Ten perfect places to take your dog for a walk in Wrexham and Flintshire

For families with dogs, planning activities invariably means including their furry friend or friends.

So we asked Leader readers to share their favourite places to take their dogs for a walk.

Erddig. Picture: Sophie Roberts

It was no surprise that Erddig in Wrexham was one of the top suggestions.

Recently it was named one of the best National Parks in the UK for dogs.

The park provides an area for dogs to roam off the lead and has a dog-friendly garden, woodland and park.

But Erddig was one of eight places suggested by readers.

In Wrexham, Acton Park came out as a favourite place to exercise.

Natalie Jayne Jones said: "I like to take my dog round Acton Lake because it is relaxing and full of friendly people.

"I like to take my camera with me so that I can photograph all of the nature and wildlife.

"I also like walking him round Erddig. We walk down to the cup and saucer, round the back of the hall and then back again."

Moss Valley and Alyn Waters Country Park were also recommended.

Sally Milne said: "Erddig but also Alyn Waters in Llay - always lots of friendly dogs - and Plas Power Woods."

Completing the list were Wepre Woods in Connah's Quay, Nant Mill, Plas Power Woods, Ty Mawr, Greenfield Valley and Loggerheads.

Kate Wheeler told us: "My rescue dog loves Wepre Park."

Our readers' recommendations:

1. Acton Park

Acton Park is can be found half a mile north of Wrexham town centre.

The 64 acre site was once the grounds of Acton Hall, with many landscape features such as the lake remaining. The park, which has held Green Flag Award accreditation since 2016, features large areas of open parkland and wooded areas, as well as sports and play facilities.

Parking areas are located off Herbert Jennings Avenue, off Tapley Avenue and behind the Cunliffe Pub on Jeffery’s Road.

Dogs are welcome but must be kept under control at all times.

2. Alyn Waters

Alyn Waters Country Park is the largest in the Wrexham area. Another of Wrexham's Green Flag Award accredited sites, the park is situated in the beautiful Alyn Valley. There are a variety of woodland, grassland and riverside walks throughout the park that you can explore with your dog.

Llay side of Alyn Waters. Picture: Sheila Williams

The park is split into two either side of the River Alyn, with entrances in Gwersyllt and Llay.

The Gwersyllt side offers parking, a visitor centre with café, gift shop and toilets that have baby change facilities.

The Llay side of the park has a large car park, children’s playground and local nature reserve.

3. Erddig

Exploring the acres of parkland at Erddig with your four-legged friend is a great way to enjoy the beautiful landscape. Erddig Country Park attracts thousands of dog walkers a year, drawn by the vast, natural open spaces as they change through the seasons.

Autumn at Erddig. Picture: Chris Deacon (Black Dog Photography)

Erddig's website offers tips for dog owners to make the most of their time there. The park offer plenty of opportunities for bounding, jumping, sniffing and splashing.

Highlights include the Clywedog riverside walk and the Erddig Big Wood trail. There are waste bins and dog water bowls around the site.

4. Greenfield Valley

At Greenfield Valley Heritage Park, in one and a half miles, you can explore an exciting 70 acres of woodland and 2,000 years of history.

Greenfield Valley Heritage Park. Picture: Michael Lomax

There are lakes, streams, ancient monuments and historic factories around every corner, to keep dogs and their owners stimulated.

Walking tour guides are available to download from the Greenfield Valley website.

5. Loggerheads

On the border of Flintshire and Denbighshire, Loggerheads Country Park is rich in wildlife and heritage.

It is an location to explore the Clwydian Range and Dee Valley, with its flower-strewn grasslands and riverside woodlands.

A network of waymarked footpaths radiate from the park – west to Moel Famau Country Park and Offa’s Dyke National Trail, north along the Leete Path to Cilcain and Devil’s Gorge, east to Cadole and Pantymwyn and south-east to Maeshafn and Moel Findeg Local Nature Reserve.

Walking guides and maps are available from the Clwydian Range Centre next to the car park.

6. Moss Valley

Moss Valley Country Park is situated between Gwersyllt and Brynteg, three miles north of Wrexham. The V-shaped valley has woodland with oak and beech trees, as well as two small lakes and areas of open grassland.

Ducks at Moss Valley. Picture: Craig Colville

Like many of these sites, Moss Valley has an industrial past, and was once a major coal mining area and evidence of the old railways can still be found.

Pathways run through the park, often following old tramways and railway lines.

There are two car parks near the lakes.

Dogs are welcome at Moss Valley Park but must be kept under control.

7 and 8. Nant Mill and Plas Power Woods

The combined sites of Plas Power Woods and Nant Mill Wood make up 104.6 acres, and are situated in the Clywedog valley between Bersham and Coedpoeth, 1.6 miles west of Wrexham.

Bluebells at Nant Mill. Picture: Carolyn Givenchy Large

Nant Mill Wood is located adjacent to Wrexham County Council’s Nant Mill Visitor Centre while Plas Power Wood extends downstream from the centre.

With multiple waymarked trails, historical features, waterfalls and a variety of habitats to explore and wildlife to encounter, Plas Power Woods is a fantastic place to enjoy a walk with or without a dog.

9. Ty Mawr

Tŷ Mawr Country Park lies on the banks of the River Dee in the Vale of Llangollen, part of the Clwydian Range and Dee Valley Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty. Sitting underneath the Cefn Viaduct, the park provides some of the best scenery around.

Ty Mawr Country Park. Picture by Pat Marzelos.

Tŷ Mawr has held Green Flag Award accreditation since 2006.

You can take a walk around the park by following the paths, or sit and relax by the river where you might spot salmon jumping.

Dogs are welcome at the park but must be kept under control at all times and on a lead within the designated signposted areas. Dog waste bags are available to buy at the visitor centre.

10. Wepre Park

Wepre Park is an ancient woodland rich in wildlife and history. It is a greatly valued green space for the residents of Deeside, and is used by over 200,000 visitors from across the region annually.

The 160 acre site is cared for by Flintshire Countryside Service to make sure everyone can enjoy its beautiful open spaces and facilities.

The park has an impressive children’s playground, two football pitches, acres of beautiful woodland walks, a well-managed fishing pool, and a visitor centre.

Wepre Park, Connah's Quay. Picture: Rick Matthews

Things to explore include the Old Hall Gardens, a brook and waterfall, acres of beautiful woodland walks, and Ewloe Castle.