The Clwydian Range, which includes Loggerheads and Moel Famau Country Parks managed by Denbighshire Countryside Service, has been a designated Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty since 1985. In 2011 the AONB was extended to include the Dee Valley. The chain of hills with its impressive Iron Age hillforts offers great walking opportunities with panoramic views. My first guidebook provides circular walks linked to the Offas Dyke Path, generally covering the western side of the Range.
This second volume explores its many other beautiful parts and less well known paths. In particular, it covers in depth the large area of carboniferous limestone, which forms a significant part of the Range. Formed millions of years ago when North Wales was covered by a tropical sea, and, later tilted by major earth movements, the exposed limestone escarpments, pavements, and outcrops, provide stunning contrasting scenery to the lush green hills and valleys, and offer delightful walking.
The area from Hendre to Llanarmon-yn-ial contained rich seams of lead within the underlying limestone, and was extensively mined between the 17th and 19thC. This industrial heritage is a backcloth to many of the walks.
The 23 linked circular walks in this third updated edition of the book feature open hills, impressive limestone countryside, attractive woodland, and the beautiful wooded Alyn Valley with its famous leete path. They follow old miners paths and explore the Country Parks and Open Access areas. They visit medieval sites, ancient communities, lead-mining villages, nature reserves, and old country inns. Sadly village inns are under threat so please try to support those featured in the walks.
The routes, which range from a 2 mile woodland trail to an exhilarating 8 mile upland walk incorporating two stunning hillforts, are well within the capability of most people. Many routes contain shorter walk options. A key feature is that individual walks can easily be linked with others to provide longer and more challenging day walks if required.
This is a brand new edition the third of this consistently popular guide.
