NEARLY UPHILL – GREAT WALKS IN NORTH WALES & MORE!

In North Wales we’ve been hearing about this new National Park proposal for a good few years, it was proposed back in 2021 with an aim for a decision before the end of this current Welsh Government, the elections are in May 2026.

So is it definitely happening? And if so, when is the Clwydian Range & Dee Valley going to become a National Park. I’d also like to know if it’s definitely going to be called Glyndŵr National Park?

I have written lots of guides for walking in the Clwydian Range and so I’m particularly interested to hear the latest updates. My Mother’s house is also be included in the current proposed boundary map.

Is There an Update on Wales’s New National Park?

The area covering the Clwydian Range and Dee Valley (currently a National Landscape/AONB) is actively being assessed to become Wales’s fourth National Park.

The Welsh Government set an initial goal to have the new National Park designated and established by the end of the current Senedd term in 2026.

What’s happening at the moment? (Oct 2025)

The statutory assessment, which involves detailed boundary setting and public consultation, is being handled by Natural Resources Wales (NRW). However, due to the complexity of the statutory and legislative work, there is no official, confirmed date for the designation yet.

The final sign-off for the designation order and the official creation of the National Park Authority rests entirely with Welsh Ministers and the Senedd’s legislative schedule.

Latest News and Key Decisions about the New national Park in North East Wales

Status Summary: The project has moved past the initial assessment and is in the final consultation phase, keeping the goal of establishment before the 2026 Senedd election.

Proposed Name: The park is now officially being referred to as the Glyndŵr National Park (named after Owain Glyndŵr).

Final Consultation Underway: The project has entered its final Statutory Consultation phase, which began in July 2025 and is expected to close in December 2025. This is the last formal opportunity for the public and stakeholders to submit feedback on the final proposal.

Refined Boundary: The boundary map has been extensively reviewed and updated. This includes the reinstatement of coastal areas like the Gronant and Talacre Dunes, while a large section of the proposed area within Powys has been excluded.

Funding Assurance: The Welsh Government has clarified that the new National Park will be properly funded and will not financially disadvantage the existing three National Parks.

You can read my post about Wales National Landscapes and AONB’s if you’re interested to find out what the difference is between a National landscape and a National Park.

Why have they called it Glyndŵr National Park

The name Glyndŵr was chosen to honor Owain Glyndŵr, the last native Prince of Wales and a figure deeply connected to the geography and history of the area.

Natural Resources Wales (NRW) identified several strong reasons for choosing this name:

• Geographical Link: Owain Glyndŵr was from the northeast and lived at Sycharth, which is within the proposed National Park boundaries. His surname Glyndŵr, is a variant of Glyndyfrdwy, also in the heart of the new park, a village very near to where Owain Glyndwr was proclaimed Prince of Wales.
• Historical Significance: His 15th-century rebellion, the last Welsh War of Independence, began here.
• Recognition and Identity: The name carries instant historical recognition, local buy-in, and strong national pride, making it a powerful and distinct brand for the new park.

What are the main objections to Glyndwr National Park?

The main concerns raised by opponents, including local farmers and some political groups, centre on the following areas:

• Socio-Economic Strain: Fears that National Park status will cause house prices to hyper-inflate, making them unaffordable for local residents.
• Overtourism & Infrastructure: Concerns that a surge in visitors will lead to overtourism, traffic congestion, and parking problems similar to those seen in other parks, arguing that the existing rural infrastructure is not ready.
• Farming and Planning: Strong opposition from farming unions who fear the designation will introduce more restrictive planning controls (red tape), stifling on-farm development, and that increased visitor numbers will lead to problems like livestock worrying.
• Bureaucracy and Cost: Objections that the creation of a new, separate National Park Authority adds an unnecessary layer of bureaucracy and expense, questioning if the funding could be better spent on existing services or conservation efforts.

I’m really interested to see how the new designation (if it actually happens) will change the way the landscape is managed. I’ll be interested to see how the next few months evolve as it really is the last chance people have to submit feedback or support.