Give feedback on this page

The Clwydian Range should be promoted as the jewel in the crown of the North Wales Borderlands according to a draft final report into how to create a sustainable tourism strategy for the area.

Based on the results of consultations, surveys and findings, authors of the report suggest the way forward for a tourism strategy for the Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty (AONB) is to promote the exceptional landscape as widely as possible.

Tony Hughes, head of Denbighshire’s Countryside and Leisure, said: 'The nationally important landscape and scenic beauty of the Clwydian Range are qualities which attract tourists.  

“Tourism is a key part of our local economy and is a sector that we want to see grow, but this must not undermine the underlying quality of the landscape which attracts tourists in the first place.  

“The draft strategy and action plan attempts to balance these factors and develop a sustainable approach to tourism in the AONB.  We are keen to hear from anyone who has an opinion or interest in this issue before we finalise the strategy.'

The report contains a five year plan to help tread a fine line between encouraging visitors and giving them a variety of different experiences whilst ensuring the area remains protected.

The report states the highest priority should be given to the conservation of the environment and the development of a diverse visitor experience, supported by high quality facilities and services based around outdoor activities.

The Clwydian Range is one of only five AONBs and three national parks in Wales. It has been inhabited for thousands of years with the remains of early Stone Age sites and many Bronze Age burial monuments along the ridge of undulating hills.

The range is also crowned by a series of Iron Age hill forts which are considered some of the most noticeable features of the area.

It is hoped that once the plan is accepted, strategies will be put in place to help increase awareness of the Clwydian Range and all that it has to offer visitors, as well as encouraging and supporting tourism related enterprises in the area.
The full Draft Action report can be viewed on www.denbighshire.gov.uk on the Countryside Services web page.