Clocaenog Forest - Pincyn Llys, near Ruthin

Welcome

Pincyn Llys is in Clocaenog Forest, a huge area of woodland, open moorland and rivers.

This small roadside car park is the starting point for a short walk to the Pincyn Llys monument.

The monument is the highest point in Clocaenog Forest and there are views across the Vale of Clwyd.

Lord Bagot erected the monument in 1830 to commemorate the planting of a conifer forest.

The forest was cut down during the First World War to provide wooden props for the trenches and coal mines and it was then replanted by the Forestry Commission in the 1930s.

Walking trail

The starts from the information panel on the other side of the road to the parking area.

The walking trail is waymarked from start to finish.

Find out about walking trail grades.

Pincyn Llys Monument Walk

• Grade: Easy
• Distance: ¾ mile/1.1 kilometres (total)
• Time: 30 minutes

The walk starts in shady woodland and makes its way to open moorland before the short but steep climb to the Pincyn Llys monument.

The full inscriptions on the monument are worth a read.

The monument stands at the highest point in Clocaenog Forest (1358ft/414m) and there is also an ancient earthwork and trig point with views across the Vale of Clwyd.

The walk returns to the car park along the same path.

Hiraethog Trail

The Hiraethog Trail goes through Pincyn Llys.

This trail links the villages of Pentrefoelas, Cerrigydrudion, Llanfihangel Glyn Myfr and Llanrhaeadr via public footpaths and quiet lanes across some of Denbighshire and Conwy’s most beautiful and remote countryside.

It may not be waymarked and we recommend that you take a map with you.

For more information go to the Denbighshire Countryside Service website.

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 Pincyn Llys, 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
• Coed y Fron Wyllt - ancient woodland with riverside walk and wildlife viewing hide
• 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

Pincyn Llys is 4½ miles south west of Ruthin.

It is in the county of Denbighshire.

© Crown copyright and database rights 2020 Ordnance Survey 100019741

Ordnance Survey (OS) map

Pincyn Llys is on OS Explorer 264 or 265.

The OS grid reference is SJ 064 556.

Directions

Take the B5105 from Ruthin towards Llanfwrog.

After the church take the first right towards Telpyn.

Continue to Bontuchel and turn left after the small bridge onto a minor road towards Clocaenog.

The car park is the right after two miles, shortly after the road enters the forest.

Public transport

The nearest mainline railway station is in Buckley.

For details of public transport visit the Traveline Cymru website.

Parking

You can park in the lay-by opposite the start of the walking trail.

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.