In this series of posts I’m sharing all of my favourite things to do in North Wales. I’ve made an epic list of almost 150 things to do and I’m slowly working through the list and creating detailed blog posts to help you do all of these amazing things!
Today I want to share my favourite place for a riverside walk in Wrexham, North Wales.
This is Plas Power, Nant Mill Woods and Bersham Waterfall and it’s just the most magical place.
It’s a serene, forestry, riverside walk and you can make it a very long or very short walk so it’s suitable for the whole family.
All of these photos were taken with my new GoPro Hero 12. I’ve had GoPro’s since the very first one came out and they’re brilliant little cameras and great for capturing family days out. Mine is from Very and I’m so pleased I upgraded to the latest one. My last one was an 8 or a 9 but the new functions on the Hero 12 make it much more user-friendly and the battery life is much better. The selfie function on it is brilliant so I highly recommend it to my fellow mums who are never normally in the photo!
Plas Power, Nant Mill Woods and Bersham Waterfall
- Where: Wrexham
- Who for: The whole family
- Cost: Free or a small parking fee if you use the Nant Mill Visitor Centre Car Park
- Where to Park: Nant Mill Visitor Centre (you have to pay to park) or I prefer to park in a layby next to St Mary’s Plas Power Church (free)
- Need to know: I wouldn’t recommend wheelchairs. The path next to Nant Mill Visitor Centre is OK but can get muddy and you wouldn’t get far.
- What to wear: Boots that can get muddy
- Babies and toddlers: I’d recommend putting babies and toddlers into carriers if possible. I used to come a lot with an outdoor pushchair (Mountain Buggy) and I could make it work but it was hard work!
- Toilets: There are toilets at Nant Mill Visitor Centre but I’m pretty sure they’re permanently closed. I haven’t seen them open for years. So I definitely wouldn’t rely on them.
- Shop/cafe: There’s a small shop at Nant Mill Visitor Centre but, again, it’s almost always closed.
- Play park: There’s a good play park at Nant Mill Visitor Centre
- Dogs: Dogs are welcome and my dog loves it there
- Best time to visit: All year round. Autumn is particularly gorgeous and it’s great if you want to get outdoors when it’s raining because much of the footpaths are quite sheltered.
Plas Power Woods is a beautiful and tranquil ancient woodland located near Wrexham in North Wales. The woods are part of the historic Plas Power Estate and cover around 40 hectares, filled with riverside footpaths.
Scattered throughout the woodland are remnants of its industrial past, including sections of an old tramway that once transported coal from local mines. There is also a beautiful Grade II-listed stone bridge from the 18th century, which makes a great spot for photos.
If you park next to St Mary’s Plas Power Church, there’s a natural walking trail to follow that is well trodden and easy to see. It will lead all the way along the river and you can simply turn back when you’re ready to return. The trail winds through the woods and along the River Clywedog, offering beautiful views and peaceful surroundings.
Bersham Waterfall
While you’re walking you’ll eventually come to Bersham Waterfall, a hidden gem in the local area but a popular spot for people who like to cold dip in the chilly water below! Even if you don’t want to dip, it’s fun to stand here and watch as the brave people dunk in. It’s so popular there’s almost always someone there.
The waterfall isn’t particularly big but you’ll know you’re near because you’ll hear the roar of the water from the footpath.
Bersham itself is known for its rich industrial history, particularly linked to Bersham Ironworks, which was once an important iron foundry in the 18th century. Visitors to the waterfall can explore the nearby Bersham Heritage Centre, which tells the story of this industrial past, including its links to John Wilkinson, an industrialist who played a key role in iron production.
Nant Mill
If I’m honest, I’m not really sure where Nant Mill ends and Plas Power begins or if it’s all just one big place.
Nant Mill is a nature reserve with a visitor centre and toilets but they’re almost always closed (possibly permanently closed) so I wouldn’t rely on them.
The site is named after the old Nant Mill, a 19th-century corn mill that once played a key role in the local community. The mill is no longer in operation but the historic building has been preserved and is now an educational centre.
Nant Mill has designated picnic areas, making it an ideal place for a day out with family or friends. There are open spaces perfect for children to play and explore as well as a good little playpark.
Nant Mill is a key point along the Clywedog Valley Trail.
Clywedog Valley Trail
If you want a longer walk then I highly recommend doing the Clywedog Valley Trail,a 6 mile route that follows the River Clywedog. It’s a lovely, easy walk but can be made tricker by muddy, uneven footpaths but there’s very little in the way of hills so it’s suitable for most walkers.
The trail will take you past:
- Bersham Ironworks: One of the most important historical sites along the trail, Bersham Ironworks was a major centre for iron production in the late 18th century. The site is closely associated with John Wilkinson, an industrialist known as the “Iron Mad Wilkinson,” who made advancements in iron production that contributed to the Industrial Revolution.
- Nant Mill: The 19th century corn mill that is well preserved.
- Erddig Hall: A National Trust property and one of Wales’ finest stately homes. Erddig’s beautiful gardens and historic house are well worth exploring as part of a day out on the trail. The hall has been preserved to show what life was like for both the Yorke family, who lived there for generations. There are often events on at Erddig, especially around Christmas, Easter and the summer holidays.
- Minera Lead Mines: Although not directly on the trail, Minera Lead Mines, located nearby, can be explored for those interested in learning more about the area’s mining past.
