the Wirral. The site rests 25 minutes from Chester and 40 minutes from Liverpool, making it a fantastic spot for quick weekend breaks or bank holidays. There’s plenty to explore nearby, including the National Cycle Route 5 and the sand shores of Talacre, 20 minutes away. Choose from various beautiful camping pods, each boasting private hot tubs and home comforts.
Clwydian Range Campervan Road Trip Prices
Hiring a campervan to explore the Clwydian Range and Dee Valley is a fantastic way to experience the beauty of North Wales at your own pace. This enchanting National Landscape is heavenly for road trips, offering winding country roads, picture-postcard landscapes, and quick access to charming towns like Llangollen and Denbigh. With a campervan, you can wake up to panoramic views of the Clwydian Hills, park near scenic spots like Moel Famau, or enjoy a riverside picnic along the Dee. The freedom and flexibility of campervan travel are second to none.
Age: 30-79
Travel: UK Only
Gearbox: Automatic
Ruby Dub is a 72 plate, professionally converted Denby campervan. In stunning Fortana Red, Ruby certainly makes an entrance Complete with a 7 speed automatic DSG gearbox.
Prices for campervan hire in the Clwydian Range and Dee Valley will vary depending on the duration of your trip, the model of the van, and the time of year. Peak season rentals typically see higher rates, so booking early can help secure a good deal. Find campervans in the Clwydian Range and Dee Valley for as low as £65 a night.
Best Campervan Road Trip Clwydian Range
Returning south from the Dee Valley arrive at Bwlch y Groes down to Llyn Efyrnwy / Lake Vyrnwy
We take pride in offering a flexible campervan road trip itinerary so our readers can mix and match destinations, starting their North Wales road trip at any stop while handpicking the points of interest they want to explore. While campervan hire Liverpool is a popular option for many travelers due to its excellent transport links. We recommend hiring a campervan in Denbigh and Mold. These locations are excellent starting points for your adventure, both being close to the Clwydian Range while affording effortless access to the area's beautiful landscapes. These towns offer various campervan hire options, with flexible pricing based on duration, model, and season. From here, you're just a short drive from scenic spots like Moel Famau and the charming Dee Valley, making Denbigh and Mold ideal hubs for a memorable campervan road trip through North Wales. Once you've got your bearings, definitely consider taking your campervan higher Denbighshire into the uplands where you'll find quieter lanes and those picture-perfect Welsh mountain panoramas.
Denbigh's central location makes it a great starting point for adventures in the Clwydian Range and Dee Valley, both part of an Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty. With a campervan, you can conveniently explore the rolling hills, historic castles, and picturesque sceneries, getting an authentic feel of the landscape. Denbigh is rich in history, with its impressive castle and charming streets. Its proximity to outdoor attractions and scenic drives makes it a perfect starting point for a Denbigh campervan hire. Get acquainted with the striking beauty of North Wales at your pace, and stop for a bite or a break whenever the need arises. We list 78 campervans and motorhomes within 120 miles of Denbigh. Our campervan hire locations in Denbigh include campervans for hire in St Asaph, campervans for hire in Holywell, campervans for hire in Caerwys, campervans for hire in Ruthin, campervans for hire in Wrexham, campervans for hire in Rhuddlan, campervans for hire in Dyserth and campervans for hire in Clawddnewydd.
Age: 30-79
Travel: UK Only
Gearbox: Automatic
Izzy is a newly converted, custom VW Transporter T6.1 Long Wheel Base campervan in Ravenna Blue. Izzy certainly catches the eye and features a full-length sliding bed system.
Hiring a campervan in Mold is a fantastic way to uncover the beauty and outdoor activities of North Wales. Nestled close to the Clwydian Range and Dee Valley, Mold is surrounded by stunning vistas and rolling landscapes, making it an exceptional starting point for scenic drives through undulating hills, ancient woodlands, and verdant valleys.Outdoor enthusiasts can explore Loggerheads Country Park, just a short drive from Mold, famed for riverside walks, limestone cliffs, and the scenic Leete Path. Mold is also close to Moel Famau, the highest peak in the Clwydian Range, providing sweeping views and rewarding hikes. After a day of adventure, you can kick back in the comfort of your campervan, parked in a peaceful spot surrounded by nature. Browse over 84 campervans and motorhomes within 120 miles of Mold. Our campervan hire locations in Mold include campervans for hire in Llanferres, campervans for hire in Bretton, campervans for hire in Llandegla and campervans for hire in Minera.
And Now on to Conwy!
As you wrap up our campervan road trip through the Clwydian Range and Dee Valley at our Itinerary For A Campervan Road trip Through North Wales with Top Campsites from Mountains to Coast, we hope you’ve found inspiration in the delightful sceneries, exciting history, and outdoor adventures in this beautiful National landscape. With recommended campsites and campervan hire locations included, your next trip here is just a quick plan away. Whether you want to hike the peaks of Moel Famau, explore the ruins of Dinas Brân Castle, or sit back with a book and soak in the natural beauty, the Clwydian Range and Dee Valley has something for every visitor. Stay tuned for the next part of our blog, where we’ll take you on an unmissable journey through the charming town of Conwy.
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