Distance: 3 – 15 miles
Duration: 1 – 8 hours
Difficulty: 1-4 (easy to intermediate)
Route types: Circular & Out and Back
Location: Berwyn Range
Near: Oswestry / Denbighshire / Berwyn Nature Reserve
Busyness Rating: 2 (not busy)
Type: Waterfall, Mountains & Easy Walks
Highest Elevation: 830m
The Berwyn mountain range spans Powys, Denbighshire and Gwynedd offering moody moorland views and isolated mountains including Cadair Berwyn (830m).
Berwyn Range boasts over 24 peaks that are over 600 metres, an impressive feat that comes without the fanfare that other well-known mountain spots in Wales garner.
This beautiful North Wales range is situated near Oswestry, between Bala and Llangollen. It is also renowned as the home to Pistyll Rhaeadr waterfall, but the further you venture, the less people you see.
Read on for the full guide on the Berwyn Mountains and all of the 32 Berwyn Range walks that cater for all levels and experience of hikers.
The Berwyn Range as you’d expect is situated in the region of Berwyn & Vyrnwy.
Quick Facts
- A range with over 24 different peaks all reaching over 600m
- Highest peak of Cadair Berwyn is 830m, higher than any in Brecon Beacons
- Home to the famous natural wonder of Wales – Pistyll Rhaeadr
Location and Accessibility
The Berwyn Range is located in Llanrhaeadr-ym-Mochnant, Oswestry under the postcode SY10 0BZ.
The Berwyns stretch across the oft-secluded areas between the small towns of Bala, Corwen, and Llangollen. A central spot in the Berwyns is Cadair Berwyn, the highest peak in the area.
Berwyn Range Car Parking
An official Berwyn Range car park can be found at Pistyll Rhaeadr Waterfall. The manned car parking at the waterfall will cost £5 and has a cafe on-site.
There are other locations to begin your walk of the Berwyn mountains. You can park up on the side of the road or at the start of route on the B4391, find the location here. You can park up on the left or once you see the Denbigshire sign, turn right and there are spaces for around two or three cars near the start of a trail.
Public Transport
Public transport to the Berwyn Mountains can be done via bus or coach. Unfortunately, the nearest train stations are a jaunt away, with the nearest being Chirk, Welshpool and Gobowen.
- Tanat Valley: Visit Tanat.co.uk or call on 01691 780212 for Tanat Valley. You can leave the bus station to Berwyn Street Car Park, taking around 55 minutes.
- Public Bus Route: The 79A leaves Oswestry to Berwyn Street Car Park. Check their official website for the latest bus schedule.
- Taxi: Taxis to Berwyn are hard to come by, but you can book one in advance from Oswestry Town Centre to Berwyn, this will cost north of £30.
- Berwyn Railway Station: Unfortunately there’s no Berwyn train station that can get you to the range. The official Berwyn Railway Station is in llangollen, around 40-minutes (by car) from the mountain range.
Cafe & Toilets
There’s cafe and toilet facilities on the Berwyn route, based next to the Pistyll Rhaeadr Waterfall.
The waterfall has clean and maintained toilets at the cost of 50p with turnstiles stopping your entry to the bathroom. You’ll need change, if you haven’t got any then you can get some from the cafe but you’ll need cash.
The cafe is the other side of the car park, the official cafe offers a serene setting to the sound of flowing water. The outdoor seating area has a view of the fall and offers shelter.
Inside the cafe has the capacity for 38 people and they sell hot drinks, cold drinks, sandwiches and cakes.
Berwyn Mountain Walks
Berwyn mountain walks offer a countryside walk with mountains and one of the biggest waterfalls in the UK.
There are plenty of walks for hikers of all levels – walk a short distance to the waterfall or circle some of the mountain peaks. Here are the Berwyn walks you can enjoy:
What You See: Whirlpools, rocks, flowing water, top of waterfall, you can see the valley in the other direction.
Walk Type: Out and Back / Horse Shoe
Elevation: 225 ft
Distance: 0.8 miles
Duration: 30 minutes
Level: Easy for beginners with moderate fitness
Starting at the Pistyll Rhaeadr visitor car park, you can walk to the top of the waterfall. I recommend turning left and seeing the bottom of the fall before proceeding to the walk.
The walk to the top of the waterfall is simple to follow, you will go past the toilets and turn right (turn left before coming back on yourself for the bottom of the fall first), follow the trail path up-hill until you get to the stile. Follow the stile to the top of the waterfall, be careful near the top, there’s no barrier. You can always stand a way-back for those scared of heights.
Once parked at Pistyll Rhaeadr, go through the gates and turn right. Do not go left and over the iron bridge.
Personally, I enjoy walking to the left first (near the iron bridge) and appreciating the beauty of the waterfall before proceeding. It’s great to embrace a perspective from the bottom before making your way to the top.
