
Foel Fenlli from Bwlch Pen Barras
Denbighshire
Foel Fenlli is the second highest summit in the Clwydian Range at 511 metres, crowned by one of the largest Iron Age hillforts in Wales, its ramparts still visible as banks and ditches encircling the hilltop. Dogs stay on a lead the whole way up, since sheep graze the open hillside from the pass to the summit. The walk climbs from Bwlch Pen Barras, a pass at 360 metres between Foel Fenlli and Moel Famau, on a well maintained path across grassland and heather. A choice of routes splits early on: a direct, steeper line, or a gentler zigzag through heather and bilberry. Either way the climb to the summit cairn is short, around 1.6km and 150 metres of ascent one way, and the reward is a wide panorama across the Vale of Clwyd and Snowdonia.
This is a dog friendly hill walk, popular because so much height is gained for so little distance. Sheep graze the open hillside throughout, so dogs need a lead for the whole climb rather than a scramble on the heather. The summit cairn has space to pause, though the ground stays open moorland with no shade or water, so carry some for a warm day. The Bwlch Pen Barras car park, run by Denbighshire County Council, has parking charges and seasonal opening hours, with nothing else on site, so plan food stops in Ruthin or Mold afterwards.
At a Glance
- Distance
- 3.2 km (2.0 miles)
- Difficulty
- Moderate
- Duration
- 1 hr 15 min
- Walk Type
- Moorland, Historic, Peak
- Route Type
- Out and Back
- Off Lead Potential
- Moderate
- Livestock Risk
- Moderate
- Facilities
- None on the hill; nearest food and drink in Ruthin or Mold.
- Parking
- Bwlch Pen Barras car park, Denbighshire County Council, pay and display, seasonal opening hours.
Dog Friendly Stays Nearby
Make a weekend of it. These are the closest dog friendly places to stay to Foel Fenlli from Bwlch Pen Barras, each one checked for its dog policy before we listed it.
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All dog friendly stays in DenbighshireFrequently Asked Questions
Is Foel Fenlli from Bwlch Pen Barras dog friendly?
Yes, Foel Fenlli from Bwlch Pen Barras is a popular dog-friendly hill walk and earns a solid 8/10 on our dog-friendly rating. It's a short, rewarding climb of around 1.6km with 150 metres of ascent, making it very manageable for most dogs. Just be aware that leads are required for the entire walk due to sheep grazing the open hillside.
Can dogs be off lead at Foel Fenlli from Bwlch Pen Barras?
Dogs need to be kept on a lead for the whole walk, from the car park at Bwlch Pen Barras right up to the summit cairn. Sheep graze the open hillside throughout, so there's no section where it's appropriate to let dogs run free. It's a well-maintained path, so walking on a lead is perfectly comfortable.
What should I know before visiting Foel Fenlli from Bwlch Pen Barras with my dog?
The summit is open moorland with no shade or water, so bring enough for yourself and your dog, especially on a warm day. The Bwlch Pen Barras car park is pay and display with seasonal opening hours, and there are no facilities on the hill itself, so plan any food stops in nearby Ruthin or Mold. It's also worth noting that the car park is run by Denbighshire County Council, so it's worth checking current opening hours before you head out.
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Bwlch Pen Barras Car Park, near Llanbedr Dyffryn Clwyd, Ruthin, Denbighshire CH7 5SH
53.1370, -3.2510
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