Moel Famau Circular Walk

Climb to the top of Moel Famau mountain on this circular walk through the stunning Moel Famau Country Park. The walk starts at the car park at Bwlch Penbarra and immediately picks up the Offa's Dyke Path to take you to the 1818 feet high peak.... Part of the Clwydian Range the mountain peak proffers wonderful views of the Wirral, Merseyside, Snowdonia, the Dee Valley and the coast. At the summit you will also find the 19th century Jubilee Tower constructed in 1810 to commemorate the Golden Jubilee of King George III. The climb from the car park is not too strenuous so would suit reasonably fit walkers. It also takes place on a good path. From the summit the trails then descend through the Clwyd Forest before returning you to the car park.
For the shortest/easiest route to the summit please see the Moel Famau Easy Route page. This is more suitable if you would like to park very close to the summit and get to the views and the tower quickly!
If you'd like to continue your walking in this beautiful area then you could visit the nearby Loggerheads Country Park. Located just a few miles to the east it contains dramatic limestone cliffs, wooded gorges and secluded grasslands next to the River Alyn.
Also of interest is the Iron Age Hillfort at Moel Arthur just to the north of the park.
Moel Famau is located near Mold in Flintshire.
Postcode: LL15 1US
Pubs and More Info
After your exercise head to the Druid Inn in Llanferres on Ruthin Road (Postcode:CH7 5SN). Here you'll find a tremendous olde worlde atmosphere with low beamed ceilings and in the winter roaring log fires. The pub has a great menu, a nice outdoor seating area with countryside views and is also dog friendly.
Also on the Ruthin Road is We Three Loggerheads. This pub is set in a restored 17th century coaching inn with a traditional bar and a beautiful vaulted restaurant. 
Just to the south of the hill top you'll find Foel Fenlli. This neighbouring hill is a more peaceful alternative and includes the remains of an interesting Iron Age Hillfort with ramparts. You can reach the hill by following the Offa's Dyke Path south from the summit for about 2 miles. Or start from the Bwlch Pen Barras car park which is slightly closer.
The Mold Walk visits the park from the town, passing through Loggerheads on the way. The historic town has some interesting old buildings including a Grade I listed church.
The circular walk from Cilcain climbs to the summit from the nearby village. There's a significant 13th century church and a fine early 19th century pub to see here.
To the north is the climb to Penycloddiau, one of the largest hill forts in Wales.
For more walks in the AONB see the Clwydian Range Walks page.

Ordnance Survey Map OpenStreetMap OS Map (Mobile GPS) OpenStreetMap (Mobile GPS)

Interactive Map

Route Video

Nearby Routes

Moel Arthur Loggerheads Country Park Offa's Dyke Path Penycloddiau Maeshafn Cilcain Moel Famau Easy Route

Photos

Footpath through plantation on Moel Famau. Several footpaths run through the extensive plantations on the eastern flanks of Moel Famau. The name is generally translated as "mothers' hill".

Jubilee Tower, Moel Famau. The finger posts on the left indicate Offa's Dyke Path.  The tower was designed like an Egyptian obelisk with three tiers.

The Clwydian Way from Moel Famau. The hill is surrounded by several well-preserved Iron Age hill forts. The surrounding heather moorland is also great for wildlife spotting with red grouse, European stonechat and Eurasian curlew some of the species to look out for on your walk.

The trig point. In the far distance is Merseyside and the Wirral. The high point stands at 1,821 ft (555 m). It is the highest hill in the Clwydian Range and the highest point of the county of Flintshire.

A view of the good sized Car Park at Bwlch Penbarras.

Choice of paths, to Foel Famau. These paths are located just north of the car park as you begin your ascent.

Offa's Dyke Path approaching the summit

Sunrise On Moel Famau. Walking up Moel Famau at sunrise is often described as a unique and exhilarating experience. The early morning darkness, paired with the crisp air, enhances the senses, creating a more intimate connection with the natural surroundings. As you ascend through the tranquil landscape, the gradual transition from night to day is often cited as one of the most magical aspects of the hike. Upon reaching the summit, the panoramic views over the Vale of Clwyd, Snowdonia, and beyond are breathtaking, making the early start well worth the effort. The sight of the rising sun casting light over the surrounding peaks and valleys often leaves hikers with a sense of peace and accomplishment. Many find that the combination of solitude, scenery, and natural beauty provides a deeply rewarding and spiritual experience.

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