Latest news with #OutstandingNatural
Leader Live
10 hours ago
- Leader Live
Smoking ban introduced on three North Wales beaches
Cared for by National Trust Cymru, the beaches are part of a new scheme launched in partnership with ASH Wales aimed at protect wildlife, nature, and public health. The 'smoke-free' zones were introduced on June 19 to mark National Clean Air Day and include Porth Dafarch and Cemlyn on Anglesey, as well as Porthor on the Llŷn Peninsula in Gwynedd. The shores of Porth Dafarch, Anglesey, North Wales (Image: National Trust Images/John Miller) Dewi Davies, project manager for National Trust Cymru in North Wales, said: "We are delighted to partner with ASH Wales Cymru on this initiative which will benefit both people and nature. "All three locations we've chosen as voluntary smoke-free zones have been selected because they are environmentally significant. "We work hard to look after these special places and are requesting that people who visit these beautiful locations help us to care for them by not smoking and disposing of harmful smoking materials which could pose a risk to these special habitats and the wildlife that lives in them, or spark a wildfire. "As a conservation charity, people and nature are at the heart of everything we do, and we all have a role to play in helping to protect our natural environment for future generations to enjoy." Cemlyn, Anglesey (Image: National Trust Images/Paul Harris) The scheme aims to reduce cigarette litter, which poses a threat to marine environments and wildlife. Cigarette butts break down into microplastics and release toxic chemicals into the water, and discarded smoking materials can also pose a wildfire risk. The beaches were chosen for their environmental importance. Porth Dafarch, on Holy Island, is home to a colony of choughs, the rarest member of the crow family, as well as seals and porpoises. Cemlyn supports one of the UK's largest colonies of Sandwich terns, with around 1,500 pairs, and is part of an Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty and a National Nature Reserve. Porthor, known for its 'whistling sands,' is a haven for birds and marine life, including choughs, razorbills, guillemots, and seals. Notice boards have been placed at each site to inform visitors of the scheme. Suzanne Cass, chief executive of ASH Wales, said: "Smoke-free spaces are not only popular—they're essential for protecting our wildlife, natural landscapes, and future generations. "Expanding smoke-free outdoor spaces sends a clear message: smoking is not the norm - people, wildlife and the planet come first." According to National Trust Cymru, public opinion shows 'strong support' for the scheme, with 56 per cent of Welsh adults supporting a smoking ban on beaches. In Anglesey, support for the ban rises to 87 per cent. The launch was marked with a beach clean at Porth Dafarch, involving pupils from Kingsland Primary School on June 19.
North Wales Chronicle
11 hours ago
- North Wales Chronicle
Smoking ban introduced on three North Wales beaches
Cared for by National Trust Cymru, the beaches are part of a new scheme launched in partnership with ASH Wales aimed at protect wildlife, nature, and public health. The 'smoke-free' zones were introduced on June 19 to mark National Clean Air Day and include Porth Dafarch and Cemlyn on Anglesey, as well as Porthor on the Llŷn Peninsula in Gwynedd. The shores of Porth Dafarch, Anglesey, North Wales (Image: National Trust Images/John Miller) Dewi Davies, project manager for National Trust Cymru in North Wales, said: "We are delighted to partner with ASH Wales Cymru on this initiative which will benefit both people and nature. "All three locations we've chosen as voluntary smoke-free zones have been selected because they are environmentally significant. "We work hard to look after these special places and are requesting that people who visit these beautiful locations help us to care for them by not smoking and disposing of harmful smoking materials which could pose a risk to these special habitats and the wildlife that lives in them, or spark a wildfire. "As a conservation charity, people and nature are at the heart of everything we do, and we all have a role to play in helping to protect our natural environment for future generations to enjoy." Cemlyn, Anglesey (Image: National Trust Images/Paul Harris) The scheme aims to reduce cigarette litter, which poses a threat to marine environments and wildlife. Cigarette butts break down into microplastics and release toxic chemicals into the water, and discarded smoking materials can also pose a wildfire risk. The beaches were chosen for their environmental importance. Porth Dafarch, on Holy Island, is home to a colony of choughs, the rarest member of the crow family, as well as seals and porpoises. Cemlyn supports one of the UK's largest colonies of Sandwich terns, with around 1,500 pairs, and is part of an Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty and a National Nature Reserve. Porthor, known for its 'whistling sands,' is a haven for birds and marine life, including choughs, razorbills, guillemots, and seals. Notice boards have been placed at each site to inform visitors of the scheme. Suzanne Cass, chief executive of ASH Wales, said: "Smoke-free spaces are not only popular—they're essential for protecting our wildlife, natural landscapes, and future generations. "Expanding smoke-free outdoor spaces sends a clear message: smoking is not the norm - people, wildlife and the planet come first." According to National Trust Cymru, public opinion shows 'strong support' for the scheme, with 56 per cent of Welsh adults supporting a smoking ban on beaches. In Anglesey, support for the ban rises to 87 per cent. The launch was marked with a beach clean at Porth Dafarch, involving pupils from Kingsland Primary School on June 19.
