Prestatyn & Clwydian Range Walking Festival

A contrasting circular walk starting in the historic village of Llanasa with its 15th century Church. The walk route includes a visit to the mysterious Gop Hill, which is the second largest Neolithic man made monument in Britain. The top of the mound offers superb views returning via the ancient settlement of Gwaenysgor.

Start point and time: 9.30am, Llanasa Village Car Park – SJ 108 814

Walk leader: Jeff Morgan

Distance/duration: 6 miles/about 3 hours

Walking from Meliden to Dyserth along the old railway path into the Maes Hiraddug Nature Reserve to practice a little Tai Chi and observe the peace in the outdoors. From here we walk to Graig Fawr following the hillside path back to Meliden. Refreshments at the end of the walk may be available at Y Shed or Red Lion subject to opening times.

Start point and time: 9.30am, Meliden Community Centre Car park – SJ 062 808

Walk leaders: Debbie Hughes Claudia Smith

Distance/duration: 3 miles/about 1.5 hours

The Little Terns are one of the rarest breeding seabirds in the U.K. and Gronant is their last stronghold in Wales. They will have arrived after their 3,000-mile journey from West Africa and will create a family home in a shallow depression in the sand and shingle called a scrape. This walk also offers an opportunity to learn about Sand Lizards, Natterjack Toads and much more in the Gronant Nature Reserve which is a Site of Special Scientific Interest (SSSI). Don’t forget your binoculars and camera.

Start point and time: 9.30am, Red Boat Café Nr. NOVA Prestatyn – SJ 062 836

Walk leader: DCC Countryside Services Ranger

Distance/duration: 4.5 miles/about 3 hours

An invitation to join us for a short leisurely walk on Prestatyn to Dyserth Walkway towards Y Shed. Returning to Tiny Tots for planned activities which might be indoor or outdoor depending on the weather. Fancy dress is optional.

Start point and time: 9.30am, St. Melyd Golf Club – SJ 065 814

Walk leader: Tina Jones

Distance/duration: About 2 hours

Featuring nine acres of beautiful garden and woodland it is truly a hidden gem. The garden is laid out as a series of rooms, so that not all the gardens can be seen at once. As well as the award-winning gravel garden, there are no less than 3 separate water gardens including formal and informal garden areas. The tour will be conducted by the Head Gardener and the route offers good views across the Vale of Clwyd. Refreshments available at the nearby Ffynnon Beuno café hut where we will be stopping before returning to Prestatyn. THIS WALK IS NOW FULLY BOOKED.

Start point and time: 10.00am, Prestatyn Parish Church Hall – SJ 067 828

Walk leader: Malcolm Wilkinson

Distance/duration: 1 mile/about 3 hours

Straightforward level walk up the West bank of the River Clwyd to Rhuddlan returning along the East Bank to Rhyl harbour for refreshments at the Hub Café (optional) on the Wales Coast Path. The route back to Brickfield Pond will be around Marine Lake and Lynx paths. Don’t forget to bring your binoculars to observe birds and wildlife.

Start point and time: 10.00am, Brickfield Pond, Rhyl Car Park (free) – SJ 014 802

Walk leader: Katrina Day DCC Countryside Services

Distance/duration: 6.5 miles/about 3.5 hours

The walk starts at the Waterfall Café before making its way to the Prestatyn walkway and upwards to the trig point on Graig Fawr. We then proceed, following the Offa’s Dyke National Trail to Marian Mills an old fulling mill for treating and finishing cloth. The route then takes us into the beautiful secluded valley of Cwm and its old church before returning to Dyserth for refreshments.

Start point and time: 10.00am, Dyserth Waterfall Car Park – SJ 056 793
Walk leaders: Susan Hilton, Karen Blackford, Linda Gordon, Angela Walmsley

Distance/duration: 6 miles/about 5 hours

An informative and interesting circular walk around Coed-y-Morfa woodland that was established in 2005 on a former refuse tip. With the help of local schools and community volunteers over 5,000 trees were planted in association with local authority and Prestatyn Environment Association. The woodland is flourishing and the walk will provide an opportunity to learn about the diverse variety of trees. The area is an established haven for wildlife, flora and fauna.

Start point and time: 10.30am, Coed y Morfa Car Park (free) – SJ 058 823

Walk leader: Denbighshire Countryside Services – Tree Team Member

Distance/duration: 1.5 miles/about 2 hours

An illustrated talk firstly by Tracy Pierce of Hedgehog Help Prestatyn. Tracy and her team are well known for treating, rehabilitating and releasing hedgehogs, which are sadly an endangered species.

After the break Quentin Grimley and Gruff Owen from Natural Resources Wales will jointly present about the development and management of the 870 miles of the Wales Coast Path on its 10 year anniversary. Quentin will cover his role plus the history of the Path since its inception in 2006 and Gruff will then cover his role – including surveying the Path on the ground with local councils in North Wales to both maintain and improve it.

The entrance fee will be £5 per person including tea/coffee and biscuits. Pre-booking is essential as numbers are limited – pay on arrival.

