Foel Fenlli

Foel Fenlli is a hill in Denbighshire, North Wales, standing at 511 metres. It is the second highest peak in the Clwydian Range. The Offa’s Dyke Path runs along its western slopes. A car park at Bwlch Penbarras marks the start of a popular route up the hill. To the north lies Moel Famau, another well-known ascent. The hilltop holds the remains of a hillfort covering about 25 acres. The hillfort dates back before the Roman conquest of Wales. Excavations since the early 1800s have uncovered Roman pottery and coins, suggesting occupation from about A.D. 100 to 400. In 1816, nearly 1,500 Roman coins were found, mostly from the mid-4th century. A gold coin from Nero’s reign was discovered nearby in 1823. Local legend names a king called Benlli, said to have lived there around 450. The fort’s strong ramparts surround the summit, with an entrance on the west side. Within the enclosure are about two dozen hut platforms. A spring lies near the centre of the site. The views from the top stretch across the Clwydian Range and beyond. The remains show how the fort was organised centuries ago.