Oldberry Castle, Iron Age hill fort in Dulverton, England.
Oldberry Castle is an Iron Age hill fort near Dulverton enclosed by earthen banks and ditches forming an irregular oval perimeter. The remaining defenses include raised stone banks that are still clearly visible across parts of the site.
The fort was established during the transition from the Late Bronze Age to the Iron Age, marking when communities in southwest England began building fortified settlements. This shift reflects a time of social reorganization and the adoption of defensive strategies.
The fort represents a shift from purely military installations to community strongholds, reflecting changes in social structure during the Iron Age period.
Much of the site is now used for farming, but the northeastern defenses with their stone banks remain accessible to visitors. Wear sturdy footwear as the ground is uneven, and the elevated position offers good views across the surrounding landscape.
Its position above the River Barle suggests it controlled an ancient river crossing and protected an important trade route through the valley. This commanding location still shapes how visitors experience the connection between the fort and the river landscape below.
The community of curious travelers
AroundUs brings together thousands of curated places, local tips, and hidden gems, enriched daily by 60,000 contributors worldwide.