Moel Offrwm Hill Fort

Description
Visiting Information

Ancient citadel and stronghold

A Scheduled Ancient Monument close to the town of Dolgellau and overlooking the stunning Mawddach Estuary, Moel Offrwm actually consists of two hill forts located next to one another.

The upper fort, thought to be the older site, is typical of other Iron Age sites from around the British Isles. Approximately 300 feet (90 metres) in diameter and originally surrounded by a stone wall, the foundations of around 40 roundhouses have been discovered. The site has been damaged, leading to suggestions that it was deliberately destroyed, but by who remains a mystery.

The lower fort is quite different to the upper one. For one thing it is far smaller and could only have accommodated a handful of people. However, the defences here were formidable, consisting of naturally steep outcrops of rock upon which a substantial stone wall was constructed. It is typical of other such sites which seem to have been occupied in the late Roman period. Excavations carried out in the 1920s revealed pottery fragments and a delicate bronze finger ring, which have been dated to the Romano-British period.

Directions

By Road

Minor road Llanfachreth to Dolgellau

By Rail

Barmouth - 13 miles

By Bus

Llanfachreth or Dolgellau

Walking

40-minute walk uphill

Access Details

No Public Right of Way - Permission should be sought from the Nannau Estate. Mountain path. Walking boots recommended. Dogs must be on lead. Approx. 1/2 mile from car park (Saithgroesffordd)