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Enjoying the Countryside
Published: 16/04/2025
As we emerge from winter and into the spring sunshine, Flintshire County Council and the Flintshire Local Access forum want to showcase what the county has to offer in the countryside and also ask our visitors to enjoy responsibly.
‘I warmly invite everyone to enjoy the beauty of our countryside – walk gently, leave no trace, and respect the land that sustains us all’ – Julian Pellatt, Chair of Flintshire Access Forum.
It’s vital to remember that rural areas are not just scenic destinations — they’re also working landscapes, home to wildlife, and cherished by local communities. Whether you're walking, cycling, or enjoying a weekend getaway, everyone has a role to play in protecting these special places.
Here are some simple but essential guidelines for countryside conduct:
Leave No Trace
Take all litter home with you. Even biodegradable waste like banana peels can harm local ecosystems. Do not light any fires or use barbeques. Respect the landscape by leaving it exactly as you found it.
Stick to Paths and Rights of Way
Use marked footpaths, bridleways, and trails. Wandering off-track can disturb wildlife, damage crops, and interfere with farm operations.
Keep Dogs Under Control
Dogs should be kept on a lead near livestock and wildlife. Always clean up after your dog — fouling can harm animals and spoil the environment for others.
Close Gates Behind You
Farmers often rely on gates to manage livestock. Make sure to close gates behind you unless signs say otherwise.
Be Considerate to Others
Respect the peace of the countryside and the people who live and work there. Give way to farm vehicles, greet other walkers politely, and avoid blocking driveways or narrow roads when parking.
Protect Wildlife and Plants
Do not pick flowers, disturb animals, or remove natural materials. What may seem small can have a big impact.
Plan Ahead and Be Prepared
Check the weather, wear appropriate footwear, and bring maps or devices with GPS. Let someone know your route if you’re venturing far.
Support Local Communities
Buy from local shops and farm stands, respect private property, and be mindful of noise, especially early in the morning or late at night.
These guidelines align with the Countryside Code, a long-standing set of principles designed to help people enjoy the countryside while preserving it for future generations.
A Rural Walks booklet has also been produced by the Access and Natural Environment Service, which looks after the Public Rights of Way network and manages council owned sites throughout our diverse landscape which expands from mountains to coast. We have compiled this booklet to showcase a diverse range of some of Flintshire’s most beautiful walks for you to enjoy.
The booklet includes some of the best walks in the county and is illustrated with maps, route directions and colour photographs, with little bits of history thrown in for good mix. As well as the Clwydian Range, you can explore the quiet riversides, wooded valleys and rolling farmland of Llanasa, Ysceifiog, Sychdyn, Whitford and Caergwrle. Elsewhere, why not discover the wildlife-rich coasts at Talacre which continue along the Dee Estuary. Or for an alternative stroll, why not uncover the rich stories of industrial heritage at Halkyn Mountain, Greenfield Valley and the Buckley Heritage Trail.
‘We welcome this new booklet, which shines a light on the stunning countryside Flintshire has to offer. It’s a celebration of our landscapes, our heritage and the many ways we can enjoy them responsibly and with pride’ – Cllr Chris Dolphin, Flintshire County Council Cabinet Member for Planning, Economy and Environment.
Notes:
- Photos included: Julian Pellatt (Chairman of Flintshire Local Access Forum), Stuart Jones (Access Officer) and Huw Morgan (Vice-Chair of Flintshire Local Access Forum).
- For further information: https://www.flintshire.gov.uk/en/LeisureAndTourism/Countryside-and-Coast/Parks-and-countryside.aspx#