Hiking Heaven: Explore Moel Famau
2024-07-04
Moel Famau is a famous hill and the highest point in the Clwydian Range. The Clwydian Range is a series of mountains and hills in the northeast of Wales, and an area of outstanding natural beauty. With breathtaking vistas, captivating history, and a myriad of outdoor activities, Moel Famau is a must-visit destination for nature enthusiasts and adventure seekers alike.
A Natural Paradise
Moel Famau is within the Moel Famau Country Park, a haven for nature lovers and outdoor adventurers alike. This park is part of the larger Clwydian Range Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty, boasting a diverse landscape that includes dense woodlands, open moorlands, and rolling hills.
Moel Famau and the country park around it attract hundreds of thousands of tourists per year. This famous hill offers a beautiful view of the North Wales Coast and the Vale of Clwyd on its edges. Visitors could also observe the grazing sheep on the heather moorlands while walking or cycling in the area.
The park also has something interesting for birdwatchers. For instance, the black grouse, which is one of the rarest birds in Wales, creates quite a spectacle in early spring.
Hiking Trails
Moel Famau is a premier destination for hiking, with a network of trails that cater to all skill levels. The trails are suitable for hikers, cyclists, and forest trackers.
The most famous walking trail in Wales is Offa’s Dyke trail. This trail passes through the Jubilee Tower on top of the hill. This historic trail runs along the Welsh-English border, providing stunning views and a moderate challenge for hikers.
Forest Tracker Trail and Larches Loop are two pretty easy trails that could be used for families with children. Both of these trails are short and won’t take more than two hours to finish. They offer fantastic scenery and amazing viewpoints. In the Forest Tracker Path, you are most likely to encounter various wildlife and spot interesting animals.
A good trail for cyclists is the fifth mountain circular path, which is pretty moderate and 12 kilometres long. This bridle path winds through the forest of Moel Famau, climbing steadily to a high point at the forest's edge.
Jubilee Tower: A Historic Landmark
On top of Moel Famau's summit is the Jubilee Tower, a significant historical monument that commemorates the golden jubilee of King George III.
Jubilee Tower was a project that started in 1810, and finished in 1817. The reason why it took a long time to finish was due to different disagreements over the design, poor workmanship, and lack of money. In the ensuing years, some parts of the monument collapsed, and this led to some repairs and changes.
However, the deterioration of the building continued, which forced authorities to think of something. Finally, in 1995, Jubilee Tower came under legal protection and was designated as a listed building.
Today, this vantage point is a popular destination for hikers who reach the summit, providing a perfect spot to rest and take in the breathtaking scenery. The tower stands as a testament to the area's rich history and adds a touch of intrigue to the mountain's natural beauty.
Visiting Moel Famau
Planning a visit to Moel Famau promises a day filled with natural beauty and adventure. The best time to visit is from late spring to early autumn, when the weather is most favourable and the landscape is at its most vibrant. Nevertheless, check the weather forecast before setting out for the summit.
Reaching Moel Famau is quite straightforward depending on your means of transportation.
If you are coming from Mold, you should take A494 road toward Ruthin. At the entrance to Loggerheads Country Park, you will turn right toward Moel Famau Country Park. When you arrive at the car park, you are required to pay a fee depending on how many hours you will stay.
The Loggerheads Country Park could be a good starting point to Moel Famau if you are interested in walking the trails. There are also buses available from Mold to the park. The bus routes may vary, so check the local bus schedule for the most accurate information. Arriva Wales operates several routes in this area.
As for your stay, you can try Northop Hall Country House Hotel near Mold. Northop Hall Hotel is an excellent choice for a restful overnight stay. Each of the hotel's 38 rooms boasts its own unique charm and design, providing a serene and cosy retreat for guests seeking relaxation.
