Castell Aberlleiniog (Aberlleiniog Castle)
Restored 11th-century Norman castle mound in woodland near Llangoed, with later stone corner towers, reached on paths through a small nature reserve.
Castell Aberlleiniog is a Norman motte and bailey castle, traditionally dated to 1088–90 and linked to Hugh, Earl of Chester. In 1094 the Welsh leader Gruffudd ap Cynan besieged and took it. On top of the mound are the remains of a later stone fort with round corner towers, linked to Thomas Cheadle, Constable of Beaumaris, in the mid-17th century.
The castle was stabilised and its towers rebuilt in a restoration completed in 2008. It now sits at the heart of the Aberlleiniog and Llangoed nature reserve, with paths and boardwalks through old and newly planted woodland and damp meadow.
Good to know
There is no parking at the castle. Park in Llangoed village car park or the Lleiniog beach car park, both free, then walk about 200m to the reserve entrance. It is a scheduled ancient monument.