Allt y Ferin

Allt y Ferin is an Iron Age hillfort in Carmarthenshire, Wales. It stands on a ridge above the village of Llanegwad, surrounded by farmland and woodland. The site carries the Cadw reference number CM157, one of about 300 hillforts on Cadw’s list of ancient monuments. Archaeologists estimate that around 570 such forts once existed across Wales. Most were built on hills to give defenders a military advantage over attackers. The fort dates from the Iron Age, roughly between 200 BC and AD 43. Like many others, it served as a refuge for homes and military camps before the Roman conquest. Some forts were reused and strengthened during the Roman period, such as Dinorben in north Wales. The largest hillfort in north-west Europe is Tre’r Ceiri, covering about 2.5 hectares, while the biggest by area is Llanymynech at 57 hectares. Visitors reach the site along farm tracks and a short uphill path. The remains include low earthworks and stone foundations marking the former ramparts. From the ridge there are wide views over the Tywi valley and the surrounding countryside. The site is quiet, with few visitors, and the landscape still shows how the hilltop once provided a strong defensive position.