Pen-y-gaer

Heritage Site in Caernarfonshire

Wales

Pen-y-gaer

Single track road near Rowlyn Isa We were held up here by a van in a ditch so took the opportunity to take the above photograph. — Single track road near Rowlyn Isa Credit: Colin Kinnear

Pen-y-gaer is a historic heritage site located in Caernarfonshire, Wales. Situated on the northern slopes of the Llŷn Peninsula, it is an ancient hillfort that dates back to the Iron Age. The site offers a fascinating glimpse into the region's rich history and provides breathtaking views of the surrounding countryside.

The hillfort at Pen-y-gaer is believed to have been constructed around 400 BC and was occupied until the Roman period, making it one of the oldest and most significant archaeological sites in the area. The fort covers an area of approximately 4.5 acres and is surrounded by a series of impressive defensive earthworks, including ramparts and ditches.

Excavations at Pen-y-gaer have revealed evidence of various structures within the hillfort, including roundhouses, storage pits, and animal pens. The fort would have served as a communal living space for a significant number of people, with its strategic location offering protection and commanding views of the surrounding landscape.

Visitors to Pen-y-gaer can explore the site's remains and imagine what life would have been like for its ancient inhabitants. The panoramic views from the hillfort are particularly breathtaking, overlooking the picturesque countryside and the nearby coastline. The site is also surrounded by beautiful walking routes and nature trails, allowing visitors to fully immerse themselves in the area's natural beauty.

Pen-y-gaer is a remarkable heritage site that provides a unique insight into Wales' ancient past. Its well-preserved earthworks and captivating views make it a must-visit destination for history enthusiasts and nature lovers alike.

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Pen-y-gaer Images

Images are sourced within 2km of 53.207/-3.863 or Grid Reference SH7569. Thanks to Geograph Open Source API. All images are credited.

Single track road near Rowlyn Isa

We were held up here by a van in a ditch so took the opportunity to take the above photograph.

Colin Kinnear

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

Bwlch-y-gaer nightfall 1

Night falling by the ruined farmstead. Venus is just visible towards the left of the image.

Jonathan Wilkins

Bwlch-y-gaer nightfall 2

Night falling by the ruined farmstead. Venus is just visible towards the left of the image.

Jonathan Wilkins

Ordnance Survey Pivot

This OS pivot can be found on the wall NW side of the track. It marks a point 1220.0ft above mean sea level.

Adrian Dust

Ordnance Survey Pivot

This OS pivot can be found on the west face of the wall. It marks a point 1451.0ft above mean sea level.

Adrian Dust

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

Milestone - Conwy 6

Adrian Dust

Witch's brooms

A fabulous birch tree silhouette featuring abundant Witch's brooms - growths induced by fungal parasites. Trees are so much more interesting in winter, when you can see their structure properly.

Jonathan Wilkins

Wall and Penygadair

Looking over the roadside wall to the upland pastures of Penygadair.

Jonathan Wilkins

Tracks in snow

Following the track towards the abandoned, upland farm of Tan-y-bwlch with the snow-covered peaks of the Carneddau in the distance.

Jonathan Wilkins

Slatey outcrop

Jagged shards of slatey mudstone (attributed to the Snowdon Volcanic Group, Ordovician, Caradoc) jut from the snow-covered ground.

Jonathan Wilkins

Snowy hillside

A view down the hillside of Penygadair, with an un-marked access track ascending. The distant Conwy Valley is subject to temperature inversion and is filled with fog.

Jonathan Wilkins

Rocks with bonnets

A colourful outcrop of rhyolitic tuff (Crafnant Volcanic Formation, Ordovician, Caradoc) is decorated by drapes of snow resembling bonnets on the rounded forms. It is odd that one boulder has a complete covering of snow, when the sun-warmed faces are clear.

Jonathan Wilkins

Penygadair summit

Cleaved outcrop makes up the fine summit of this buttress of the distant Carneddau. It is almost certain that the sub-vertical face of the short pinnacle represents historical quarrying because a sunken platform surrounds its western and southern sides. Just visible at this resolution is the Isle of Man on the marine horizon.

Jonathan Wilkins