Moel Famau Ridge and Foel Fenli Walk Short Walk

2 out and back walks following the Offas Dyke Path along the crest of the Clywdian Range of hills from a mountain pass car park. North is a gently ascending ridge walk to the summit of Moel Famau (2.5km one way), where as Foel Fenll is much closer (0.5km 1 way) to the pass so much steeper.

The Clwydian Range is a north-south range in north east Wales. The car park (no public transport) is on a secondary road at 358m, at pass between the 2 highest peaks. From here, you can follow the Offas Dyke Path north or south in an out-and-back walks.

North, initially along the west side of the ridge leads after 1.5 miles to Moel Famau ( 1,821ft / 555m ) along a gently ascending path with great views. Moel Famau is the highest peak in the range. From the summit you can see the North Wales coast, and as far as Liverpool. The summit has the "Jubilee Tower" (of George III). It was never finished, partly collapsed in 1862, and now only the base remains. This is an easy walk along a maintained path.

South is a very short but very steep walk to Foel Fenll ( 1,677 ft / 511m ), the second highest peak in the Clywdian range. It's named for Benlli, a Welsh King, who may have inhabited the hill fort here. Legend has it that the fort was "consumed by fire from heaven" for his opposition to Saint Germanus!.

"Marilyns" are summits surrounded be at least 150m (about 450ft) drop on all sides.

Continue north along the ridge from Moel Famau to Moel Dywyll (2km) and Moel Llys y-coed (another 2km) where there is a break in the ridge.

There is a car park (£1.50, cash only) at the pass (Bwlch Penbarras), Satnav: CH7 5SH or 'Moel Famau Car Park' (not just Moel Famau). You can park for free on the road if you don't have change. The road down to Runthin is very steep and windy.

Llanbedr-Dyffryn-Clwyd, at the bottom of the steep road is on the T8 bus (Chester - Mold - Llanbedr - Runthin - Corwen) route. The bus stops eastbound only! For westbound, circulate via Ruthin. Its about 2.5km uphill to the car park. You could follow the Clywdian Ridge / Offers Dyke Path north to Bodfari on the A541 and Bus F14 Mold - Denbigh

After the walk, please leave a comment, it really helps. Thanks!

You can also upload photos to the SWC Group on Flickr (upload your photos) and videos to Youtube. This walk's tags are:

National Rail: 03457 48 49 50 • Traveline (bus times): 0871 200 22 33 (12p/min) • TFL (London) : 0343 222 1234

Dec-24 Andrew