Finger Covert

Wood, Forest in Denbighshire

Wales

Finger Covert

Looking down on the Afon Disgynfa Descending northeast below the impressive ramparts of the iron-age hill fort Penycloddiau, one is soon away from the network of paths, though there is a track shown on the OS map some way to the east, dropping down to a public footpath which crosses the valley a considerable distance below. From this point (just inside the square) it is almost a hundred metres vertical back up to the fort, perhaps explaining why it seems to have been so little visited by geograph aficionados! — Looking down on the Afon Disgynfa Credit: Andy Waddington

Finger Covert is a picturesque woodland located in Denbighshire, Wales. Spanning over a vast area, the covert is known for its dense forest cover and natural beauty. The woodland is situated in a rural setting, surrounded by rolling hills and meadows, providing a tranquil and serene environment for visitors.

The forest is primarily composed of a mix of deciduous and coniferous trees, including oak, beech, pine, and spruce, creating a diverse and vibrant ecosystem. The lush greenery and tall trees make Finger Covert an ideal destination for nature enthusiasts, hikers, and birdwatchers.

The woodland is home to a wide range of wildlife, including various bird species, butterflies, and small mammals. Visitors can spot beautiful birds such as woodpeckers, owls, and jays, as well as rare butterflies fluttering among the flowers. The forest also provides a habitat for foxes, badgers, and squirrels, which can occasionally be spotted by lucky observers.

Finger Covert offers numerous walking trails and pathways, allowing visitors to explore the forest and take in its natural wonders. The trails vary in difficulty, catering to both casual strollers and experienced hikers. Along the way, there are designated picnic spots and benches where visitors can take a break and enjoy the peaceful ambiance of the woodland.

Overall, Finger Covert in Denbighshire is a captivating woodland that offers a serene escape from the bustle of everyday life. With its diverse flora and fauna, it presents a perfect opportunity to reconnect with nature and immerse oneself in the beauty of the Welsh countryside.

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Finger Covert Images

Images are sourced within 2km of 53.203331/-3.3202389 or Grid Reference SJ1168. Thanks to Geograph Open Source API. All images are credited.

Looking down on the Afon Disgynfa

Descending northeast below the impressive ramparts of the iron-age hill fort Penycloddiau, one is soon away from the network of paths, though there is a track shown on the OS map some way to the east, dropping down to a public footpath which crosses the valley a considerable distance below. From this point (just inside the square) it is almost a hundred metres vertical back up to the fort, perhaps explaining why it seems to have been so little visited by geograph aficionados!

Andy Waddington

Windbreak NE of Penycloddiau

With a southwesterly wind, this side of Penycloddiau, well below the ramparts of the iron-age hill fort, is fairly sheltered already, but this cruciform windbreak will provide additional protection in virtually any wind direction. Being well off the beaten paths along the tops and round the fort, it's likely to be far more used by livestock than by walkers having lunch, so I'm sure sheep find themselves grateful for having a farmer with enough benevolence to provide such a well-built and maintained structure.

Andy Waddington

Inner rampart, Penycloddiau

The inner of three concentric ramparts surrounding the iron-age hill fort of Penycloddiau is the highest, and would no doubt form a convenient place to fire arrows at attackers struggling to climb the lower, outer ramparts just below. The peak seen in the distance to the south is Moel Arthur, another hill fort, though a smaller and rounder one. Four and a half, and six kilometres further south again are two more large hill forts. All overlook the rich agricultural lands of the Clwyd valley to the west and the more northerly pair also overlook lands to the northeast.

Andy Waddington

High point of Penycloddiau

Just inside of the northernmost ramparts of Penycloddiau, and a few metres off the main Offa's Dyke path, this cairn marks a local high spot, possibly the highest point within the iron-age hill fort, and commanding a fine view to Moel y Parc to the north as well as over surrounding lands to both east and west. The thin vertical line showing just to the right of the cairn in this view is the Moel y Parc TV transmitter mast, a very twentieth-century intrusion into the scene.

Andy Waddington

Offa's Dyke path descending SE from Penycloddiau

Offa's Dyke path now lies just inside the forestry boundary fence separating it from the open fell above, grazed by sheep. Although it's a long distance path, at this time of year it seems mostly to be favoured by dog walkers (such as myself) whilst joggers and mountain bikers use the bigger tracks in the forestry area below. It's a convenient route not only for multi-day walkers, but also to reach the iron-age hill fort of Penycloddiau (behind the photographer) from the small parking area at the col on the narrow road from Llangwyfan to Nannerch.

Andy Waddington

Sinking sun over the Vale of Clwyd

Descending via Offa's Dyke path from a visit to the iron-age hill fort of Penycloddiau, one is perched high enough on the ridge to see over the extensive foresttry to the more distant vista over the Vale of Clwyd. In early March the sun sets early and is sinking into a bank of broken cloud presaging a brief showery interlude before another glorious sunny day on the morrow.

Andy Waddington

Penycloddiau summit cairn

Moel Famau on the left horizon.

John H Darch

Descending northwards from Penycloddiau

On the Offa's Dyke Path. Moel y Parc in the distance.

John H Darch

Unsurfaced road near Nant Coed-y-mynydd

John H Darch

Ascending Penycloddiau hill fort

The last stile before the summit.

John H Darch

A smattering of snow in the Vale of Clwyd

Looks like the television mast is being launched from Moel y Parc

Eirian Evans

Cairn on Moel y Parc

Row17

Moel y Parc cairn

Shunned by walkers on the Offa's Dyke Long Distance Footpath, Moel y Parc is the northernmost summit of this long section of ridge. The cairn seen here is on the spot marked as a tumulus on the map, so I presume that the green grassy mound is ancient, though the cairn itself looks modern. The path seen on the left heads down to the southwest to cross a well-defined bridleway at a minor col, and either direction at this junction will take one back to the Offa's Dyle and Clwydian Way routes as they head down into the Wheeler valley.

Andy Waddington

Farm lane to Glan Clwyd Ganol

Looking south-westward.

Peter Wood

Heather on Penycloddiau in September

The Clwydian Hills are coated in beautiful heather in August and September, here clothing the side of the restored Bronze Age burial cairn in a royal purple.

Jeremy Bolwell

View northwards to the sea from Penycloddiau

The summits of the Clwydians here carry far reaching views, in this case to the sea off Rhyl and the windfarms beyond, as well as over the wide Vale of Clwyd to the west.

Jeremy Bolwell

Mountain bikers in the Clwydian Hills

Two mountain bikers ride downhill to a track during one of a series of races taking place today locally involving a few hundred riders. I think I'll stick with two legs.

Jeremy Bolwell