With a new dig about to begin on Pen Dinas, a local archaeologist has released a new edition of his book showcasing prehistoric and Roman Wales.

The Hillforts of Cardigan Bay, by Bontgoch archaeologist Dr Toby Driver, offers a fresh perspective on the great prehistoric hillforts of Ceredigion and the Cardigan Bay region. The book is aimed at general readers, hill walkers, tourists and budding archaeologists who want to explore the remarkable archaeology of west Wales. The new edition is revised and updated from the original 2016 book with a new cover, more than 20 new images and an updated text including the latest discoveries from the region. It also includes sites to visit.

The book explores the archaeology and history of the region, taking readers through the stone and bronze ages, the rise of the great Celtic hillforts of the Iron Age, and also looks at the impact of the Roman conquest of west Wales, with 192 pages richly illustrated throughout with aerial and ground photographs, drone views and vivid reconstruction drawings.

Dr Driver said: “The Cardigan Bay region has some of the best Iron Age hillforts in western Britain and has produced some nationally important archaeological finds which are still relatively unknown.

“This book is an ideal companion to anyone wanting to discover more about the region’s fascinating prehistoric and Roman archaeology, including how to visit the region’s ‘top ten’ hillforts.”

The book explores famous finds including a bronze shield from Blaenplwyf, mysterious Celtic divination spoons from Castell Nadolig, the 2018 Pembrokeshire chariot burial discovery and even the Roman villa at Abermagwr.

Pen Dinas, Aberystwyth, features on the front cover and is the focus of new excavations by the Dyfed Archaeological Trust in September 2021.

An appeal for volunteers to help with the archaeological dig of Pen Dinas was launched last week. No major archaeological digs have taken place on the hill since the 1930s, but the Dyfed Archaeological Trust announced that a dig will take place between 13 September and 1 October. While volunteer positions are now full, members of the public are welcome to visit for tours, from 10am to 4pm every day during the dig. Dr Toby Driver is an aerial archaeologist with the Royal Commission, and has written and lectured widely about Welsh archaeology and hillforts. He was recently seen on the new series of BBC2’s Great British Railway Journeys discussing Pen Dinas hillfort, Aberystwyth, with Michael Portillo.