Magnificent views from the top of a well-fortified hill.
Craggy, and covered in heather and scree, the mountain of Carn Fadryn rises abruptly out of a patchwork of arable fields, in the heart of the Llŷn peninsula. Crowned by the extensive and intriguing remains of a vast Iron Age hillfort and a 12th-century castle, the walk up to the top is well worth the effort.
The remains of dwellings, some from the Iron Age and others more recent, can be found all over the steep slopes of the mountain, but most of them lie within the stone perimeter wall that encloses over 10 hectares of the summit. This was the wall of the later of two Iron Age forts on Carn Fadryn, and within it you can see the tumbled remains of many buildings, some of them with small walled yards or gardens attached. Was this a summer village, or was it inhabited all year round? Was it perhaps a place of refuge in time of war? Archaeologists are still debating the matter.
At the very summit of the hill, on the edge of a precipice, are the remains of one of the oldest stone castles of medieval Wales. We know that this was in place by the end of the 12th century from the account of chronicler Gerald of Wales. He visited the area in 1198 and noted that “two stone castles have newly been erected: one called Deudraith … the other Carn Mardryn”. Both castles were built in the tumultuous period that followed the death of Owain Gwynedd in 1170, effectively a time of civil war in the land.
From the top there are views all along the spine of the Llŷn peninsula. Cardigan Bay can clearly be seen to the south, while the mountains of Snowdonia rise to the north. On a clear day it is said that you can see as far as the Wicklow mountains of Ireland.
A marvellous site for a challenging walk and wide views of the Llŷn Peninsula and beyond.
Free Entry
4 miles from village of Tudweiliog on the B4417.
8 miles from Pwllheli railway station.
Some midweek buses (Service 8a) from Pwllheli to Garnfadryn. Call Traveline on 0871 200 2233 or go online at http://www.traveline-cymru.info for the latest public transport information.
4 miles from village of Tudweiliog the B4417, on minor roads.
4 miles from village of Tudweiliog the B4417, on minor roads.
Medium to difficult. Walking boots needed. Dogs allowed.