Penycloddiau

Penycloddiau is an Iron Age hillfort crowning a peak in the Clwydian Range in North Wales. The fortification spreads across the mountain top with concentric earthwork defenses that shaped the landscape over 2,000 years ago.

The fort was built as a defensive stronghold during the Iron Age, yet archaeological work in the early 2000s revealed Bronze Age burial sites that predate the earthworks. The site shows evidence of use across multiple prehistoric periods.

Liverpool University Archaeology Field School selected Penycloddiau as their primary training site for students from 2012 through 2018.

The hillfort is reached by walking trails that start from nearby parking areas and lead uphill toward the summit. The site sits along the Offa's Dyke National Trail and is open year-round, so visitors should prepare for exposed, windswept conditions.

The Offa's Dyke National Trail runs directly across the plateau, making this a natural landmark for long-distance walkers tracing the border between England and Wales. Many hikers arrive here as part of a multi-day journey along this historic route.

Location: Denbighshire

Location: Ysceifiog

Elevation above the sea: 440 m

GPS coordinates: 53.20088,-3.30814

Latest update: December 13, 2025 11:42