Cow Castle, Iron Age hillfort in Exmoor National Park, England.
Cow Castle is an Iron Age fortification on a hillside in Exmoor National Park with ramparts and ditches surrounding an area of sloping ground. The installation uses natural topography to create defensive structures that remain clearly visible today.
The fortification emerged during the transition between Bronze and Iron Ages when metalworking technology was transforming societies. Its foundation reflects regional developments of that era as trade networks and defensive needs were being redefined.
The site reveals how Iron Age communities organized their daily lives and crafts within fortified spaces, with visible traces of ancient occupation patterns. The hilltop location shows how residents valued both defense and control over the surrounding lands.
The location is accessible by a walking route of about 3 kilometers starting from Simonsbath with clear markings throughout. Visitors should wear sturdy footwear since the ground is uneven and paths can become slippery depending on weather conditions.
The ramparts reach only about 2 meters in height at certain points, with the steep natural slopes serving as additional defensive barriers themselves. This clever design shows how builders optimized the existing landscape to strengthen their structures.
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