Wales Online
10-06-2025
- Wales Online
The woodland walk that ends with a ruined abbey and a lovely coffee shop
The woodland walk that ends with a ruined abbey and a lovely coffee shop This five-mile route offers glorious views of the Wye River and the surrounding landscape and includes the passage through Tidenham Tunnel The Wye Valley, which straddles the border between England and Wales, is a recognised Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty. (Image: Portia Jones ) One of my favourite walks is a scenic five-mile stroll in the beautiful Wye Valley. The Wye Valley borders England and Wales and is an Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty. It's a peaceful part of Wales with rolling countryside, attractive market towns, hiking trails, mountains and outdoor activities. You can crisscross seamlessly from Wales into England and easily explore this well-heeled area. If you want a walk with river views, woodlands, an ancient abbey, and a lovely café, the Wye Valley Walk between Chepstow and Tintern is a great shout. Stomp along the Wye Valley Greenway, a shared-use path that follows the disused Wye Valley Railway. The five-mile route offers glorious views of the Wye River and the surrounding landscape and includes Tidenham Tunnel. This stretch is part of the longer Wye Valley Walk, a 136-mile national trail that follows the course of the River Wye and includes some of the most beautiful scenery in Britain. One of the area's most natural features is the flowing River Wye. This meandering river begins in Plynlimon in mid-Wales and flows south, becoming part of the border between Wales and England and eventually meeting the Severn. You can choose various sections of the trail for day hikes and weekend hikes, or opt for a full walking holiday and do the lot. Article continues below If you don't fancy trekking the entire trail, the Chepstow to Tintern section isn't too taxing if you're an experienced walker and takes you on a winding track where you'll spot wildlife and heritage features. Chepstow to Tintern walk The walk starts near Chepstow Castle, Wales' oldest surviving post-Roman castle that dates back to 1067. (Image: getty ) You have two options for this walk. You can start at Chepstow and walk linearly to Tintern, then get a bus back to your starting point of Chepstow. Alternatively, you could do a 12.5-mile circular walk, which links the Wye Valley Greenway path from Sedbury to Tintern with the Wye Valley Walk between Tintern and Chepstow. I prefer the longer circular route, so I'll include some features and highlights of this walk below. Your walk begins in the border town of Chepstow, a major medieval powerhouse with its Norman castle strategically built along a limestone cliff overlooking the meandering River Wye. Known as 'the gateway of Wales,' Chepstow derives from the old English 'chepe stowe', meaning a marketplace. Today, the small, historic town retains its cobbled streets and has an impressive variety of independent shops, cafés, restaurants, and pubs. To follow the route, download the All Trails app and search for nearby routes or print out this PDF of the route and let it guide you. Wye Valley is one of Wales' most beautiful landscapes (Image: Fine and Country, Brecon ) Along the route, look out for resident wildlife like Red Kites, dippers and herons. If you're lucky, you might even spot a Kingfisher or otter if you venture near the river. From the town centre, the trail will take you past Chepstow Castle, a beautifully preserved Welsh castle that proudly stands atop a limestone cliff above the River Wye, having stood the test of time. For more than six centuries, Chepstow was home to some of the wealthiest and most powerful men of the medieval and Tudor ages. The Castle building was started in 1067 by Earl William Fitz Osbern, a close friend of William the Conqueror, making it one of the first Norman strongholds in Wales. In turn, William Marshal (Earl of Pembroke), Roger Bigod (Earl of Norfolk), and Charles Somerset (Earl of Worcester) all made their mark