Castell Dinas Bran
Castle Dinas Bran sits on top of a large hill overlooking the town of Llangollen in North Wales.
From the first time you see Castell Dinas Bran in the distance you will want to explore it, you can usually spot it on the road into Llangollen. The walk up to the top is well worth the views alone and is amazing in summer, it can get a little breezy up there. The path is pretty steep in places and decent footwear should be worn for grip in muddy/wet spots.
The name has been translated as “Crow Castle,” “Crow City,” “Hill of the Crow,” or known as “Bran’s Stronghold.” Walking around the castle will explain all these translations quite literally as the castle is surrounded by steep sides. Flying around the hill and perched upon the castle itself you will see the area is abundant with Corvids. One thing it now reminds me of when I see the castle or hear the name is the television series Game of Thrones!
Llangollen, Denbighshire, Wales, LL20 8D
Castell Dinas Bran facts
- Castell Dinas Bran was built in the 1260’s
- It’s location once housed an Iron age hillfort (around 600BC)
- Built on behalf of Gruffydd Maelor II
- In in English it is known as Crow Caste
- A slightly earlier wooden castle was destroyed by fire
- Dinas Bran is a scheduled monument
- Its a great but steep walk to the top with great views!
