Campaign promotes 'hidden gem' of tourism near Llangollen

* Go Below Underground Adventures near Betws y Coed.

A major drive has been launched to promote a “hidden gem” of Welsh tourism close to Llangollen that includes the world’s deepest hotel, beautiful ospreys and husky and go-kart racing.

The aim of the campaign to raise the profile of the Hiraethog area of North Wales  is to boost the local economy by attracting more UK and international visitors whilst at the same time relieving pressure on the tourism hotspots in Eryri (Snowdonia).

The push is being mounted by North Wales Tourism, which represents the region’s tourism and hospitality industry, thanks to funding from the Clocaenog Wind Farm Fund.

The area encompasses more than 230 square miles, running from Betws y Coed in the west, including Denbigh, Ruthin and Corwen, and reaching within a mile or two of Llangollen in the east, with Mynydd Hiraethog (Hiraethog Mountain) or the Denbigh Moors at its heart.

* Llyn Brenig where you can enjoy a host of water sports.

According to North Wales Tourism Commercial Director Eirlys Jones, the majority of tourists currently by-pass Hiraethog and head for the traditional honeypots like Wales and England’s highest mountain, Yr Wyddfa (Snowdon), leading to queues of 45 minutes at the top at peak periods with visitors wanting selfies to show they’ve reached the summit.

It’s hoped the  bilingual campaign will persuade many of them to stop off and explore Hiraethog instead – whether they’re coming into North Wales via the A5 or the A55.

As well as being featured on the www.gonorthwales.co.uk website, Hiraethog is being flagged up as a must-visit destination with blogs, newsletters and leaflets.

North Wales Tourism have also drawn up a range of itineraries – everything from a day visit to three days - pointing visitors in the right direction to find out what they’ve been missing.

Meanwhile, the attractions are being highlighted in a podcast, www.gonorthwales.co.uk/explore/regions/hiraethog produced in conjunction with Heart FM and fronted by presenter Megan Llŷn who investigates what the area has to offer.

Among the newest attractions is the world’s deepest overnight glamping accommodation at Go Below Underground Adventures near Betws y Coed, where guests can bed down in heated log cabin or sleep in a “romantic grotto”.

* Husky sled dog rides at Mynydd Sleddog Adventures near Llansannan.

Back at ground level, those with a need for speed can have a go at go-karting at the UK’s second longest track, at GYG Karting in Cerrigydrudion which has some of the fastest go karts in Wales.

Slightly slower, but just as exciting, is the opportunity to try husky sled dog rides at Mynydd Sleddog Adventures near Llansannan.

Just a few miles away is the Llyn Brenig where you can enjoy a host of water sports, do some fishing, walk or cycle around the lake and then refuel at the shoreside café before going to see the area’s latest inhabitants, a breeding pair of Ospreys, who arrived there from Scotland in 2021.

Nearby is the highest pub in Wales, the Bryntrillyn, also known as the Sportsman’s Arms, which is overlooked by the ruins of a once-magnificent wooden hunting lodge, Gwylfa Hiraethog, frequented in its heyday by luminaries likes of the legendary “Welsh wizard” himself, Prime Minister David Lloyd George.

Visitors en route to their break in North Wales or on the return journey home, can enjoy a pitstop at the farm shop and restaurant of the award-winning Rhug Estate alongside the A5 on the outskirts of Corwen.

Eirlys Jones said: “Unfortunately, most visitors to North Wales just aren’t aware of the delights Hiraethog has to offer and we’re on a mission to change that.

“It’s a really beautiful area with such a rich and diverse range of things to see and do and our strap line is ‘open sky, open space, open mind’ as the place to come for transformational experiences.

“It’s got something for everybody, including opportunities for an adrenaline rush with go-karting and dog sledding, some beautiful walks and wildlife and a fantastic range of accommodation with hotels, B&Bs and various caravan, camping and glamping sites, most of which are above ground but with one where you can literally enjoy a deep sleep.

“As part of the campaign, we’re also encouraging businesses to come together and collaborate, bringing communities together so we can create a sense of place and pride in the area.

“It’s about fostering a strong sense of local identity, celebrating the culture and heritage of Hiraethog.

“It is truly a gem that’s hidden in plain sight and our aim is to ensure that visitors discover the joys the area has to offer by stopping and staying and spending their money locally, helping to create employment and prosperity.

“Rather than have the visitors just heading for the well-known and often busy hotspots, we want to spread the love around and there’s plenty to love in Hiraethog.” 

* To find out more about Hiraethog go to the  www.gonorthwales.co.uk  website and to listen to the podcast go to www.gonorthwales.co.uk/explore/regions/hiraethog 

Join defibrillator awareness event at Plas Madoc

Members of the public are being invited take part in a defibrillator awareness event which could help them save a life. 

The session at Plas Madoc Leisure Centre has been organised by Member of the Senedd Ken Skates and St John Ambulance. 

It will take place from 1-3pm on Wednesday, August 16. Places need to be booked in advance and there are only a handful left.

The Clwyd South MS said: “St John Ambulance offers free first aid-related courses to community groups, youth groups and schools as part of its goal to put a first aider on every street in Wales. This is a great opportunity for me to work with them to offer my constituents the lifesaving skills of using a defibrillator and performing CPR. 

