Located on Halkyn Mountain, the Iron Age hillfort occupies an isolated grassy hill, with a commanding outlook. There are fine views to the west along the chain of hillforts on the Clwydian Range, and east and south across the Dee Estuary to the Wirral and Lancashire.

Moel y Gaer is important because of the results of excavations in the 1970s. Within the fort different phases of roundhouse construction were found, including a period when a rectangular building was constructed. As well as traces of roundhouses, three small 'four-posters' were detected. They were probably storehouses or granaries kept off the ground to protect food from vermin.

Acidic soil conditions meant that few objects were preserved but heaps of water-worn pebbles were found against one of the earlier phases of ramparts. These are believed to have been caches of slingstones, possible evidence of warfare and raiding. The prominent inner rampart includes an inturned entrance on the south-east side and the site was defended by ditches as well as a low bank 10m outside the main ditch on the south and west.

None of the roundhouses or other buildings are now visible - and don't be confused by the recent construction work on a reservoir. A triangulation pillar has been positioned on top of a Bronze Age round barrow.

Directions: Take the A451 towards Denbigh from Mold. After 3.5km, take B5123 on the right. The site is 3.4km further on and there's parking available in the service road at the foot of the hill. A track takes walkers round the left of the hill to an old quarry fenced with stoneposts. Turn right through original entrance into the fort.

Map: View map

Image provide by the National Monuments Record of Wales
Website: www.rcahmw.org.uk
The National Monuments Record of Wales is the public archive of the Royal Commission on the Ancient and Historical Monuments of Wales. It holds information and images on the archaeology and built heritage of Wales and offers a public enquiry service.