Mines, Moorland & Mountain - a tough ramble over the moors to World's End, with two shorter options

"Minera Moorland".
Watercolour courtesy of Emily Bush
(view larger version).

A 15½ mile ramble from Coedpoeth, for experienced walkers only. (12½ mile and 8 mile shorter routes are available.)

For some time people have been asking us for a longer walk. Here it is, at last. But this one is not only long, it’s high as well, climbing to 565 metres (1853 feet).

The walk starts from Nant Mill and goes up the Clywedog Valley and onto the heather moorland above. There is then a choice of three routes, each with good viewpoints. There is no need to decide which route to take until you reach the moor, unless weather and available daylight are considerations.

The full route is 15½ miles long with a total ascent of 700 metres. However, there are two major short cuts available that would reduce the length to 12½ miles with a total ascent of 400 metres, or to 8 miles with a total ascent of 300 metres.

All of the routes demand a degree of planning and care. In winter, and during unsettled weather in any season, it is vital that you get a weather forecast. An early start for the long routes would be essential in winter or you will run out of daylight. The walks are not recommended for small children.

It can be cold and wet on the moor; it is always boggy. Wear good walking boots and carry waterproofs, torch, whistle, compass and food. Pack a snack for 8 miles and a good meal for the 12½ and 15½ mile walks. The longest route goes within ¾ mile of the Ponderosa at the top of the Horseshoe Pass. You may consider the extra excursion worthwhile for food and toilets.

There are notes about parking, public transport and access land in the preamble to the walk directions.

You can download and print concise Walk Directions, Points of Interest and a map at 1:40,000 scale. To cover the whole walk at a reasonable scale we’ve had to split the map between east and west sheets. Make sure you print off both parts! There is a generous overlap so you should have no problems with matching one to the other.

Overview Map

Please note that the overview map is not suitable for taking on the walk to find your way.

View larger version of the overview map

If you complete the 15½ mile walk, why not register on our 'List of Survivors' and share your experiences and thoughts about your ordeal?!

Don’t forget to send your best digital pictures for us to put in the photo gallery!

Maps and Directions

Maps

These are the two maps you will need for the walk:

Map of Walk - East - PDF format 1.3Mb

Map of Walk - West - PDF format 1.3Mb

Walk Directions

The directions are available to download in the following formats:

Walk Directions - Word format 59Kb

Walk Directions - PDF format 85Kb

Walk Directions - Plain Text format 61Kb

Related walking links

The Long Distance Walkers’ Association (LDWA) - Long Distance Paths

This area of the LDWA���s national website is designed to help people who want to find information about Long Distance Footpaths (LDPs) in the UK.

List of Survivors

Here’s your chance to tell the world that you’ve survived the full 15½ miles and add comments and stories about your walk.

Data Protection

All data that you have provided will be stored and used under the terms laid down under the Data Protection Act 1998. View also our Privacy Policy.

Your comments / story may be edited before posting on the website. View the list of survivors.

Send Us Your Photos

Email your favourite digital photos taken on this walks - a selection of the best will be added to the photo gallery. Your name will be credited to the pictures. People, buildings, landscapes, wildlife - all sorts of images will be considered, as long as they are taken on the walk. Be sure to state on which walk your photos were taken. See disclaimer. Send to rightsofway@wrexham.gov.uk.

We are grateful to the Countryside Council for Wales, Denbighshire County Council and Groundwork Wrexham and Flintshire, without whose help this project could not have been completed.