Castell Grogwynion is the site of a Celtic (Iron-Age) hill fort. At 289m (945') it is perched 600' above the Ystwyth river, between Pontrhydygroes and Llanafan. The earth ramparts which surrounded the settlement are generally not now very obvious on the ground.
The view west, down the valley, shows perfectly how the Ystwyth river got its name - "ystwyth" is Welsh for "winding". The flat valley bottom either side of the meandering river is prone to flooding, and this creates a unique wildlife habitat, now protected in Growynion nature reserve. The grey area next to the river is waste rock left from the lead mining days of the nineteeth century, when there was much mining activity here. Blaen-y-ddôl - home of Hillscape Walking Holidays - is right below the bend in the river beyond the mine. Further to the left, the distant Cambrian Mountains come into view, and above a couple of crags you can see the houses of Ysbyty Ystwyth. The flanks of the Castell are clad with attractive sessile oakwood, through which runs a scenic footpath (not a public right of way).
Castell Grogwynion and the oakwoods below it are private land. Permission must be obtained from the landowner before visiting
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