About the reserve

Graig Wyllt means ‘wild rock’ – a fitting name to describe this former limestone quarry today. Oak- and ash-filled ancient woodland covers the craggy slopes of this rocky outcrop and the woodland floor is filled with springtime flowers. As you climb up through the woods, the canopy gradually opens and causes a succession of different plants: wild garlic (‘ramsons’), primrose and wood anemone transition to more grassland scrub species such as early purple orchid, cowslip and bluebell. A little further still and you climb out of the woodland to reach the grassland panorama, with incredible views of the Vale of Clwyd stretching out in all directions. The charming mixture of deciduous woodland, sheltered scrub areas and grassland make the whole reserve a great place for butterflies, including grayling, purple hairstreak and ringlet.  

Directions
The reserve is located approximately 3 miles SE of Ruthin, between Graigfechan and Pentre Coch on the B5429. Park in the car park of The Three Pigeons pub: the reserve is a short walk along a public footpath accessed 100m down the road from the pub on the left (SJ 148 544). Follow the footpath N for approximately 500m to the reserve entrance.