Bwlch Penbarras up Moel Famau: route map, distance and time
555 m · Llandudno to Wrexham · OS grid SJ161626
Moel Famau is the highest point of the Clwydian Range, with the ruined Jubilee Tower on its summit and easy paths from Bwlch Penbarras.
The Offa's Dyke Path climbs along the ridge to the summit.
Bwlch Penbarras at a glance
| Distance | 2.5 km one way, to the top |
|---|---|
| Ascent | 264 m |
| Time up | 0h 55m by Naismith's rule |
| There and back | 1h 25m, down the same way |
| Grade | Easy |
| Start | Bwlch Penbarras car park |
| Start grid reference | SJ 167 608 |
| Summit grid reference | SJ161626 |
Bwlch Penbarras map
The start (green) and the summit (blue). Peakify has no GPX track for this route yet, so follow the description and your map.
Height profile and getting to the start
Near the start
From OpenStreetMap, within 2 km. Check opening times before you rely on them.
How long Bwlch Penbarras takes
| Pace | To the top | There and back |
|---|---|---|
| Brisk 6 km/h, 8 min per 100 m up | 0h 45m | 1h 10m |
| Steady (Naismith) 5 km/h, 10 min per 100 m up | 0h 55m | 1h 25m |
| Relaxed 4 km/h, 12 min per 100 m up | 1h 10m | 1h 45m |
Times leave out stops. Coming down the same way, the table counts the ascent once; steep descents on rough ground can be as slow as the climb.
- Today: sunrise 07:45, sunset 18:11. Start by 15:46 to be down before dark, allowing 1h 25m for the walk and an hour for stops.
- Tomorrow: sunrise 07:47, sunset 18:08. Start by 15:43 to be down before dark, allowing 1h 25m for the walk and an hour for stops.
Moel Famau summit weather for this route
There is no recent summit forecast cached for Moel Famau right now. The main Moel Famau page loads the live forecast when you open it. Open the live Moel Famau forecast.
About Moel Famau
Moel Famau is the highest point of the Clwydian Range, with the ruined Jubilee Tower on its summit and easy paths from Bwlch Penbarras. More about Moel Famau, with the live forecast.
On the lists: Marilyn, historic county top, county top.
Extend the walk: tops near the summit
- Foel Fenlli (511 m), 2.6 km south
Challenges that include Moel Famau
In an emergency
Call 999, ask for the police and then mountain rescue. Give your location (the start is at SJ 167 608, the summit at SJ161626), what happened and how many are in your group. If you have no signal for a call, a text to 999 works once you have registered your phone with emergencySMS: text "register" to 999 before you go.
Bwlch Penbarras: questions and answers
How far is Bwlch Penbarras?
Bwlch Penbarras is 2.5 km one way to the summit of Moel Famau, with 264 m of ascent. There and back by the same way is about 5.0 km.
How long does Bwlch Penbarras take?
About 0h 55m to the summit of Moel Famau and 1h 25m there and back by Naismith's rule (5 km/h plus 10 minutes per 100 m of ascent), before stops. A relaxed group takes nearer 1h 45m for the round trip.
Where do you park for Bwlch Penbarras?
Bwlch Penbarras starts from Bwlch Penbarras car park. The grid reference is SJ 167 608.
Is Bwlch Penbarras suitable for beginners?
Yes. Peakify grades it Easy: a fit beginner can walk it on a clear day. Take a map, warm layers and waterproofs all the same.
What time should I start Bwlch Penbarras today?
By 15:46 at the latest. Sunset on Moel Famau today is 18:11, Bwlch Penbarras takes about 1h 25m there and back, and that leaves an hour for stops. Start earlier in winter or if the forecast turns.
Is there a GPX for Bwlch Penbarras?
Not yet. The Peakify iPhone app can plan the route and export a GPX (Peakify Pro).