This walk in part follows the Offa's Dyke long distance path and takes in splendid views as you climb the Clwydian hills and find yourself in the historic hill fort of Moel Arthur.

You must try it in the summer months when the heather is in flower as it is simply spectacular. You will also walk amongst woodlands and

along bridleways between old hedgerows.

Challenging: 4 miles,1hr 45min

The walk

1. Take the car park exit nearest to the forest, until you reach the quiet road. Keep your dog on a lead to begin with.

Turn right onto the road for around 50m and look out for a path on your left. Take this path and go over the stile. There is a dog friendly lift gate. Follow this route up hill but beware there are sheep once over the stile so you may wish to keep your dog on a lead or under close control.

This path will continue uphill for some distance getting steep in places. Half way up turn around and take in the views.

This gives you a chance to get your breath back. Once near the top you will see a stile ahead and slightly to your right. Cross this stile using the dog gate and continue ahead along the path ascending more gradually until you reach another stile. Remember to look back

once in a while to take in the views.

Go over the stile and continue ascending along the path between the heather. If you are lucky the heather will be in flower and looking

magnificent. The path flattens out to give you a breather for a short while. You will soon be walking alongside a fence line then the path starts to ascend once again but only gradually.

Continue to walk along the fence line and the path levels out again. You will see a stone way marker beside a gate ahead where you need to turn right heading for Moel Arthur.

2. This is a detour but a must if you have a clear day. If your day has poor visibility you can skip the next paragraph. Once at the top of this trail you are standing on Moel Arthur hill fort where you will have outstanding views in all directions. This is a great spot to absorb all the views and enjoy the peace and tranquillity. When you are ready, go back down along the same trail until you reach the stone way marker.

At the way marker go right (if you didn't take the detour continue past the stone way marker) and proceed alongside the fence line on your left. The path takes a sharp bend to the right and goes away from the fence line descending down to the road below. Follow the way markers on this trail going between a stone wall and down some steps to the car park.

Turn right on the quiet road and go through the gate to avoid the cattle grid. Continue down the road for some time until you see a

bridleway on your right.

3. Go through the gate onto the bridleway and proceed along the fence line on your left and a hill to your right. You may wish to let your dog off lead here. There are views to your left down over hills and woodland. You will be on the bridleway for some distance passing through a number of gates. After the second gate your dog will have a chance to cool off in the water where the path bends to the left

near a stone shelter. You will see a pond on your right and it will be boggy under foot. Keep to the fence line on your left and continue through several gates passing through the shade of the trees. There will be a mix of broadleaves and conifers with hazel coppice and it may be a bit muddy under foot.

The path starts to decline gradually and you will pass a house close to the fence on your left. Just after the house you will go through the last gate where it becomes stony under foot. There is a quiet road coming up if you wish to get your dog on the lead.

4. Once reaching the road turn left for 50m then right into the forest through a gate. You can now let your dog back off the lead. Follow this track uphill for some way. This path has mostly deciduous trees planted unlike the dense pines further up the forest. You will pass a path veering to the left, ignore this path and continue forward.

You will come to a sharp bend in the path, if you look to your left you will see a spot for dogs to have a drink and cool off. The path becomes clear of trees to the left where you can see views down the valley. This is the last leg of your journey as you are nearly back at the car park.

This walk is taken from Dog Walks North East Wales, £8.99. The book is full of colour photos highlighting the beauty of the North East Wales region. Easy to read maps and clear descriptive text will ensure peace of mind as you enjoy your walk. Copies of the book have been distributed throughout the North East Wales region. They are also available online from the publisher's website:

www.countrysidedogwalks.co.uk