Moel-y-Gaer

Hill, Mountain in Denbighshire

Wales

Moel-y-Gaer

Bwlch Penbarras Looking down from the slopes of Moel Fenlli towards the Moel Famau car park. Walking these hills and going to the summit of Moel Famau (topped with the Jubilee Tower on the horizon) is very popular, especially with visitors from the Wirral and Cheshire. This is a section of the Offa&#039;s Dyke Path. — Bwlch Penbarras Credit: Eirian Evans

Moel-y-Gaer is a prominent hill located in Denbighshire, Wales. It is situated near the town of Llanbedr-Dyffryn-Clwyd, approximately 9 miles southwest of the market town of Ruthin. With an elevation of 1,857 feet (566 meters), it is classified as a Marilyn, a hill with a prominence of 492 feet (150 meters) or more.

The hill offers breathtaking views of the surrounding countryside and is a popular destination for hikers and nature enthusiasts. Its location within the Clwydian Range Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty further enhances its appeal. Moel-y-Gaer is known for its diverse flora and fauna, including a variety of wildflowers, birds, and small mammals. The heather-covered slopes and rocky outcrops add to its natural beauty.

The hill is also of historical significance, with the remains of an Iron Age hillfort located at its summit. This ancient fortification, dating back to around 500 BC, was once a strategic stronghold overlooking the Clwydian Valley. The fort's circular shape and defensive ramparts can still be seen today, providing visitors with a glimpse into the region's rich past.

Access to Moel-y-Gaer is relatively straightforward, with several footpaths and trails leading to the summit. A popular route begins from the village of Llanbedr-Dyffryn-Clwyd, offering a moderate hike with rewarding views. The hill's proximity to other attractions in the area, such as Loggerheads Country Park and the Offa's Dyke Path, makes it a popular choice for those seeking outdoor adventures in Denbighshire.

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Moel-y-Gaer Images

Images are sourced within 2km of 53.146052/-3.2737896 or Grid Reference SJ1461. Thanks to Geograph Open Source API. All images are credited.

Bwlch Penbarras

Looking down from the slopes of Moel Fenlli towards the Moel Famau car park. Walking these hills and going to the summit of Moel Famau (topped with the Jubilee Tower on the horizon) is very popular, especially with visitors from the Wirral and Cheshire. This is a section of the Offa's Dyke Path.

Eirian Evans

St Peter's Church, Llanbedr

The ruined medieval church next to Llanbedr Hall, first recorded in 1254, was abandoned when the Victorian church in the modern village of Llanbedr Dyffryn Clwyd was built. This is a view of the interior where a new little altar has been installed. An occasional service is held here.

Eirian Evans

Gate, Llanbedr Church

As of 2021, work has been ongoing ( jointly funded by the Community Council and the Church In Wales) to preserve and restore the site. The work includes new signage & interpretation board, and these new gates as you approach the church

Eirian Evans

Pwynt tirfesur yn lliwiau'r Urdd / Trig point in Urdd colours

The trig point has been painted in the colours of Urdd Gobaith Cymru, presumably due to celebrate their Eisteddfod in Denbigh in 2020.

Ceri Thomas

Rheoli'r rhostir / Managing the moorland

The heather cover is managed to provide suitable habitats for grouse.

Ceri Thomas

Llwybrau'n croesi / Crossing paths

Ceri Thomas

Llidiart dan y copa / The gate below the summit

Ceri Thomas

Benchmark by track below Moel Famau

This benchmark is on the East face of a mountain wall, which crosses a track below Moel Famau.

John S Turner

Benchmark with a view to the cairn on Moel Dywyll

Mountain wall with benchmark below Moel Famau, with a view to the cairn on Moel Dywyll. SJ1563 : Benchmark by track below Moel Famau

John S Turner

Footpath and wall below Moel Famau

Looking East along the track on the North side of Moel Famau. There is an Ordnance Survey benchmark on the other side of the tall section of wall SJ1563 : Benchmark by track below Moel Famau

John S Turner

View to Foel Fenlli across Bwlch Penbarras

Looking towards the hill fort of Foel Fenlli from the popular tourist track to Moel Famau.

John S Turner

Footpath to Fron-bellaf from Offas Dyke path

The highpoint in view, accessed by the footpath, looks as though it ought to be a hillfort, however, the hillfort Moel y Gaer is larger and a bit further to the north.

John S Turner

Sunken road at Hirwaen

The road goes south-west from the village to eventually join the B5429

Eirian Evans

Barns at Tyddyn Tlodion

Eirian Evans

A road to take carefully

Ian Greig

View from the Moel Famau path

Looking northward down the Vale of Clwyd towards Liverpool Bay in the distance. In the middle is an old iron age hillfort.

Eirian Evans

The path from Bwlch Pen Barras to Moel Famau

On top of the hill is the Jubilee Tower, built about 1810 to commemorate the fiftieth anniversary of George III's reign, the upper stages of which were blown down in a gale in 1862.

Eirian Evans

Jubilee Tower, Moel Famau.

The tower was built about 1810 to commemorate the fiftieth anniversary of George III's reign, the upper stages of which were blown down in a gale in 1862.

Eirian Evans

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Moel-y-Gaer is located at Grid Ref: SJ1461 (Lat: 53.146052, Lng: -3.2737896)

Unitary Authority: Denbighshire

Police Authority: North Wales