The small village of Cilcain is located just to the east of the first range of hills you come to as you cross the border from England into North Wales, the Clwydian Hills. The area is justifiably classified “an area of outstanding natural beauty” and if you are fit enough, you can walk up to the nearly 2,000ft. high Moel Famau within a hour of parking on the tourist’s car parks ½ mile due west of the village centre.
These are walks I do and love. I have recommend using the Viewranger app. on your phone in the past, but “Johnny Foreigner” appears to have bought them out. They recommend “Outdoor Active” as an alternative, but there is a £30 annual fee for using it with OS maps. I’ve tried several alternatives and now recommend mapy.cz. It’s free and so are good quality (but not OS) maps. It’s easy to plot routes either on your phone or on your PC which synchronises with your phone automatically.
You can still download these routes to Outdoor Active on your phone by scanning the QR code, but I now suggest looking at the map pdf and plotting the route on your phone. (8.05.22).
PDFs including a zoomable 1:50,000 O.S. map can be printed from here or downloaded to your phone and are free of charge. Download Outdoor Active and Scan the QR code to add the route to your phone in a flash! Limited basic function is available free of charge.
Penline Gate Plus (Cilcain Walks 10)
Cilcain Walks (10). The short walk to "Penline Gate" (where the Offa's Dyke path drops down into a col at the westernmost point of this walk) is an ever popular walk from Cilcain. This is an area characterised by field systems dating from the medieval period through to the late 18th and 19th centuries.
My route adds a little extra (points 2-
Category: Walking
Length: 7.920 km / 4.95 mi
Last Modified: 10th October 2020
Difficulty: Medium with a little strenuous
Surface: Moderate with boggy areas after wet weather.
Date Published: 5th October 2020
Moel Famau & Jubilee Tower from Cilcain
Cilcain Walks (9). Moel Famau (1,800ft) and Jubilee Tower with a taste of Offa's Dyke Path. Jubilee Tower was begun in 1810 to commemorate the golden jubilee of George III but was never completed. A storm in 1862 destroyed most of the tower, with only the base remaining today.
This is a route away from the madding crowds that flock to Moel Famau most weekends. Although it is only 6.6 miles, some short steep sections may be challenging if you are not too fit. Stop for a breather if you need to and admire the wonderful views across the Vale of Clwyd to Snowdon and Cader Idris.
Category: Walking
Length: 10.580 km / 6.61 mi
Difficulty: Medium with some strenuous.
Surface: Moderate with some loose shale and boggy areas after wet weather.
Date Published: 18th September 2020
Moel Arthur Summit, Vale of Clwyd & Cilcain
Cilcain Walks (8). Climb to the summit of Moel Arthur on this 9 mile (you can easily shorten it) walk through beautiful countryside. See derelict cottages and visit the historic village of Cilcain.
Category: Walking
Length: 14.270 km / 8.92 mi (you can easily shorten it)
Difficulty: Medium/hard
Surface: Moderate
Date Published: 7th May 2019
In Search of the Lost Leete
Cilcain Walks (7). Uncovering a bit more of the fascinating history of our area, this walk takes a close look at the less well-
Category: Walking
Length: 8.420 km / 5.26 mi
Difficulty: Medium
Surface: Moderate
Date Published: 21st August 2020
Moel Llys y Coed, Moel Plas Yw, Firewood Farm
Cilcain Walks (6). This splendid route from Cilcain offers spectacular views and ruined cottages. There is a fair amount of gentle climbing to help keep you fit, take your time and enjoy. This walk is a little longer than some of my walks, but a look at the map will reveal that you can break it down into 3 different walks. For me, the best part is from the Moel Arthur road walking around Moel Plas Yr, the ruins of Pen-
Category: Walking
Length: 13.080 km / 8.18 mi
Difficulty: Medium
Surface: Moderate
Date Published: 12th August 2020
Historic Cilcain, Leete, Loggerheads, Brithdir Mawr
Cilcain Walks (5). Although a little longer than some of the Cilcain Walks, you are rewarded with historic interest and great beauty. The leete, once a hive of industrial activity is probably at its best in the autumn. (NB Loggerheads Park gets very busy at weekends).
Category: Walking
Length: 11.960 km / 7.48 mi
Difficulty: Medium
Surface: Moderate
Date Published: 10th August 2020
Hanson Quarry Woods
Cilcain Walks (4). The Hanson Woods. I'm not usually a fan of road walking, so apologies for the first and last parts of this walk, although the roads are quiet and the views good. For great views of the wild garlic (and bluebells) visit in May, though any time of year is magic.
Category: Walking
Surface: Smooth
Difficulty: Easy
Length: 6.090 km / 3.81 mi
Last Modified: 29th July 2020
Panorama Walk. Castell, Moel Famau, Penline Gate.
Cilcain Walks (3). This is another splendid route from Cilcain. It starts at the Old Water Pumping station half a mile south west of the village centre. There is limited parking by the old water station, or you can use one of the two tourist car parks half a mile west of the village centre.
Millennium Woods, Leete, Frith Mountain
Date Published: 24th July 2020
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