Start point and time: 7.00pm, Prestatyn Parish Church Hall – SJ 067 828

Speakers: Tracy Pierce, Quentin Grimley, Gruff Owen

Distance/duration: N/A

Book your place
All walks must be booked in advance as numbers on each walk are limited. Please do book early to avoid disappointment. Walks can be booked by using the online booking form on this site, or by email to the dedicated Festival email address at the bottom of the page or by phoning 01745 857185 during office hours Mon to Fri only. From Thursday 19 May evening or weekend, please direct festival enquiries to 07785 271807 when Council Office is closed.

Travel to Bwlch Penbarras (Moel Famau) by coach and walk back to Prestatyn on the Offa’s Dyke Path National Trail. The route will also visit the ancient hill fort site of Penycloddiau. Enjoy spectacular views of the Vale of Clwyd, Snowdonia and the coast. The walk will finish in Prestatyn where refreshments can be purchased at our chosen venue. Certificates will be presented on completion of the walk. This is a challenging walk, particularly in hot weather so participants must ensure they are fit enough to complete the walk. This year the number of walkers is limited to a maximum of 15.

THIS WALK IS NOW FULLY BOOKED

Start point and time: 7.20am, Prestatyn Parish Church Hall – SJ 067 828

Walk leader: Mike Wells

Distance/duration: 21 miles/about 10 hours

Discover the best kept secrets of WW 11 in the tiny village of Rhydymwyn, hidden away in a narrow valley near Mold. Tales of bravery, subterfuge and spies will help you understand why this secret village was so important to the allies’ success and how today everything is returning to nature. The coach is estimated to arrive back in Prestatyn by 1-00 pm.

THIS WALK IS NOW FULLY BOOKED.

Start point and time: 9.15am, Prestatyn Parish Church Hall – SJ 067 828

Walk leader: Carole Startin

Distance/duration: 2 miles/about 2.5 hours

This walk takes us past the Roman Helmet onto the Hillside above the town to the Viewpoint offering great views (weather permitting). We then continue uphill by the 1 in 4 and go left up the fields past the masts. Then over more fields before finding the bridleway that will take us to Llanasa. Then over more fields to Picton, where we follow quiet lanes to Gwespyr, with good views over the Wirral and beyond. Then down fields to Gronant where we make our way to the coast. Returning through the dunes or, tidal conditions permitting, along the beach.

Start point and time: 9.30am, Prestatyn Parish Church Hall – SJ 067 828

Walk leader: Peter Simpson

Distance/duration: 9.5 miles/about 5 hours

Based on BBC Weatherman Walking – the location marks the start of the Clwydian Range Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty AONB). The ancient village of Gwaenysgor is mentioned in the Domesday Book and the present church may have origins in the 12th century. Walking a section of Offa’s Dyke National trail, the route via Gop Hill offers some outstanding views (weather permitting).

Start point and time: 10.00 am, Gwaenysgor Village Green – SJ 074 811

Walk leader: Jeff Morgan

Distance/duration: 5.5 miles/about 3 hours

A tale of 2 rivers – this walk crosses both the rivers that flow around the City of St Asaph – River Elwy and River Clwyd. The walk also follows the Poachers Trail on both sides of the River Elwy through St Asaph and briefly follows the old railway lines that ran from Rhyl to Ruthin.

Start point and time: 10.00am, St Asaph Cathedral Car Park (£3.50 all day) – SJ 038 743

Walk leader: Geraint Roberts

Distance/duration: 7.5 miles/about 4 hours

Join Sue and Paul for a guided tour of Mostyn Hall with the kind permission of Lord Mostyn. This is an out of season visit so does not include the gardens. Access to the Mostyn Estate is via the Top Lodge only. Travelling along A548 coast road take Rhewl Road opposite Mostyn Docks and follow road through Rhewl village. Drive under the bridge which has the Dry Bridge Lodge above it and continue until you see Top Lodge on your right. Drive through the gates on narrow driveway continuing past the Saw Mill and Wagtails on your left. Drive through stone archway and follow signs to car park. Please note that there are some stairs within the hall.

THIS WALK IS NOW FULLY BOOKED

Start point and time: 10.15am, Mostyn Hall Car Park, CH8 9QH – SJ 144 807

Walk leaders: Sue Turford, Paul Brighton

Distance/duration: About 1.5 hours

16. The Mindy Curry Weekend Wander
A pleasant and relaxing social walk along the promenade, leading onto the walkway through the sand dunes on a much admired section of the Wales Coast Path. Returning via Prestatyn Golf Club for refreshments (optional). Enjoy the sea views and wildlife – you may wish to bring your binoculars. A great way for all ages to enjoy the fresh air, scenic views and wildlife. This walk is dedicated to the memory of walk leader Mindy Curry, who originated this particular route and regularly led walks for the local Walking for Health scheme over many years.

