Finally scheduling a visit from my usual North Walian base (near Capel Garmon, so quite a drive), this hillfort – I hesitate to use Coflein’s ‘defended enclosure’ designation – certainly did not disappoint: excellent views, excellent surviving archaeology, excellent vibe... hey, just excellent all ‘round, to be fair. Coflein notes:
“This impressive site is situated around the large outcrop of Creigiau Gwinau, a feature that is in fact used as part of the fort’s defences. The outcrop forms a large spine of rock running along a north east – south west axis to the south east of which lies a relatively level area of land measuring about 150 x 50m at its largest extent. To the south and east of this platform the land drops away steeply and it is at this break of slope that a fairly substantial stony bank has been built describing an arc between two ends of the spine,. The bank incorporates substantial outcrops and grounders along its length, particularly to the north east, and also includes stretches of dry stone walling. The original entrance to this fortified area probably lay in an 8m wide gap in the escarpment to the west across which a relatively modern all now stretches. A low dry stone wall divides the interior of the fort into two fairly equal halves although whether this is an original feature or a later addition is unclear....” John Latham RCAHMW 31 July 2018 [Source: National Trust Report: Sean Taylor. 2000. Plas yn Rhiw – The National Trust Archaeological Survey.]
I parked beside the old chapel and accessed the site via the coastal path to the north.