Walking
world
MOEL HIRADDUG
The area around Prestatyn and Dyserth has a lot to offer the walker who takes the time to explore it and get to know its secrets. There is the National Trust owned rocky lump of Graig Fawr which is a magnificent viewpoint for the surrounding area, and running below it you will find the Prestatyn to Dyserth Way which runs for 2.5 miles/4.02 km and follows the course of a disused railway line linking the two towns. Then there is the elevated escarpment of Prestatyn Hillside which offers elevated hiking
THINGS YOU NEED TO KNOW J Distance: 4.2 miles/6.76 kilometres J Time: Allow around 3 hours J Start: Roadside parking in the village of Cwm (near Dyserth) facing the Parish Church of Ss Mael and Sulien and just up from the Blue Lion pub – please park considerately
J Grid Ref: SJ 066774 J Nearest postcode: LL18 5SH J Ordnance Survey Map: Ordnance Survey Explorer 264 – Vale of Clwyd
J What to expect: This walk uses a
in stunning surroundings. But the most prominent feature of the area is
combination of field paths and hill
the bulky summit of Moel Hiraddug that rises to a height of 869 ft./265
paths and tracks which are fairly clear
metres and which is the objective of this month’s walk. Moel Hiraddug is
throughout. It also involves some lane
the most northerly of the Clwydian Hill range that runs along the border
walking. Some of the tracks can be
between Denbighshire and Flintshire and has been designated an Area of
very muddy after rain.There are plenty
Outstanding Natural Beauty. These lovely summits offer superb high-level
of steep ups and downs with some
walking on mostly good paths and give stunning views in all directions. Be
rough going in places and the descent
prepared for steep ascents and descents if you intend to explore them, but
from Moel Hiraddug can be slippery
generally they are friendly and benevolent hills which rise to their highest
and requires care if wet. You will need
point on mighty Moel Famau at 1,821 ft./555 metres. And Moel Hiraddug
full hill walking gear and a map and
is no exception. Its most distinct feature is the massive quarry that has
compass with the ability to use them.
literally taken a huge chunk out of the northern end of the hill. However, this
The route should be avoided in bad
does not detract from the hills beauty and can’t be seen from the summit
weather.
ridge itself anyway. The view from the top is extensive and takes in most of the Vale of Clwyd and the skyline of the mountains of Snowdonia in the distance. You get a pretty good view of the sea as well with the local coastal
J Dogs: OK on leads J Suitable for: Experienced hill walkers J Refreshments: The Blue Lion pub is at
towns looking tiny below you. Our walk starts in the pretty hamlet of Cwm
the start of the route and you will find
and does a circuit of the surrounding area taking in the minor summit of
plenty of cafés, pubs and restaurants
Marian Ffrith before climbing to the uppermost reaches of Moel Hiraddug.
plus shops in Dyserth, Prestatyn and
This is a full-blown hill walk and you should wear the appropriate gear and
Rhuddlan
walking boots (and carry a map and compass) for the outing. And wait for a settled clear day so you get the best from those stunning views!
NWM 2022 Page 59
