At a glance
The 22-mile chain of hills running north-south through Denbighshire — Iron Age hillforts, Offa’s Dyke Path, the Jubilee Tower on Moel Famau and one of the UK’s best dark sky reserves.
About Clwydian Range
The Clwydian Range is a 22-mile chain of hills running north-south through Denbighshire, designated an Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty since 1985.
The highest point is Moel Famau at 555 m, topped by the ruins of the Jubilee Tower built in 1810 to commemorate George III’s Golden Jubilee.
Offa’s Dyke Path, the 177-mile national trail that follows the 8th-century Mercian earthwork, runs the length of the range. The hills also contain six Iron Age hillforts.
Top things to do
Best base towns
- Ruthin —
- Denbigh —
- Llangollen —
Getting there
From Manchester / Liverpool
M56 → A55 westbound → exit Junction 27 (St Asaph) → A525 / A494 south. Total ~70 miles to Ruthin, ~1 hr 20.
From the Snowdonia side
Betws-y-Coed to Ruthin is 28 miles east via the A5 → A494 — about 50 minutes.
By train
No direct railway to the range. Nearest stations are Ruabon (south-east) and Rhyl (north). A car is essentially required.
Hidden gems
- Moel Fenlli
- Iron Age hillfort south of Moel Famau. Far quieter than its neighbour.
- Nantclwyd y Dre
- Wales’s oldest dated timber-framed townhouse (1435) at Ruthin. Owned by Denbighshire County Council (not Cadw).
- Llyn Brenig
- Reservoir on the western slope. Free walks, sailing, café.
Frequently asked questions
The Clwydian Range runs north-south through Denbighshire in north-east Wales, between the Vale of Clwyd to the west and the Cheshire Plain to the east. The range is approximately 22 miles long.
Moel Famau is 555 m — the highest point of the Clwydian Range. The summit is topped by the ruined Jubilee Tower, built 1810. The standard route from the A494 Bwlch Penbarras car park is 4 miles return.
Yes — the path runs the full length of the range. The Bodfari to Llandegla section (~22 miles) is widely regarded as one of the finest stretches of the entire 177-mile trail.
Yes — the Clwydian Range and Dee Valley AONB was formally designated an International Dark Sky Reserve in 2024.
Yes — particularly Loggerheads Country Park (free, signed walks along the River Alyn). Llyn Brenig has shoreside walking and an adventure playground.