Castell Cleddyf

Heritage Site in Pembrokeshire

Wales

Castell Cleddyf

Carnfathach looking west From this distinctive knoll you get excellent views down the coastline westwards towards Carregwastad Point.
Carnfathach looking west Credit: Jeremy Bolwell

Castell Cleddyf, also known as Castle Cilgerran, is a historic heritage site located in Pembrokeshire, Wales. Situated on a steep hill overlooking the River Teifi, this medieval castle is a popular tourist attraction and an important historical landmark.

The castle was built in the 13th century by the Norman lord, Roger de Clare. It served as a defensive structure to protect the strategically significant Teifi Valley. The castle consists of an inner ward and an outer ward, with a stone curtain wall encircling the complex. It also features a round tower, which was added in the 14th century.

Over the centuries, the castle witnessed numerous conflicts and changes of ownership. It played a role in the Welsh Revolt during the 12th century and was captured by Welsh forces led by Owain Glyndŵr in the 15th century. Despite being partially destroyed during the English Civil War, the castle remains relatively well-preserved today.

Visitors can explore the ruins of Castell Cleddyf and learn about its rich history through informative displays and audio guides. The site offers breathtaking panoramic views of the surrounding countryside and the river below. Additionally, the castle hosts various events and reenactments throughout the year, allowing visitors to experience medieval life firsthand.

Castell Cleddyf is a remarkable heritage site, offering a fascinating glimpse into Wales' medieval past. It combines stunning natural scenery with historical significance, making it a must-visit destination for history enthusiasts and nature lovers alike.

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Castell Cleddyf Images

Images are sourced within 2km of 52.0175/-5.0323 or Grid Reference SM9239. Thanks to Geograph Open Source API. All images are credited.

Carnfathach looking west From this distinctive knoll you get excellent views down the coastline westwards towards Carregwastad Point.
Carnfathach looking west
From this distinctive knoll you get excellent views down the coastline westwards towards Carregwastad Point.
Part of the Pembrokeshire Coast Path Yes, that little grey figure down there is a walker ahead of me on the coastal path, no doubt also enjoying this section of varied coastline, even if the harmless St. Mark's flies are thick in the air, the gorse tugs at your clothing and small loose stones slip under your boots.
Part of the Pembrokeshire Coast Path
Yes, that little grey figure down there is a walker ahead of me on the coastal path, no doubt also enjoying this section of varied coastline, even if the harmless St. Mark's flies are thick in the air, the gorse tugs at your clothing and small loose stones slip under your boots.
Monument stone on Carregwastad Point An ideal place for a rest, a brew, something to eat and a chat with some Aussie backpackers doing the whole Pembrokeshire Coast Path, a couple with huge rucksacks and an indomitable Aussie spirit to match.
Monument stone on Carregwastad Point
An ideal place for a rest, a brew, something to eat and a chat with some Aussie backpackers doing the whole Pembrokeshire Coast Path, a couple with huge rucksacks and an indomitable Aussie spirit to match.
Beach flotsam below Carregwastad Point I had seen a grey seal bottling in Aber Felin cove here and scanning the beach for other seals I spied what appears to be a large portion of dead pony. A grey pony seems to have fallen down the very steep gully above this beach and either been injured or trapped on the beach (though I can't believe that if this was the case that a rescue wasn't attempted) and subsequently died. Gulls were interested in the carcase and vulture-like hopped on and off, chased each other and generally set off a macabre scene.
Beach flotsam below Carregwastad Point
I had seen a grey seal bottling in Aber Felin cove here and scanning the beach for other seals I spied what appears to be a large portion of dead pony. A grey pony seems to have fallen down the very steep gully above this beach and either been injured or trapped on the beach (though I can't believe that if this was the case that a rescue wasn't attempted) and subsequently died. Gulls were interested in the carcase and vulture-like hopped on and off, chased each other and generally set off a macabre scene.
On Carregwastad Point The memorial marks the invasion on 22 February 1797 by a small French force. It is difficult to work out what they hoped to achieve, landing in such a remote spot, though they no doubt assumed that it would take some time for a defending army to be sent there. However they appear to have been a somewhat ill-disciplined bunch, for it is said that they got drunk and surrendered to the local population two days later!
On Carregwastad Point
The memorial marks the invasion on 22 February 1797 by a small French force. It is difficult to work out what they hoped to achieve, landing in such a remote spot, though they no doubt assumed that it would take some time for a defending army to be sent there. However they appear to have been a somewhat ill-disciplined bunch, for it is said that they got drunk and surrendered to the local population two days later!
Tresinwen, approaching from Strumble Head
Tresinwen, approaching from Strumble Head
White House at Tresinwen
White House at Tresinwen
Trwyn Llwyd
Trwyn Llwyd
Porthsychan
Porthsychan
Aber Felin
Aber Felin
Porthsychan The east shore of this inlet
Porthsychan
The east shore of this inlet
Aber Felin View from Carregwastad Point
Aber Felin
View from Carregwastad Point
Last invasion of Britain - Carregwastad Point The inscription on the stone reads:
1897 CARREG GOFFA GLANIAD Y FFRANCOD CHWEFROR 22 1797
MEMORIAL STONE OF THE LANDING OF THE FRENCH FEBRUARY 22 1797
The story of this invasion can be read from information boards in Goodwick. It failed; the French troops discovered a cache of liquor saved from a shipwreck and were easily overcome by local men and women.
Last invasion of Britain - Carregwastad Point
The inscription on the stone reads: 1897 CARREG GOFFA GLANIAD Y FFRANCOD CHWEFROR 22 1797 MEMORIAL STONE OF THE LANDING OF THE FRENCH FEBRUARY 22 1797 The story of this invasion can be read from information boards in Goodwick. It failed; the French troops discovered a cache of liquor saved from a shipwreck and were easily overcome by local men and women.
Goodwick - Rosslare ferries The ship is leaving for Ireland and the catamaran is returning to Goodwick. Taken from the coastal path in SM9040, the boats are about 1Km to the north.
Goodwick - Rosslare ferries
The ship is leaving for Ireland and the catamaran is returning to Goodwick. Taken from the coastal path in SM9040, the boats are about 1Km to the north.
Cottage The Pembrokeshire Coastal Path runs in front of the cottage. A beautiful location, seen from the north.
Cottage
The Pembrokeshire Coastal Path runs in front of the cottage. A beautiful location, seen from the north.
Cwm Felin This deep wooded george makes a striking contrast to the rest of the coastal path in this area.
Cwm Felin
This deep wooded george makes a striking contrast to the rest of the coastal path in this area.
Natural arch
Natural arch
Windswept ponies on Ciliau moor They are here for a purpose, as part of the management plan for this area of coastal heathland. Their grazing controls invasive scrub in the most natural manner possible, allowing other plants to survive. This is an important habitat for heathloving birds too.
Windswept ponies on Ciliau moor
They are here for a purpose, as part of the management plan for this area of coastal heathland. Their grazing controls invasive scrub in the most natural manner possible, allowing other plants to survive. This is an important habitat for heathloving birds too.
Show me another place!

Castell Cleddyf is located at Grid Ref: SM9239 (Lat: 52.0175, Lng: -5.0323)

Unitary Authority: Pembrokeshire

Police Authority: Dyfed Powys

What 3 Words

///lengthen.humans.lightbulb. Near Goodwick, Pembrokeshire

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