Sar Lou Adventures

Welsh Borders Marilyns – Moel Famau 555m/1,820ft

Moel Famau, in the Clwydian range in North Wales is both a Marilyn hill and the county top for Flintshire. Surrounded by neighbouring hills and forests, they make up Moel Famau Country park which is also an Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty. The name is a combination of the common Welsh place-name element ‘moel‘ meaning ‘bare’, with ‘famau‘ (including older variations Famma, Vamma and Fammau) roughly translated into ‘mothers’. The modern spelling of Famau is most commonly used today and it is thought to mean ‘mothers’ hill’.

The prominent Jubilee Tower can be seen for many miles around, with huge historical significance.

Built 1810-1812… to commemorate George III’s Golden Jubilee in 1810. Designed by Thomas Harrison, architect of Chester, in the Egyptian Revival style following his earlier Gothic designs for the monument. The tower had to be partly rebuilt after a collapse in 1851 and in 1862 it was severely damaged in a storm and only the base survives. It was consolidated in 1970 when a viewing platform was incorporated. … grade II listed as the remains of an unusual and important example of Egyptian Revival architecture by Thomas Harrison and as a prominent local landmark. – Cadw

Forming part of the North to South Wales Offa’s Dyke long distance path, the 42 mile stretch from Llangollen passes through the Clwydian range, summiting Moel Famau before continuing on to the coastal town of Prestatyn.

Our 5km hike followed the Offa’s Dyke path, with around 330m of ascent through the woodland before opening out onto heathland just before the final push to the summit. There are plenty of options for trails up, with options for easier gradients and more scenic views.

• Parking: Coed Moel Famau Carpark – £2.50 for the first 3 hours, 50p per 30 minutes after with an ANPR system.
• Path: Well maintained, stony trail with options for forest track
• Route: 5km, 330m elevation gain and dog friendly