Things to do and see at and around Bach y Graig

The Woodland Trail at Bach Y Graig Come and walk the woodland trail and experience the delights of one of Wales’s oldest documented woodlands and enjoy the wealth of rare plants and wild flowers. In the early part of the 14th century Bachygraig was the royal hunting forest of Edward the Black Prince, such forests were important to the prince as a source of revenue, timber, game and recreation and his interest were jealously guarded by a forester. Edward the Black Prince is known to have had five hunting forests in Clwyd at Bachygraig, Ewloe, Shotwick, Loidcoid and Rusty, the latter two being situated in Hopedale. Today only Bachygraig remains as testament to a time when Flintshire formed the tattered margins of the Welsh Princedom and the means of access for the English Kings to the celtic heartland of Gwynedd and North Powys. Much timber from Bachygraig went to the castle at Rhuddlan for construction works and as firewood, and no part was wasted. The foliage of elm, lime, and ash was sold as fodder for cattle and the bark of the oak, with its high tannic acid content was used for tanning leather. Even the honey from the wild bees of the woodland was collected and sold. Dating from the early 14th century there are many references to timber use relating to bach y graig preserved in the registers of Edward the Black Prince and the Chamberlain of Chester’s Accounts, and to “dry and leafless oaks” as fuelwood supplied to the Prince,s Bachelor, Sir John de Byntre, during his visits to the castle at Rhuddlan. There are several earthbanks here which were constructed during this period to both denote a boundary and preserve the covert, herbage and deer within, they would have been topped by a planted hedge or wooden pale fence, materials for the latter being obtained from the woods themselves. The long documented history of the woodlands at Bach y Graig suggests they may be indirectly derived from the primeval woodland which once covered much of Wales. Such continuity makes the woods of high value for nature conservation. Over 90 species of plant have been recorded at Bachygraig including the Broadleaved Helleborine (a member of the orchid family) and there are 21 species of tree and shrub alone.

Local and Close by Attractions and Activities The following links are some exciting activities within 10 minutes to an hours drive from our farmhouse for further details click onto each link, some activities you do need to book in advance.

www.llyn-brenig.co.uk –Reservoir and Visitor Activities- fishing, adventure playground, sailing, walking and cycle hire.
www.tweedmill.co.uk -Tweedmill Shopping Outlet . We stock top branded clothes for men, women and children is the home of over 200 Factory Shops.
www.ribride.co.uk – Adventure boat tours Bear Grillis style.
www.zipworld.co.uk -longest zip line in Europe and the fastest in the world The nearest thing to flying.
www.silverbirchgolfclub.co.uk  – Most popular pay and play course in North Wales and the first 18 hole foot golf in North Wales.
www.afonwen.co.uk  – North Wales’s largest Antique and Craft centre.

www.ttadventure.co.uk –  Tree Top Adventure is a unique fully equipped high ropes centre for all ages.
www.oneplanetadventure.com – UK’s leading mountain Bike Centre.
www.colwynbaywatersports.co.uk –  sailing, windsurfing, power boating centre.
www.greenwoodforestpark.co.uk – Voted best family day out in North Wales.
www.surfsnowdonia.co.uk – World’s first wave garden in the Conwy Valley for a truly exciting experience.
www.homewoodbound.com –  A family run vintage tea rooms also sell period pine, oak and rustic painted furniture near Ruthin

The Vale of Clwyd, where Offas’ Dyke Path runs along the Clwydian Range, this range of high rolling hills, gives breathtaking views of the Vale, Snowdonia, Anglesey and the coast on a clear day. Historic market towns such as Denbigh, Ruthin and St. Asaph together with small villages are all sheltered between Mynydd Hiraethog and the rolling hills of the Clwydian Range Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty.  Within an hours drive you can enjoy a variation of landscapes…. fertile valleys, rolling hills, moorland, the rugged mountains of Snowdonia, sand and sea of North Wales, the Lleyn peninsular and the City of Chester. At the mouth of the valley is the bustling resort of Rhyl and Prestatyn with the Sun Centre and the Sea Life Centre. Bodelwyddan Castle dates from victorian times but there are also the 12th Century castles of Denbigh, Rhuddlan and Conwy nearby. For the outdoor enthusiast and active traveller why not explore the Clwydian Range by cycle, horseback, or walking where you will find Iron Age hill forts such as Penycloddau and Moel Arthur. Call at Loggerheads Country Park central information point for the A.O.N.B. another choice is Llyn Brenig on the Denbigh Moors the largest resevoir supplying water in Wales, the centre here is famous for its fly fishing resources, and also offers various water activities, there are Bronze Age remains around Llyn Brenig. Short drive away are Bodnant Gardens, Conwy and the resort of Llandudno. Sit on the quay side at Conwy visit the famous castle or the smallest house. Plas Mawr is well worth a visit, afterwards you could drive up the beautiful Vale of Conwy to the market town of Llanrwst, Betws y Coed and visit the Trefriw woollen Mill to buy those special woolly gifts. Chester… walk the city walls, take a boat ride on the river or jump on one of the city tour buses. You can get off and on as you wish. There are numerous antique shops for the keen collecter. Chester Zoo is well worth a visit. For the bargain hunter visit Tweedmill factory outlet 2 miles down the road, or Cheshire Oaks outlet which is only a short drive away. We have Afonwen Antique and Craft Centre 5 mins.down the road also the Craft Centre at Ruthin. National Trust properties in the area you are spoilt for choice Erddig near Wrexham will take a day to see. Bodnant Gardens, Penrhyn Castle are world famous. Snowdonia is easily reached within an hour you can go up Snowdon on foot or by train, visit the Electric Mountain in Llanberis. Anglesey is not too far away a nice day out you can drive there along the coast and enjoy the sea views and return through Snowdonia and the Denbigh Moors. Llangollen where the International Eisteddfod is held anually or enjoy a ride on the horse drawn canal boat relax and enjoy the views. The narrow gauge railway is popular with the children and at Christmas Father Christmas comes along too.