before the castle declined after the Civil War. The oldest building is the Norman Great Tower, but construction continued well into the 17th century as stronger, musket-friendly parapets replaced medieval battlements. Today, visitors can learn more about this historic site that Cadw now manages by visiting this impressive castle on a day trip or booking one of their special events. From superstar gigs to cosy pubs, find out What's On in Wales by signing up to our newsletter here From the castle, the route heads to Old Chepstow Bridge, which offers views across the Castle and downriver towards the mouth of the Wye. Take a steep footpath, signed Gloucestershire Way, up between two walls until you reach a path signposted Offa's Dyke, another long distant trail. Continue onwards on the Greenway link path. Follow this route onto Sedbury Lane, then continue until you cross a bridge over the main railway line before reaching the old Snipehill Railway Bridge. The Chepstow to Tintern Abbey walk is full of blooms and wildlife (Image: Portia Jones ) At the bridge, you'll take a signed stony track to the right to join the start of the Wye Valley Greenway, where you'll be spoiled with views across to the Severn Estuary. The Wye Valley Greenway footpath and cycle route follows the former Wye Valley Railway line for 5 miles between Sedbury and Tintern. Continue towards the Tidenham tunnel on the old Wye Valley railway. This eerie tunnel closed in 1959, but trains continued to use this line section until 1981 when freight was carried from Tintern Quarry. It's closed at night and completely closed from October to March 31st to protect the roosting bats. Check opening times on the signs at the start of the Greenway to avoid a detour. Continue on the Greenway to Tintern. As you get closer to Tintern, you'll get teasing glimpses of Tintern Abbey across the river. Keep following the route, passing the old Abbey Mill (now a cafe and shops), and you'll soon reach The Filling Station cafe. Here, you'll find freshly brewed coffee, teas, cakes and light meals, and you can rest your weary legs. Near the cafe is Tintern Abbey, one of our greatest monastic ruins, the best-preserved medieval abbey in Wales, and the second Cistercian foundation to be built in Britain. Tintern Abbey is an incredible place to explore, and it looks even more impressive when the sun's out (Image: Portia Jones ) It was founded in 1131 by Cistercian monks and has a long history, including the dissolution of the monasteries, which led to the abbey slowly turning into a majestic ruin. Today, you can visit this important heritage site in Wales and marvel at the scale of the roofless abbey and the British Gothic architecture. Tickets can be bought on arrival at the visitor centre, and a selection of guidebooks can help you learn more about this beautiful abbey. At this point of the walk, you can either head back to Chepstow via public transport (if two drivers are walking the route, you can always park one car in Chepstow and one in Tintern) If you take the circular route, you'll pass "Limekilns Catch" and spot a small path leading to an old Tintern Limekiln used from the 1700s to 1902. You'll also be treated to an utter highlight of the walk, the Eagle's Nest viewpoint. Eagle's Nest Viewpoint overlooking the Wye Valley (Image: Gemma Wood ) This retro stone viewing platform was constructed in 1828 by the Duke of Beaufort. Originally a double-decker platform, access to the lower platform was removed in 2010 for safety reasons. Article continues below On the edge of the steep Wyndcliff, 700ft above the Wye, this is the highest point of the Piercefield Walks with outstanding views of the Lancaut peninsula and Wintour's Leap beyond, with the river curving downstream to Chepstow Castle and the Severn estuary. Stop here for a rest, soak up the view, and get some epic snaps for your socials. From Eagle's Nest, you'll descend 365 steps to the Lower Wyndcliff and continue back towards Chepstow via picnic areas and woodlands, where you'll finish this lovely walk.
