Craig y Ddinas Hillfort (Ystradfellte)

Iron Age Hillfort and Iron Age Promontory Hillfort

The Craig y Ddinas Hillfort dates back to the Iron Age period (c. 800 BC – AD 74, Roman conquest of Wales), situated on a long and narrow limestone promontory overlooking the confluence of the Afon Mellte and Afon Sychryd rivers. The majority of the site is naturally defended by sheer cliffs that drop down to the rivers below. At the north-eastern end of the promontory, there are two linear banks made of limestone rubble which serve as defences on the eastern and northern sides.

The inner (western) rampart is a substantial rubble bank, reaching heights of up to 2.5m and widths of 4m, extending for approximately 150m and turning northward at the eastern end. A later field wall runs along the top of this rampart. The western end of the fort is where the old road from Penderyn to Neath enters, possibly representing the original entrance. The outer (eastern) rampart is constructed similarly, with heights of up to 2.2m and widths of 3m, extending for around 100m and sharply turning northward at the eastern end. Both ramparts have been affected by later quarrying activities, and traces of tramways used to connect various quarry workings can be seen across the interior of the site.

The monument is of national significance due to its potential to enhance our understanding of later prehistoric defensive organization and settlement patterns. It is an important component within the broader context of later prehistoric sites in the surrounding landscape. The site is well-preserved and holds significant archaeological potential, including evidence related to chronology, building techniques, and functional details.

Sites near Craig y Ddinas Hillfort (Ystradfellte)