Dolforwyn Castle | Visit Amazing Welsh Castles

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Written By carrianne Lloyd-Ralph

Dolforwyn Castle is a 13th-century fortress overlooking the Severn Valley in Powys, Wales. It stands near the town of Montgomery and offers views across the borderlands.

Built by the Welsh prince Llywelyn ap Gruffudd, it reflects native Welsh military architecture during a period of rising tension with England.

The castle is now a ruin. However, parts of its curtain wall and towers remain visible. Visitors can walk the grounds and explore the surviving features while learning about its brief but significant role in Welsh history.

Quick Facts

  • Built: Between 1273 and 1277

  • Founder: Llywelyn ap Gruffudd (Llywelyn the Last)

  • Type: Rectangular enclosure castle with towers

  • Condition: Ruin

  • Ownership: Cadw (Welsh Government heritage agency)

  • Location: Near Abermule, Powys, Wales

  • Access: Free to enter, via a steep footpath

Brief History

The castle was constructed between 1273 and 1277 by Llywelyn ap Gruffudd, also known as Llywelyn the Last. He built it to secure Welsh control over the Severn Valley and challenge the growing influence of the English Crown in the Marches.

The castle's construction defied King Edward I, who viewed it as a threat. In 1277, before Dolforwyn was fully completed, English forces under Roger Mortimer laid siege to it. Llywelyn’s garrison surrendered after a short siege, mainly due to a lack of water.

After its capture, the English modified the castle. They added a well and made structural changes to suit their defensive needs. However, Dolforwyn lost strategic importance and fell into decline by the 14th century.

Archaeological excavations in the 1980s and 1990s revealed much about its layout and construction techniques. The castle is now protected as a scheduled monument under Cadw.

Features and Layout

It is built on a narrow ridge, using the natural topography for defence. Its design follows the style of native Welsh castles, which differed from the concentric castles introduced by the Normans.

The castle has a rectangular layout, measuring roughly 240 feet (73 metres) by 90 feet (27 metres). It features two D-shaped towers at the corners and curtain walls that enclose the interior buildings.

A rock-cut ditch strengthens the defences on the more vulnerable sides. Inside the enclosure are remains of a great hall, a circular tower (later added by the English), and traces of domestic buildings. The English also dug a well after capturing the site, as its absence had contributed to the Welsh surrender.

Visitors can still see the layout clearly, including the solid base of the gatehouse and worn steps carved into the bedrock. Some graffiti from the post-medieval period is visible on the wall remnants.

Did You Know?
Dolforwyn is one of the few surviving castles built entirely by the native Welsh during the medieval period, rather than by the Normans or English.

Images

Legends and Stories

The castle is linked with the legendary Welsh princess Marared (or Mari), daughter of a local chieftain. According to a tale recorded by local antiquarians, she fell in love with a man from an enemy tribe. Her father imprisoned her at Dolforwyn to prevent the union. She is said to have leapt from the castle walls in despair. Some visitors have reported sensing her presence near the old towers, though no official paranormal investigations have taken place.

Other stories mention sightings of ghostly figures along the ridge path, especially at dusk. These accounts appear in local walking forums and oral history trails, but there is no formal documentation.

One story, shared on a local TripAdvisor review, claimed a visitor’s dog refused to walk past the main gate, growling at something unseen. While anecdotal, such tales contribute to the site’s character.

Visiting

The castle is managed by Cadw, the historic environment service of the Welsh Government. Entry is free. The site is open throughout the year, but there are no staffed facilities on site.

Opening Times

  • Open access year-round

  • No gates or controlled hours, but daylight visits are advised for safety

Directions

  • Address: Near Abermule, Powys, Wales, SY15 6JJ

  • Access: From the A483 near Abermule, follow brown signs to the car park below the castle. A steep footpath leads uphill for about 15 minutes.

Ticket Prices

  • Free entry (no ticket needed)

Facilities

  • No toilets, café, or visitor centre

  • Nearest facilities are in Abermule (2 miles) or Montgomery (5 miles)

Dog Policy

  • Dogs are allowed if kept on leads

  • The site is open countryside with livestock nearby at times

Nearby Attractions

If you're visiting, there are several other historic and natural sites nearby:

Montgomery Castle

A Norman castle built after the fall of Dolforwyn, offering views over the borderlands.

Offa’s Dyke Path

A long-distance walking trail following the historic earthwork. Scenic sections pass near Montgomery.

Glansevern Hall Gardens

Formal gardens and lakeside paths on a 25-acre estate near the River Severn.

Powis Castle and Garden (National Trust)

A well-preserved castle with formal gardens, museum collections, and a deer park.

Visitor Tips

  • Wear walking shoes, The footpath to the castle is steep and can be slippery after rain

  • Dogs allowed on leads, Grazing sheep are often nearby

  • No mobile signal on site, Download maps or directions beforehand

  • Bring your own information, No interpretation boards at the ruins

  • No facilities, No toilets or refreshments available at the castle

  • Best visited in dry weather, Ground is uneven and fully exposed

FAQs

  • The walk from the car park to the castle takes about 15–20 minutes. The path is steep and uneven in places.

  • Yes, but children should be supervised. There are steep drops and no safety railings at the site.

  • The site is not wheelchair accessible due to the steep, unpaved path and uneven terrain.

  • There are no information panels or displays. It is recommended to read about the site beforehand or use a guidebook.

  • Cadw does not permit recreational drone flying at its unstaffed monuments. You must apply for permission if filming.

Wrapping it Up

This castle is a rare example of native Welsh military architecture. Built by Llywelyn ap Gruffudd to assert control over the Severn Valley, it was quickly lost to the English in 1277. Despite its short military use, the site offers valuable insight into the power struggles of medieval Wales.

Today, visitors can explore the remains freely and enjoy views across the borderlands. Though unstaffed and without facilities, the site remains an important heritage location under Cadw protection.

Sources

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carrianne Lloyd-Ralph
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