Try These 5 Picturesque Denbighshire Walks

 

Steering clear of Snowdonia? Craving somewhere away from the crowds? Perhaps it’s time to get away from some of Wales’ more famous walking areas and find a new spot… and Denbighshire could be just the place. The fact that many people would struggle to point to it on a map generally bodes well for relatively peaceful trails, for starters (it’s up in the north-east, not far from the English border – making this a fine pick for easy outings from Manchester or Liverpool, for example).

A relative lack of visitors doesn’t mean a lack of things to see – it may be one of the smaller counties of Wales, but Denbighshire packs a whole lot of splendid scenery into a compact space. Stretching from the coast down to the Clwydian range, there’s a lot of variety in the landscape around here – and some of the finest walks this side of Offa’s Dyke.

So whether you’re seeking challenging mountain ascents or a more gentle circular walk to fill an afternoon (and earn yourself a pint in the process), grab your boots and have a read of our guide to the best walks in Denbighshire.

North Wales Path

In need of a project to base your holiday around? The North Wales Path makes a great candidate for a few days of walking in north Wales – at around 60 miles long and with an elevation gain of 1940m it’s certainly a challenge but one that’s still relatively compact. And with Prestatyn at one end and Bangor at the other (and Llandudno in the middle) you can schedule in a few decent meals and days on the beach as well.

There are some excellent views to be had along the way here – much of the route runs along (or close to) the coast, although there are inland sections too, taking in such attractions as the pretty Aber Falls. 

Not enough mileage for you? Prestatyn is also the starting point (or end point) of the Offa’s Dyke National Trail, which runs for a splendidly scenic 177 miles down to Chepstow, crossing the Wales/England border more than 20 times. 

Both the North Wales Path and Offa’s Dyke trail are very well waymarked so they’re also good picks for shorter (and easy to follow) day walks.

Bookend your North Wales Path hike with stays at campsites near Prestatyn and Bangor.

Moel Famau

Could these be the best views in Denbighshire? It’s possible, given that Moel Famau is the highest hill in the Clwydian Range at ​​554 metres. Climb up here and (weather permitting) you’ll be rewarded with vistas that stretch across north Wales and over into northwest England.

Even on a cloudy day it’s worth making the trip to see the Jubilee Tower at the top – it was started in 1810 to mark George III’s jubilee, but was never finished (and then was somewhat destroyed in a storm in the mid 19th century). It makes a great focal point for your pinnacle pics.

Moel Famau sits in the centre of a country park that has a good network of walking routes up the peak and through the surrounding forest. Extend your day here with time at the play areas, the animal sculpture trail or the mountain bike trails.

Make your way up Moel Famau from a campsite near Mold.

Llangollen to the Horseshoe Falls

If all the above sounds a bit too exhausting, don’t worry – there are more leisurely options available too. The pretty market town of Llangollen makes a lovely base for gentle strolls, and for visits to lots of our best things to do in Denbighshire – so it’s a fine place to pick for a short break in north Wales.

The route to the falls (actually a manmade structure created by Thomas Telford back in the early 19th century) follows a four-kilometre path alongside the Llangollen Canal and River Dee. If you’re feeling energetic on the way back, you can climb up a higher path to return (or just retrace your steps to town).

Look for a campsite in Llangollen.

Lady Bagot’s Drive

Tucked away in woodland with a river, a gorge and some gorgeous views, this seven-kilometre loop trail is something of a hidden gem. It’s a kid-friendly one too, as it’s not too long or too uphill and there’s plenty of stuff to see along the way. Grownups are liable to appreciate such features as well – plus the presence of a lovely country pub at the end…

You will, of course, be walking in the footsteps of Lady Bagot when you come here – this walk was created for her as a gift from her husband Lord Bagot. For more high-class outings, this walk ties in nicely with an outing to nearby Ruthin Castle (one of our must-visit Denbighshire castles).

Stick around to see more of the area from a campsite near Ruthin.

Llandegla Forest

Llandegla Forest is a handy spot to know about if you’ve got one of those families where different members require different things from a day out – this is a place that’s got some of the country’s top mountain bike trails for the more intrepid, along with several walking trails for those that aren’t in daredevil mood.

Take your pick from four marked trails taking you past the reservoir, through the forest and up onto the moorlands – with a range of two to seven miles there should be something to suit most requirements. There’s lots of wildlife to look out for along the way, from colourful dragonflies to black grouse (with RSPB guided walks available too if you’d like to find out more about these birds). 

If you have indeed gone your separate ways with the day’s activities there’s a handy café on hand that serves up a tasty menu of home-cooked dishes sourced from around north Wales along with top-notch coffee and other treats.

Pick one of our best Denbighshire campsites as a base for exploring this lovely area.

Can’t decide where to pick for a North Wales break? Check out this list of our favourite Denbighshire towns for inspiration.