Dolwyddelan Castle
Dolwyddelan Castle is one of the smaller castles located in North Wales and often overlooked due to its size.
What it lacks in size it makes up for in character. Though much of the outer walls and buildings have been lost to time the main keep has been some what restored.
Originally built way back in the early part of the 13th century it has seen its fair share of battles. Dolwyddelan Castle was built by Llywelyn mab Iorwerth or otherwise known as Llywelyn the great. The original role was to protect one of the main passages through North Wales, to basically act as a guard post. It was however attacked and taken of by the English forces under Edward the 1st in 1283. It was then modified and used by Edwardian troops up until 1290.
Several hundred years later it was modernised with a drainage system and another floor, this was completed around 1499. The next piece of modernisation to the castle occurred much more recently in 1848-1850 when battlements were added. The site is now cared for by CADW who look after other castles such as the might Caernarfon.
It wont take long to explore what remains of the castle so why not check it out if you are in the area. The path up isn’t to bad and if you are lucky you will find the splendid looking waterfall. Just keep your ears open and follow the sound of flowing water. The castle allows commandeering views of the local area and its not too far to walk from the road. There are several notice boards for you to read about the history of the castle. It is however quite remote so there are no restroom facilities and the like close by.
Dolwyddelan Castle is somewhat of a hidden gem. Cadw are just waiting or were when writing this to fill the warden position. Once complete the main car park will be reopened and access to the renovated internals of the castle will be opened up to the public. I cant wait to see what’s inside as its in amazing condition! Dolwyddelan Castle is a fine example of an early stone mountain castle and is similar in size to many others in the area.
You can find Dolwyddelan Castle using the following address. You cant miss it from the road as it is perched up on a high rock formation – A470, Dolwyddelan LL25 0JD.
