Bivallate hillfort from which Pen Dinas, Aberystwyth, is visible.
(source Os495card; SN78SW2)
J.Wiles 04.02.02

A steep sided promontory extends west from Nant-yr-Arian to command the upper reaches of the lowland basin of the Afon Melindwr. It comprises a narrow saddle of ground descending from the main upland block of Nant-yr-Arian, and culminating in a high rounded hillock naturally defended on all sides by precipitous slopes.

Across this saddle, and enclosing the hillock, are two lines of ramparts, both of which are tall and impressive and survive well despite forestation. The inner rampart is 50m long, c,8.5m wide and stands 3m high. At its southern end, the rampart terminal turns in to form an original gateway. Some 17m to the east stands the outer rampart which is slightly shorter at 30m, is 13m wide and stands 4.5m high. These defences are of a glacis arrangement, with an outer ditch 1.8m in depth continuing the uninterrupted profile of the rampart. There is a counterscarp bank beyond, suggesting periodic cleaning or re-cutting of the ditch (measurements from Ordnance Survey record card SN 78 SW 2, from 1978 survey). Originally the promontory fort would have commanded panoramic views on all sides, especially looking west to the coastal fort of Pen Dinas at Aberystwyth.

T Driver. 15th Sept 2004.