Heather and Hillforts
The distinct purple heather moorland that carpets the Clwydian uplands contributes to creating its outstanding beauty and is a valuable habitat for wildlife as well as providing grazing for sheep. The upland moorland contains a patchwork of heather, bilberry, gorse and bracken, a habitat that is of European importance. It is home to a special community of upland breeding birds such as the rare black grouse, the red grouse, hen harrier, ring ouzel, whinchat and wheatear.
The landscape holds the footprint of past communities and cultures. Dominating the skyline is the exceptional chain of 2,500 year old Iron Age Hillforts, one of the highest concentrations of such in Europe. The Heather and Hillforts of the Clwydian Range form the basis of a major heritage project in the area. The project aims to conserve and restore the natural and historic heritage of the area whilst encouraging greater understanding and enjoyment of these uplands amongst residents and visitors alike. The combination of the natural and historic heritage of the Clwydian Range and Llanttysilio Mountain create a truly unique landscape greatly valued for its beauty, wildlife and archaeology, which remains to be discovered by many. For more information on the Heather and Hillforts Project - visit website link for more information.
Among the Hillforts in the Clwydian Range is Penycloddiau where sites of the round houses are still visible. Moel Arthur is one of Wales’ finest Hillforts with well preserved ramparts and ditches. Moel Fenlli also has the ramparts and ditches still visible and can be climbed from the Moel Famau car park. Details of how to get to all these and other hills in the range can be found on website link in the Visiting the Range, Attractions section.
Moel y Gaer near Llangollen occupies a prominent summit on Llantysilio Mountain.
Caer Drewyn is an impressive Hillfort with stone ramparts and excellent views over the Dee Valley.
Using the latest technology, visitors are able to access a new audio tour via their mobile telephones or by downloading the free mp3 version from the internet. The trail gives visitors the opportunity to walk through Moel Famau Country Park up to the Jubilee Tower with a number of experts to hand. The tour includes accounts from archaeologists and nature experts to name but a few and gives visitors the unique chance to be shown around this fascinating area by the people who live in it, work in it and love it.
The phone number used for the trail is a local rate number, and calls can be included in visitor's free minutes. The tour will also be available in MP3 and written format on the Heather and Hillforts website website link which will also include reconstruction drawings, aerial photographs and videos of the landscape in use. Please call 01352 230123 for more information.
