Maenan Abbey
Maenan Abbey is a small and personally-run country house which is ideally located. Walkers can…
Our View
Coed Gorswen NNR near the village of Rowen on the western side of the Conwy valley is a gentle landscape of small woodlands, grazed fields and a latticework of hedgerows. Large boulders scattered across the reserve provide striking evidence of former Ice Age activity, and these are perhaps what protected the woodland over the centuries as surrounding land was cleared for human use. Unlike many of the woodlands in North Wales, which are dominated by sessile oaks, the relatively flat ground of Coed Gorswen has a much richer mix of trees. The alkaline soils in the area are also home to some rare and interesting plants including various wild orchid species as well as moonwort. The woodland supports breeding populations of birds such as pied flycatcher, greater spotted woodpecker, redpoll, redstart, willow and wood warbler and marsh tit, and woodcock are also present in winter.
Features
Also in the area
About the area
Discover Conwy
The majority of the population of Conwy lives along its picturesque coastline, while a third of the county falls within jaw-dropping landscape of the Snowdonia National Park. The town of Conwy, which takes its name from the county (which in turn was named after the river that runs through it), is undoubtedly one of the great treasures of Wales.
Three fine bridges – Thomas Telford’s magnificent suspension bridge of 1822, Robert Stephenson’s tubular railway bridge, and a newer crossing – all stretch over the estuary beneath the castle, allowing both road and the railway into this medieval World Heritage Site. Pride of place goes to the castle, dating back to 1287.
Conwy is the most complete walled town in Britain, with walls measuring an impressive six feet in thickness and 35 feet in height. The walkway along the top offers splendid over-the-rooftop views of the castle, the estuary and the rocky knolls of nearby village of Deganwy. At the wall’s end, steps descend to the quayside where fishermen sort their nets and squawking seagulls steal scraps.
Nearby stays
Places to Stay
Dining nearby
Restaurants and Pubs
Why choose Rated Trips?
Your trusted guide to rated places across the UK
The best coverage
Discover more than 15,000 professionally rated places to stay, eat and visit from across the UK and Ireland.
Quality assured
Choose a place to stay safe in the knowledge that it has been expertly assessed by trained assessors.
Plan your next trip
Search by location or the type of place you're visiting to find your next ideal holiday experience.
Travel inspiration
Read our articles, city guides and recommended things to do for inspiration. We're here to help you explore the UK.