Once you have turned right, you will pass through a wooden gate. It’s easy to follow the track, you can start trekking up the steep hill and once getting to the top, turn left where you will find a style, you can then continue to the top of the waterfall. Another option is to skip walking the steep rocks and do the horseshoe, walk around them until you can then climb the hill, with more surefooted terrain.
There’s rocks and pools behind the sheer drop which offer a nice place to sit for a picnic and enjoy the view of the valley. You won’t see much of the waterfall, with the drop being so big, it’s important not to get too close.
What You See: Pools, waterfall, birds and mountain peaks
Walk Type: Out and Back / Horse Shoe
Elevation: 2,027 ft
Distance: 5.6 miles
Duration: 3 hours and 45 minutes
Level: For beginners with good fitness, there are some steep climbs
Pathways: Well maintained path at the start but lots of boggy terrain further into the walk
The 5.6 mile/9km Cadair Berwyn and Pistyll Rhaeadr route around the waterfall gives you a multi-faceted experience of a peak, a pool and the waterfall.
What You See: Waterfall, Moel Sych, option for the highest peak (Cadair Berwyn)
Walk Type: Loop
Elevation: 827m – 832m
Distance: 12.2 miles
Duration: 6 hours
Level: For intermediate with moderate fitness
Once parked at Pistyll Rhaeadr, go through the gates and turn right. Do not go left and over the iron bridge.
Personally, I enjoy walking to the left first (near the iron bridge) and appreciating the beauty of the waterfall before proceeding. It’s great to embrace a perspective from the bottom before making your way to the top.
Once you have turned right, you will pass through a wooden gate. It’s easy to follow the track, you can start trekking up the steep hill and once getting to the top, turn left where you will find a style, you can then continue to the top of the waterfall. Another option is to skip walking the steep rocks and do the horseshoe, walk around them until you can then climb the hill, with more surefooted terrain.
There’s rocks and pools behind the sheer drop which offer a nice place to sit for a picnic and enjoy the view of the valley. You won’t see much of the waterfall, with the drop being so big, it’s important not to get too close.
Weather at Berwyn Range
The weather can change drastically once you start climbing the Berwyn Range, check out today’s weather on the Berwyn Mountains below:
Overview of Berwyn Mountains
Although not as renowned as the Snowdonia National Park, the Berwyn Range in North Wales presents its own unique charm. The verdant and less-explored expanse offers splendid views, making it an adventurous choice for hikers.
Lying between the towns of Bala, Llangollen, and Corwen, this relatively hidden gem has guaranteed solitude for explorers. Visitors planning a solo expedition can look forward to a peaceful walk amid wild and beautiful scenery.
The Berwyn Range is an open-secret haven for wildlife enthusiasts, especially within the plush Ceiriog Valley. Rare wildlife species, including kites, buzzards, and polecats, dot its meadows, forests, and skies, encouraging observers to bring their binoculars along.
With over 24 peaks over 600 metres, here are some of the most popular mountains located in the Berwyn range:
Cadair Berwyn
Cadair Berwyn, the highest peak in the Berwyn Range, offers a rewarding climb with expansive views across North Wales.
Standing at 832 meters, this summit is ideal for those seeking a challenge without the crowds of more famous mountains. Hikers can enjoy tranquillity while observing wildlife, with kites and buzzards frequently soaring above. The surrounding rugged landscape, along with its proximity to hidden gems like the Ceiriog Valley, makes Cadair Berwyn a must-visit for nature lovers.
Moel Sych
Moel Sych, often climbed alongside Cadair Berwyn, provides equally breathtaking scenery and a sense of remote wilderness.
At 827 meters, it’s a favourite for those looking to extend their adventure. Nestled between scenic valleys, this peak offers a peaceful escape and is often less frequented than other ranges in Wales. The nearby Pistyll Rhaeadr waterfall is a notable attraction, offering a spectacular spot to rest before or after your hike.
Tomle
Tomle is a slightly lesser-known peak, but its easy accessibility and gentle gradients make it ideal for a less strenuous walk.
Rising to 741 meters, this peak still offers the splendid isolation typical of the Berwyn Range. Visitors can enjoy quieter paths and take in views of the surrounding meadows, forests, and valleys. The nearby Ceiriog Valley walk, a gentle 3.3-mile route, is perfect for those looking for a peaceful, scenic stroll before tackling the more rugged peaks.
Foel Wen
Foel Wen is a quieter, less-visited peak that promises stunning panoramic views of the surrounding landscapes.
Standing at 691 meters, this peak is a favourite for hikers looking to experience the raw, natural beauty of the Berwyn Range. You can expect to spot buzzards and perhaps even the elusive polecat in its meadows and skies. A perfect peak for those seeking solitude, Foel Wen rewards hikers with peaceful surroundings and lush terrain.
Mynydd Tarw
Mynydd Tarw is known for its rugged terrain and breathtaking views of the North Wales countryside.
