Clwydian Range and Dee Valley, Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty in north-east Wales, United Kingdom
The Clwydian Range and Dee Valley is a designated Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty in north-east Wales, covering a range of hills and the valley of the River Dee. It features heather moorland, limestone crags, woodland, farmland and prehistoric hillforts, with the highest point at Moel Fferna reaching 630 m (2,070 ft).
The area was first designated as an Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty in 1985, covering the Clwydian Range. In 2011, the designation was extended to include the Dee Valley, creating the current landscape.
The hillforts on the Clwydian Range, such as Penycloddiau, are a visible reminder of how people lived here in the Iron Age. Today, the area is valued for its dark skies, and local groups organise stargazing events to help visitors enjoy the night sky.
The area is best explored on foot, with long-distance paths like Offa's Dyke Path and the Clwydian Way crossing the hills. Visitors should come prepared for changeable weather and wear sturdy footwear, as many trails are uneven and exposed.
The area is known for its dark skies, with little light pollution, and about 60% of its wildlife is active at night. A mobile observatory van travels around to promote stargazing and protect the night environment.
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