Walking
world
A BRYN ALYN CIRCUIT
THINGS YOU NEED TO KNOW J Distance: 3.7 miles/5.95 kilometres J Time: Allow around 2.5 – 3.0 hours J Start: Park in the large layby on A494
The Clwydian range of hills roughly run along the border between
just south of Llanferres between Mold
Denbighshire and Flintshire and have been designated an Area of
and Ruthin. The layby has a bus stop
Outstanding Natural Beauty. These lovely summits offer superb high-level
and an information board for Bryn
walking on mostly good paths and give stunning views in all directions.
Alyn in it
Be prepared for steep ascents and descents if you intend to explore them, but generally they are friendly and benevolent hills which rise to their highest point on mighty Moel Ffamau at 1,821 ft./555 metres. From most areas of the Clwydian Hills towns such as Ruthin and Denbigh look tiny far below you and seem a long way away with the network of farmers’ fields
J Grid Ref: SJ 187598 J Nearest postcode: CH7 5SN J Ordnance Survey Map: Ordnance Survey Explorer 265 – Clwydian Range
J What to expect: This walk uses a
that surround them making pretty patterns in the landscape. Offa’s Dyke
combination of field paths and hill
Long Distance footpath follows the crest of the Clwydian range on the final
paths and tracks which are fairly
stages of its epic 177 miles/285 km from Chepstow in the south of Wales to
clear throughout apart from in one
Prestatyn in the north. The Clwydian Hills also have a chain of high-level hill
small section. It also involves some lane
forts along them and the largest of these (which is also one of the biggest
walking. There are plenty of steep ups
hill forts in Wales) covers around 21 hectares and is on the 1,440 ft./440
and downs with some rough going in
metre summit of the hill of Plenycloddiau. This month’s walk climbs to one
places and one or two awkward stiles
of the more unusual of the Clwydian tops and does a circuit of Bryn Alyn
to negotiate. You will need full hill
on reasonably good paths and tracks. Bryn Alyn is a limestone summit and
walking gear and a map and compass
has three separate tops the highest of which rises to 1,338 ft./408 metres.
with the ability to use them. The route
Our walk does not visit the highest summit, which is not the best viewpoint
should be avoided in bad weather
anyway. We do however climb one of the summits which is a magnificent spot with great views in all directions. Although not long, this is a strenuous walk with plenty of steep ascents and descents, but the reward for all the
J Dogs: OK on leads J Suitable for: Experienced hill walkers J Refreshments: Best heading for Mold
effort is an airy outing in spectacular surroundings. Bryn Alyn was once
or Ruthin where there are cafés, pubs
ignored in favour of some of the other Clwydian peaks such as Moel Ffamau
and shops. There is also a café at
but things have changed here and the hill is now gaining in popularity
Loggerheads Country Park north of
and is especially loved by dog walkers. On this outing you will encounter
Llanferres
fields, forests, limestone features and open fell side in this varied round. You will need full hill walking gear and a bright day if you want to get the best from this outing and don’t forget the camera as you will get plenty of opportunities to use it!
NWM 2022 Page 59
