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Anyone lucky enough to live in Cilcain will soon becomes aware of the wonderful range of walks available to them without having to get into their car. Walking is one of the finest exercises available and how many of us wouldn’t benefit from a little more exercise?

There are several pleasant circular routes sticking to the lanes around our village, but there is a wealth of off road footpaths that just have to be explored! These paths are often little used and provide tranquility, superb scenery and in some cases challenging exercise. It never ceases to amaze me that people live in our village for years and never climb Moel Fammau!

Give it a try!

An Ordnance Survey pathfinder map is recommended to help you enjoy these walks and waterproof shoes or boots depending on the weather.  All distances and elevation are approximate. Allow 2-3 hours for each of these walks.

Walk 1.
Walk up to the Offa’s Dyke Path. Take the road southwest out of the village for 0.3 mile, past the church, towards the water works. From the waterworks take the track southwest for 1.2 mile past reservoirs (on your right) and the trail for a further 0.9 mile past another larger reservoir heading southwest at first, cross a stream and

then northwest crossing another stream. Join a track for the last 100 yards to the top.  From the ridge and Offa’s Dyke path see the sun set over Snowdon! Walk back to Cilcain on the track running northeast, north of the reservoirs for 1.2 mile to Plas-newydd and then on the road for 0.5 mile. Turn right at the cross-roads and right again after 0.6 mile. You will be back in the village just before dark, in time for a well-deserved pint.  Distance 5.2 miles, Change in elevation: 500 ft. Difficulty guide: Moderate.  

Walk 2.
Walk to Loggerheads along the Leat Path. Take the Pantymwyn road east out of the village, drop down Trial Hill and over the narrow bridge and after climbing the road for 200 yards turn right onto the Leat Path for two easy miles to Loggerheads. (Note: there are some steep drops along the side of this path. Children should be supervised). You can take refreshments at the tea room or in the Loggerheads pub. Return by the same route or if you are a little more adventurous take this alternative (map recommended). Walk 0.9 miles South West along the Denbigh road to

Walk 3.
Walk to Jubilee Tower, Moel Fammau. Take the road down to Pentre (the Waterworks) and then the track southwest towards the reservoirs for 0.3 mile. Turn left (before the reservoirs) for 0.2 mile going past Cae Newydd and then turn right. You pass a small reservoir on your left after 0.2 mile, continue on this path for a further mile to Jubilee Tower. This path becomes steep and can be slippery – boots are recommended. At Jubilee Tower (alt. 1,818 ft) congratulate yourself on having made it and admire the view! To return, take the Offa’s Dyke Path west for 1.7 mile. Walk back to Cilcain on the track running northeast, north of the reservoirs for 1.2 mile to Plas-newydd and then on the road for 0.5 mile. Turn right at the cross-roads and right again after 0.6 mile. Distance: 5.8 mile, Change in elevation: 1300 ft. Difficulty guide: Strenuous.  

Tafarn-y-Gelyn. Take the right turn onto the Cilcain road for 40 yards and then take the path to the left across fields. You will go past Brithdir Bach, Ffrith, and return to Pentre (the water works) before joining the road back to Cilcain. Distance 5 miles (or by alternative return route 6 miles), Change in elevation: 200 ft (450 ft). Difficulty guide: Easy to Moderate (or Moderate).

Photos by Phil Parsons.
Top photo: taken on a summer evening from Offa’s Dyke path, looking towards Snowdon
Second photo: taken in winter, the view towards Offa’s Dyke path from the water works.
Wide photo:  Path towards Moel Fammau from Moel Arthur, summer evening.  
Left photo: Jubilee Tower taken from the village on a summer day, using a 19 X zoom.