River Clywedog Valley, From Rhewl Near Ruthin, Denbighshire

Introduction

It’s been getting warmer all week. Wales was forecast to be marginally cooler, so that’s where I headed today.

It is an hour and a quarter’s drive from Cheadle Hulme.

The walk is a little longer than 6 miles, and deliberately not too hilly. I set off from the village of Rhewl, north of Ruthin.

It took 3 hours to complete, taken very slowly in the hot weather, plus 30 minutes for a very leisurely lunch.

Dog walkers, this is a fantastic walk for you. 90% is on fenced tracks or paths, or in open managed woodland with no restrictions. There are a few short stretches on roadsides.

The weather was very hot and sunny throughout, 28 C when I returned to the car.

The walk is on OS Explorer Map 265.

I parked at the free car park, from Ruthin, immediately after the Drovers Arms turn right then left, postcode LL15 2UD.

Rhewl To Bontuchel

The short stretch around the main road, and over the road bridge to reach the track into the woods was brightened by a beautiful wild flower meadow.

I was pleased to see water still running in the River Clywedog.

After leaving the road, the track climbs steadily , and is, fortunately, just inside the edge of the wood. I was happy to be walking in the shade.

There were occasional glimpses through the woodland edge.

Firstly, to a hot looking field.

And then, back over my right shoulder to the Clywidian Hills.

This part of the walk was generally well signposted, though the path below the farm at Berth was a little overgrown.

There are sections of conifer plantation, and this picture shows an easy section of path cutting through a steeply sloping wood.

After crossing a short stretch of open field, the route drops down to the side of the river – a trickier section of path with exposed tree roots. Meeting the riverside path, I then reached a minor road, still with plenty of shade from the trees.

I have no idea how the Welsh pronounce Bontuchel. It appears quite French to me – Bon2shell!

The road recrosses the river here, though it’s rather obscured by the foliage.

Bontuchel To Woodlands Hall Caravan Park

Now, I rise up the opposite side of the valley, on another minor road, before dropping down on a path to the left to cross a small stream.

There are some very luscious ferns here.

The path emerges on to a track where I took a left, then immediately right to make my way to Bron-Fari. At the house, I almost missed the hidden path to the left, as it was hidden by more plant life!

I wandered up the path, which is clearly little used, and has lots of tree cover. I sudden glimpsed and heard a blackish object drop to the floor about 10 yards ahead of me. Initial reaction was that it was a large black bird, but they don’t land like this, with a real thud. I didn’t see it again, but I wonder whether it may have been a polecat, as they are native to this area and this was perfect habitat for them… I’ll never know!

The woods eventually become more open, and I stopped at one such opening where there were great views up and down the Clywedog Valley.

After emerging in a field, I took the second stile and stayed at the top of the hill with a wood on my right. The path eventually reached a stile into Woodland Hall Caravan Park.

The path is completely disregarded by the park owners, so I made my own route across to the road entrance on the far side.

The site was eerily quiet, though many vans were clearly occupied, and it did feel very appealing on such a grand day.

River Clywedog and Lady Bagot’s Drive

The road continued to offer great views to the hills over the Vale of Clwyd, and closer to hand a classically shaped fir tree!

After following a farm track downhill, I reached the river, and a footbridge crossing, from which the glory of the river could be appreciated. I imagine it would be quite spectacular after a period of wet weather, so I expect I will return!

According to the information board in Rhewl village, the track along the riverside was created for Lady Bagot during Edwardian times as a “recreational amenity for the landowner”. It’s certainly a great amenity for visitors and locals alike, as I encountered a group of teenagers making good use of both the path and the water! A beautiful place well worth a visit.

I finally emerged back at the village of Rhewl, where I crossed the original old stone bridge to get back to the car.

An exceptional walk for today’s weather, as it was almost all in the shade of the trees!

Very enjoyable, and worth the drive down the M56 for a day out.

And Finally….

Here’s something that I heard recently, a bit heavier than my usual choices. I love the instrumental section from about 3minutes into the track. Lots of energy!

It’s 25 by “Thumper” from the album “Delusions of Grandeur”.