“We are limited on numbers, so I’d urge any of my constituents who are interested to book their place as soon as possible.” 

A spokesperson for St John Ambulance said: “These skills really make a difference in saving lives and the support of our politicians is vital to this important work.” 

* To book your place email ken.skates@senedd.wales or call 01978 869058. 

Beehives and thousands of bees stolen from near Llan

 * A police picture of the site from where the hives were stolen.

BBC North East Wales News is reporting on the theft of 14 beehives and thousands of bees from a property near Llangollen.

The story says North Wales Police believe they were probably taken at night by someone with knowledge of beekeeping from Mynydd y Garth.

The number of bees taken has not been disclosed, but officers are appealing for information about anyone with a "sudden influx" of hives, or who is selling them or colonies.

 

·       For the full story, see: Fourteen hives, thousands of bees stolen near Llangollen - BBC News

Gardening club says farewell by helping local organisations

Three local organisations have benefitted from the generosity of Llangollen and District Gardening Club, which has been wound up after about 40 years in existence.

Club chair Jude Williams (centre of the picture in yellow) this morning (Friday) handed over cheques totalling £1,500 - £500 each - to representatives of Llangollen Food Share, the RAFA Club and the Tidy Town Team.

She explained that officials of the gardening club - originally known as Llangollen and District Horticultural Society - had decided to close due to falling membership numbers, which had been made worse by the effects of the Covid pandemic. 

It had also been agreed to hand over what was left of club funds to three good local causes.       

Species identification walk planned for Panorama

The Our Picturesque Landscape team has organised a species recording walk for this Sunday, August 6, from 10am-noon.

A spokesperson for the team said: "Join us for a leisurely amble around our protected landscape to record some of the special plant and animal species of the Panorama. 

"Using identification guides for a range of species, we will record data to submit to Cofnod, the Local Environmental Records Centre for North Wales.

"The walk will be over uneven ground, sturdy footwear and weather appropriate clothing is recommended. Suitable for all ages."

* Park at layby between Panorama Walk and Blackwood Rd, approx. 200m north from Panorama Walk cattle grid towards Prospect Place. What 3 Words location: opera.chose.delighted

To book, please email our.picturesque.landscape@denbighshire.gov.uk

August Citizens Advice column

Here is this month's column from Denbighshire Citizens Advice:

Q: My children are starting new schools in September, one is in primary school and the other secondary. Between uniforms, PE kit and knowing they’ll need to catch the bus each day the costs are adding up. I’m already pretty stretched, so I’m not sure how to cover these extra outgoings. Is there any help I can get?

A: A new school year can put pressure on lots of people’s budgets, so you’re not alone in your worries. But there is help available. 

A good place to start is the Citizens Advice website where you’ll find lots of information on the support you might be entitled to for school-related costs. 

The help you can get to cover school lunches will vary depending on how old your children are and if you claim benefits. Children in Reception, Year 1 and 2 automatically get free school meals. You can apply for free school meals for older children if you claim certain types of benefits, including Universal Credit, Child Tax Credit and Income Support. The full list is available on the Citizens Advice website.

You mentioned concerns about travel costs. If your child can't walk to school because of special educational needs or disabilities they should get free school transport. You may be able to get help with transport costs from your Local Education Authority if your children can’t walk because it's dangerous or too far. Your Local Education Authority is part of your local council that deals with education in your area, you can find yours on GOV.UK. Contact it directly to find out exactly what support it offers.

If you’re on a low income, your Local Education Authority may also be able to help you with activity and school uniform costs. You’re likely to be considered to be on a low income if you get means-tested benefits like Universal Credit or Housing Benefit. In some places there are also local charitable schemes that can help. A good place to find out about these is the school itself or Parent Teacher Association (PTA) both will usually know if these kinds of schemes exist. 

A lot of people are feeling the squeeze at the moment, but it’s important to remember that help is available with starting school costs and you’re not alone. For more information visit the Citizens Advice website.

Libraries offer free kids' sports equipment for summer holidays

Denbighshire’s Libraries now offer free sports equipment for young people to loan out during the summer holidays, to ensure that sport and outdoor games can be enjoyed throughout the summer break. 

All eight of the libraries host this offer, with equipment provided by Denbighshire Leisure Limited (DLL). 

This equipment includes skipping ropes, hockey sticks, cricket bats, tennis racquets hula hoops and balls, and can be loaned out at the same time as books. 

This year’s Summer Reading Challenge is named ‘Ready, Set, Read!’ and is a games and sports themed challenge. In conjunction with this, Denbighshire Libraries want to celebrate play and participation and encourage children to engage in games and sports in any way that best suits them. 

Children and young people can access the equipment by visiting their local library. 

Councillor Emrys Wynne, Lead Member for Welsh Language, Culture and Heritage said: “It is brilliant that our libraries can offer a chance for children and young people to enjoy sports and outdoor games throughout the summer break. 

"It is important for children to continue their physical activity during the break, as this helps with both fitness levels and brain development."

Jamie Groves, Managing Director of DLL said: "We are absolutely delighted to help launch the free equipment loan programme at Denbighshire Libraries. Our Active Communities team have worked closely with the Denbighshire libraries to bring this programme to life, and seeing its early success is fantastic, with almost all of the equipment already out on loan."