| Unitary Authority: Denbighshire | Community: Llandderfel |
| Coordinates: | 52°57′35″N 3°29′21″W |
| OS Map: 125 | OS Map reference: SJ 00027 41266 |
| Broad Class: Scheduled Monument | Site Type: Hillfort |
| Length: 216 metres (709 ft) Width: 58 metres (190 ft) Height: 365 metres (1,198 ft) | Period: Iron Age |
The fort is situated on a narrow ridge, at height 365 metres (1,198 ft). It is an elongated enclosure, length about 216 metres (709 ft) and width 58 metres (190 ft), orientated north-east to south-west, aligned with the ridge.]
There is a rampart enclosing the inner area, with a steep slope to the south-east and ditches and counterscarps elsewhere. The principal entrance is in the north-east. The fort was enlarged: there is a bank, formerly the south-west end, traceable across the interior, and further defences were built to the south-west, notably a large rock-cut ditch and a rampart built with the stone from the ditch.
The sites of about 25 round huts, diameter 15–20 feet (4.6–6.1 m), have been detected, mostly in the later part of the enclosure.
There are some burnt stones in the south-west corner, but this is not thought to be evidence of a connection with the vitrified forts of Scotland.
A favourite of ours and somewhere the term hillfort is most applicable.
This impressive hillfort sits high and proud above the valley of the Nant Ffrauar, an important East-West route since ancient times, with the main Chester-Caergai-Pennal Roman road visible in places and latterly the route of the A494 trunk road.
This hillfort is an elongated enclosure aligned north east-south west with its main entrance at the north-west point. To the south the fort is defended by a natural steep drop to the valley below while on the north side there is a shallow ditch.
At some point the enclosure was extended significantly in the south-westerly direction and a much improved defensive system employed, something which can be clearly revealed in aerial views. A long rock-cut ditch forms the main defence feature of this extension with a defended entrance included.
Aerial photos have revealed the outline of at least twenty-five hut circles of varying size up to 20 ft in diameter; the majority of which are located in the southerly extension.
Views from here are pretty spectacular in all directions though plans to erect a series of 180/200m wind turbines on nearby Mynydd Mynyllod will greatly affect the panoramic views of the Berwyn Mountains to the South. (CJ)
Links;
Map Ref: SJ04SW
Grid Ref: SJ0004041280
<www.coflein.gov.uk/en/site/93712/>
ARCHWILIO GAT PRN 1580
