Chirk Castle woodland walk
This easy woodland walk has spectacular views along the Ceiriog Valley, and a little surprise in the middle.
Map
Start:
Chirk Castle car park
1
Leave the car park and go up the hill towards the castle.
2
Go straight on, past a road off to your right.
3
Follow the footpath to the right, signposted to the woodland walk.
4
The Bird Hide is on your right, have a look inside to see what you can spot through the trees.
5
Bear left where the track forks.
6
Continue straight on and go through a gate into the Deershed Wood. Take the path directly ahead of you.
7
Go through the trees along the path until you see a slope ahead of you. Climb the slope and look for a path leading a short way to your right, at the end of this path you will find the plinth where the statue of Hercules used to stand, overlooking the Davies Gates at the estate exit.
Hercules and Mars
The lead statues of Hercules and Mars have stood in various different locations since they arrived on the estate in the early 18th century. Initially they stood in a forecourt directly in front of the castle, just behind the Davies Brothers Gates. Around 1770 the statue of Hercules was moved to this location, and the statue of Mars to the upper wood. Although Mars has been lost, the statue of Hercules survived at this location until the 1980s when the National Trust took over the estate, at which time it was moved by helicopter to its current location in the gardens. The modern plinth on which the statue now stands is a copy of this one, with the same inscription.
8
Retrace your steps down the slope, along the path and back through the gate. Then take a right turn. You will pass a beautiful, old sweet chestnut on your right. Continue until you meet the main driveway at Middle Lodge.
9
Turn right and follow the drive back to Home Farm visitor centre and the car park.
End:
Chirk Castle car park
