Saturday, August 1, 2015

Improved access to Horseshoe Falls


* Deputy Minister Ken Skates, centre, with guests at the launch of the Horseshoe Falls project.

Visitors to the iconic Horseshoe Falls at Llantysilio are now able to enjoy breath-taking views and improved access thanks to funding from the Heritage Tourism Project. 


* The Horseshoe Falls
The project is part-funded by the European Regional Development Fund through the Welsh Government and led by Cadw, the Welsh Government’s historic environment service.

The project, delivered by staff from the Clwydian Range & Dee Valley AONB has opened up one of the most striking views within the Dee Valley. Visitors to the site can now relax and unwind at the extended recreational area and picnic site.

A well surfaced track to the viewing area has been created meaning everyone can easily appreciate the striking vista in which the Horseshoe Falls is located.

On site interpretation relate to the rich historic and cultural story of the Falls and the wider Pontcysyllte Aqueduct and Canal World Heritage Site, as well as the abundant wildlife that lives here.

There is even a free app that has been produced aimed at families with  Primary aged children – the Horseshoe Falls `Quest – that allows younger visitors to have fun whilst exploring and learning about the area.

To celebrate the official  launch of the project, local residents, partners from key organisations such as Canal & River Trust, Wrexham & Denbighshire County Council, the National Trust and members of the Clwydian Range & Dee Valley AONB were joined by the Deputy Minister for Culture, Sport and Tourism – Ken Skates AM.

Mr Skates said “This new project has transformed the visitor experience to the area. The new pathways and access opportunities means that visitors no longer have to negotiate the narrow lane to reach the River Dee. 

“Investing in our heritage tourism not only improves our most valuable tourism assets it also boosts  the local economy.  Recent research by Cardiff University found that the economic impact attributed to tourists visiting sites which have benefited from the  Heritage Tourism Project equates to up to £19m annually, and supports more than 1,000 full time jobs.

“The Horseshoe Falls will also benefit and I’m sure will see an increase in visitor numbers as a result of this investment.” 

1 comment:

  1. There would be more visitors (canoeists) to the beautiful Dee valley if the fishermen were more welcoming.

    I want to bring the kids and friends with me, spend money as a family in Llangollen, but I am put off by people "wanting to have a chat" and other who without smiling or waving take out their phones, take a photograph and then put the phones away. I don't mind people taking my photo as generally people are taking photos of canoeists in the scenery, but I get the feeling that this isnt the reason for these photographs.

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