This steep sided oval motte is constructed of earth and stone and is approximately 26 metres by 40 metres long at its base. The level top is 10 metres by 26 metres and varies in height from 1.3 metres at its damaged west end to 3 metres at the east, although the fall of the land adds to the effect. A ditch surrounded the mound but is now very difficult to see having become infilled over the years.

The castle was built in a commanding position at the top of the steep southern side of the Ceiriog valley. On the opposite side of the valley is Chirk motte (Castell y Waun) and the castles may have been opposing Welsh and Norman strongholds on each side of the deep Ceiriog valley. Alternatively they were perhaps sited to collectively control the movement of people crossing the Welsh border, which lies between them, and regulate those passing westwards along the river bank towards the Berwyn Mountains.

The motte is in the private grounds of Oaklands Hall near the village of Weston Rhyn and can be visited with the permission of the owners.

The view across the top of the motte

The steeper easstern end of the motte with the slight remains of a defensive ditch in the foreground

A conjectural sketch of the castle as it may have appeared in the 12th century