MOEl

Moel is a Welsh term used in toponymy to denote a bare or bald hill. The word derives from Welsh and is employed to describe terrain with exposed summits, often lacking dense woodland. In practice, moel appears as the first element in many hill and mountain names across Wales, signaling a landscape characteristic rather than a separate place name on its own.

Notable examples include Moel Famau, the highest point in the Clwydian Range in Denbighshire, and Moel Siabod, a prominent peak near Capel Curig in Snowdonia. Other well-known hills with the descriptor include Moel Hebog, overlooking the Nantlle Ridge, and Moel Eilio, near Llanberis. These peaks are popular destinations for walkers and climbers and feature in regional outdoor guides and maps.

The use of moel reflects a descriptive Welsh toponymic tradition that encodes landscape features directly into place names. While many moels have become recognizable landmarks, the term is not a proper name by itself but a descriptive element that helps identify the nature of the terrain. In maps, guides, and local usage, moel remains a common shorthand for exposed hill summits throughout Wales.