Before a hike, what kind of foods would you imagine eating? Porridge? Some fruits? Eggs? Maybe some chicken?
We had none of the above – but we knew where we could find some chicken.
Would you believe that, in hindsight, this wasn’t a good idea? Also, why don’t KFC give you a fork when you order rice?
Moel Famau
Situated on the border between Denbighshire and Flintshire in north-east Wales, Moel Famau is the highest hill in the Clwydian Range. Sitting not far from the English border, the hill is a popular climb. For ages I’ve seen people on my newsfeed at Moel Famau – people I would not expect to see hiking!
At 555m, it is just over half the size of Snowdon and thus nowhere near as challenging. It takes just 45 minutes to get to the top. BUT that is where you will find the very impressive looking and imposing Jubilee Tower. Now you can see why Brendan and I wanted to visit.
There are two car parks at the base of Moel Famau, so take your pick. We parked near to the Lower Car Park, but as we’d arrived late it was nearly shut. We parked on the road and avoided paying for a ticket and getting locked in.
It’s a good job it was only 45 minutes to the top because darkness was falling across the land.
Initially, it’s actually a steep climb.
Even we seasoned hikers were getting tired! But you power on cos it doesn’t last long. Soon, you leave the trees as the incline levels out.
Follow the purple arrows for they will guide you to the top.
And marvel at the purple heather.
There are many ways up Moel Famau. If the initial climb has conked you out, you can take the easier, more scenic route to the top.
We were in no rush, so we took this route.
This is a great way up if you enjoy looking at Christmas trees. As for the promised “views” though, the low light and low cloud wasn’t really emphasising them. But, I could appreciate that on a clear day you can see for miles up here.
As we approached the westerly facing slopes, a streak of orange appeared in the sky.
Well, well, well. It appears we might actually get a sunset.
As you approach the Jubilee Tower, the incline has one last laugh at you. But it is fleeting.
The Jubilee Tower was built in 1810 to commemorate the golden jubilee of King George III (the King Who Lost America). It was never finished and is partly demolished, and now acts as a refuge for weary ramblers.
Again, I wonder, wouldn’t it be great to have something like this atop Scafell Pike? Up there you have only a wall to protect yourself from the terrible weather. Come on National Trust, we all know how rich you are – particularly this year! Wishful thinking…
There were only a handful of people at the Tower. Brendan and I cracked open a beer and waited for the sun to dip below the clouds.
It was short-lived but impressive. The sun lit up this northern section of the Offa’s Dyke National Trail. I wouldn’t mind walking that one day…
Soon enough, the sun dipped below the horizon. In all the rush to get to the Tower to catch the sunset, we’d missed the trig point.
From here you can see the lights of The Wirral and Liverpool.
And with that, it was time to head down to the cars before night fully enveloped us
Moel Famau is one of the best hills to climb for first-time hikers. Split into three sections, the incline goes from steep to steady before one last steep push. The rewards are decent views at the top and a tower to climb over. Literally anyone can do it, and who knows, it might encourage you to take on bigger hills.
Highly, highly recommend!
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