Map of Shotton and Connah's Quay
Directions: Coming from the English shore take the A550 to North Wales. If going straight to Flint take the A548 and new Dee Bridge past Deeside Business Park, otherwise come off the dual carriageway at Queensferry. Head towards Connah's Quay and take first right to the old Queensferrry bridge (1) where there are car parks in the town. Paths on either side of the river Dee lead from the bridge and continue all the way to Chester.
Continue through Connah's Quay and on the left look out for signs to Wepre Park (2), here there is a wood and stream well worth a visit in the spring and summer.
Further on as we start going out of the town look out for Dock road on the right, this leads to a Wharf (3) and car park by the river Dee.
Further on still we come to the road from the new Dee Bridge. Go over the bridge and at the first roundabout turn right. Half a mile down this road just before the gates to Shotton Steel Works is Shotton Lagoons Nature reserve (4) on the right. A good view of the reserve can also be had at the layby on the A548 just prior to the bridge heading back towards Flint. A permit* is required to visit this reserve. To the north and east of the A548 here are the Shotwick fields and boating lake, worth a look for geese and duck. The lake can be accessed from the same roundabout as Shotton Steel Works along a track. Pass back over the bridge and on the right is the gas powered power station beyond which there are hides and Connah's Quay Nature Reserve (5). This is open to members of Deeside Naturalists' Society only, although there are Open days.
Connah's Quay/Shotton has two railway stations, one on the main Holyhead railway and the other on the Wrexham to Birkenhead line. The railways are not shown on the map as it would have been too cluttered, the Holyhead line runs between the A548 and the River Dee. Map Ref. New Dee Bridge SJ285708.
A good path exists between Denhall Lane (Burton) and Deeside Industrial Park / Shotwick Boating Lake which gives good views over the southern most portion of Burton Marsh and also RSPB Burton Mere Wetlands. Note this path is much used by speeding cyclists so keep a good eye out!
*A permit for visiting the Shotton Nature Reserve can be obtained from Tata Steel UK.