Penycloddiau

About Penycloddiau

Perched in the Clwydian Range, Penycloddiau boasts one of Wales’ most impressive Iron Age hillforts. It is essentially a giant, grassy earthwork providing spectacular views without requiring you to sacrifice your knees to the mountain gods. Perfect for history buffs and fans of mild inclines.

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Did You Know?

• •The summit is home to an enormous Iron Age hillfort covering over 21 hectares. It is so large that the original inhabitants likely spent half their time just walking from the ramparts to the prehistoric bins.
• •The name translates roughly to 'Head of the Ditches,' which sounds like a Victorian insult but actually refers to the formidable defensive earthworks that remain remarkably well-preserved today.
• •The hill sits directly on the Offa's Dyke Path, a National Trail that allows you to walk the length of Wales while slowly accumulating an impressive collection of damp socks.
• •Archaeologists discovered a Bronze Age burial mound within the fort's boundaries, proving that humans have been dragging heavy things up this hill for 3,000 years just for a decent view.
• •The ancient ramparts are so invitingly bouncy that you will be tempted to roll down them like a caffeinated toddler, though the local sheep will judge your lack of dignity with terrifying, unblinking intensity.