Crug Hywel

Crug Hywel is an Iron Age Celtic hillfort near Crickhowell in south-east Wales. Its earth and stone ramparts still stand clearly above the surrounding farmland. Two public footpaths lead across fields from Crickhowell and Llanbedr to the fort. The Beacons Way long-distance trail passes close by on its way through the Black Mountains. The hillfort sits within open country where the public may walk freely. The flat-topped summit is also called Table Mountain and rises to 451 metres above sea level. It overlooks the town of Crickhowell, whose name comes from the Welsh for Crug Hywel. The hill is formed from Old Red Sandstone laid down in the Devonian period. Nearby rocks dip more steeply to the south, showing a clear example of a translational slide. The Welsh name Mynydd y Begwn is sometimes used for the same summit. Visitors reach the hillfort along grassy tracks across working farms. The ramparts enclose a broad, level space with wide views over the Usk valley and the Brecon Beacons. On clear days the Black Mountains stretch away to the north. The contrast between the ancient earthworks and the modern farmland below makes the site striking. From the top the town of Crickhowell lies directly to the south.