Visiting Moel Famau In North Wales – What To Know!

Last Updated: December 20 2023

North Wales is a country known for its outstanding natural beauty, historical attractions, and quaint towns. There are tons of stunning places to visit and Moel Famau is certainly up there with the best!

This picturesque spot is located in the beautiful Clwydian Range. It’s the highest point in Flintshire County at 1,818 feet (554 metres) tall and offers some fantastic walking routes. You’ll also find some great mountain biking trails, so there’s something for everyone.

Whether you’re planning to visit from nearby or you’re looking to head out on a day trip, we’ve got you covered.

This guide is going to detail everything you need to know including how to get there, the top walking routes, and where you should stay!

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Where is Moel Famau?

You’ll find Moel Famau sitting on the border between Flintshire and Denbighshire, within the Dee Valley Area. This hill and its surroundings make up the Moel Famau Country Park, which attracts around 200,000 people every year.

As we mentioned earlier, it’s the highest summit in the Clwydian Range which has been designated an area of Outstanding Natural Beauty! From the top, you’ll be treated to stunning views of North Wales and North West England.

Thanks to the hill’s great location, it makes a great day trip from the popular cities of Wrexham, Chester, and Liverpool. All of which are under an hour’s drive away!

Why Should You Visit Moel Famau?

Also known as Coed Moel Famau, this hill boasts incredible scenery, fantastic walks, and great mountain biking trails. Although the pandemic made this place much more popular, it’s still one of the quieter locations in North Wales (especially when compared to Snowdonia National Park).

Snowdonia is a 50-minute drive from Moel Famau, yet, it’s much more popular. That’s what makes this place so great, especially if you head here early on in the day, or on a weekday.

This beautiful spot is also close to Loggerheads Country Park and the popular Offa’s Dyke footpath, so you can easily combine a visit to other great sites while in the area.

Moel Famau Walking Routes

Our Top Pick: The Upper Car Park to Jubilee Tower

• Grade: Easy
• Distance: About 1.6 miles (2.6 km)
• Time: Around 35-40 minutes

This is the walk we always choose to do as it doesn’t take up too much time. From the car park, it’s a relatively easy hike up to the summit and you can appreciate the epic views along the way! From the top, you’ll be treated to breathtaking views of the valley.

Our Second Pick: Jubilee Tower Circular

• Grade: Moderate
• Distance: 3.5 miles (5.6 km)
• Time: 2.5 hours

The Jubilee Tower Circular is another great option although it takes much longer. This trail runs through forestry and open countryside, along the Offa’s Dyke Path National Trail. Although some of the trail is steep, the majority of it climbs steadily up to Jubilee Tower.

The Accessible Trail

• Grade: Accessible
• Distance: 0.25 miles (0.4 km)
• Time: 20 minutes

If you’re short of time or you’re looking for a wheelchair-accessible trail then this is your best option! It’s a very short distance and the trail is easy, so you can still experience the beauty of Moel Famau. The Accessible Trail will take you alongside a stream and through woodland.

Forest Tracker Trail

• Grade: Easy
• Distance: 1.25 miles (1.8 km)
• Time: 1.5 hours

The Forest Tracker Trail is a fantastic family-friendly hike. You can pick up a leaflet from the car park, and this will teach you all about the animals that can be found in this area. The little ones will get to guess which prints belong to which animal, and spot animal sculptures along the way.

Larches Loop

• Grade: Easy
• Distance: 1.5 miles (2.4 km)
• Time: 1 hour

If you’re after an easy walk then opt for the Larches Loop. The route is just 1.5 miles long and will only take around an hour, so you’ll have plenty of time to explore more of the area. The trail will take you through woodland and to a viewpoint, so you’ll get to appreciate the scenery.

Ffrith Mountain Circular

• Grade: Strenuous
• Distance: 7.5 miles (12.3 km)
• Time: 5 hours

For those who are after a lengthy hike, then why not go for the Ffrith Mountain Circular? It’s the most difficult of the Moel Famau walks and is also used by mountain bikers. The trail is marked and will take you through the forest, before climbing up to the edge of the trees.

Offa’s Dyke Path National Trail

• Grade: Varies depending on the section
• Distance: 177 miles (285 km)
• Time: 12-14 days

Interestingly enough, the Offa’s Dyke Path National Trail crosses the summit of Moel Famau. As such, you can always visit this hill by hiking some of the National Trail, one of the world’s greatest walks. The section that crosses Jubilee Tower runs from Llandegla to Bodfari and is 17.5 miles (28 km) long.

Helpful Information for Visiting Moel Famau

How to get to Moel Famau

The best way to reach Moel Famau is by car, especially for those visiting from North West England. There aren’t any public transport options from these areas so just keep that in mind!

