One of the largest in the area, it's a complex construction, likely to be the result of several phases of development, with a central pentagonal enclosure within a larger embanked area.
Y Bwlwarcau covers a large area of land.
In the centre is a small area enclosed by a bank and a steep ditch up to 2 metres deep. Historians believe this area to be the living quarters of the occupants.
Outside the ditch is an outer bank, ditch and low counterscarp bank.
Beyond the central enclosure there's a much larger area, surrounded by two and in some places three banks.
We're now advised that this site cannot be visited by the general public.
Image provided by the Monuments CommissionThe 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.
your comments
Dale Davies, Maesteg
I used to spend hours there playing when I was young. I'm not from Llan but used to walk up from Maesteg. It is, perhaps, a shame that the public don't have access, this is a magical, secret place over hung with oak and beech leaves, steep walls mossed with history and made steeper by my own memory of myself as a young boy peering into that grassy moat a mile below or so it seemed from where I nudged the ramparts with my green elbows holding my bow against the meadow and blasting stones to the sloping Bluebell Hill that crept from the river like a welcome invader stretching into the heart of what was once 'my castle'.
Phillip White, Maesteg
Sirs, The Hill-fort is one of several in this area. There are also a number of defended enclosures and enclosures. Most of these sites are of the Iron Age period with some of the sites such as Y Bwlwarcau showing signs of both Celtic and Roman occupation. The unusual thing about Y Bwlwarcau is that it appears to be a major fort but is situated upon the side of an hill which would seem to reduce its effectivenes. It is probable that this was because it was part of a fortified system made up of a number of forts, etc. The fort system appears to revolve around Llwyn Dwr Fawr which was probably a Celtic worshipping site to the Celtic water goddess Magen (hence Margam). There is evidence to link the area, including Y Bwlwarcau, to the reality of King Arthur ... hence the Roman and Celtic signs found at the site. The heavy presence of Iron Age fortifications in the area also supports this theory apart from a mass of other evidence. The local authorities in control of tourism have been made aware of this possibility but through lack of finance can do little to promote the link with King Arthur and the area. The area surrounding Y Bwlwarcau is alive with Welsh history and evidence of our culture. If people wish to visit the past and Welsh history this is the place to go.
T Williams from Melbourne
To my great dismay I notice on Google Earth that some clown on a trailbike has severely damaged this ancient monument. A deep track has been cut through the walls to the North and East, and also in the enclosure to the East. If this property is on private land the owner needs to do more to protect it.
Ken Lewis, Maesteg
I think you should inform people that this site is on private farmland where animals graze. I've walked this mountain for years and didn't know there was a public footpath to this site.
P Williams, Maesteg
Anyone who needs further information about the hill fort should contact Richard Hart-Jones who is a resident of LLangynwyd Village. He has studied the area and has knowledge of how to access the site.
Brian Davies, Radyr, Cardiff
Tried to visit the site yesterday from the public footpath. We could find no way through the fence surrounding it. People in the local pub did not think there was public access.
leon williams jones from Llangynwyd
ive lived in Llangynwyd all my and ive only ever heard of Llangynwyd castle and the viaduct in lower Llan. its nice to know there are people interested in the area of maesteg.
Phillip White/ Maesteg
A bit more information on this subject would help people to understand the importance of this site in relation to Welsh/ Celtic heritage.
