A FOREST in the heart of North Wales has been named the top destination for people to visit this autumn.
Clocaenog Forest with its waymarked trails and secret waterfalls promises a unique experience.
Aiming to help holidaymakers discover some serene and stunning destinations for seasonal staycations, holiday lettings marketplace HomeToGo has released a ranking of the UK's 50 top forests to visit this autumn.
Using exclusive price and inventory data, alongside insights as to hectares covered, autumnal hours of sunshine, average rainfall, and under-the-radar status, HomeToGo has unearthed and evaluated the 50 best forests to visit as the weather turns crisp. Featuring iconic locations alongside off-the-beaten-path beauty spots, the list provides plenty of inspiration for breaks across England, Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland.
Clocaenog and Gwydir forests named top in the UK. Image: Getty Images
Forests and woodlands in the Eryri, Cairngorms, and North York Moors National Parks, as well as the Isle of Wight, Mourne, and Antrim Coast and Glens Areas of Outstanding Natural Beauty all made it into the top 20.
MORE NEWS: New National Park in Wales could encompass 'valuable farmland'
Travellers, day-trippers, and nature lovers can access the full list of the 50 best forests on the HomeToGo website
Top of the spots is Clocaenog Forest, sprawling over parts of Conwy and Denbighshire.
HomeToGo said: "Sat in the heart of the Denbigh Moors, this forest is peppered with waymarked trails. Each path promises unique sights, with some leading past secret waterfalls (Rhyd y Gaseg) and others to hilltop monuments (Pincyn Llys).
"Animal lovers can spend time trying to spot rare black grouse and elusive red squirrels, or following the Coed y Fron Wyllt path through ancient woodland to a wetland wildlife viewing hide."
Only planted in 1905, Clocaenog Forest, a haven for rare red squirrels, wild horses, birds of prey species, and black grouse, known for their flamboyant courtship display, known as lekking, also provides miles of serene routes for local families and visitors.
An ideal hotspot for family outings, this forest offers numerous car parks, miles of quiet roads for cycling, walking, and horse riding.
Although still a working forest, it is now a place for people to enjoy and home for a wide variety of wildlife.
Bod Petryal considered a "gem" within Clocaenog Forest. South West of Ruthin, it has an old game keepers lodge, beautiful lake and, if you're very lucky, you might spot one or two of the red squirrels.
Gwydir Forest in Conwy also made the top five.
HomeToGo said: From waterside walks around Llyn Parc and Llyn Elsi to strolls leading through majestic old douglas firs, a day spent exploring the Gwydir Forest in the Snowdonia National Park guarantees some stunning sights. Prepare for well-appointed picnic areas, panoramic viewpoints overlooking mountains such as Moel Siabod, and plenty of waymarked trails - many of which start near the pretty village of Betws-y-coed.
Comments: Our rules
We want our comments to be a lively and valuable part of our community - a place where readers can debate and engage with the most important local issues. The ability to comment on our stories is a privilege, not a right, however, and that privilege may be withdrawn if it is abused or misused.
Please report any comments that break our rules.
Read the rules here