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Clocaenog Forest - Bod Petryal, near Ruthin

What's here

Bod Petryal is one of several car parks in Clocaenog Forest, a huge area of woodland, open moorland and rivers.

This peaceful lakeside picnic site has a short walk and a cycle trail and makes an ideal starting point to get a taste of the forest.

Bod Petryal means "rectangular dwelling" in Welsh and it is named after the old gamekeeper’s cottage, which was part of the Pool Park Estate.

The walking trails are waymarked from start to finish.

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

This short walk goes past huge trees, the old gamekeeper’s cottage and the beautiful lake.

The Animal Discovery Trail sets off on the same route as the Keeper’s Stroll.

Gamekeeper's Cottage

All our mountain bike trails are waymarked from start to finish and have been graded for difficulty.

At the start of the trail there is an information panel – please read this before setting off.

Find out about mountain bike trail grades.
For a list of our mountain bike trails and information to plan your ride, go to mountain biking.
For more information about mountain biking in Wales, go to the Mountain Bike Wales website.

Grade: Easy
Distance: 2 miles/3.3 kilometres
Time: 1 hour on horse, 1¼ hours walking, 20 minute cycle
Trail information: This trail may be used by cyclists and horseriders as well as walkers.

This route meanders through the forest on forest roads and is suitable for the whole family.

Keep an eye out for woodpeckers whilst you’re having your picnic by the lake.

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 Bod Petryal, waymarked trails start from several other Natural Resources Wales car parks in Clocaenog Forest:

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
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

Clocaenog Forest forms part of the National Forest for Wales.

The National Forest will:

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.

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