Clocaenog Forest - Coed y Fron Wyllt, near Ruthin

Ancient woodland with riverside walk and wildlife viewing hide

What's here

Wildlife hide
Parking (free)
Walking trail

The bird hide is closed.

Coronavirus update

Our sites and most visitor facilities are open but, under the current coronavirus restrictions in Wales, this is intended only for the use of people who live locally.

You are strongly advised – in line with current Welsh Government regulations – not to drive to any of our sites to exercise unless you have specific health or mobility issues.

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

Welcome

Coed y Fron Wyllt is located at the eastern end of Clocaenog Forest.

It is a long, narrow woodland on a steep slope, hence its English translation of ‘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 and starts from the Coed y Fron Wyllt car park.

Millstream Walk

Grade: Easy
Distance: 1 ½ 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.

Man and woman on bridge over river

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.

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