Flintshire sits in the north-east corner of Wales, between the Dee Estuary and the Clwydian Range. It is a mix of low hills, historic towns and shoreline, and it is easy to reach from Chester and the north-west of England.

The hills. The eastern slopes of the Clwydian Range, which is part of an Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty, rise above Mold and the Alyn Valley, and Moel Famau lies on the boundary with Denbighshire. Halkyn Mountain, further north, is open limestone upland with long views across the Dee Estuary to the Wirral. Offa’s Dyke Path crosses the county on its way north to Prestatyn.

Holywell and Greenfield. Holywell is home to St Winefride’s Well, a medieval pilgrimage site, and Greenfield Valley Heritage Park has woodland trails along a stream lined with old mill remains.

The coast. The Wales Coast Path follows the Dee Estuary through Flint, where the ruins of a 13th-century castle stand on the shore, and on to Talacre, where there are dunes, a beach and a lighthouse at Point of Ayr.

Estuary paths can be exposed and tidal, so check conditions before setting out, and take care on the open uplands.