Walking Moel Fferna – Fire on the Mountain

Another Welsh Nuttall pinned on the corkboard! Today’s adventure took me to Moel Fferna, the highest peak in the northern Berwyns, standing at 630m. This quiet and often-overlooked summit offers some fantastic walking with far-reaching views across Eryri and beyond. However, today's hike was a little different—because the mountain was on fire!

The Route to Moel Fferna

Setting off from Llandrillo, the route started on a well-defined forestry track, climbing gradually through the trees before emerging onto open moorland. From here, the landscape became wilder, with rolling heather-clad hills stretching into the distance. The final approach to the summit was relatively straightforward, following a grassy path up to the large stone shelter marking the top. Despite the boggy sections (a standard feature of the Berwyns!), the hike was a rewarding one, with clear skies offering incredible panoramic views.

Fire on the Mountain

One of the most striking aspects of today’s walk was the sight—and smell—of burning gorse. Controlled burning, or swaling, is a traditional land management practice used in upland areas to encourage fresh grazing for livestock and wildlife. The flames flickered across the hillside, and the scent of smoke lingered in the air, adding an almost dramatic atmosphere to the walk. While it might look alarming at first, this type of burning is carefully managed and has been part of the landscape’s maintenance for generations.

A Summit with a View

Standing on the summit of Moel Fferna, I was rewarded with sweeping views over the Berwyn range, extending towards the distant peaks of Snowdonia. Unlike more popular summits, this one had a real sense of solitude and remoteness, making it a perfect place to pause and take in the rugged beauty of the Welsh hills.

Another Nuttall in the Bag

With Moel Fferna now ticked off my Welsh Nuttalls challenge, the list is slowly but surely shrinking! This hike had everything—a great climb, stunning views, and an unexpected encounter with one of the region’s oldest land management traditions. Who else has walked Moel Fferna, and what were your experiences like?

#WelshNuttalls #MoelFferna #BerwynHills #HikingWales #MountainFires #CasgliadChallenges