Dinefwr Castle

A narrow spiral staircase leads to a high tower, which gives extensive views of the deer park to the north and the Towy valley to the south and west.

The castle keep is entered via the cellar at its base, but access to the circular walkway at the top can only be made via the battlement walk.

Dinefwr later became the chief seat of Rhodri's grandson Hywel Dda, first ruler of Deheubarth and later king of most of Wales.

Giraldus Cambrensis tells a story about a plan by King Henry II of England to assault the castle during a campaign against Rhys.

One of Henry's most trusted followers was sent on reconnaissance, guided by a local Welsh cleric, who was asked to lead him to the castle by the easiest route, but instead took the most difficult route he could find, ending the performance by stopping to eat grass with the explanation that this was the diet of the local people in times of hardship.

Llywelyn the Great of Gwynedd was now extending his influence to this area, and Rhys, finding himself unable to resist, dismantled the castle.

There is a small free car park near the castle for disabled badge holders, but it can only be reached by a rough track through a field.

Permission can be gained at the National Trust office to drive over the field up to the castle, weather and conditions permitting.