Castell y Gaer

Heritage Site in Merionethshire

Wales

Castell y Gaer

Afon Gwril, just before flows into sea Rocky beach, at the end of the footpath from Llwyngwril. A caravan site is visible in the background. — Afon Gwril, just before flows into sea Credit: Barry Hunter

Castell y Gaer is a significant heritage site located in Merionethshire, Wales. This ancient hillfort, perched on a hilltop, offers breathtaking views of the surrounding landscape. It is believed to have been built during the Iron Age, around 2,500 years ago.

The site is surrounded by a series of defensive earthworks, consisting of multiple ramparts and ditches. These earthworks encircle an area of approximately 1.5 hectares, providing evidence of the fort's strategic importance during its time. The fortification is relatively well-preserved, with the ramparts standing at an impressive height, showcasing the impressive engineering skills of its builders.

Archaeological investigations have revealed that Castell y Gaer was likely a bustling community, with evidence of domestic structures, storage pits, and even a burial ground. The fort's location, situated on a prominent hill, would have provided its inhabitants with a vantage point from which they could survey the surrounding countryside and potentially defend against any potential threats.

Today, visitors to Castell y Gaer can explore the site and marvel at the ancient remains. The well-marked footpaths lead visitors through the earthworks, allowing them to imagine what life was like for the Iron Age inhabitants. The panoramic views from the hilltop are truly stunning, showcasing the natural beauty of the Welsh countryside.

Castell y Gaer is a captivating heritage site, offering a glimpse into Wales' ancient past. With its rich archaeological significance and breathtaking views, it is a must-visit destination for history enthusiasts and nature lovers alike.

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Castell y Gaer Images

Images are sourced within 2km of 52.665/-4.078 or Grid Reference SH5909. Thanks to Geograph Open Source API. All images are credited.

Afon Gwril, just before flows into sea

Rocky beach, at the end of the footpath from Llwyngwril. A caravan site is visible in the background.

Barry Hunter

Farmland above Gwastadgoed

Gently sloping fields on the lower slopes of Pen y Garn, just above the A493.

Barry Hunter

Last few metres of Afon Caletwr

Seen here is the last stages of the river Caletwr as it cascades down to sea level, having just passed under the Cambrian Coast Railway.

Barry Hunter

Uchaf St. Georges Cottage

This lovely old cottage nestles in the hills above Llwyngwril.

John Lucas

Quaker cemetery Llwyngwril.

There is Quaker history in the village, with this Quaker Burial Ground , near the beach, and also a house called Llwyn Du (black wood), which dates from 1137, but is best known as the home of Quakers during their persecution in the 1600s, prior to leaving Wales for America.

Hefin Richards

Entrance gate to the Quaker's Cemetery.

The plate on the gate reads "Friends Burial Ground 1646".

Hefin Richards

Burst Sewer pipe.

Two workmen seem a bit bemused as to what to do with this burst sewer pipe below Llwyngwril.

Hefin Richards

A view towards the A496 from Gwastadgoed

John Lucas

Above Llwyngwril

A ruin and substantial boulder dry stone wall above Llwyngwril, overlooking Cardigan Bay.

E Gammie

Cambrian Coast line at Llwyngwril

Looking towards the Mawddach estuary from the pedestrian crossing near the Quaker burial ground. From here the line heads along the cliff below Gallt Ffynnon-yr-hŷdd towards Fairbourne.

E Gammie

Friends burial ground, Llwyngwril

Mynwent Bryn Tallwyn burial ground. Bluebells and hawthorn in flower. In the 17th century many Quakers (members of the Religious Society of the Friends of Truth) settled here to avoid persecution elsewhere. Owen Humphrey of nearby Llwyn Du donated land for burials around 1664 (although the date wrought in the gate is 1646). When William Penn established settlements in the New World many migrated there. By 1876 there were no Quakers living locally and Wesleyans were granted the right to bury their dead here, with the western portion reserved for quaker burials.

E Gammie

Steep track above Llwyngwril

Looking down to the shore from a steep section of the green track above Llwyngwril. Taking a photograph is always a useful excuse to stop and catch your breath! The caravan site next to the mouth of the Afon Gwril is visible in the distance.

E Gammie

Green track above Llwyngwril

Looking towards Llwyngwril and the shore.

E Gammie

Green track above Llwyngwril

At the point where the steep, rocky, walled track turns a corner and becomes a gentler, fenced green track. Cardigan Bay to the left.

E Gammie

Bridleway through trees, Llwyngwril

A steep section of the bridleway up past Llwyn Du.

E Gammie

Cambrian Coast line, Llwyngwril

Looking across the line towards Barmouth in the distance (SH6115) from the path to the shore past the Quaker burial ground.

E Gammie

Rocky foreshore at Llwyngwril

The shore at Llwyngwril is fronted by low cliffs and is mainly boulders and large shingle, interspersed with a few sandy patches visible between high and low water. Taken at 1555, approximately 1 hour before low water (1647 in Barmouth). The hills behind Barmouth (SH6115) are visible in the distance.

E Gammie