At Cherry Tree Country Clothing, we are always on the look out for new dog walks in North Wales, our local area. In particular Boris our beautiful, but very cheeky Beagle, simply loves exploring new places and finding new smells whilst, of course, we benefit too from the welcomed exercise that we enjoy on all of our walks.
That said, there are many walks in lovely North East Wales that we have already tried out but, for you, there may be a walk in this area that you are trying out for the first time. Either way isn’t it just great to get out and about in the fresh air and take in the fantastic countryside views? If you prefer beach dog walks, take a look at one of our other blogs on the best beach walks in north wales.
Cilcain near Mold, Flintshire
The Cilcain Circular route (starting and ending at the White Horse Inn) is about 4.5 miles long and, depending upon your pace, will take you about 2 hours to complete. This moderate walk takes you past the reservoir and whilst parts of this walk can be muddy, parts will also be on solid ground by way of country roading.
From the town of Ruthin, take the A494 for 20 minutes or so to get to Cilcain, this journey is about 9 miles long. (OS Explorer 264 or 265)
From Cilcain village centre, look for the entrance to the woodlands through a gate. Pass a sign entitled “Yr Hafan” relating to an abandoned house and you’ll later pass the ruins of an old cottage. The path is waypoint marked.
Eventually the walkway will dip, rise back up before levelling out again. As you continue through woodland you’ll notice the old quarry workings and as you pass the main entrance to the quarry, turning to the right, you can join the road for a few steps before taking a left to resume the pathway back into the woods. Then, after passing a farm on the left, you can join the road to head back to Cilcain.
You will certainly enjoy some lovely views on the Cilcain walking experiences!
Penycloddiau, North Wales
It will take about 22 minutes (approximately 8 miles) to travel from Ruthin to Penycloddiau. (OS Explorer 265 Clwydian Range)
Starting from Coed LLangwyfan and Penycloddiau carpark you’ll be able to take in some stunning views of the Clwydian Hills on this walk and of course don’t forget the remains of the ancient Hillfort to ponder at later too!
Having walked past the Hill Fort information board, pick up the waymarked Offa’s Dyke path. This will take you rambling through lovely woodland and you’ll then make your way, up hill, towards the the aforementioned old Hill Fort. Breathe in the countryside and enjoy the views. On a good day you can, for example, see the peaks at snowdonia and, in another direction, you’ll capture a view of the Moel Arthur Hillfort.
Continue towards Aifft and find the Clwydian Way, and then follow the bridlepath towards Coed Llangwyfan. Follow the woodland trail back to the carpark from where you started.
This walk will be 2 hours, or so, of your time very well spent!
Moel Findeg
Moel Findeg which overlooks the village of Maeshafn is situated more or less on the border of Flintshire and Denbighshire.
You can begin the circular walk from the Miners Arms in Maeshafn, enjoying farmlands on route between Gwernymynydd and Cadole.
From Ruthin travel for about 6.5 miles, taking approximately 20 minutes on the A494 to reach Maeshafn.
As you proceed you’ll enjoy a walk on a pathway that can be narrow and a bit rough, roady and muddy. Make sure to wear appropriate footwear. In places, the woodland and heathland covers old disused quarries and lead mines. You may be lucky and spot ponies chomping away in the distance. Historically, old quarries and lead mines remain hidden in the heathland which is of interest. The summit is known as the Bishop’s chair. Here you can take in the wonderful views, for example, looking over to Liverpool, the Cheshire Plain, the Alyn Valley and Moel Famau.
A walk in area that’s definitely worth checking out!
Clocaenog Forest, Pincyn Llys near Ruthin
For this walk take the B5105 from Ruthin which is approximately a 15 minute drive over 4.5 miles.
Your starting point for this walk will be from the Pincyn LLys roadside parking space at Clocaenog Forest. Once parked up, look for the Information Panel on the other side of the road and begin your journey up to Lord Bagot’s Monument.
The walk is within an area of a mix of woodland and moorland. The initial woodland leads to moorland, whereupon you can begin the steep – but not too long – pathway up to the monument. Be careful in some places, particularly if the pathway is muddy and wet.
Keep rambling upwards until you’ll eventually seek out the old Pincyn Llys’s, Lord Bagot’s monument. This is located at what is considered to be the highest point in the Clocaenog Forest. With the monument positioned at 1358 feet above sea level, you can imagine how fantastic the views over the Vale of Clwyd and other points of interest actually are!
Give it a try!
Coed Moel Famau Dog Walk
Travel along the A494 main road from Ruthin Town towards Mold to find Coed Moel Famau. This journey will take you approximately 25 miniutes and is about 10 miles.
There are a range of different walks you can explore with an example being the Jubilee Tower Circular:
From the car park, this walk is reported to be a steady, moderate steep climb. However its worth it when you reach the top amidst the ruins of the JubileeTower. Interestingly building work started on this tower in 1810, in preparation for the golden jubilee of King George III, but it was never actually finished.
Moel Famau is the highest summit within the Clwydian Range, at a height of 1,818 feet. You are guaranteed some great views from summit. Some time could be spent taking in the views and scenery from across the counties of Denbighshire, Flintshire, Merseyside and Cheshire.
You can enjoy open countryside, taking your return journey along the Offa’s Dyke Path national trail.
Whichever dog walk you fancy make sure you are well prepared for all eventualities. Take plenty of snacks and water with you for longer walks. Plus, don’t forget your pet essentials such as natural dog treats and
Make sure you’re prepared for a longer walk by taking plenty of food and water with you, and of course make sure to wear the right gear!. In need of a new water bottle? Our reusable stainless steel water bottle will keep your water cool for longer and fits in the side pocket of most rucksacks.
Of course, above is just a sample of the many interesting and throughtly enjoyable dog walks in North Wales. Plan ahead, use appropriate footwear and clothing and have a fantastic time on your walks!
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