The tiny rural village of Carrog in Denbighshire, North Wales offers the ultimate escape into one of the most isolated, tranquil and beautiful areas of the country. Situated beside the River Dee and in the shadow of the heather-clad Berwyn mountain range, Carrog is the last stop on the scenic Llangollen Steam Railway line.
The origins of Carrog are unclear but it is known that an agricultural community already existed when a parish church was built beside the river in the early sixteenth century. This original church was entirely lost when the Dee flooded in 1601, and the construction of the oldest part of the current church, now situated in the centre of the village, did not begin until 1610, taking between four and five years to complete.
The original name of the village was Llansanffraid-Glyn Dyfrdwy until the arrival of the railway in 1860. In order to avoid confusion with similarly-named destinations, the village adopted the name 'Carrog' from a local mansion and estate on the opposite bank of the River Dee.
The steam railway remains Carrog's greatest attraction today, although the surrounding Welsh countryside and mountains offer a wealth of walking and hiking opportunities. Close to the village, the River Dee is spanned by a magnificent stone bridge which was constructed in 1660 and replaced an earlier ford.
The Dee Valley Walk is an idyllic route for a stroll Carrog which leads to the disused Penarth Slate Quarry from which spectacular views of the Denbighshire countryside can be obtained. The quarry is a Site of Special Scientific Interest since fossilized plants dating from 420 million years ago have been found here. Colonies of bats, including the endangered lesser horseshoe bat, may also be observed here.
The pretty town of Llangollen, eight miles east of Carrog, can be easily reached by train, car or - for dedicated walkers - on foot. Llangollen offers many attractions including a motor museum, boat trips along its canal and Plas Newyd, a stunning eighteenth-century timber-framed house set in immaculate gardens. Compact Llangollen's shops, bars, cafes and attractions are easily explored on foot. Llangollen Country Market is held in the Town Hall every Friday between March and Christmas.
Less than half an hour's journey east from Carrog, Chirk Castle is the last inhabited Welsh castle which dates from the reign of Edward I. Situated in award-winning gardens, highlights of Chirk Castle include its medieval tower and dungeon, its authentically-preserved servants quarters and its opulent and lavishly-furnished state rooms.
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