All walks › Clwydian Range and Vale of Clwyd
Clwydian Range and Vale of ClwydMoel Arthur and Penycloddiau
Two hillforts on the northern Clwydians, linked by open ridge. Penycloddiau is one of the largest hillforts in Wales and almost nobody walks it.
- Distance
- 5.0 mi / 8 km
- Time
- 3 hr
- Ascent
- 350 m
- Difficulty
- Demanding
- Shape
- There and back
Where it is
The circle shows the general area, not the exact start. Use the directions link below to get to the car park itself. Contours and paths shown are OpenTopoMap, drawn from OpenStreetMap data.
The route
Climb Moel Arthur from the car park, drop to the col and follow Offa’s Dyke Path north over Penycloddiau. return by the outward path; the ramparts at the far end take a while to walk round.
Worth knowing
- Penycloddiau encloses around twenty hectares. Walking its circuit is a walk in itself.
- Far quieter than Moel Famau a few miles south, for very similar walking.
- Ground-nesting birds from March to July. Dogs on leads without exception.
What you’ll see
Two sets of substantial ramparts, heather moor, and the Vale of Clwyd below.
Background
Both forts are Iron Age. Penycloddiau’s size suggests it was a communal refuge rather than a single settlement.