Castell Odo

Heritage Site in Caernarfonshire

Wales

Castell Odo

Field east of Rhydlios Mynydd Rhiw is seen in the distance on the left.
Field east of Rhydlios Credit: David Purchase

Castell Odo, also known as Odo's Castle, is a historic site located in Caernarfonshire, Wales. Situated on the southern coast of the Llŷn Peninsula, it overlooks the stunning Cardigan Bay. Believed to have been built in the 12th century by the Welsh prince Owain Gwynedd, this castle has a rich history and is a significant heritage site.

The castle is perched on a rocky outcrop, offering breathtaking views of the surrounding landscape. Its strategic location was ideal for defense and control of the nearby sea trade routes. Castell Odo consists of a rectangular stone keep surrounded by a curtain wall and a large bailey. The keep, which stands at three stories high, was originally accessed by a drawbridge over a formidable moat.

Over the centuries, Castell Odo has witnessed numerous conflicts and changes of ownership. It was captured by English forces in the 13th century during their campaign to conquer Wales, and later became a stronghold for the Welsh rebels during the Glyndŵr Rising in the early 15th century. The castle eventually fell into disrepair and ruin.

Today, Castell Odo is an evocative ruin that attracts visitors from all over the world. Managed by Cadw, the Welsh historic environment service, the site is a popular destination for history enthusiasts and those seeking to immerse themselves in the region's heritage. Visitors can explore the castle's remains, climb the towers, and imagine the lives of the people who once inhabited this historic stronghold. With its stunning location and rich history, Castell Odo is a true gem of Caernarfonshire's heritage.

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Castell Odo Images

Images are sourced within 2km of 52.823/-4.693 or Grid Reference SH1828. Thanks to Geograph Open Source API. All images are credited.

Field east of Rhydlios Mynydd Rhiw is seen in the distance on the left.
Field east of Rhydlios
Mynydd Rhiw is seen in the distance on the left.
The former chapel at Rhydlios Built in 1904, it seems to have had a useful life of only 100 years or so. There is no sign of conversion, either of the chapel or of what I assume to be the incumbent's house (attached, on the right): both still appear derelict.
The former chapel at Rhydlios
Built in 1904, it seems to have had a useful life of only 100 years or so. There is no sign of conversion, either of the chapel or of what I assume to be the incumbent's house (attached, on the right): both still appear derelict.
Rhydlios Chapel
Rhydlios Chapel
Pont Rhydlios bridge This bridge crosses the Cyll-y-felin stream.
Pont Rhydlios bridge
This bridge crosses the Cyll-y-felin stream.
Crossroads at the eastern end of  the hamlet of Rhydlios
Crossroads at the eastern end of the hamlet of Rhydlios
The former St Merin's Church, Rhydlios This is a former Church in Wales building which has been converted into a dwelling. An earlier church devoted to St Merin is located near Porth Iago <a href="https://www.geograph.org.uk/gridref/SH1731">SH1731</a>.
The former St Merin's Church, Rhydlios
This is a former Church in Wales building which has been converted into a dwelling. An earlier church devoted to St Merin is located near Porth Iago SH1731.
The former Capel Rhydlios This Calvinistic Methodist chapel, built in 1904, the year of the last Welsh religious revival, has now been decomissioned and is being converted into a dwelling.
The former Capel Rhydlios
This Calvinistic Methodist chapel, built in 1904, the year of the last Welsh religious revival, has now been decomissioned and is being converted into a dwelling.
Afon Cyll-y-felin above Pont Rhydlios This overgrown stream does not seem to do justice to the bridge. Even so the bridge was predated by a ford - which gave the settlement its name Rhydlios (=Lios's ford)
Afon Cyll-y-felin above Pont Rhydlios
This overgrown stream does not seem to do justice to the bridge. Even so the bridge was predated by a ford - which gave the settlement its name Rhydlios (=Lios's ford)
Access road to Rhyd Merin farm
Access road to Rhyd Merin farm
The entrance to Bryn Ffynnon Caravan Park, Rhydlios
The entrance to Bryn Ffynnon Caravan Park, Rhydlios
Footpath northwards towards Top Rhos
Footpath northwards towards Top Rhos
The eastern end of the village of Rhydlios This is a village of dispersed dwellings and farms.
The eastern end of the village of Rhydlios
This is a village of dispersed dwellings and farms.
A short no through road off the village street
A short no through road off the village street
Caerhydderch House at the minor road junction on the west side of Rhydlios
Caerhydderch House at the minor road junction on the west side of Rhydlios
Sharp bend in the road between Methlem and Rhydlios
Sharp bend in the road between Methlem and Rhydlios
Farmland west of Rhydlios
Farmland west of Rhydlios
Minor road junction west of Pont Rhydlios
Minor road junction west of Pont Rhydlios
Approaching the crossroads at the eastern end of Rhydlios The building on the right is the former St Merin Church.
Approaching the crossroads at the eastern end of Rhydlios
The building on the right is the former St Merin Church.
Show me another place!

Castell Odo is located at Grid Ref: SH1828 (Lat: 52.823, Lng: -4.693)

Unitary Authority: Gwynedd

Police Authority: North Wales

What 3 Words

///headliner.draining.bedroom. Near Nefyn, Gwynedd

Nearby Locations

Mynydd Ystum Castell Odo

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