Caer Pencraig Fort

Cadw's description

Summary description and reason for designation

The following provides a general description of the Scheduled Monument.

The monument comprises the remains of a prominent rocky Iron Age hillfort, naturally defended by a cliff face on the S and by steep slopes to the N and W. The defensive ramparts are, generally, quite low, but can be traced below a modern field wall around the W side. Little remains on the S slope above the cliff, but the N and E sides can be easily identified and clearance by the Gwynedd Archaeological Trust has exposed both inner and outer faces of the rampart intermittently. The E approach is also protected by an external ditch, rock-cut to the NE, and there are faint indications of an additional bank.

The original entrance was through the NW side, but this has been blocked by the modern field wall. A deeply hollowed trackway, defined on the E by large boulders, leads to the entrance from the NW and almost certainly marks the original access.

The fort has all round views but the most significant are to the north along the valley of the Afon Cegin and to the NW along the valley of the Afon Ogwen. Anglesey is clearly visible in the far distance in both of these views.

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. Sites of this sort are rare in Gwynedd and this example is relatively undisturbed and, with its associated access trackway, is of particular importance.

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