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The "Darkie" – a delightful all-ability path in Acrefair

All-ability path in Acrefair

Following a lot of hard work between Groundwork Wrexham & Flintshire and the Cefn Heritage Group, improvements to the 250-metre stretch of footpath leading up to the ‘Darkie’ are complete.

'The Darkie' is a small tunnel under the dismantled railway that was built to allow Tref-y-nant Brook to continue along its course after the railway’s construction in the 1860s. As the railway also severed an ancient footpath, it was decided that the stream and the path could share the same tunnel. The present metal walkway was constructed above the stream in the 1980’s. It is located at the end of a stretch of the Cefn 45 footpath, starting at the roadside by the Duke of Wellington pub in Acrefair.

The path has been levelled, re-profiled, re-surfaced and has had handrails added. In addition to these works, steps and a viewing platform have been installed at the far end in order that ‘The Darkie’ can be viewed in a safe and easy manner by those of all abilities. Although it is only a there-and-back trip for assisted wheelchair users, it is a delightful path through mature woodland high above a stream and not to be missed.

Local schools have already been taken to the site by their teachers and Groundwork Wrexham & Flintshire educational staff to carry out historical and ecological surveys. This highlights to the children the rich and diverse ecological and historical geography that is on their doorstep.

Groundwork sourced funding for the work from Merseywaste Holdings Ltd., Countryside Council for Wales and Wrexham County Borough Council.

Tel: 01978 292057
Email: rightsofway@wrexham.gov.uk

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