If you’re driving, you can head straight to the lower or upper car park (depending on the hike you want to do). To give you an idea of distances, here are some rough journey estimates:

• From Wrexham – 17 miles/27km (40-minute drive)

• From Chester – 19 miles/31 km (40-minute drive)

• From Liverpool – 30 miles/48 km (55-minute drive)

• From Manchester – 56 miles/90 km (Under 1.5 hours)

If you’re planning to use public transport, then your best bet is to head to the town of Mold. From there, you can catch a bus to Loggerheads Country Park, and start your hike from the park. The buses depart from Mold Bus Station and there are a couple of different services you can take.

The best time to visit Moel Famau

Although Moel Famau isn’t as popular as the likes of Snowdonia, you’ll find that plenty of people still frequent this place. However, in truth, it doesn’t really matter when you visit.

For the quietest experience, you’ll want to visit as early as possible. In some cases, if you’re lucky, you’ll have some of the trails and viewpoints to yourself.

Not only that but the upper car park has fewer spaces than the lower car park. If you’d prefer the shorter hike, then it’s best to make sure you go early to get a parking space.

Sunset is another great time to visit, especially if you hike up to Jubilee Tower. Not only are the views from here beautiful, but if it’s a clear day, the colours are spectacular.

However, we’ve hiked the trails of Moel Famau more times than we can count, and we’ve never had any issues with parking or crowds.

Where to park at Moel Famau

There are two main car parks to choose from here; the top car park and the lower car park. The upper car park is our top choice, as the walk up to Jubilee Tower is much shorter! If you want a longer walk, then it’s best to park in the lower car park.

Honestly, we’ve not been to Moel Famau for around a year now, but there was originally a pay and display machine here. To get a parking ticket, you’d just have to have cash on you.

Going off Natural Resources Wales, the car park now has an Automatic Number Plate Recognition (ANPR) system. This means it will take your number plate at the entrance barrier, so you don’t need to purchase a ticket upon arrival.

Although there are two car parks to choose from, some people choose to park at Loggerheads Country Park. Just be aware, that it’s quite a substantial walk to the top if you’re looking to hike all the way up to Jubilee Tower from here.

Other things to do at Moel Famau

Mountain biking

If you’d prefer not to hike, then you can also take along your mountain bike! There are several trails to choose from and they’re all waymarked so you should have no problem getting around.

The most popular biking trail is the Ffrith Mountain Circular. Considered a blue/moderate grade, this trail covers a distance of 7.6 miles (12.3 km) and takes around 2-3 hours.

With a climb of 394 feet (120 metres), this mountain biking trail will take you through forestry before climbing to the edge of the trees. You’ll then get to enjoy a fantastic descent and a stream crossing!

Children’s Playgrounds

Aside from the family-friendly trails in this country park, there are also several play areas dotted around the woods. They’re located close to the car park and are suitable for children who are aged between 2-12.

If you’re after a family day out, then Moel Famau is the perfect place to visit. With ample hikes, plenty of play areas, and a visitor centre, there’s a lot on offer.

Better yet, it’s a great place for a picnic and the area is dog-friendly!

Where to Stay near Moel Famau

If you’re not visiting Moel Famau on a day trip then you’ll be staying nearby. For those who aren’t driving, your best bet is to stay in Mold. From here, you can catch the bus. However, if you do plan on driving, there are several fantastic places to stay nearby.

Here are some of our accommodation recommendations:

Budget: Holiday Inn A55 Chester West, an IHG Hotel

This is one of the cheapest options you’ll find near Moel Famau, as accommodation can be pretty pricey in North Wales. You’ll also be in a great location to explore other nearby areas such as Liverpool!

Boasting an on-site restaurant, fitness centre, and a bar, this place has a lot to offer. The rooms at Holiday Inn A55 are modern and spacious. They also feature plenty of amenities including WiFi and a TV.

Mid-range: Harrisons Hall Bed & Breakfast

If you opt for Harrisons Hall Bed & Breakfast you’ll be staying in an 18th-century house. This property is located on 9 acres of landscaped gardens and you’ll find plenty of great walks in the surrounding area.

The rooms here are beautifully decorated and some of them feature a charming fireplace. You’ll also have a delicious breakfast included and you’ll benefit from free private parking.

Luxury: Griffin Inn

For those who don’t mind paying a bit more, check out Griffin Inn. This beautiful 5* hotel is located in the charming market town of Ruthin and is just under a 10-minute drive from Moel Famau’s lower car park.

Not only are the rooms beautiful, but you’ll get to enjoy a tasty breakfast on-site. There’s also a great restaurant and bar at the hotel, so this place has all the facilities you’ll need.

