Ruthin
An Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty
The Clwydian Range and neighbouring Dee Valley form a dramatic upland frontier in North Wales, with scenic landscapes, dramatic summits and historic towns and villages.
The heather-clad hills of the Clwydian Range reward adventurers with ancient hillforts and incredible views give way to the Dee Valley’s rich cultural heritage. The distinctive beauty and significance of this exceptional landscape is protected and enhanced as one of only five Areas of Outstanding Natural Beauty in Wales.
Great Alder House is located at the foot of Moel Famau and has panoramic views and incredible sunsets. Within Walking distance there are 3 local pubs and a vintage tea room. The nearest town is Ruthin With its winding streets, stunning architecture, enchanting shops and good food, Ruthin has much to offer a visitors. The Times editor Simon Jenkins describes Ruthin as ‘the most charming small town in Wales,’ It is also home to 3 supermarkets a Delicatessence and 2 Butchers.
North Wales has some amazing adventures such as Zip World " The Fastest Zip Wire in the World" White Water Rafting and Bounce Below Caves or just taking one of the paths to the summit of Snowdon on foot.
Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty
The Clwydian Range
The Clwydian Range and Dee Valley form a dramatic upland frontier in North Wales, with scenic landscapes, dramatic summits and historic towns and villages. Heather-clad hills of the Clwydian Range reward the adventurer with ancient hillforts and incredible views giving way to the Dee Valley’s rich cultural and industrial heritage. The beauty and significance of this exceptional landscape is protected and enhanced as one of only five Areas of Outstanding Natural Beauty in Wales.
Eryri National Park- Snowdonia
Yr Wyddfa- Snowdon
Approximately 1 hour from Great Alder House you will find the Eyri National Park ( previously until 2022 known as Snowdonia)
Covering a total of 823 square miles, Eryri is Wales’ largest National Park. Home to over 26,000 people, Eryri’s landscape is steeped with culture, history, and heritage, where the Welsh language is mainly spoken
Nearly 4 million people visit Eryri every year to explore its towering peaks and breath-taking valleys and 600,000 choose to climb Yr Wyddfa- Snowdon the highest peak in Wales there are a choice of routes for all levels of fitness but do ensure you are prepared and wear the approriate clothing
The Routes
Always think of safety and preparation- Check the weather!
There are six main, well-marked paths to the 1,085-metre summit of Yr Wyddfa (Snowdon): Llanberis Path, Pyg Track, Miners' Track, Watkin Path, Rhyd-Ddu Path, and the Snowdon Ranger Path. Ranging from 7 to 9 miles (round trip), these hikes generally take 6–8 hours and are considered strenuous, requiring good fitness and proper preparation.
Key Routes Overview:
- Llanberis Path (Easiest/Longest): The most popular and gradual, following the mountain railway; best for beginners.
- Pyg Track (Scenic/Rugged): Starts at Pen y Pass, offering dramatic views and some scrambling, often combined with the Miners' Track
- Miner Track ( Moderate/ Steep) Starts at Pen Y pass for a gentle walk past lakes before a steep climb.
- Watkin Path (Hardest): Starts near Bethania, known for the most ascent from sea level and a very steep final scree slope.
- Snowdon Ranger Path (Quieter/Steep): A direct, rocky route starting near Llyn Cwellyn
- Rhyd Ddu Path (Quieter/Ridge): Offers spectacular views but requires a head for heights on a narrow ridge
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Beaches
North Wales has some of the most beautiful beaches in the UK and you can still find a quiet beach within 1 hours drive of Great Alder House and all these beaches are within 1.5 hours!!
Blue Flag beaches in North Wales recognised for top tier water quality, safety and amenities can be found at
Llanddwyn Beach- Anglesey
Llanddona Beach Anglesey
Trearddur Bay- Anglesey
Church Bay Anglesey
West Shore- Conwy
Llanfairfcehan-Conwy
Penmeanmawr-Conwy
Rhos on Sea- Conwy
Portherias-Conwy
Prestatyn-Denbighshire
Abersoch- Gwynedd
Criccieth-Gwynedd
Dinas Dinlle-Gwynedd
Barmouth-Gwynedd
Black Rock Sands- Gwynedd
Where to Eat?
We are very lucky to have many amazing restaurants in the Vale of Clwyd some within walking distance from Great Alder House.
The White Horse Hendredwydd
Independent Foodie Heaven
Open fire, Sheepskins, Outdoor Dining, Fires and an ever changing menu in this independent foodie heaven...booking recommended!
Small Plates Ruthin
Tapas Style Sharing platters and cocktails
In the heart of Ruthin the ideal place to share and gather with great food wine and cocktails...booking recommended!
Nant Y Fellin
Home made bread and Ice Cream!
An independent family-run gastropub situated between Denbigh and Ruthin. Nant y Felin serves local homemade food accompanied by a fine selection of drinks.
The Sugar Plum Team Rooms
Breakfast Brunch and Afternoon Tea
Independent Tea Room serving Wonderful Cakes as well as a menu for Breakfast Brunch, Lunch and Afternoon Tea.
More Places to Eat
All tried and tested by us!
The Griffin
Traditional Welsh in with a contemporary edge
Pub turned restaurant with rooms the Griffin serves good honest food with a decent supply of beers and wines.
The Dinorben Arms
Brunning and Price with Amzing Views
Traditional pub restaurant serving fresh food, cask ales and wine. Amazing views from the terrace dog friendly large tables available
The Drovers Arms
Pub Food in Rhewl
JW Lees large pub, outside tables, conservatory with a large selection of beers and good pub food.
Jacques Wine Bar
Steakk Frites and Wine!
French Style Wine Bar in the heart of ruthin with Sharing plates and Steak on offer...and wine!
Other things to do nearby!!
North Wales has so much to offer these are some of the amazing places that are nearby