Start point and time: 11.00am, North Wales Indoor Bowls Centre Prestatyn – SJ 048 831

Walk leader: Liam Curry

Distance/duration: 4 miles/about 3 hours

Meet new and old friends for a leisurely walk around Coed-y-Morfa Community Woodland and enjoy the fresh air in the great outdoors. The Green Flag award-winning area is a haven for wildlife with a wide variety of native trees, wildflowers and plants attracting butterflies, birds and insects. All are welcome including people with dementia as the walk is suitable for all ages and abilities Refreshments available in the Youth Club after the walk.

Start point and time: 2.00pm, Prestatyn Youth Club, Dawson Drive – SJ 062 824

Walk leaders: Liz & John Hughes

Distance/duration: 1.5 miles/about 1.5 hours

Join Malcolm for a meal or refreshments at Prestatyn Golf Club as part of our celebration of the 10th Anniversary of the Wales Coast Path. This is followed by a short walk alongside the Prestatyn Gutter though the golf course to the Little Tern Colony boardwalk and viewing platform. Returning on a section of the Wales Coast Path with good views of the coastline and beyond. Pre-booking is essential as numbers limited.

Start point and time: 6-00 pm for meal, Prestatyn Golf Club Car Park – SJ 078 838

Walk leader: Malcolm Wilkinson

Distance/duration: 1.5 miles/about 1.5 hours

Join us on this circular walk of discovery, walking through woodland alongside streams and reservoirs. Continuing through the ruins of 1800 century mills of the Industrial Revolution up to Holywell and returning down along the disused railway line. You then have the option of entering the Museum & shop, fee to enter the Museum, or take a wander around the ruins of Basingwerk Abbey or just enjoy some refreshments at the Abbey Café & gardens after the walk. Walkers are reminded that you can also take the number 11 bus from Prestatyn to the start point.

Start point and time: Greenfield Heritage Lower Car Park on A548, 9.30am – SJ 196 774

Walk leader: Arthur Frost

Distance/duration: 4 miles/about 3 hours

Walking on the Wales Coast Path around a former colliery at Point of Ayr which started operations in the 1883 and closed in 1996. The route will pass several reminders of its rich history which at its peak employed 738 men including many pit ponies. The route will proceed through Ffynnongroyw and into the woodlands surrounding the Mostyn Estates before returning to Danger Point.

Start point and time: Danger Point Talacre, 10.00am – SJ 119 839

Walk leaders: Pauline Marshall, Carol Mortimer

Distance/duration: 7 miles/About 4.5 hours

A leisurely walk passing Coed y Morfa (Community Woodland) to the Roman Bathhouse returning on the Dyserth – Prestatyn walkway. Mainly flat but with a couple of moderate inclines.

Start point and time: Prestatyn Parish Church Hall, 10.00am – SJ 067 828

Walk leaders: Malcolm Wilkinson, Helen Causer

Distance/duration: 4 miles/about 2.5 hours

Over Prestatyn Hillside passing the former Telegraph Station and through Bluebell woods offering good views across the Dee Estuary towards the Wirral. Visiting the Little Tern Colony on our return through the sand dunes, beach and promenade. The walk includes a section of the Wales Coast Path, finishing in a Walkers are Welcome café in Prestatyn for a cream tea.

Start point and time: Prestatyn Parish Church Hall, 10.15am – SJ 067 828

Walk leaders: Hugh & Jacque Irving

Distance/duration: 7 miles/about 4 hours

The Parish of Tremeirchion is part of the Clywdian Range Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty (AONB). Expect wide views across the Vale of Clwyd passing by Bryn Bella, a grand 18th century Mansion, Ffynnon Beuno (St. Beuno’s well) and Cae Gwyn caves, two ancient monuments and site of special scientific interest (SSSI). The Ffynnon Beuno Tea Hut will be open for refreshments on the way back as will the Salusbury Arms for lunch on our return.

Start point and time: 10.30am, Tremeirchion village – SJ 084 731

Walk leader: Yve Le Gars Hands

Distance/duration: 3 miles/about 2.5 hours

Join Fiona on a short walk featuring an ancient market town with a long, exciting and interesting history spanning over 700 years. Visit St. Peters Church and St Peters Square which are located on top of a hill overlooking the beautiful Vale of Clwyd. See and hear about the many impressive buildings on your way to Ruthin Castle with its fascinating history.

Start point and time: 2.00pm, Ruthin Craft Centre Car Park – SJ 126 586

Walk leaders: Fiona Gale

Distance/duration: 1.5 miles/about 2.5 hours

Join Robert for a leisurely guided walk around Horton’s Nose and area surrounding the harbour. Why did Mr Horton regard the harbour as his “goldmine”? Amongst the sand and marram grass a variety of plants and wildlife find Horton’s Nose an ideal home. Walk over the iconic Pont y Ddraig footbridge and hear about the blue bridge and wrecks still to be seen in the harbour. Robert Jones built over 30 major vessels between 1850 and 1870 on the banks of the River Clwyd in Rhyl and an increasing number of vessels and pleasure craft are now utilising the harbour and boat yard.

Start point and time: Hub Café, Rhyl Harbour, 2.00pm – SH 993 806

Walk leader: Robert Gurney

Distance/duration: 1 miles/about 2 hours