Cycling and walking are brilliant summer pursuits to take up and even if you have exhausted all of the places across Merseyside to go exploring there is one place you should try that is not too far away.
It is called Oneplanet Adventure in Coed Llandegla Forest in Llandegla, North Wales and is considered as the country's leading Forest Visitor Centre.
Located at the heart of the 650-hectare forest, it is just 20 minutes from Chester, in North East Wales .
Oneplanet Adventure opens its arms to 150,000 visitors each year and visitors use its 91 km of mountain biking, walking and running trails.
All sorts of bike courses are available at the venue - including mountain bike skills and courses - and packages also include private bespoke coaching, core skills, ladies core skills, Al Bond's Jumps and Drops and the Red First Aid.
Here are some more details about it ...
Trails
There are four trails that you can choose from - they are the Reservoir Trail, Black Grouse Trail, Llandegla Forst Trail and the Moorland View Trail.
Reservoir Trail - this is 2.5 miles long and it will take you to the eastern end of the forest.
You can see dragonflies and lizards, and hear a jay in the treetops.
Black Goose trail - this is a two miles long trail and it will take you through part of the upland spruce plantation and out on the contrasting landscape of the Ruabon moors.
You can hear the lekking of the male black grouse on Ruabon moor, and you can see speckled wood butterfly and a silhouette of a male hen harrier swooping.
Llandegla Forest trail - this is a three miles long trail, based in an upland spruce plantation.
The route will pass along the heather rides and cyclists will descend to Larch Bank.
The trail will finish at the visitor centre.
You may sea bats and hear a chiffchaff singing.
Moorland View Trail - this is a seven miles long walk that will last two and a half hours.
It starts in the forest and it heads to the forest's western end.
The trail continues through areas of thinned spruce trees.
You can see flocks of crossbills and the goldcrest and hear male nightjars.
What is there to explore?
Mountain biking for everyone
There are trails for all sorts of abilities from the Green Trail around the reservoir to the airtime-tastic B-Line trail and many more in between.
Green route
This 5k route was designed for families and it is fun and safe.
The surfaces on this route are hard packed - but some sections are occasionally loose or muddy.
Cyclists travel through the forest and on towards the reservoir, with its views of the Clwydian Range.
The route goes back towards the forest before the final descent sweeping down to the Visitor Centre.
Learning skills
From beginner to expert, you will be taken to the next level with a mountain bike skills course.
Core skills
You can take your bike skills to a new level because you can develop your skills and techniques with the help of qualified coaches.
You will discover new ways to approach features, carry more speed and acquire a whole new confidence on your bike.
To book a place click here .
Mountain bikes selection
Their mountain bikes have front suspension, hydraulic disc brakes and off-road tyres.
You can choose from a standard hardtrail hire bike, standard full suspension hire bike, premium full suspension hire bike and an E-bike.
Cafe
In the cafe you can choose from steak and eggs, jacket potatoes, paninis, burgers and more - and it's all home cooked.
Workshop
The mechanics and fully qualified technicians give advice and mend bikes quickly.
To book an appointment call 01978 751656.
Bike hire
You can get the right kit to enjoy your experience - the centre's staff are specialists in high quality mountain bike hire.
Opening hours
The Car Park is open in summer:
Monday to Thursday 9am to 9pm
Friday to Sunday 9am to 6pm
The Car Park is open in winter:
Monday to Tuesday 9am to 6pm
Wednesday 9am to 9pm
Thursday to Sunday 9am to 6pm
It costs £4.50 per car all day and £10 per minibus all day.
Evening cruises you can take on the River Mersey this summer
The Visitor Centre at Coed Llandegla, along with the cafe, shop and workshop are open:
Monday – Closed (but open Bank Holiday Monday)
Tuesday – 9am to 6pm
Wednesday – 9am to 9pm
Thursday – Sunday 9am to 6pm
Where is it?
Oneplanet Adventure LTD, Coed Llandegla Forest, Ruthin Road, Llandegla, Debighsire, LL11 3AA UK
Telephone: 01978 751656
