Moel Famau Country Park and Moel Arthur

Impressive triple lines of defence form the hill fort on the summit of Moel Arthur. This is just one of several hillforts strung along the Clwydian Range. These forts were used for defence during the Bronze Age — axes from this time have been found here. Coarse Roman pottery has also been unearthed, so it is possible that the site was inhabited in the 6th century when the legendary King Arthur commanded the British forces.

Whether Arthur is involved with the treasure chest reputedly buried near the summit is not clear. Perhaps it is connected with Boudicca, the warrior queen, who may have been buried here. As legend has it, a supernatural light sometimes shows where the chest is buried, while a grey lady is also said to appear. Once she gave peas to a man and ordered him home, where he found they had changed into pieces of gold.

On a fine day, there are views over Denbigh in the valley to the west, and even of Blackpool Tower beyond Liverpool (whose Anglican cathedral can also be distinguished) to the north-east.

As you descend, notice the steep slope on your right. This used to be a notorious descent for backpackers bound for Prestatyn before the trail was diverted. Here you can enjoy the purple heather of the hill and a fine display of gorse, whose prickly, yellow-flowered shrubs occupy the edges of fields. Llangwyfan Forestry Plantation is stocked with foreign conifers. Clear-felling may have taken place by the time you walk here.

Acknowledgment: Text derived from the Out and Out Series; Discovering the Countryside on Foot. Pictures courtesy of Wikipedia.