Overeas tour operators sample delights of Dee Valley

* The tour group board the heritage Wickham railcar at the start of their visit.

* The group arrives at Carrog station.

* The visitors on the horse and carriage.

A group of tour operators from Germany, Holland, Sweden and Belgium stopped off in the Dee Valley during a familiarisation visit to North Wales last week.

After breakfast in Llangollen, they boarded the heritage Wickham railcar at the station, which took them along the line to Carrog.   

There the group boarded a waiting horse and carriage on which they rode to Rug Chapel where they were given lunch before continuing on to Corwen.

Before heading off on the next leg of their trip they called at the Caer Drewyn Hillfort, had the chance to sample the view from Pen Y Pigyn and enjoyed afternoon tea.

The visit was arranged by Visit Wales and the Tourism and Leisure Group in Corwen.  

Dee Valley Blue Badge Guide Sarah Jones, who accompanied the group, said: “The visitors from overseas had a busy and very enjoyable day with many highlights, including a ride on the Llangollen Railway and a horse and cart, walks to the Caer Drewyn Hillfort and Pen y Pigyn and a visit to Rhug Chapel. 

“This helped to ensure that visiting the beautiful Dee Valley was a memorable day for them which was certainly evidenced in the positive comments that were received.”

George Jones of Llangollen Railway said: "We were pleased to be able to provide the heritage diesel railcar train which gave the visitors an uninterrupted view of the Dee Valley as an area of outstanding natural beauty whilst various features were pointed out to them.”