Wales
Moel Fodiar
390M
1280FT
About Moel Fodiar
Rising modestly near Llannefydd, Moel Fodiar is less of a peak and more of a gentle archaeological shrug. At 390m, it’s a Marilyn for those who prefer their ascents without oxygen tanks, offering sweeping views of the Vale of Clwyd and a rather significant Bronze Age burial mound.
Key Statistics
Rank
652nd Highest in Wales
Parent Range
Snowdonia
Prominence
?
117m
Nearest Town
Llannefydd
Geology
You are walking on the Elwy Formation, a mix of mudstone, siltstone, and sandstone. These layers were shaped by ancient underwater landslides and shifting seafloor sediments.
Find It
OS Grid Reference
SH978680
Latitude
53.1992°N
Longitude
3.5314°W
Did You Know?
- •The summit features a Bronze Age round barrow, confirming that humans have been lugging heavy objects up here for millennia. It is a protected scheduled monument, so please don't try to improve it with a DIY rock garden.
- •Despite its humble height, it classifies as a Marilyn due to its 203 meters of prominence. This makes it a primary objective for peak baggers who find the crowds of Snowdonia deeply distressing.
- •The hill sits on the edge of the Mynydd Hiraethog moors, acting as a scenic buffer between the rugged uplands and the coastal plains. It provides a vantage point that lets you see exactly how much traffic is currently stuck heading toward Conwy.
- •On a clear day, the panorama extends from the Clwydian Range all the way to the Great Orme. It’s an excellent spot for maritime enthusiasts who enjoy looking at vague blue smears on the horizon.
- •The terrain is notoriously 'enthusiastic' with its mud, often attempting to keep your expensive boots as a permanent souvenir. You will likely spend more time negotiating with a bog than you will actually admiring the prehistoric archaeology.