Daily Record
04-06-2025
- General
- Daily Record
Britain's oldest road spans 87 miles of history with stunning landscapes
The Ridgeway National Trail is an ancient path that has been walked by everyone from drovers to traders, and even invaders, and today it's a popular spot for outdoor enthusiasts The Ridgeway National Trail, known as Britain's most ancient road, is steeped in history with over 5,000 years' worth of travellers having traversed its length. Commencing at the World Heritage Site of Avebury in Wiltshire, the trail stretches for an impressive 87 miles until reaching the stunning outlook of Ivinghoe Beacon amidst the Chiltern Hills. A walk along this historic way doesn't only transport you back in time but also entices with a tapestry of significant landmarks ranging from Neolithic barrows to the enchanting Uffington White Horse and varied landscapes such as Barbury and Wallingford Castles, including the quaint Pitstone Windmill. The mysterious circle known as The Sanctuary, a site dating back to about 2500 BC initially comprising wooden posts and stones, has been marked out in modern times with concrete markers where these ancient structures would have stood. National Trails underscored the path's historical importance, stating: "For, at least 5,000 years and maybe many more, people, including drovers, traders and invaders, have walked or ridden The Ridgeway." Detailing further, they said: "As part of a prehistoric track, once stretching about 250 miles (400 Km) from the Dorset coast to the Wash on the Norfolk coast, it provided a route over the high ground for travellers which was less wooded and drier than routes through the springline villages below." Today, the iconic route remains a beloved haunt for walkers, runners, cyclists, and equestrians alike, all lured by its rich tapestry of nature and deep-seated historical resonance, according to a report by the Express, reports the Mirror. The Ridgeway National Trail stretches a remarkable 87 miles through the English landscape, steeped in heritage and spectacular natural beauty. Traversing two unequalled Areas of Outstanding Natural Beauty (AONB), the North Wessex Downs and The Chilterns, this six-part segmented track attracts with its dramatic views spanning from the west side of the River Thames to the captivating eastern reaches. With majestic outlooks over open downland, secluded trails, and a plethora of ancient sites in the West, the trail provides an abundance of eye-catching prospects. Meanwhile, The Chilterns section tempts ramblers with its picturesque wooded valleys, thriving wildlife havens, and picture-postcard villages. Sharing her journey on TripAdvisor, Louise Head commented: "The walk to see Wayland Smithy is so worth it. It is a beautiful place so atmospheric." Another ardently recommended segment was White Horse Hill, with one walker asserting: "The walk up to White Horse hill is a lovely walk thoroughly recommend it." A traveller from Aberdeen expressed awe over the trail's deep-rooted history, noting: "The Ridgeway follows an 87 mile long route used since prehistoric times by travellers and herdsmen." To tread the same ground as those from aeons past left them enthralled: "It's amazing to think you're treading in the footsteps of our ancient ancestors." Additionally, another outdoor enthusiast remarked: "The trail runs from Overton Hill to Ivinghoe Beacon, but of course you don't have to walk it all! We walked a section in the Chilterns, and midweek it was very quiet. It's a well signposted route offering lovely views over rolling countryside." A TripAdvisor user from Exeter recounted their journey: "Myself and a friend rode the full length of the ridgeway, starting in West Kennet and picking up the Swan way and Icknield way riders route east of Streatley where the Ridgeway itself becomes a footpath." They added: "We averaged 18 - 20 miles per day which was a nice easy pace allowing time for sightseeing." The user concluded with their total distance and recommendation: "Our total mileage was 103. It is a lovely ride with stunning scenery and little roadwork. "We found horse friendly BandB's along the route which meant we had to carry less gear. Highly recommend!"
Leader Live
12-05-2025
- General
- Leader Live
Future of Colomendy outdoor centre near Mold to be decided
Colomendy, in Loggerheads, near Mold, was originally a site for evacuee children from Liverpool during World War Two. After the war the site was transferred to Liverpool Council, with a covenant which retained its use for the benefit of the city's children. After seven decades providing educational away days for young people, it was confirmed in March the site would close with immediate effect. In January, Kingswood Colomendy Ltd, the site's tenant, and its parent company, Inspiring Learning Ltd, both ceased trading and administrators were appointed. The city council issued a 30 year lease for the site in 2007. Now the local authority is to formally begin the process of securing the long-term future of the location in North East Wales. Administrators appointed to the business have confirmed the lease will be returned to Liverpool Council in a process known as disclaiming. This will be signed off when cabinet members meet at Liverpool Town Hall next month. The Local Democracy Reporting Service (LDRS) understands that since March, the keys have been handed over to the city on an informal basis. An official options appraisal will now begin for the land. Representatives on both sides of the border have told the LDRS previously how they hope the site can be revived for the benefit of young people in Merseyside and North Wales. Carolyn Thomas, North Wales member of the Welsh Parliament, was previously chair of the Clwydian Range and Dee Valley Area of Natural Beauty (AONB) partnership – where Colomendy is located – and said a future could be found for the site that would benefit all parties. She said: 'Colomendy lies within the Clwydian Range and Dee Valley Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty, hopefully soon to be re-designated as a national park. It is situated next to Loggerheads country park, a tourism hot spot and has been used for generations from Merseyside. MORE NEWS 'I often meet families at Loggerheads who are reminiscing, bringing their children and grandchildren, to relive and share their experiences. It has an employment and economic benefit to the local economy and has farms. 'It would be great to maintain it as an outdoor education facility but there are also other ideas. I would encourage local authorities to engage with Liverpool Council now the lease for the site has been returned.' The LDRS understands it would be the preferred option of Liverpool Council for an outdoor education firm to take on the lease. It is expected the full appraisal and handing over of terms to a preferred bidder could take up to 12 months.
