The ancient town of Rhuddlan on the banks of the River Clwyd is probably best known for the ruins of its mighty medieval fortress.

King Edward I was a man of big ideas. He built muscle-bound Rhuddlan Castle in 1277. Then he diverted the River Clwyd for two miles so it could be supplied by ship-or more accurately, he got 70 labourers from the Lincolnshire Fens to do it for him. And when all this was finished he used Rhuddlan as his base for a decisive invasion of Wales. More than 800 years later, people still travel from all over the world to see the castle that was worth moving a river for.

Near by, if you’re very, very quiet you might catch a glimpse of an elusive water vole at Rhuddlan nature reserve. Or a kingfisher, or even, if it’s really your day, an otter. We know they’re in there somewhere. On the other hand, you might just be too distracted by the views of Rhuddlan Castle from the 11 acre haven of ponds, woodland and wildflower meadow.