At 681 meters, this peak offers a challenging yet rewarding climb. Its craggy features and rough paths give hikers a true sense of adventure, far removed from the more trodden trails. This peak, along with the nearby Moel Ty Uchaf stone circle and burial cairns, allows visitors to experience both natural and historical landmarks in one outing.
Craig Berwyn
Craig Berwyn’s dramatic rocky terrain offers a more challenging hike, perfect for adventurers seeking to test their skills.
Sitting at 790 meters, Craig Berwyn is distinguished by its striking rock formations and sweeping views. For those keen on exploring beyond the usual routes, this peak delivers a truly wild experience. The surrounding area is teeming with rare wildlife, including birds of prey, making this an ideal spot for wildlife enthusiasts to stop and appreciate the natural world.
History of the Berwyn Range
Dating back to the Bronze Age, the Berwyn Range has been an ever-present background to the evolution of North Eastern Wales. Its Peak, Cadair Berwyn, stands at a towering 2722 feet, leading a grand upland landscape of rolling hills and heather moorland.
The Range was once the central hub for many small communities, teeming with industrial activity. The remnants of a fascinating industrial history, notably a narrow gauge railway, still find home within its scenery.
Explorers have the luxury of walking along ancient upland tracks and old tramways, reminiscing about eras bygone. The Berwyn Range values its heritage incorporating parts of Offa’s Dyke Path, a historical earthwork, into the walking routes.
Hikers scale the heights of Cadair Berwyn via the Mynydd Tarw Ridge. From a leisurely 1 3/4 mile stroll around Chirk Castle estate, the National Trust owned 14th century wonder to a challenging 13-mile ridge walk, the Berwyn Range accommodates all brands of adventure seekers.
Flora & Fauna of the Berwyn Range
Berwyn Mountains, as a part of the visually stunning range in North Eastern Wales, serve as an ecological boon. They’re brimming with a diverse range of fauna and flora that enchant both casual viewers and biologists alike.
Visitors can expect an encounter with a myriad of wild animals. These creatures, from small mammals to raptors, are all a part of the area’s rich ecosystem. Birdwatchers will find their time well spent as Berwyn Mountains are home to rare species such as the elusive hen harrier and the majestic peregrine falcon.
The flora is equally captivating. Come spring, the hills flourish with bluebells, casting an intoxicatingly beautiful blue hue over the landscape. Meanwhile, the wetter moorland areas of the range are a hotbed for sphagnum moss, a key component of the peat bogs.
Explorers on the quaint pathways, such as Offa’s Dyke Path, would be astonished at how secluded woodlands nestle secret caches of wildlife. They host a diverse range of trees, including oak, birch, and rowan, which proffer shelter, not just to the fauna, but also to hikers seeking refuge from the elements.
A crisp winter morning showcases the region’s larch trees in their eye-catching golden hue, adding another layer of depth to the Berwyn ecosystem. Holistically, the Berwyn Mountains’ rich biodiversity is not only essential to the ecological balance but also contributes significantly to the landscape’s allure attracting hiking enthusiasts from all over North Wales and beyond.
What You Will Need
The Berwyn Mountains has a number of different trails and routes to suit every level, but here’s what we recommend:
- Waterproofs
- Hiking boots or comfortable shoes (not open footwear)
- A bag to keep any food and drinks
- Change of clothes at the car if it’s a wet day as it gets boggy
- Hiking poles although not essential
- At least 2L of water
Nearby Routes
FAQs
The Berwyn Mountains are rich in diverse wildlife. Visitors are likely to experience sightings of rare bird species such as the peregrine falcon and hen harrier. Additionally, the region’s abundant flora contributes to the bio-rich habitat.
Different seasons yield different floral displays on the Berwyn Mountains. Spring stages a vibrant bloom of bluebells while larch trees add a golden hue to the landscape in the winter months. Sphagnum moss is also prevalent in the moorland areas.
Along the secluded forests of pathways like Offa’s Dyke Path, visitors can find a diverse range of trees and foliage. Among these, larch trees are most notable, especially in winter when they provide the landscape with a golden hue.
The Berwyn Mountains provide rich ecological diversity, attracting nature lovers and hiking enthusiasts. From rare bird species to unique flora and tree varieties, there’s an abundance of natural wonders to explore. Additionally, pathways like Offa’s Dyke Path offer secluded woodland experiences.
Berwyn Mountains in North Eastern Wales are home to a range of diverse fauna and flora, contributing to the area’s strong ecological significance. Among this, the rare bird species, unique tree varieties and changing seasonal flora highlight the region’s biodiversity.
Final Thoughts
When venturing further than the waterfall you quickly escape to a quiet and serene area of Wales different to many of the other mountains. The rugged landscape and rolling hills are ideal for hikers.
Although there are also easier routes from the waterfall that allow you to make it as easy and simple as you like. Berwyn is a beautiful part of the country and is home to mountains, rolling hills, wildlife and one of the most prestigious waterfalls in the UK.
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