Caerau II

Walk up a fairly steep hillside near Ruthin and you'll find the remains of a medieval motte-and-bailey castle, though 'remains' is the generous word for it. Caerau II is essentially an earthwork - a raised mound with ditches around it - which honestly requires a bit of imagination to properly visualise as a 12th-century stronghold. That said, the effort to get up there pays off with decent views across Denbighshire, and if you're into Welsh medieval history, standing on the mound does make the story feel real enough.

It's the sort of place that appeals most to archaeology buffs or walkers tackling the Clwydian Range foothills rather than casual tourists expecting ruins to photograph. The site itself is free and unrestricted, though there's no visitor facility or interpretation board to speak of - you'll want to do some reading beforehand if you want to understand what you're looking at. Allow 30 minutes to an hour if you're combining it with a walk in the area.

Geographically, Ruthin makes a convenient base, and if you're staying at Clwydian Glamping Pods and Campsite just down the road, Caerau II works as a morning ramble. It's not a destination in itself, but it's the right kind of offbeat stop for anyone interested in Welsh medieval castles or wanting to stretch their legs between bigger attractions. Go with realistic expectations and you won't be disappointed.