Hiraethog

Hiraethog is a small hamlet situated in the county of Denbighshire in north‑east Wales. The settlement lies within the valley of the River Alyn, approximately eight kilometres south‑west of the market town of Corwen. It is surrounded by gently undulating hills and mixed woodland, and the nearby Hiraethog Forest is a popular area for walking and wildlife observation.

The name “Hiraethog” derives from the Welsh words *hiraeth* meaning longing or homesickness, and *og*, a suffix that may indicate a place. Historical records first mention the hamlet in the late 14th century, when it was part of the manor of Llandyrnog. During the 19th century the estate was owned by the Puleston family, who were notable through their involvement in local coal mining and slate quarrying.

Today Hiraethog remains primarily residential, with a small cluster of cottages and a village hall that serves as a community centre. Agriculture continues to be a mainstay of the local economy, with many residents engaged in sheep and cattle grazing on the adjacent moorlands. The surrounding forest also provides modest employment through recreational services and conservation management.

Road access is provided by local lanes connecting the hamlet to the A494 road, which runs through the nearby town of Corwen, and to the B4352. Public transport links are limited; the nearest bus service operates two times a day on the Corwen–Pandy route, and the nearest railway station is in Llandudno Junction, about fifteen kilometres away. Wildlife enthusiasts routinely visit the area for its bird species, including the red grouse and various waterfowl, as well as the rare Welsh mountain blue butterfly found in the surrounding moorland.