Our response to the Coronavirus pandemic

Clocaenog Forest - Bod Petryal, near Ruthin

What's here

Horse riding trail
Mountain bike trail
Parking (free)
Picnic area
Walking trail

Coronavirus update

Our sites and most visitor facilities are open.

We have changed the normal route for some of our trails to help you maintain social distancing – please follow signs on site.

Welcome

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.

Clocaenog Forest is home to red squirrels but these secretive animals range over large areas so you will need to keep your eyes peeled and your fingers crossed to spot one!

Walking trails

All of the walking trails are waymarked and start from the Bod Petryal car park.

Keeper’s Stroll

Grade: Easy
Distance: ½ mile/1 kilometre
Time: 30 minutes

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

Animal Discovery Trail

Grade: Easy
Distance: ½ mile/1 kilometre
Time: 20 minutes

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

Gamekeeper's Cottage

Multi-user trail

The trail is waymarked and starts from the Bod Petryal car park.

Bod Petryal Trot

Grade: Easy
Distance: 2 miles/3.3 kilometres
Time: 1 hour on horse, 1¼ hours walking, 20 minute cycle

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

It may be used by cyclists and horseriders as well as walkers.

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

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