5 Stunning Walks in the Clwydian Range You Can Do From Our Doorstep
One of the greatest joys of staying at Owl Lodges is stepping outside and being immediately surrounded by some of the most beautiful walking country in Wales. The Clwydian Range, designated an Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty, stretches from Prestatyn in the north to the Dee Valley in the south — and our valley sits right in the heart of it.
Whether you’re a seasoned hill walker or prefer a gentle stroll with a pub at the end, there’s a route for you. Here are our five favourite walks, all accessible from the lodges.
1. Moel Famau Summit (Moderate — 3.5 miles)
The crown jewel of the Clwydian Range. At 555 metres, Moel Famau is the highest point in the range and offers panoramic views stretching from Snowdonia to the Peak District on a clear day. The most popular route starts from the Bwlch Pen Barras car park (a 5-minute drive from the lodges) and follows a well-maintained path through ancient woodland before emerging onto the open hilltop.
At the summit you’ll find the Jubilee Tower — the remains of a monument built to celebrate George III’s golden jubilee. Pack a flask and enjoy your brew with a view that stretches across five counties.
2. Loggerheads Country Park Loop (Easy — 2 miles)
Perfect for families or a gentle morning stroll. Loggerheads Country Park sits in the Alyn Valley, just 10 minutes from the lodges, and features well-surfaced paths along the River Alyn. The main loop takes you through limestone gorges, past the old lead mine workings, and through mixed woodland alive with birdsong.
The on-site café, We Three Loggerheads, serves excellent cake — a fact our guests rediscover on a pleasingly regular basis.
3. Offa’s Dyke Path: Bodfari to Moel Arthur (Challenging — 6 miles)
For something more ambitious, pick up the Offa’s Dyke National Trail at Bodfari (10 minutes north) and follow it south over the dramatic Iron Age hillfort of Moel Arthur. The ascent is steep but short, and the views from the top — down into the Vale of Clwyd and across to the Irish Sea — are worth every step.
This section of the trail is quieter than the popular Moel Famau stretch, so you’ll often have the hillfort to yourselves.
4. The Valley Loop — From Your Door (Easy — 1.5 miles)
No car needed for this one. Step off the lodge deck and follow the farm track down through the valley floor. The route loops through open meadows, past a small stream, and back up through the woodland that shelters our lodges. In spring, the wildflower display is remarkable — and if you walk at dusk, you’ll almost certainly hear the tawny owls that gave our lodges their names.
This is also the route our guests with dogs love most. Off-lead friendly (with permission) and puddle-heavy after rain — perfect for adventurous paws.
5. Nercwys Forest & Moel Findeg (Moderate — 4 miles)
A hidden gem that many visitors overlook. Nercwys Forest, just south of the lodges, is a working forestry plantation criss-crossed with tracks and trails. The route up to Moel Findeg takes you through dense conifer forest before opening out onto heather moorland with unexpectedly vast views east toward Chester and the Wirral.
The forest is also home to red kites, buzzards, and — if you’re very lucky — the occasional goshawk.
Before You Set Off
All of these walks are accessible year-round, though the hilltop routes can be muddy and exposed in winter. We keep a selection of OS maps and walking guides in each lodge, and we’re always happy to suggest routes based on the weather, your fitness level, and how much time you have.
Need walking boots? Chester and Mold both have excellent outdoor shops within a 20-minute drive.
And of course, the hot tub is always waiting when you get back.