Unlike other local hillforts, Moel y Gaer Llanbedr (SJ149617) is not located on the central ridge of the Clwydian Range but on a westerly spur which overlooks the Vale of Clwyd.

The ramparts enclose an area similar to that of Moel Arthur at 3 hectares. It consists of a main enclosure with an annex attached.

To the south the ramparts are slight but to the north and north east, where a low saddle of land links the spur to the main ridge of the Clwydian Hills, they are larger and include a complex entranceway.

A further entrance cuts through the ramparts on the western side, although it is hard to believe that this entrance was used due to the steepness of the slope.

Just as at Moel Arthur and Moel Fenlli, Moel y Gaer Llanbedr underwent some excavation during 1849 by W Wynne Ffoulkes. According to published plans[i] two trenches were excavated just inside and south of the main entranceway. It is difficult to interpret what was found although reference is made to a paved roadway into the fort. It would appear that the only artefact located was a sherd of pottery described as Roman pottery, well fabricated and of deep red colour'. Wynne Ffoulkes does refer to discovering extensive burning in the inner rampart close to the gate.

In the 1920s Ellis Davies summarises the description of the site[ii] and notes that there are no traces of habitations of any kind although Forde Johnston suggests in his description from the mid 1960s that one possible hut platform is visible[iii]. He suggests two possible construction phases. The first sees the construction of an inner bank, ditch and counterscarp bank and the second by the outer ditch and counterscarp bank on the north east side.

It has also been suggested by Willoughby Gardner that there may be chevaux de frise within the second ditch, although this has not been looked at.

A topographical survey was carried out in 2007 by EAS. Whilst carrying out the survey they noted that the ditches that provide the material for the ramparts are located within the inner faces rather
than the more defensive outer faces. They also noted that there are 15 possible hut platforms within the interior. An area of intense burning was also noted at a sheep scrape near the entrance and a piece of burnt material was found which may show evidence of vitrification. A possible phasing of the hillforts construction was made and to find out more please follow the link to the report.

In 2008 EAS and volunteers carried out  survey work . Their results suggested there was an earlier, simpler entrance to the hillfort which was at one point burnt.

[i]Wynne Ffoulkes ibid

[ii]Canon Ellis Davies 1929 Prehistoric and Roman Remains of Denbighshire

[iii]Forde Johnston ibid