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Distance 9.83 km. Time 3hours. Ascent 253 meters. Descent 268 meters
https://explore.osmaps.com/route/33472499/red-lion-circular-ramble-no1
The OS Map app is amazing.
Well worth the money if you plan to do more hiking. Not so much if you are not.
This is quite simply a stunning hike if you enjoy breathtaking views, spiritual reflection and plenty of ancient local history. It lasts around three hours, not including time taken to enjoy refreshments at the Eagle and Child, or a slight detour to step atop Gop Hill to be enthralled by the view. Yep the hike includes another Pub, besides our precious Red Lion and is thoughtfully situated at the half way point.
There is plenty of information about Llanasa on other pages on our website if you are interested.
My friends Carl and Nadege, along with my sister Sharon and yours truly completed the hike on the 9th of August in the long hot summer of 2026. Many of the photographs were taken that day as well as a few others I have included from my library.
As you stand at the front of the pub it is easy to be enveloped with the beauty and history of Llanasa. A little up the road is Hen Blas, the site of Owain Glyndwr’s father’s home, and across the way is the church of Asaph and Cynderyn. Asaph would have been standing where you are now around 575.
We head right along the road to Gwaenysgor.
Some otters were recently spotted at the ponds. It was thought somebody was stealing the fish, until a camera caught the pesky pair.
We will be following a section of the Pilgrim’s Trail as far as Gop Hill do keep an eye out for the footpath and the North Wales Pilgrim Trail logo.
It looks as if you are entering somebody’s garden. Persevere and you soon find yourself heading up a steep hill.
Always note the direction of the arrow when you encounter a Pilgrim pointer, as it directs you to the next stile. This is the most demanding part of the walk today – heading up these fields.
You are quickly rewarded with outstanding views back over the Wirral, Liverpool and even Blackpool Tower and the Lake District on a clear day.
The Pilgrim’s Trail lets you discover paths only seasoned locals would know about.
A glorious and rare clear view of Golden Grove is offered.
The old family seat of the Morgans. Scandalous duels dressed in white silk in Highgate to Royalist heroes defending Chester at Morgan’s mount. A legendary family and a part of the fabric of this very area for at least three centuries.
You will follow the LLanasa to Trelawnyd Road for a short time until you meet the Pilgrim Trail logo, directing you on a small detour, up the path to Gop Hill. Like with so many historical locations in North Wales, it would be far more famous if close to a major city.
According to Wikipedia It is the second largest Neolithic Mound in Britain after the famous Silbury Hill, in Wiltshire. Known locally as The Gop, it is also listed as Gop-y-Gaoleuni. Mount of the lights. Whether it was originally built as a beacon heralding the arrival of ancient sea born marauders or religious rites. The Mold Cape, identified as the sixth most important treasure at the British museum by experts, was unearthed less than sixteen miles away. Curious Clwyd has enlightening and more detailed examination.
It is almost magical the way it shapeshifts. Coming up from Rhyl it is commanding, all it surveys, guarding the easy route from the Vale of Clwyd up to the Flintshire Plain.
Take Picture from Rhyl
Other times, other angles, quite unassuming. Sitting with my Uncle at a nursing home in Meols looking out of his bedroom across the estuary to the Welsh hills it is as clear as day.
If you get a clear day the views are quite something to behold.The old England Wales border of Offa’s Dyke runs below the hill on which the Gop sits. The Clwydian Range being the bulwark against the Welsh. Beyond is the sheer majesty of Eyri – Snowdonia.
Follow the path back to whence you came, and then descend along the east side of the mound. I may get my knuckles rapped but as you get to the bottom of the hill, the path isn’t clear and you need to make your way, passing the farm and onto the lane, as best you can, north towards Gwaenysgor.
Do not continue west around the bottom of the hill.
Follow the lane, then left briefly on the road, then follow the sign for the path across the fields to Gwaenysgor.
The ancient Church of Mary Magdalene. The earliest churches in Wales were the Churches of Bridget and Mary Magdaline, often built on top of an ancient Celtic female deity’s former site.
Leper’s squints and a Devil’s door. They used to sharpen their arrows on the font before going to war. Listed in the Domesday Book, Roman artifacts beneath the church yard walls. A lot more history and detail in their leaflet.
Ahh. Time for respite and refreshment.
Perhaps a time to avail yourself of the facilities. Identified as the cleanest loo in Great Britain in 1990.
Out of the pub you head right, along the lane and then path. Then right again on tho the footpath. This takes you around the back of the houses, and saves you from having to walk on the road through the village.
However when you meet the road you take a left. If you are familiar with the area, you may want to take a right here and not proceed passed the duck pond, but follow the path to your right.
However if you are seldom in this part of the world a special treat awaits you. Head straight ahead passed the duck pond.
This picture of the duck pond was taken late one Summer’s night returning home after a drink at the Eagle and Child.
Be careful on the road, and then as you come over the brow of the hill, another incredible view welcomes you. Eyeri/ Snowdonia, The Ormes, Anglesey and Seiriol (Puffin Island) and on an exceptionally clear day you can even see the Isle of Man.
After spending a few minutes enjoying the splendour you return to the path you saw earlier.
The path looks like it is heading through someone’s farm, but keep your nerve. Follow the path ideally, or easier, if slightly further follow the lane and then take a left onto another lane coming up from the village.
If you are on the path you will meet a lane and go straight ahead.
Even more tremendous views across Liverpool Bay.
If you are on the lane, the next time you see a path sign on the right take it. Acre wood should be on your left. Take a right at the next path junction. And head down the mountain across open fields, until you meet the road from Gwaenysgor to Llanasa, and turn left. This will bring you back to the village.
I hope you didn’t get turned around too many times. There are always a few wrong turns. If you fancy a well earned drink, pop in and see us.
