The Birches

Wood, Forest in Denbighshire

Wales

The Birches

Llangollen Canal - the end Between the Bridge Hotel and the Horseshoe Falls, the canal terminates at this point. — Llangollen Canal - the end Credit: Trevor Harris

The Birches is a picturesque woodland located in Denbighshire, Wales. Covering an area of approximately 50 acres, it is a popular destination for nature enthusiasts and outdoor adventurers alike.

The woodland is predominantly made up of birch trees, hence its name, which provide a stunning backdrop throughout the seasons. In spring, the forest floor comes alive with vibrant wildflowers, while the rustling leaves of the birch trees create a soothing soundtrack in the gentle breeze. In autumn, the woodland transforms into a mesmerizing display of fiery colors as the leaves turn golden, red, and orange.

The Birches offers a network of well-maintained trails, providing ample opportunities for walking, jogging, and cycling. These trails range from easy, family-friendly paths to more challenging routes for experienced hikers. Along the way, visitors can enjoy panoramic views of the surrounding countryside, with glimpses of rolling hills and distant mountains.

The woodland is also home to a rich variety of wildlife. Birdwatchers can spot species such as woodpeckers, owls, and buzzards, while lucky visitors may even catch a glimpse of red deer or foxes. Nature enthusiasts can explore the diverse flora and fauna, including mosses, ferns, and various woodland flowers.

The Birches is easily accessible, with a car park and visitor facilities available on-site. It offers a tranquil escape from the hustle and bustle of daily life, allowing visitors to immerse themselves in the beauty of nature and enjoy a peaceful retreat in Denbighshire's stunning woodlands.

Show me another place!

If you have any feedback on the listing, please let us know in the comments section below.

The Birches Images

Images are sourced within 2km of 52.995261/-3.1849843 or Grid Reference SJ2044. Thanks to Geograph Open Source API. All images are credited.

Llangollen Canal - the end

Between the Bridge Hotel and the Horseshoe Falls, the canal terminates at this point.

Trevor Harris

The Chain Bridge

There has been a crossing point over the River Dee at Berwyn as far back as Roman times, later serving the Cistercian monks of the nearby Valle Crucis Abbey. At the beginning of the 19th century plans were made to build the first bridge in this most beautiful of locations. Exuperius Pickering was a local entrepreneur dealing in limestone and slate. He had been involved in the building of the Pontcysyllte Aqueduct and had got to know Thomas Telford well. Telford had been given the work of building the now A5 from London to Holyhead following the latter being chosen as the main port between Britain and Ireland. The existing road was already a major coaching route but its condition was no better than a dirt track in many places. Pickering was quick to see the trading opportunity as the route of the new road would travel close to his works in Berwyn. In conjunction with Telford, the first Llangollen Chain Bridge was duly completed in 1814, the year before work started on the new road. This was made of wood, with chains slung underneath. It survived until 1870 before needing a complete refurbishment by another famous engineer Sir Henry Robinson, owner of the Brymbo Iron Works. Archive Link

The bridge fell into disrepair SJ1943 : The Chain Bridge but thankfully, the adjacent Chain Bridge hotel has had new owners in recent years and they have now repaired the bridge as seen here.

Eirian Evans

Two bridges from a third bridge

The lower bridge (King's Bridge) carries the B5103 over the River Dee to join the A5 near Berwyn Railway Station. The higher bridge is a viaduct crossing a tributary which joins the River Dee and carrying the steam railway between Llangollen and Carrog. The photo was taken from the Chain Bridge SJ1943 : The Chain Bridge, a footbridge crossing the river from the Chain Bridge Hotel to Berwyn Station.

Eirian Evans

Horseshoe Falls, Berwyn near Llangollen

Colin Park

Farmland at Maesyrychen uchaf as seen from Dee Valley Way, west of Llangollen

Colin Park

Llantysilio - St Tysilio's Church

Colin Park

Bathers at Horseshoe Falls, Berwyn near Llangollen

Colin Park

Berwyn Station on the Llangollen Railway

Berwyn Station from the A5 going towards Llangollen.

Bob Walters

The A5 at Berwyn

Roy Hughes

Parkland above the Horsehoe Falls in Berwyn

Gareth James

Horseshoe Falls at Berwyn

Gareth James

Canoeing on the Llangollen Canal in Berwyn

Gareth James

Footbridge over the Llangollen Canal in Berwyn

Gareth James

View along the chainbridge at Berwyn

Gareth James

Llangollen Railway at River Dee at Berwyn

Class 26 No. 5310 approaches Berwyn station during the Llangollen Railway's diesel gala. It is working a ballast train, but with a carriage included to provide passenger-accommodation.

Gareth James

Derelict building beside the A5 in Berwyn

It is not clear what this building once was. Old maps of the area show a Methodist chapel near this site, but this building doesn't look like a typical chapel.

Gareth James