Clwydian Range

The Clwydian Range is a chain of hills in north-east Wales stretching from Llandegla in the south to Prestatyn in the north. Its highest point is Moel Famau at 554 metres. The hills form part of the Clwydian Range and Dee Valley Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty. They rise from deep sea sediments laid down during the Silurian period. Ice from the last ice age moved eastwards over the hills, carving meltwater channels and shaping the land. The range is home to six Iron Age hillforts including Penycloddiau and Foel Fenlli. Offa’s Dyke National Trail crosses the high ground from Llandegla to Prestatyn. The hills provide wide views across northern Wales to Snowdonia and eastwards to the Cheshire Plain. Heather covers much of the upland while pastures lie below. Several tumuli and cairns mark the landscape. Wildlife thrives here with red kites, red foxes and black grouse. Projects protect the European water vole and remove invasive Himalayan balsam. Long-distance paths like the Clwydian Way and Offa’s Dyke Path run through the range. The AONB now covers 389 square kilometres after an extension in 2011.