Moel Famau (551m) is the highest point of the Clwydian Range, a designated Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty immediately east of Ruthin. It is a rewarding half-day walk from the town and the most accessible serious hill in North Wales for visitors based in the Vale of Clwyd.
From Ruthin Town: The Full Walk
Distance: approximately 9–10 miles return. Ascent: about 450m. Time: 4–5 hours including summit time. This is a long half-day — start by 9am if you want to be back for lunch, or set out after lunch for an evening summit.
Leave Ruthin via the Clwyd Street, heading east up the lane past the gaol and continuing up the ridge through the fields. The route follows public footpaths and eventually joins the ridge path heading north. The final ascent to the Jubilee Tower (the Egyptian-style monument at the summit, built 1810, partly collapsed in the storm of 1862) is steep but short.
From Bwlch Penbarra Car Park: The Short Route
Distance: approximately 3 miles return. Ascent: 200m. Time: 1.5–2 hours. If you drive the 4 miles from Ruthin to the Bwlch Penbarra car park on the B5429, the ascent is much shorter and suitable for mixed-ability groups including older children.
What You See from the Top
On a clear day: the whole of the Vale of Clwyd to the west, the North Wales coast from Prestatyn to the Great Orme, Snowdonia on the western horizon, the English plain stretching east to Cheshire. The Jubilee Tower itself, even ruined, is a remarkable object on the summit. Heather in flower late August to September turns the entire ridge purple.
Practical Notes
Wear waterproof boots — the summit can be boggy in any season. Take waterproofs. There is no shelter on the summit. The car park has a small fee.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can you walk to Moel Famau from Ruthin?
Yes. The full walk from Ruthin town to the Moel Famau summit and back is approximately 9-10 miles with about 450m ascent — a long half-day walk. Alternatively, drive to the Bwlch Penbarra car park (4 miles from Ruthin) for a 3-mile return walk to the summit.
How hard is Moel Famau?
From the Bwlch Penbarra car park, Moel Famau is a moderate walk suitable for most fit adults and children aged 7+. The path is well-maintained and the ascent is straightforward. From Ruthin town, the approach is more demanding and suits experienced walkers.
What is the Jubilee Tower on Moel Famau?
The Jubilee Tower is an Egyptian-style monument at the summit of Moel Famau, begun in 1810 to celebrate the Golden Jubilee of George III. It was never fully completed and was partially destroyed in a storm in 1862. The remaining stump is now a distinctive landmark.