A dark and brooding landscape of myth and legend
This large and scattered settlement of small round huts lieson the north side of the Afon Dulyn Valley, high up above the Conwy Valley. One of the highest known roundhouse settlements in north-west Wales, it is possibly one of earliest known roundhouse settlements in Britain.The settlement is spread over an area about 600m along the sloping valley close to the river and consists of about 28 small roundhouse platforms and five small cairns. These house platforms are terraced up on the slope, and the cairns are of a similar size to the houses.
The size and style of the houses are not like the well-known Iron Age roundhouses, which are usually at lower altitudes, of a larger size and of more substantial construction. The closest parallels to these houses and the small cairns are some excavated at GraigFechan in the uplands of Denbighshire.
Also among the eastern part of the settlement are the remains of a number of small, rectangular huts. These are thought to be medieval, or earlypost-medieval, huts of sheep or cattle herders during summer pasturing.
A dark and brooding atmosphere is said to hang over the landscape herd,and the place has a long association with legends of restless, malevolent spirits. Nearby is Llyn Dulyn, the ‘Black Lake’, which legend claims is bottomless and populated by deformed fish and upon whose waters no bird will alight.
Follow B5106 south of Conwy. Turn right at Tal y Bont for Llanbedr y Cennin. Follow road uphill for approx 1/2 mile then take sharp left.
Conwy - 6 miles
Nearest bus stop at Tal y Bont - 2 miles
Cycle route Conwy to Betws y Coed nearby
Follow track from Penygaer car park in the direction of Llyn Dulyn.
Parking near pen y Gaer Hillfort SH 750693. Uplands footpaths can be wet and boggy in places. Walking boots recommended. OS map required. Dogs must be on lead. Allow 2-3 hours for walk.
Full Figure Grid Reference: SH 708667 OS Landranger map sheet: 115