The Colomendy outdoor education centre in Loggerheads, near Mold, North Wales, is up for sale, evoking fond memories for generations of Merseyside schoolchildren who experienced what many call a 'rite of passage'. The 130-acre site, set within the Clwydian Range and Dee Valley National Landscape, has been a cornerstone of Liverpool's educational heritage since World War II.
From Evacuee Haven to Educational Hub
Originally established as a refuge for evacuee children from Liverpool during WWII, Colomendy was transferred to Liverpool City Council after the war under a covenant ensuring its continued use for the benefit of the city's children. In 2007, the council granted a 30-year lease to Kingswood Colomendy Ltd, a subsidiary of Kingswood Learning and Leisure, which operated residential educational programs. However, in January 2025, Kingswood Colomendy Ltd and its parent company ceased trading, leading to the site's closure after seven decades of service.
Last summer, Liverpool City Council formally took over the site, pledging to secure a long-term future for the historic property. Despite rumours of housing development, the council confirmed last week that it is marketing the site to find a tenant committed to continuing outdoor activities for city children.
Memories of Tuck Shops and Ghost Stories
For many, Colomendy was more than just school trips; it was a place of adventure and bonding. Activities included rock climbing, abseiling, and canoeing, but what lingers most are the tuck shop, dormitory rivalries, and ghost stories about 'Peg Leg', a mythical figure said to haunt the woods and dorms. One reader, Sarah Potter, recalled: 'Just curious, everyone who went there, did you all get told about the made-up story about the guy called Peg Leg who worked and lived there? I can't remember the full thing, but it was to scare us at night in the dorm.' Carla Maylor responded: 'Yes, and my first night, I was terrified.'
Community Hopes for Revival
ECHO readers shared their hopes for the site's future. JJ Summers suggested: 'Community should buy it as a community asset and carry on using it for education.' Sue Price said: 'I hope this is brought back to life for the same purposes it was used for many years ago.' Others recalled specific experiences: Joe Lewis remembered attending in 1964 and 1965, noting that Chris Amoo from The Real Thing was there too, and 'Usually a dance on Saturday night. Girls sat down on one side of the hall and boys on the other.' Milly Miriam Farrag Kristensen recalled 'milking the cows and the boys took care of the pigs.'
George McCann asked: 'How cold was the swimming pool? It was a fantastic learning experience, never to be forgotten.' Norm Jarvis, who attended in the late 1950s, said: 'We felt like we were abroad. We walked up Snowdon. Great memories.'
Council Seeks New Tenant
Liverpool City Council is now marketing the site, aiming to find a tenant who will preserve its educational legacy. The council has stated it is committed to ensuring the site continues to provide outdoor activities for Liverpool's children, honouring its historic covenant. The future of Colomendy remains uncertain, but the flood of memories from former visitors underscores its deep significance to the community.
