Craig y Dinas Camp

Cadw's description

Summary description and reason for designation

The following provides a general description of the Scheduled Ancient Monument.

The monument comprises the remains of a promontory fort protected on three sides by a steep drop down to the Afon Llyfni and on the fourth side, across the neck of the promontory, by two strong banks and ditches. The remains of a 3 m thick stone wall lie around the perimeter of the fort, the external face of which survives to a height of c. 0.5 m, but the internal face is no longer visible. The ramparts still stand to a considerable height, the top of the inner rampart being some 4 m above the level of the interior, and the bottom of the ditches is c. 5 m below the top of the ramparts. A counterscarp bank c. 2 m high lies outside the outer ditch. The inner bank curves round at its N and S ends to meet the perimeter wall, to form two simple passage entrances 3.5 - 4 m wide. The defences are in good condition; The interior is defined by a modern stone wall and contains a large natural mound.

The monument is of national importance for its potential to enhance our knowledge of later prehistoric defensive organisation and settlement. The site forms an important element within the wider later prehistoric context and within the surrounding landscape. The site is well preserved and retains considerable archaeological potential. There is a strong probability of the presence of evidence relating to chronology, building techniques and functional detail.

The scheduled area comprises the remains described and areas around them within which related evidence may be expected to survive.