Alwen Reservoir, near Denbigh
Walk or cycle around this huge upland reservoir
Clocaenog Forest – Pool Park, near Ruthin
What's here
Welcome
Pool Park is one of several car parks in Clocaenog Forest, a huge area of woodland, open moorland and rivers.
The small car park is the starting point for a short waymarked walking trail, ideal for breaking a journey to stretch your legs or for a quick stroll with your dog.
There are several public footpaths nearby if you have a map with you and fancy a longer walk.
It is named after the former huge Pool Park Estate, which was owned by the Bagot family.
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.
Pool Park Walk
- Grade: Easy
- Distance: ¾ mile/1.2 kilometres
- Time: 30 minutes
This short trail follows a stream then climbs gently as it winds its way through the woodland.
Look out for the huge Douglas fir trees which thrive here and patches of bluebells in spring.
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 Pool Park, 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
- Pincyn Llys - short walk uphill to a monument with far-reaching views
- 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
It will form a connected ecological network running throughout Wales, bringing social, economic and environmental benefits.
Parts of the network will eventually form a trail running the length and breadth of Wales, so anyone can access it wherever they live.
For more information go to the National Forest for Wales website.
Visiting safely
We want you to return home safely after your visit here.
You are responsible for your own safety as well as the safety of any children and animals with you during your visit.
For advice and tips to help you plan your visit here go to Visiting our places safely.
Changes to visitor facilities
See the top of this webpage for details of any planned closures or other changes to visitor facilities here.
For your safety, always follow instructions from staff and signs including those for trail diversions or closures.
We may divert or close trails whilst we undertake maintenance work or other operations and we may need to close other visitor facilities temporarily.
In extreme weather, we may close facilities at short notice due to the risk of injury to visitors and staff.
Organising an event on our land
You may need permission from us to organise an event or to carry out some activities on our land.
Check if you are allowed to use our land.
How to get here
Pool Park is 2 miles south west of Ruthin.
Postcode
The postcode is LL15 2AG.
Please note that this postcode may not take you to the car park if you use a sat nav or navigation app.
We suggest you follow the directions below or use the Google map on this page which has a pin on the car park’s location.
Directions
Take the B5105 from Ruthin towards Clawddnewydd.
After 1½ miles the car park is on the right.
What3Words
View this place on the What3Words website.
Ordnance Survey
The Ordnance Survey (OS) grid reference for the car park is SJ 101 560 (Explorer Map 279, 293 or 294).
Public transport
The nearest mainline railway station is in Buckley.
For details of public transport go to 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.
Other places in North East Wales
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