Maes-y-castell

Heritage Site in Caernarfonshire

Wales

Maes-y-castell

Pen-y-gaer cairn The moon is almost full in this early-evening view of the summit of this fine and atmospheric hill. I feel a shiver of connection with the Celtic originators of such defensive sites at times like the full moon or solstice. The cairn is an abomination, really, but people have their own way of celebrating the location. — Pen-y-gaer cairn Credit: Jonathan Wilkins

Maes-y-castell is a notable heritage site located in Caernarfonshire, Wales. Situated on a hilltop overlooking the picturesque Nantlle Valley, this historic site holds immense cultural and historical significance. The name "Maes-y-castell" translates to "field of the castle" in Welsh, a nod to its past as a medieval fortress.

The site is dominated by the remains of a 13th-century stone castle, which was built by Llywelyn the Great, a prominent Welsh prince. The castle served as a strategic defensive structure, safeguarding the region against potential invasions. Today, only ruins remain, but they offer valuable insights into the architectural techniques and military strategies of the time.

Visitors to Maes-y-castell can explore the remains of the castle's walls, towers, and gatehouse, which provide a glimpse into its former grandeur. The site also offers breathtaking panoramic views of the surrounding landscape, including the nearby Snowdonia National Park.

In addition to its historical significance, Maes-y-castell is also a site of cultural importance. It has been a source of inspiration for numerous artists, poets, and writers throughout the years, with its rugged beauty serving as a muse for creative endeavors.

Guided tours and educational programs are available at Maes-y-castell, allowing visitors to delve deeper into its rich history. The site is well-maintained, with informative signboards providing details about the castle's past and its significance to the local community.

Overall, Maes-y-castell is a must-visit heritage site for history enthusiasts, offering a fascinating glimpse into Wales' medieval past and a chance to appreciate its natural beauty.

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Maes-y-castell Images

Images are sourced within 2km of 53.217/-3.85 or Grid Reference SH7670. Thanks to Geograph Open Source API. All images are credited.

Pen-y-gaer cairn

The moon is almost full in this early-evening view of the summit of this fine and atmospheric hill. I feel a shiver of connection with the Celtic originators of such defensive sites at times like the full moon or solstice. The cairn is an abomination, really, but people have their own way of celebrating the location.

Jonathan Wilkins

Mountain horizon

Sunset over the Carneddau, with the prominent peak of Pen Llithrig y Wrach. It is a rare thing nowadays to be without any intrusion of artificial light.

Jonathan Wilkins

Level crossing near Tal-y-Cafn

Steven Brown

Ordnance Survey Cut Mark

Only the lower tip of the middle part of the arrow of this OS cut mark remains on the SE angle of St Peter's Church. It marked a point 77.060m above mean sea level.

Adrian Dust

Ordnance Survey Pivot

This OS pivot can be found on the west angle of the Salem Chapel. It marks a point 42.599 above mean sea level.

Adrian Dust

Ye Olde Bull Inn at Llanbedr-y-Cennin

Row17

Tal-y-Bont village entrance signs

Colin Pyle

Conway Road looking south

Colin Pyle

A bend in the River Conwy

As viewed from a train heading towards Llandudno, near Coed y Borthol, which is to the right off screen. Tal y Fan is in the background.

Richard Hoare

Pen-y-gaer east rampart

The superb 1st millennium BC hill-fort sits on a prominent hill at the side of the Conwy Valley. The steep hillside only required a little excavation to complete a formidable defence, but it is very difficult to image. The descent to the valley can be appreciated very well, however.

Jonathan Wilkins

Shadow in the valley

Although it was a beautiful day for early March, the sun was not high in the sky at 15:15h, so the hill throws a magnificent shadow into the valley.

Jonathan Wilkins

Summit cairn

A cairn within the ramparts of Pen-y-gaer hill fort. My map shows a trig point here, but it is obviously disused. The summit of Tal-y-Fan SH7372 and the coastal settlements near Conwy can be seen in the distance despite the haze.

Jonathan Wilkins

Afon Conwy

The River Conway (Afon Conwy) rises on the Migneint Moors and flows northward for 27 miles to its mouth at Conwy. Wikipedia: Link

N Chadwick

Conwy Valley Railway 2

Looking northwards (up direction) from the northern occupational crossing of the two in this square, with the line continuing on its straight course fringed by reed-beds.

Jonathan Wilkins

Conwy Valley Railway 3

Warning board and telephone by the side of an occupational crossing, looking in the down direction towards the GSM-R radio antenna that gives secure communication between signalling staff and trains on this section.

Jonathan Wilkins

Reed beds

Extensive beds of reeds occupy the eastern side of the Conwy Valley, an important wetland habitat in an area that is otherwise rather intensively farmed. The river cannot be seen in this view, but is significantly tidal even so far south.

Jonathan Wilkins

Wet grassland

The last two weeks have been very wet, and the grass in the foreground is completely waterlogged. Larger pools and a huge expanse of reed-beds fill the flat floor of the valley, across which meanders the Afon Conwy, completely hidden in this view. In the far distance, the summit of Tal-y-fan SH7372 can be seen.

Jonathan Wilkins

Cottages, Llanbedr-y-cennin

Looking up the main street of this steep village. Only when I came to submit the image did I see the gruesome array of power and telephone wires to the cottages.

Jonathan Wilkins

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Maes-y-castell is located at Grid Ref: SH7670 (Lat: 53.217, Lng: -3.85)

Unitary Authority: Conwy

Police Authority: North Wales