Moel Hiraddug Hill Fort

Moel Hiraddug is labelled on the OS Map as Y Foel and often just called Dyserth Mountain if you are a local. It is one of the Northern most peaks of the Clwydian Range and is packed with historical significance, more on that later.

The walks up Moel Hiraddug listed below are great for families and dogs and you can get up and down in just an hour or why not extend the walk and finish up in the Blue Lion Pub in Cwm.

Moel Hiraddug is one of the smaller peaks in the Clwydian Range, however it still offers spectacular views over the surrounding countryside including the entire North Wales Coast and over to Snowdonia, so if you have a spare afternoon I thoroughly recommend taking a walk up Dyserth Mountain! (a mild exaggeration of its height classification by locals as it is most definitely a hill!)

How to Walk Up Moel Hiraddug in Dyserth

One of the most appealing aspects of Moel Hiraddug is its accessibility. The main trail starts from Dyserth village and is relatively short and easy to navigate, making it suitable for families or beginner hikers.

I’ve added details below for the quick route up Moel Hiraddug in Dyserth. It’s a quick walk up and down the same route which will take an hour, I’ve also added a map which shows a shorter circular route starting from The Blue Lion in Cwm.

If you would prefer a longer route of Moel Hiraddug taking around 2-3 hours, take a look at the circular walk up Moel Hiraddug I have posted which includes Marian Ffrith another small summit in this area. Circular Walk Up Moel Hiraddug (Approx 3hrs)

What to expect on the Moel Hiraddug Walk

The terrain is very different to the Clwydian Range as you head south with bare hillside and pretty wildflowers rather than tightly packed heather you may associate with many of the Clwydian Hills.

The path on the short route up to Y Foel (The summit of Moel Hiraddug) is very easy to find and follow with some helpful information boards to look at on the way up.

There are often sheep grazing on the hill – dogs that chase need to be on a lead.

The path can get very muddy and the uphill sections can be extremely slippy as a result so you may find a walking pole handy when it’s very wet. In the summer you don’t need anything special, just comfy shoes or sandals that don’t rub when you walk up or down hills.

The Quick Route Up Moel Hiraddug Dyserth Mountain

Where to Park for Moel Hiraddug Walk (Quick Route)

You can find on street parking nearer or use the free car park at the start of the Dyserth to Prestatyn Walkway Newmarket Rd, Dyserth, Rhyl LL18 6BS. You’ll have to walk up to Lower Foel Road and along to the starting point, it’s around 1/2 a mile – a 15 minute walk to the start of the path.

Click for the OS MAPS Route – Moel Hiraddug Quick Route to view it on your phone.

Walk along the woodland path for around 15 minutes (1/2 a mile), don’t be tempted to try and turn up any paths on the left as they will lead to dead ends, you have to walk the full length of the hill.

The path slowly rises through the woods and will start to turn up to the left where eventually you will meet a sign post.

There will be a swing gate to your right which heads over a road and onto another footpath that takes you to Cwm. Ignore this and head up the path to the top of the mountain, this section of path gets very muddy and slippy in the wet winter months.

The path continues through brambles and gorse until finally you will reach a gate on your right and the summit will become obvious to your left.

Follow the path up the hill, the path stays close to the left of the summit.

You will soon be at the top!

Once you reach the top you can explore the whole of the top of the hill and walk right the way over the fence at the end which is the only barrier between you and a huge drop down into the quarry. It’s exhilarating to look at but I might avoid heading over with small children!

Enjoy the spectacular views before retracing your steps back to your car.

If you parked at the car park at the start of the Prestatyn/Dyserth walk way you will find a refreshing little stream just down a short path, a nice little spot for your dogs to have a drink and a cool off.

If you enjoyed it you might want to try more of the peaks in the Clwydian Hills – many of them are also ancient hill forts like this one.

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Walk Up Moel Hiraddug (Dyserth Mountain) from the Blue Lion Pub in Cwm

Moel Hiraddug Circular Walk from the Blue Lion Cwm via Marion Ffrith