Clocaenog Forest - Coed y Fron Wyllt, near Ruthin

Welcome

Located at the eastern end of Clocaenog Forest, Coed y Fron Wyllt is a long, narrow woodland on a steep slope (its name means ‘the wood of the wild hillside’).

It's mainly ancient woodland which means it has been wooded since at least 1600.

Nowadays it is home to a circular walk and a wildlife viewing hide overlooking a wetland.

In spring the path through the woodland is edged with bluebells and primroses and the fragrance of wild garlic fills the air.

There is a picnic bench halfway around the walk.

Walking trail

The walking trail is waymarked from start to finish.

Look out for the information panel at the start of the trail.

Find out about walking trail grades.

Millstream Walk

• Grade: Easy
• Distance: 1½ miles/2.5 kilometres 
• Time: 1 hour

You are never very far from the Nant Melindwr stream on this walk through mainly deciduous woodlands.

Enjoy a display of woodland flowers on either side of the path on the outward section of the walk in spring.

The path goes past a picnic bench before it crosses the river over a wooden footbridge.

It returns on a forest road with glimpses of the surrounding hills through the trees.

Clocaenog Forest

Clocaenog is a huge conifer forest which is the size of 10,000 rugby pitches (100km²).

It lies at the southern end of Hiraethog Moor and was first planted in the 1930s by the Forestry Commission.

Although still a working forest, it is now a place for people to enjoy and home for a wide variety of wildlife.

Red squirrels live in Clocaenog Forest but you will be very lucky to see one as they move over large areas and are quite secretive.

Rare black grouse, known for their flamboyant courtship display, known as ‘lekking’, live on the forest edge.

In addition to Coed y Fron Wyllt, waymarked trails start from several other Natural Resources Wales car parks in Clocaenog Forest:

• Bod Petryal - a peaceful lakeside picnic site with a short walk and a cycle trail
• Boncyn Foel Bach - scenic viewpoint with a picnic area and short woodland stroll
• Pincyn Llys - short walk uphill to a monument with far-reaching views
• Pool Park - easy to find woodland with short walk
• Rhyd y Gaseg - short woodland walk to waterfall

National Forest for Wales

Clocaenog Forest forms part of the National Forest for Wales.

The National Forest will:

• create areas of new woodland
• enhance existing woodlands
• restore Wales’ irreplaceable ancient woodlands.

In time it will form a connected ecological network running throughout Wales, bringing social, economic and environmental benefits.

For more information about the National Forest for Wales go to the Welsh Government website.

Closures and diversions

• Sometimes we need to close or divert trails for your safety whilst we undertake maintenance work or forest operations

• Occasionally we may have to close a site in extreme weather, such as high winds or snow and ice due to the risk of injury to visitors or staff

• Please always follow any instructions onsite and make sure you follow any temporary diversion signs in place

How to get here

Location

Coed y Fron Wyllt is 3 miles west of Ruthin.

It is in the county of Denbighshire.

© Crown copyright and database rights 2020 Ordnance Survey 100019741

Ordnance Survey (OS) map

Coed y Fron Wyllt is on OS Explorer 279, 293 or 294.

The OS grid reference for the car park is SJ 081 570.

Directions

Take the B5105 from Ruthin towards Clawddnewydd.

In the village of Llanfwrog take the minor road opposite the pub signposted Bontuchel.

When you reach Bontuchel turn first left and after ½ mile Coed y Fron Wyllt car park is on the left.

Public transport

The nearest mainline railway station is in Buckley.

There is a bus stop 120 metres from the car park entrance.

For details of public transport visit the Traveline Cymru website.

Parking

Parking is free of charge.

Overnight parking is not permitted.

Contact details

There are no staff at this location.

Contact our customer team for general enquiries during office hours, Monday to Friday.