Two circular walks and a layered churchyard offer different ways to discover Nantglyn: out into the landscape around Hiraethog, and into its architectural and local history. St James, the Pulpit Yew and other memorial sites provide specific points of interest for the cultural side of a visit; the walks offer a different perspective on the surrounding area.
Nantglyn between stream and ridge
Nantglyn lies at the tip of a spur between two bodies of water and above a small stream. The stream flows east from the foothills of Mynydd Hiraethog to the Lliwen. St James stands at the edge of a natural terrace above the stream; the historic centre of the village stretches uphill behind it. The stream, terrace and hillside give the village a clearly defined layout. Those interested in the landscape will also find a tangible connection here to the waterways and ridges surrounding Nantglyn.
Circular walks and views
The Nantglyn Route consists of two circular walks starting from the village: Y Waen and Foel Gasyth. Both lead through an area offering far-reaching views of Hiraethog and the northern Clwydian Range. Their names distinguish the two loops; they share the same landscape perspective. Signposting along the route has been improved, and, where possible, gates have replaced cattle grids. As signposting and routes can change, check the latest local information before setting out.
Another named walking option is the Nantglyn-Yew-Walk. It connects with Taith Clwyd, also known as the Clwydian Way. This distinguishes the two circular walks on the Nantglyn Route from this connection to a named long-distance route, without treating them as the same trail. If you are planning a walk, check the latest route details in advance.
Churches, chapels and memorial sites
The medieval church of St James is a Grade II listed building and retains significant original fabric. Its Gothic character is simple both inside and out. In the centre of Nantglyn, it stands near the old stone bridge over the Afon Lliwen. The churchyard also adds to the history of the village: it contains chest tombs dating from the 1770s, as well as the grave of Dr William Owen Pughe and his family. The Welsh inscription on the grave is written in the orthography developed by Pughe. An obelisk marks the grave of Robert Davies, Bardd Nantglyn.
The churchyard is also home to the ancient Common Yew, the Pulpit Yew (Taxus baccata). Its hollow trunk contains Welsh slate steps leading to an outdoor pulpit with a seat and lectern. According to local legend, the Methodist preacher John Wesley preached from the yew in 1790. Here, a natural landmark and a story meet the history of the churchyard, though they are not the same kind of evidence.
The present church of St James probably stands on a Celtic llan site. A church in Nantglyn was mentioned as early as 1254 in the Norwich Taxation; this date refers to the early mention of a church in the village. East of the village is the chapel of St Mordeyrn, considered the earliest foundation at this site and commented on by antiquarians since the 16th century. Waen Presbyterian Chapel has its own building history: it was rebuilt in its present form in 1862, and a school hall in the same style was added alongside it in 1908.
Getting there and planning your visit
The B5435 runs along the southern edge of Nantglyn, where the B4501 from Denbigh meets it; Denbigh is 6 km to the northeast. Check current conditions if travelling by road. Nantglyn is reachable from Dinbych by Fflecsi bus service 77. Before travelling, check current services with Transport for Wales. If you would like to see inside St James, check visiting arrangements before making a special trip.
Discover more destinations: Clocaenog, Denbigh, Llandegla, Dyserth, Tremeirchion, Llandyrnog, Llanrhaeadr, Mold
For the wider travel guide: Denbighshire.
