Fenns, Whixall, Bettisfield Mosses National Nature Reserve
Fenns, Whixall, Bettisfield Mosses National Nature Reserve
Fenns, Whixall, Bettisfield Mosses National Nature Reserve is a significant lowland raised bog, straddling the border between England and Wales. This expansive peat bog landscape, covering approximately 2,388 acres (1,000 hectares), is characterized by its unique brown, spongy terrain, dotted with peaty pools and encircled by woodland. The reserve's ombrotrophic nature means it receives all its water and nutrients from rainfall, creating a distinct environment for several sports like touring cycling, hiking, jogging, road cycling, and more. The Llangollen Canal…
83
Routes
4.4
(52)
Average rating
693
People visited

4
riders
66.1km
03:55
360m
360m
Moderate bike ride. Good fitness required. Mostly paved surfaces. Suitable for all skill levels.

5.0
(1)
8
riders
50.5km
02:59
310m
310m
Moderate bike ride. Good fitness required. Mostly paved surfaces. Suitable for all skill levels.

5.0
(1)
1
riders
56.3km
03:21
350m
350m
Moderate bike ride. Good fitness required. Mostly paved surfaces. Suitable for all skill levels.

3
riders
38.8km
02:22
270m
270m
Moderate bike ride. Good fitness required. Mostly paved surfaces. Suitable for all skill levels.
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4.5
(13)
103
hikers
12.1km
03:06
50m
50m
Moderate hike. Good fitness required. Easily-accessible paths. Suitable for all skill levels.

4.0
(3)
21
hikers
12.0km
03:11
120m
120m
Moderate hike. Good fitness required. Easily-accessible paths. Suitable for all skill levels.

5.0
(2)
14
hikers
6.65km
01:48
90m
90m
Easy hike. Great for any fitness level. Easily-accessible paths. Suitable for all skill levels.

5.0
(1)
20
hikers
7.41km
01:54
30m
30m
Easy hike. Great for any fitness level. Easily-accessible paths. Suitable for all skill levels.
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25
runners
Moderate run. Good fitness required. Mostly paved surfaces. Suitable for all skill levels.

17
runners
5.00km
00:31
30m
30m
Easy run. Great for any fitness level. Mostly paved surfaces. Suitable for all skill levels.

16
runners
7.39km
00:46
40m
40m
Moderate run. Good fitness required. Mostly paved surfaces. Suitable for all skill levels.

8
runners
13.8km
01:27
20m
20m
Moderate run. Good fitness required. Mostly paved surfaces. Suitable for all skill levels.
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17
riders
Moderate road ride. Good fitness required. Mostly well-paved surfaces and easy to ride.

5.0
(1)
7
riders
28.4km
01:12
80m
90m
Easy road ride. Great for any fitness level. Mostly well-paved surfaces and easy to ride.

8
riders
38.5km
01:43
160m
160m
Moderate road ride. Great for any fitness level. Some segments of this route may be unpaved and difficult to ride.

4.2
(6)
5
riders
21.3km
00:59
120m
120m
Easy road ride. Great for any fitness level. Mostly well-paved surfaces and easy to ride.
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3
riders
39.7km
02:14
300m
300m
Moderate mountain bike ride. Good fitness required. Suitable for all skill levels.

5.0
(1)
1
riders
55.0km
03:05
360m
360m
Moderate mountain bike ride. Good fitness required. Suitable for all skill levels.

2
riders
12.7km
00:52
130m
130m
Easy mountain bike ride. Great for any fitness level. Suitable for all skill levels.

28.9km
01:44
140m
140m
Easy mountain bike ride. Great for any fitness level. Suitable for all skill levels.
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Fenns, Whixall, Bettisfield Mosses National Nature Reserve supports activities such as touring cycling, hiking, jogging, and road cycling. The reserve features over 12 routes, with an average rating of 4.41 out of 5 stars from more than 11,000 visitors. Mountain biking is also listed as a supported sport.
The reserve is one of Britain's largest lowland raised bogs, a rare habitat formed during the Ice Age. It is internationally recognized for its biodiversity, hosting unique flora like insect-eating plants and rare bog mosses. The landscape features expansive peat bog terrain, peaty pools, and is encircled by woodland.
Touring cycling is possible around the reserve, particularly along the Llangollen Canal towpath and routes connected to the Sustrans National Cycle Network Route 45. Komoot offers guides such as Traffic-free bike rides around Fenns, Whixall, Bettisfield Mosses National Nature Reserve. The terrain is generally flat, suitable for touring bikes.
The flat trails around the edges of the reserve and along the Llangollen Canal towpath are suitable for family cycling. These routes offer an accessible way to experience the landscape. For specific options, refer to Komoot's cycling guides for the area.
The reserve offers several clearly marked hiking trails, which are generally flat but can be uneven and boggy in wet conditions. Options include interconnecting 'Mosses Trails' of varying lengths, an easy access walk, and a 650-meter all-ability trail. The Mammoth Tower Trail leads to a 16-foot (5-meter) tower with panoramic views.
The reserve is a biodiversity hotspot, home to over 1,700 invertebrate species, including the raft spider and white-faced darter dragonfly. Birdlife includes curlew, hen harrier, and short-eared owl. Adders, common lizards, and water voles also inhabit the area.
The primary natural feature is the expansive lowland raised peat bog, with layers of peat up to 26 feet thick. The Llangollen Canal runs along the southern edge, offering scenic views. The Mammoth Tower provides panoramic views across the Mosses.
Yes, the reserve provides an easy access walk and a 650-meter all-ability trail. These routes are designed to be more accessible for visitors. It is advisable to check current path conditions, especially after heavy rainfall.
Information about the reserve is available on The Meres and Mosses website. For direct inquiries, the Manor House NNR Base can be reached at 01948 880362 during business hours, Monday to Friday.
There are 12 Komoot routes available for Fenns, Whixall, Bettisfield Mosses National Nature Reserve. These routes cover various sports including touring cycling, hiking, jogging, and road cycling. The routes have an average rating of 4.41 stars.
Yes, Komoot offers guides for cycling in the area. Examples include Traffic-free bike rides around Fenns, Whixall, Bettisfield Mosses National Nature Reserve and Cycling around Fenns, Whixall, Bettisfield Mosses National Nature Reserve.
The terrain for cycling around the reserve is generally flat, particularly along the Llangollen Canal towpath and designated cycle routes. While the core bog itself can be uneven, surrounding paths offer smoother surfaces suitable for various cycling types.

