Clwydian Hills
Walkers who dismiss the Clwydian Hills are missing a trick. This short 20-mile range of undulating hill and moorland may not be mountainous, but the views on offer are impressive. Separating the luscious Vale of Clwyd from the Dee Estuary, this open, expansive ridge is often called the northeastern rampart of Wales.
| Terrain | National Trails | Long Distance Footpaths | OS Map |
|---|
| Hills and Moorland of up to 1,818 feet | Offa's Dyke Path | Clwydian Way | Explorer 264, 265, 256 |
Where to go
When you reach the summit of Moel Famau (Mother Mountain), the highest point on the range at 1,818 feet, you realise just what the Clwydian Range has up its sleeve. The 360-degree views capture most of north Wales on a clear day. You can see Snowdonia to the west, Liverpool and its bay to the north, with the vast Cheshire Plain round to the south and east.
This spot was chosen to erect a large folly to mark the golden jubilee of George III in 1850. The huge Egyptian style pyramid was designed to tower 150 feet above the summit, but unfortunately a wild storm damaged it ten years later.
The final section of The Offa’s Dyke National Trail is routed across the Clwydian Hills, further proving that walkers should take this area seriously. Loggerheads Country Park Visitor Centre provides the perfect place to start exploring the area, and Denbighshire County Council have designed several circular walks in the area that link up with Offa’s Dyke. Hey presto! – and the magic of moorland appears right before your very eyes!
Highlights
Graig Fawr
(SJ 064 831). Follow the track bed of an old railway south from Prestatyn, then return along the limestone cliffs to the northern end of the Offa's Dyke Path National Trail. This 5-mile route is detailed in The North Wales Path and Ten Selected Walks by Dave Salter and Dave Worrall (Gwasg Carreg Gwalch).
Tremeirchion
(SJ 084 730). Combine the Clwydian Way with the Offa's Dyke Path to visit St Beuno's College on this 5-mile circuit. See The Clwydian Way by David Hollett (Ramblers').
Moel Arthur
(SJ 146 657). Come to this iron age hill fort under a full moon to meet the mystical grey lady on a hill associated with Arthurian treasure, or come by day and enjoy the views. David Hollett includes this 7-mile route in The Clwydian Way
Moel Famau
(SJ 177 652). Make sure you don't miss this hill crowned by its very striking Egyptian-style tower. Visit it on the 5-mile circuit which, again, is included in The Clwydian Way by David Hollett. You'll find it on Ordnance Survey Explorer 265.
Moel Findeg
(SJ 202 626). Combine a visit to the Loggerheads Inn with an attractive 5-mile walk through woodland. Full route details are in More Walks in the Clwydian Hills by David Berry (published by Kittiwake).
Moel y Waun
(SJ 196 524). Explore the tree-topped limestone country of the Alun Valley and enjoy superb views from this 61⁄2-mile walk. This route is also in More Walks in the Clwydian Hills
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