06/01 – Moel Famau via Loggerheads

The new year will be welcomed in with a visit to the glorious hills of Wales. More specifically we’ll be visiting Moel Famau on the Offa’s Dyke Path, a hill with a summit height of 555m in the Clwydian Range. Normally climbing Moel Famau is a relatively short family walk, so we’ll be extending it with a visit to the valley and Loggerheads as part of the circuit.

The walk will begin from the lower Moel Famau car park, next to the Pen Barras Lodge. The last time I visited car park, parking was £2 (in the form of 2 £1 coins) and should have plenty of spaces during the winter. We’ll head into the forest along one of the forest paths, then joining the forest roads, before descending into the fields and along a road (exciting times). The road will lead us to Loggerheads, a Country Park which follows the River Alyn down the valley and past the Devil’s Gorge (there is no proof the devil actually owns this gorge). After some more road and field action we’ll begin the ascent of Moel Famau. We’ll check on the time and decide which route to take, the shorter steeper ascent or the gentle longer path. It will probably be time for lunch, so we’ll arrive at the nearest reservoir, find a stone and stop for couscous and feta salad with spicy fried chicken, or whatever takes your fancy. Having had a break we’ll tackle the steepest part of the route and ascend onto the Offa’s Dyke path which follows the ridge, it should bring spectacular views (weather dependant, terms and conditions apply). Following a few ups and downs on the ridge we’ll soon join the crowds on top of the Jubilee Tower atop of Moel Famau. You’ll be able spot people looking for phone signal, others who’ve been dragged on a walk, runners showing off and couples not speaking. The descent from the summit will be approximately 30 mins, then we’ll be back a the cars and ready to go home.

• Clwydian Range Moel Fame Booklet
• Loggerheads Country Park