Top 6 Castles around Craswall

Beyond the well-known castles, the area is home to the fascinating ruins of Craswall Priory. This remote site, founded around 1225, was one of England's only Grandmontine priories and is the highest above sea level. Its fragmentary remains offer a unique glimpse into monastic history and an austere way of life. You can find more information about its historical significance on Atlas Obscura.

Yes, Castell Dinas Hillfort and Castle Ruins is an excellent choice. Standing at 450m, it's the highest castle in England and Wales and offers expansive views of the surrounding landscape. Similarly, Hay Castle also provides good views from its highest points.

Both Hay-on-Wye and Hay Castle are considered family-friendly. Hay-on-Wye offers a charming town atmosphere with its bookshops, while Hay Castle provides historical exploration and often hosts arts and literature events. The ruins of Castell Dinas Hillfort and Castle Ruins can also be an adventurous family visit, especially for those who enjoy hiking.

The region around Craswall is excellent for outdoor enthusiasts. You can find numerous hiking, mountain biking, and cycling routes. For hiking, consider trails like 'The Cat's Back & Black Hill loop' or 'Hay Bluff & The Cat's Back loop'. Mountain bikers might enjoy the 'Hay-On-Wye, The Begwns and River Wye loop'. Cyclists have options such as the 'Llanthony Priory Ruins – Gospel Pass loop'. Explore more routes in the hiking guide, MTB guide, and cycling guide for Craswall.

While not a castle, Craswall Priory is a truly unique and remote historical site, offering a peaceful and atmospheric experience away from larger crowds. Its secluded location and significant history as the highest and one of only three Grandmontine priories in England make it a hidden gem. For castle ruins, Snodhill Castle Ruins provides a romantic and picturesque setting, often less frequented than more prominent sites.

The spring and summer months (April to September) generally offer the most pleasant weather for exploring the outdoor ruins and enjoying the scenic walks around the castles. However, the remote and high-altitude locations, such as Castell Dinas and Craswall Priory, can be atmospheric in autumn and even winter, provided you are prepared for colder, potentially wet, and windy conditions. Always check local weather forecasts before your visit.

Many of the outdoor areas and walking trails around Craswall's castles are dog-friendly, especially those in natural settings like the path to Castell Dinas Hillfort and Castle Ruins. For specific sites like Hay Castle, it's advisable to check their current dog policy, as rules can vary for indoor areas or specific events. Always keep dogs on a lead, especially near livestock, and clean up after them.

While many routes in this hilly region can be challenging, you can find easier walks around the towns like Hay-on-Wye, which offers gentle strolls through its charming streets and along the river. Access to some castle ruins, like Longtown Keep, might involve uneven terrain, so check specific site conditions if accessibility is a concern. Craswall Priory involves a walk over fields to reach the ruins.

The town of Hay-on-Wye, home to Hay Castle, is well-equipped with cafes, pubs, and restaurants. Hay Castle itself has a nice cafe. For other more remote sites like Castell Dinas or Craswall Priory, you'll need to plan ahead as amenities are not directly on site. The nearest villages or towns will offer options.

For individual sites like Castell Dinas Hillfort and Castle Ruins or Craswall Priory, allow 1-2 hours, including the walk to and from the ruins. A visit to Hay Castle and exploring the town of Hay-on-Wye could easily fill half a day or more, especially if you enjoy browsing the bookshops. If you plan to visit multiple sites or combine with a longer hike, a full day or even a weekend would be ideal.

The castles around Craswall are notable for their remote, high-altitude settings and their strategic importance on the England-Wales border. Castell Dinas, for instance, is the highest castle in England and Wales, combining an Iron Age hillfort with a Norman castle. The region also features unique historical sites like Craswall Priory, one of England's most remote and highest monasteries, offering a distinct blend of natural beauty and ancient history.