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Clogwyn Arllef Hillfort & Field System is a prehistoric hillfort occupying elevated terrain in Wales. The site sits upon Lower Cambrian bedrock comprising interbedded sandstone and conglomerate, geology that would have shaped both the construction methods available to its prehistoric builders and the natural defensibility of the position. This ancient stone foundation provided a stable base for the earthwork defences characteristic of such fortifications, whilst the exposed rocky outcrop itself contributed to the site's commanding situation.
The hillfort is accompanied by a field system, indicating that the settlement functioned as more than a defensive stronghold alone. The integration of organised agricultural land with the fortified enclosure reflects a community engaged in both pastoral and arable activity, typical of later prehistoric societies in Wales. The field boundaries would have regulated grazing and crop rotation across the surrounding landscape.
The monument is protected by Cadw, the Welsh Historic Monuments service, recognising its archaeological significance. As a hillfort with associated field remains, Clogwyn Arllef Arllef preserves evidence of prehistoric settlement patterns, land use and social organisation in the Welsh uplands during the Bronze Age or Iron Age period, contributing substantially to understanding of the region's ancient past.
Clogwyn Arllef Hillfort & Field System is a scheduled monument protected by Cadw under reference ME123. View the official record →
Clogwyn Arllef Hillfort & Field System is a prehistoric hillfort occupying elevated terrain in Wales. It is designated a Scheduled Ancient Monument by Cadw under reference ME123.
Clogwyn Arllef Hillfort & Field System dates from the prehistoric period, and is classified as a hillfort. It is one of over 32,000 scheduled monuments protected across the UK.
Clogwyn Arllef Hillfort & Field System is a Scheduled Ancient Monument, legally protected by Cadw — the body responsible for designating and safeguarding heritage sites in Wales. The official designation reference is ME123.
Several scheduled monuments lie within 10 km, including Carneddau Hengwm Long Cairns (8.2 km), Settlement & Fields Systems above Egryn Abbey (8.4 km), Enclosed Hut Circle Settlement and Long huts E of Egryn Abbey (8.4 km).
This page is just one thread. A full Aubrey report pulls together 13 strands of Clogwyn Arllef Hillfort & Field System's history, each drawn from the record and mapped to the exact spot:
Every location is different. Not every section appears for every place, only what the historical record actually holds turns up in a report.
Clogwyn Arllef Hillfort & Field System stands on Lower Cambrian Rocks (Undifferentiated), bedrock that formed in the Early Cambrian. The rock here is sandstone and conglomerate, interbedded.