Booking.com

Places to Visit Near Moel Famau

Loggerheads Country Park

Loggerheads Country Park is just a 6-minute drive from the upper car park. Known for its heritage, wildlife, and walking trails, this park has so much to offer outdoor lovers.

The Discovery Trail is a highlight of Loggerheads, amongst the other hikes. Not only that, but you can get involved with some fantastic activities here including abseiling, guided walks, and family activities.

Within the site, you’ll also find the AONB Information Centre, Caffi Florence, and several restored mill buildings. If you’re exploring North East Wales, then we highly recommend heading to this country park as well.

Nercwys Forest

Just an 18-minute drive from Moel Famau, you’ll find Nercwys Forest. Also known as Coed Nercwys, this beautiful forest is certainly worth a visit.

The highlight of visiting this place is the Coed Nercwys Walk. This 2.75-mile (4.4 km) hike will take you through beautiful woodland. There’s also another small hike that you can do at the end of the trail, which offers superb views of Moel Famau.

Nercwys Forest is a great dog-walking place, so make sure you take your pooches with you! However, it’s also a popular mountain biking trail and horse riders often frequent the area too.

Ruthin

The charming market town of Ruthin is just a 10-minute drive from Moel Famau. Known for its rich history, quaint restaurants, and incredible architecture, this place has a lot to offer. In fact, many of the buildings here date back around 600 years!

A highlight of visiting this town is Ruthin Castle which is set right in the heart of Ruthin. Some of the original walls from the 13th century can still be seen here, as well as Lady Grey’s grave.

Don’t forget about Nantclwyd y Dre either, which is a Grade 1-listed building. Today, it’s a fantastic local museum where you’ll get to learn all about what life used to be like here!

Llandegla

If you’re a keen mountain biker, then make sure you head to Llandegla. This awesome forest is home to Oneplanet Adventure, one of the UK’s top mountain biking centres!

There are routes for all abilities and you can download a trail map from the website. Not only that but there are plenty of walking trails and running routes to choose from, so there’s something for everyone.

There’s also a visitor centre on-site and a cafe if you’d like to grab something to eat. If you’re driving, there’s a car park here and it costs £4.50 ($5.50) for the whole day.

Frequently Asked Questions about Visiting Moel Famau

What is a good budget for Moel Famau?

Aside from your parking fee and fuel (or bus ticket), there are hardly any costs involved with visiting Moel Famau. In fact, this place is perfect for budget travellers, especially if you opt to bring a picnic.

If you’re not on a strict budget, then you can always stay in one of the hotels nearby. However, an overnight trip will increase your costs substantially, with many places costing upwards of £100 ($120).

How long is the walk up Moel Famau?

This will all depend on which route you choose. The Jubilee Tower Circular is one of the most popular routes, and this is 3.5 miles (5.8 km) long. For this hike, allow at least 2-2.5 hours!

If you’re short of time, then there are several other trails surrounding Moel Famau. From the upper car park, it’s only around a 35-minute walk to Jubilee Tower so that’s a shorter option.

Is Moel Famau an easy walk?

Again, it depends on which route you choose. However, generally, the trails up Moel Famau are considered to be easy to moderate, so you don’t need to be an experienced hiker.

We’ve hiked up to Moel Famau more times than we can count and in our opinion, it’s certainly not a difficult route. You don’t need high fitness levels either, all you need to do is simply take your time!

Can you walk up Moel Famau in trainers?

You certainly can! The majority of the Moel Famau walks are on relatively flat land, so you don’t need to worry about having hiking boots. However, there are some steep sections, so opt for trainers that have good grip.

The one thing we will say is that if it’s been raining, you’ll want to pack wellies. As many of the trails run through forested areas, the floor can be muddy and slippery.

Final Thoughts on Visiting Moel Famau

If you’re exploring North Wales, then we highly recommend doing a Moel Famau hike. The scenery in this part of the country is jaw-dropping, especially on a clear day!

Whether you’re looking for a short 30-minute walk or a 2.5-hour hike, there’s something for everyone here. Not to mention, the mountain biking trails that are on offer.

Whatever you’re after, this part of the Clywdian Range is the perfect outdoor venture. For those who have the time, spend at least half a day here enjoying the countryside.

If you have any questions about Moel Famau then be sure to get in touch with us via Facebook, Instagram, or in the comments!

Here are some other UK guides that you may find helpful:

• Visiting Llyn Padarn, North Wales: The Best Things To Do!
• 2 Days In London (The Perfect London Itinerary)
• Isle of Skye Itinerary: The Ultimate 3-5 Days Road Trip

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