“Pistyll Rhaeadr and Wrexham steeple

Snowdon’s mountain without its people,

Overton Yew trees, St Winefred’s Well,

Llangollen Bridge and Gresford bells”

 

This verse was written by an unknown poet and apart from Snowdon itself all the ‘wonders’ are in the north east of Wales, with Flintshire's wonder being St Winifred’s Well.   The beauty and splendour of the mighty Snowdon is known to many but the other six are less famous. However, they are all worth a visit and, whilst they could all be reached in a day, would reward being seen at a slower pace.

 

     Pistyll Rhaeadr

Situated on the southern boundary of the County of Wrexham and bordering Powys, it is only a few miles from the village of Llanrhaeadr-ym-Mochnant.   It is a most impressive and dramatic sight when you finally see the waterfall but you will need a good map to find it. It is the highest waterfall in Wales at 73 meters, and crashes down in an unbroken torrent to unknown depths. Then it gushes through a hole in the rock worn away over many thousands of years before rejoining the river and running away at a more sedate flow. Location Map

 

Wrexham Steeple

The steeple in question belongs to the church of St Giles, which stands in grounds just off the high street in Wrexham. There has been a church on the site since the thirteenth century but the present church is around 500 years old. The steeple is 135 high and has 4 striking turrets.  Location Map

 

Snowdon Mountain

The highest mountain in Wales at 1085 meters (3560 feet), it’s just a 45 minute drive from Flintshire to the Snowdonia National Park where energetic walkers can climb to the top, or those wishing to take it easy can take the narrow gauge rack and pinion railway to the summit. For more information click here

 

Overton Yew trees

The trees can be found in the churchyard of St Mary the Virgin – all 21 of them. These very ancient trees, some of which pre-date the church, are 1,500 to 2,000 year old. Overton was granted a Royal Charter by Edward I in 1292 and 700 years later in 1992 our present Queen planted a new yew tree.  Location Map
 

 

     St Winefred’s Well
 

Legend has it that a Spring erupted on the spot where an unwanted suitor, Caradog, cut off Winefride’s head when she spurned his advances. Where it landed a spring appeared and the waters have been healing people since the 7th century. There is a small museum and café. St Winefrides Well - One of the oldest Natural Assets in Flintshire

 

Llangollen Bridge

In 1345 John Trevor 1, Bishop of St Asaph, built the first stone bridge in Llangollen, home of the annual International Eisteddfod which sees musicians, dancers and artists from all over the world assemble every July. Location Map

Gresford Bells