Carrog

Carrog is a small village situated in the community of Llandrillo on the River Ogwen in Denbighshire, Wales, approximately eight kilometres south of Rhyl. The name is derived from the Welsh words “carw” meaning “cattle” and “og” meaning “river”, reflecting the area's traditional agricultural use. Historically, Carrog was associated with the iron industry of the 19th century, with a small ironworks that produced wrought iron products for local construction. The venture declined in the late 1800s, leading to a gradual shift back to agriculture and small-scale farming.

The village is recorded in the Domesday Survey as a Saxon settlement, and subsequent medieval records describe a small chapel on the banks of the Ogwen. During the 20th century, Carrog was served by the North Wales Coast Line, with a local station that closed in 1964 as part of the Beeching cuts. The nearest operational stations are at Llandudno Junction and Llandrillo.

Carrog has a modest population of around 350 residents as of the 2011 Census. The local economy today is dominated by small businesses, tourism, and some light manufacturing. The village's community hub, the Carrog Village Hall, hosts regular events and provides meeting space for a range of local groups. Nearby attractions include the scenic Ogwen Valley and the Paddles lift bridge that spans the river, which is a popular route for walkers and cyclists exploring the coastal hinterland. The area is served by local bus routes linking it to Rhyl, Llandudno, and Llanfairfechan, facilitating commuter access to larger towns.