One of a line of volcanic hills forming the backbone of the Llŷn Peninsula, Garn Boduan is a 10ha promontory hillfort where the lines of three stone-walled defences can still be seen.

Worth visiting as the remains of over 100 stone-walled structures, roundhouses and round and rectangular buildings can be seen today. The remains of 170 round huts are visible as collapsed rings of stone.

No complex defences were really needed here Garn Boduan's natural location on a steep, isolated hill made it a well-defended site. There is some evidence of duplication of defences, however, which can especially be seen to the north-east. The lower stone rampart is the original defence, while the upper rampart is more well-built and larger.

The inner defensive wall may have been built in the centuries immediately after the Roman occupation. Could this be the castle of Buan, who is referenced as an important figure in AD600?

The main entrance stands at the north-eastern corner. A small fort or citadel at one end of the site may be later in date. There are also two freshwater springs on the site, which supplied the forts residents with water throughout the year.

Directions

Access the site on the B4354 road, about 300m from the junction with A497. Youll see a forestry gateway on your left. There is room to park, but take care not to block access. A path takes you from the forestry gateway to the site. At the second hairpin bend on the track, take the upper path straight ahead. Beware of the rough terrain.