View of Castell Dinas Brân perched on a hilltop above the green valleys of Llangollen, with rolling hills and scattered clouds in the distance, Denbighshire, North Wales.

Denbighshire – Clwydian Hills, River Valleys, and North Wales Coast

Heather-covered hills, limestone escarpments, and a short coastal strip between the Dee Valley and the Irish Sea

Denbighshire is a county of upland hills, river valleys, farmland, and coastal plain in North Wales. Walking routes cross the Clwydian Range and Dee Valley National Landscape and follow Offa’s Dyke Path, the Wales Coast Path, and the Clwydian Way, linking places such as Llangollen, Ruthin, Denbigh, Prestatyn, and Rhyl across hill tracks, ridge paths, and shoreline routes.

Much of the terrain is firm and rolling underfoot. Field paths, bridleways, hill tracks, and coastal promenades allow steady progress, with regular climbs along the Clwydian hills and gentler ground across the coastal plain and valley floors.

The landscape shifts between areas. The western and central sections are higher with open moorland and heather-covered ridges, the Dee Valley becomes narrower and wooded with steep-sided slopes, and the northern edge flattens toward sandy beaches and low coastal ground.

Towns and villages are spaced along the valleys and coast, creating regular access points for shorter walks and longer point-to-point routes across connected countryside.

Trails and Routes Through Denbighshire

Offa’s Dyke Path

A National Trail following the Welsh–English border along the crest of the Clwydian Range between Prestatyn and Llangollen.

Wales Coast Path

A long-distance national route following the shoreline between Prestatyn and Rhyl on promenades, dunes, and coastal paths.

Clwydian Way

A circular regional route linking hill forts, valleys, and market towns across the Clwydian hills.

Dee Valley Way

A riverside route following the River Dee through Llangollen and the surrounding valley on woodland and field paths.

Walking Character

• Heather moorland and hill ridges
• Limestone escarpments and hill forts
• River valleys and wooded slopes
• Field paths and bridleways
• Coastal promenades and beaches
• Market towns and valley villages
• Upland and coastal mixed

Frequently Asked Questions

Where is Denbighshire located?

Denbighshire is in North Wales between Conwy, Flintshire, Wrexham, and Powys, with the Irish Sea forming its northern boundary.

What defines walking here?

Rolling hills, ridge paths, river valleys, and short coastal sections with moderate gradients.

Are there long-distance routes here?

Yes. Offa’s Dyke Path and the Wales Coast Path both cross the county, along with regional hill and valley routes.

Is the terrain steep?

Hill sections along the Clwydian Range include regular climbs, while the coast and valley floors are generally level.

When is the best time to visit?

Spring through autumn offers firmer ground and clearer views, while winter conditions can be wet and exposed on higher ridges.