Rhochi one

Slow Way not verified yet. Verify Rhochi here.

Had the bridge at Newbridge not been down, this would have been a great walk. The wild countryside around Rhos, the slightly lawless feel along Delph road, the views of the viaduct from above, all well worth the trek. Just scuppered by the road closure.

From Rhos to Newbridge a string of residential areas of not much character and lots of litter, unsympathetic architecture and a bit depressing. Once you emerge from Cristionydd the countryside gets better - a real sense of ancient land. Was met by a few unexpected blocks. Path seems to go through someone's private land - or so he says (Dogs. Signs saying he'll shoot.) Avoiding it means walking on the Delph Road at Acrefair. Also, the path round the back of houses at Acrefair feels a bit menacing (bolted gate, creepy industrial sheds, growling dog) and confusing. We came out a turnstile/gate on which there was a public footpath sign but which was padlocked and barbed wired. There was another gate in opposite corner of same paddock which brings you out back onto the Delph Road. Newbridge an unexpected delight, perched high above the Dee. Great views of Cefn viaduct and some charming winding streets and cottages. Major issue though: due to landslide, the bridge - the ONLY bridge across the Dee for miles - is closed. Blocked and unpassable to cars, pedestrians and cyclists by bolted metal fences across the road. Need a massive detour to the canal. Which at 5pm in the evening would be a big undertaking. Have no news of when it will re-open. Don't bother with this route until it opens. Take the canal towpath instead. After Newbridge, if the bridge were to re-open, the landscape gets more rural and less frenetic (not on roads much) and I loved the hill above Chirk coming down through fields into Whitehurst. Last few miles trudging along a bit of the A5 and Holyhead Rd boring. Recommend the hotel for its manifold sofas, welcome, inexpensive drinks and nice local atmosphere.

NB: At the time of writing the road immediately after the bridge at Newbridge is closed to pedestrians and cyclists. To follow the route to Chirk is still possible but involves a lengthy detour from Newbridge - under the railway bridge, along the river footpath, under the Pontcysyllte Aquaduct until the path meets the Offa’s Dyke route at the road bridge in Trevor. Here it’s possible to cross the river and follow the canal towpath/Dyke path all the way to Chirk.

It may make more sense to re-route from Rhos to hit the road bridge at Trevor.

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