Castell y Bere — Attraction in Llanfihangel-y-Pennant

This is one of our favourite places in Wales and we have a video, all about this site, that you can watch over on our YouTube channel CoralJackz...

Join us, as we explore the castles place in Welsh history and delve into the local folklore.

Towering above the level pastures of the Dysynni valley, the rugged outcrop on which Castell Y Bere stands is dwarfed by the surrounding foothills of Cadair Idris… leading up to the mountain peak, Penygader, less than 5 miles away.

Constructed by Llywelyn ap Iorwerth (Llywelyn the Great) around 1221… to provide security to lowlands though the mountains, which were a crucial trade route and provided valuable sustenance to the grazing cattle. Deemed a strategical important location, with its impressive views and natural defences, Llywelyn took the land from his own son, Gruffudd.

The castle has a highly elaborate defended entrance, with multiple ditches, gate towers, drawbridge and portcullis... the builders took advantage of the steep sides of the rocky outcrop, carving into and building on top of exposed bedrock.

So, within less than a century this medieval fortress rose and fell… the ruin, a legacy Welsh of resilience...

Free entry to an historic site. From the small car park with room for 6-8 cars to the castle ruins it is not too far or too steep. It is unsuitable for a wheelchair user without lots of helpers to carry the person. The ground is extremely uneven and visitors should exercise caution. One little visitor could be heard crying on the way up. Perhaps a fall or a nettle. The paths are narrow in places with lots of steps made of wood and stone. There are no ramps. Set around about are ancient oak trees with lots of bird life. The path to the left on entry takes you to the same place as the middle path. The later allows you to see part of the fortifications and ditch. The path inside the ditch to the right is over grown in places. A once inhabited castle ruin with not one but two drawbridges. Steep drops in places and difficult access in part for the less abled. No toilets, no shop. Picnic table at the car park. Bench seat half way up the path. Priceless views. Take a flask with you and make a cuppa at the top. No bins provided. Litter goes home with you. And with a little imagination so too does a little of people's past lives and times. Well...

An interesting example of how Welsh castle builders used natural features as part of the castle design to improve its defences and reduce the requirements for building materials. The place isn't over the top on health and safety like a lot of landmarks so you can go round and explore yourself! Admission is free, and there are informative reports and maps at various points around the castle, making the point that in its day, it had strategic importance as a stronghold overlooking the Welsh princes' cattle herds. It is worth bearing in mind that the castle is high up on a rocky outcrop with no toilets and access is via a steep and rutted path and is therefore unsuitable for those with walking difficulties. All in all, an atmospheric little gem of a castle tucked away in a beautiful part of the rural Welsh mountains with a range of interesting walks and scenery nearby including a short walk to a historic church associated with Mary Jones and her Bible (an important...