Penycloddiau - A Walk Along Offa’s Dyke to One of Wales’ Marilyns

There’s something special about standing on the earthworks of Offa’s Dyke, knowing you’re following a path steeped in centuries of history. Combine that with the chance to climb one of the Welsh Marilyns, and you’ve got a walk that’s full of views, challenge, and reward.

Penycloddiau, rising to 440 metres, is the largest hillfort in Wales and one of the highlights of the Clwydian Range. The route along Offa’s Dyke Path takes you across rolling ridges, through open heather moorland and patches of woodland, with sweeping views stretching across the Vale of Clwyd and towards Snowdonia on a clear day.

It’s one of those climbs that’s accessible yet deeply satisfying — a steady ascent rather than a scramble, and the sense of space at the top is unforgettable. Standing among the ancient ramparts, it’s easy to imagine the lives once lived here and to feel connected to the landscape in a way that few walks offer.

If you’re tackling the Offa’s Dyke Path, Penycloddiau is a fantastic section to include on your journey. And if you’re taking on the Welsh Marilyns challenge, it’s a must for your list, a perfect example of how diverse and beautiful these hills can be.

At Casgliad, we love celebrating these adventures. Our Offa’s Dyke Pinboard and Print and our Welsh Marilyns Pinboard are designed to help you track your progress, mark your milestones, and relive your climbs long after the mud has dried from your boots.

So why not set yourself a challenge - walk a section of Offa’s Dyke, climb Penycloddiau, and start ticking off your own collection of Welsh hills? Every summit has a story, and every pin on your board is a memory made.