Erddig Big Wood trail
Erddig's Big Wood trail is a short circular walk taking you around the 1,200-acre estate. Discover a secret meadow and an array of archaeological features on the route. Wander through woodland and explore the ancient remains of a Norman motte and bailey castle as you join the historic and mysterious Wat’s Dyke way.
Near to
Erddig Hall and GardenStart point
Erddig car park. Grid reference: SJ 32782 48091Trail information
Orange waymarkers
Look out for the orange coloured waymarkers that signpost this trail through the estate.
Total stages: 13
Total stages: 13
Start point
Erddig car park. Grid reference: SJ 32782 48091
Stage 1
Start by the dovecote and walk east through the coach park continuing straight on to the stony track. Pass the dead oak tree (Quercus robur) on your right which is home to barn owls and a myriad of invertebrates.
Stage 2
Follow the path round to the left and past the ha-ha (a feature to keep deer away from the garden).
The ornate gate at Erddig | © National Trust Images/Rupert Truman Stage 3
Continue along the path and enter Big Wood.
Stage 4
Follow the path round to the left and take the right hand path, following the orange waymarker.
Stage 5
Continue straight on, you will notice fallen beech trees as you walk round.
Stage 6
Continue straight ahead as the other routes turn right. As you follow the path round to the left, the woodland opens up a little. On your left there is a straight avenue through Big Wood to Wolf’s Den and the garden.
Stage 7
Continue along the path until it drops off down to the right – this is the base of the motte and bailey castle. If you want to walk on to the motte and bailey head down the slope to the interpretation panel and then continue up the steep hill. Please take care on the slopes, especially in wet and slippery conditions. If you do not wish to go on to the motte and bailey, please continue to step 10.
Stage 8
Once at the top of the steep hill it opens out into a flat grass meadow area. This area would have been the village, with houses and shops, probably including a bakery, butchers, armoury and blacksmith. Now there is an avenue of beech and hornbeam (carpinus betulus).
Stage 9
Halfway down the avenue on your left, follow the path down where you can see a large mound, this is the motte part of the castle.
Stage 10
Once you have explored the motte and bailey, retrace your steps back to the interpretation panel and up the slope. Stay to the right and continue straight on through Big Wood. You will reach a wooden fence and gates. Follow the path down to the right, down the hill. Half way down the steps on your right is one section of Wat’s Dyke, the second of our Scheduled Ancient Monuments.
Stage 11
At the bottom of the hill go through the black kissing gate and turn left. To see the Cup and Saucer cyclindrical cascading water feature, head over the wooden bridge to the right.
Visitors at Erddig's Cup and Saucer water feature | © Natalie Overthrow Stage 12
Retrace your steps back to the path and go through the wooden kissing gate alongside a cattle grid onto the tarmac road.
Stage 13
Continue up the hill and through the trees. Head left to the dovecote where you started.
End point
Erddig car park, Grid reference: SJ 32782 48091
Trail map
Trail map for Big Wood walk follows the orange waymarkers | © National Trust Images/Smart Graphic Designers
More near here
Erddig Hall and Garden
Explore a much-loved home, garden and estate filled with the stories of a family and their servants
Erddig riverside walk
A circular waymarked walk around Erddig's estate, along the River Clywedog, past an 18th-century water feature, castle remains and historic defensive earthworks.
Erddig Bryn-y-Cabanau and Lewis Wood walk
Enjoy the eastern reaches of Erddig's 1,200-acre estate in Wrexham on a waymarked trail through two woods.
Erddig French meadow walk through Emes' pleasure park
Enjoy a waymarked trail through Erddig's 1,200-acre estate in Wrexham, taking you past the historic Cup and Saucer water feature.
Get in touch
Our partners
We’ve partnered with Cotswold Outdoor to help everyone make the most of their time outdoors in the places we care for.
You might also be interested in
Walking in Wales
Explore wide open landscapes, gentler coastal strolls or energetic hikes for something a little more challenging. We've rounded up some of the best places to walk in Wales.
Exploring Erddig's parkland
Discover the top things to see and do when you visit the parkland. From meandering rivers and an 18th-century water feature to the dramatic escarpment leading to Wat’s Dyke.
Eating and shopping at Erddig
Check out the places to eat and shop at Erddig. Most are set within historic outbuildings and every purchase helps us to look after Erddig for future generations to enjoy.
Outdoor activities at Erddig
Free outdoor activities to help you make the most of the garden and parkland, from Nordic walking to weekly parkruns.
Walking
Explore some of the finest landscapes in our care on coastal paths, accessible trails, woodland walks and everything in between. Find the best places to walk near you.
Follow the Countryside Code
Help to look after National Trust places by observing a few simple guidelines during your visit and following the Countryside Code.
Cotswold Outdoor: our exclusive walking partner
Learn about the National Trust’s ongoing partnership with Cotswold Outdoor. Find out how they help us care for precious places and the exclusive discount available for National Trust supporters.