Cambria Sports Culture CIC Cymraeg

All walksClwydian Range and Vale of Clwyd

Clwydian Range and Vale of Clwyd

Ruthin and the Clwydian Foothills

Out of a medieval town into the fields below the Clwydian ridge, with the whole escarpment ahead and almost no other walkers.

Distance
5.0 mi / 8 km
Time
2 hr 55
Ascent
300 m
Difficulty
Demanding
Shape
Circular

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

A path climbs east from the town towards the foot of the hills and loop back. Steady rather than steep.

Worth knowing

  • Ruthin’s medieval street plan survives and the old gaol is open to visitors.
  • This approach is far quieter than the popular car parks on the ridge itself.
  • Plenty of stiles; this is working farmland.

What you’ll see

The Vale of Clwyd, the Clwydian escarpment ahead, and the town’s medieval core.

Background

Ruthin was where Owain Glyndŵr’s revolt began in September 1400 with an attack on the town.