Bryniau Clwyd / Clwydian Range

 What started off as a dull and overcast day in the lowlands turned into a brilliant sunny day on the hills. The run was one that I’ve done before so I knew it would be a mixture of forest trails, muddy tracks and paths on the hills. It’s a great warm-up through the forest with a climb immediately at the start, the track though the forest gives the first glimpse of Moel Famau after 2 km but it’s another 9 km and a few hundred metres of climbing before I get to put my paws on the summit.

Moel Famau from the east.

Once out of the forest there is a stream to cross, wet paws for the first time on the route, then along an ancient track to another stream crossing and the first really muddy bit.

I could see some cloud but mostly it was really sunny with no wind. The route then curves round Ffrith mountain then along the track to some reservoirs then starts a gentle climb to the ridge of Moel Dywyll. 

Very still and calm, the route goes to the lowest part of the ridge on the left of the picture.

Once on the ridge, after an easy scamper up the hill (easy for me but my human seemed to be a bit out of breath) there was an extensive view over the Clwyd valley.  

Here I am, enjoying some winter sunshine.

The run along the ridge was tough as you can see from the photo but the weather and views made it worthwhile. 

The final ridge climb

Once at the top of Moel Famau it was a really easy run back through the forest to Bwylch Penbarra and down to the lower car park. The run was part of my training for the Sea-to-Summit Offa’s Dyke half-marathon in April.

Wags and woofs,

Dexter .