The Tegid Way begins in Cynwyd; a section of the North Berwyn Way also leads from here to Moel Fferna. This brings two different walking routes together with the local heritage of wool processing: a long-distance route with views across several mountain landscapes, and a section through woodland and moorland.
Walking from Cynwyd: Tegid Way and North Berwyn Way
The Tegid Way can be started in Cynwyd and descends towards Llyn Tegid. Later, the route climbs to its highest point on the edge of the Berwyn Range. It is 18 miles long and offers views of the Aran Ridge, the Berwyn Range and Snowdonia. It connects the Clwydian Range and Dee Valley Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty with Snowdonia National Park. The distance, ascent and views provide different points of reference for planning this walk.
A detour from the Tegid Way leads to a Bronze Age stone circle, built around 3,000 to 4,000 years ago. From there, the 360-degree views take in the surrounding mountains. The route therefore combines landscape with a tangible Bronze Age remnant.
The section of the North Berwyn Way from Cynwyd to Moel Fferna has a different focus: it passes through coniferous forest and open moorland, climbing to the summit of Moel Fferna. Red squirrels still live in Cynwyd Forest. Those planning a walk around the landscape and nature will therefore find different points of interest here than on the Tegid Way.
The woollen industry and buildings
Cynwyd was a centre of flannel production in the 19th century. Prince’s Yard was a small woollen mill, built around 1840 and known for its Cynwyd gloves. The listed building now known as Cynwyd Youth Hostel was formerly the Prince’s Yard Factory and is listed Grade II.
Minafon, the former Pentre Llawen Woollen Factory, is also a Grade II building in Cynwyd. It is a rare surviving example of a 19th-century woollen mill and represents an important part of rural industry in Wales. Together with the history of flannel production and Cynwyd gloves, it shows how varied the local connections to wool processing were. Gwerclas Mound, a scheduled monument, is also located in the community of Cynwyd.
Llangar Old Church and Pont Dyffrdwy
Nearby Llangar Old Church offers another cultural point of interest: wall paintings uncovered during its restoration date from the 14th and 15th centuries. The church is open on selected dates each year from May to August as part of guided tours. Check booking details before planning your visit. Parking is limited and is available in a passing place near Cynwyd; a 300-metre footpath leads to the church from the B4401.
Immediately west of the village is Pont Dyffrdwy, an exceptionally impressive, unaltered Grade II* stone bridge over the River Dee. A minor road crosses the bridge. It adds another distinctive local structure to the walking routes and woollen industry history.
Discover more destinations: Llangollen, Rhuddlan, Dyserth, Rhyl, Nantglyn, Llanrhaeadr, Mold, Prestatyn.
For the main travel overview: Denbighshire.
