AberInfo The Guide to Aberystwyth
Pen Dinas
    |
Just on the southern edge of Aberystwyth, Pen Dinas is a 114 metre high hill once home to an Iron Age hill fort. It's known locally for stunning views both inland and out to sea, and for the distinctive monument perched on top.
As far as the history of the site goes, it is known that a fort was built at the summit back around 400BC - you can read more about this at the Aberystwyth and District Archaeological Society's website.
More recently, Pen Dinas saw the addition of the chimney-like monument on top. According to the plaque mounted on it, this well-known local monument "was built c.1852 in memory of the Duke of Wellington, Victor of Waterloo." Paid for by public subscription, local belief is that it was once planned to be even grander and topped with a statue of a man on horseback too.
A climb up to the top of the hill on a pleasant day is very rewarding - you can see for miles inland along both the Ystwyth and Rheidol river valleys, as well as out to sea. It's also a brilliant picnic spot.
Pen Dinas and neighbouring Tanybwlch Beach has also been a local nature reserve since 1999.
Routes to the Top
A: Head out over the bridge by Rummers and into Trefechan. After the fire station, turn right into Felin-y-Mor Road. At the far end of this road, past all the new houses, there is a signposted path onto Pen Dinas. Town centre to summit - about 30 minutes. This is the best route to take for all-round views.
B: As above as far as the junction, but instead follow the main road as far as the entrance to Aberystwyth Holiday Village. An alternative path to the summit starts directly opposite. Time from town centre to summit - 25 minutes. This is the muddiest of the paths and is generally more interesting in the downhill direction.
C: If starting from Penparcau, a path from Cae Job will take you to the summit in 15 minutes.
This page updated 26-Jan-2008