These 5 stones all lie on the ridge which leads from Cwm Pennant up to Pen-y-Garnedd at SJ 0410 3092 where there is a round barrow (cairn). All are listed by the Clwyd Powys Archaeological Trust as being from the bronze age. It seems likely that they marked the route up to Pen-y-Garnedd which would also be a good route to get over to the stone circle and row at Rhos y Beddau in the Disgynfa valley.
Some of the stones are pretty small but they are all quite slim and have been set upright in the earth. I can't see any logic to the directions in which they have been set. The ground is grassy with almost no other exposed stones visible.
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Posted by Idwal
2nd October 2006ce
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This stone looks like a beached whale. It is clearly visible in the middle of the field on gently sloping ground in a slight hollow. GPS reading SJ 0332 3329. 1m high, 1.5m wide, 0.65m deep with long axis 80-260 degrees
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Posted by Idwal
2nd October 2006ce
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Yr Aran Standing Stone I - leaning over in a hollow on sloping ground. GPS reading SJ 0355 3314. 45cm wide, 15cm deep, at least 60cm long but leaning over so that the tip is only 35cm above the ground. The long axis runs 120-300 degrees
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Posted by Idwal
2nd October 2006ce
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Yr Aran Marker Stone II
In a hollow to the west side of the ridge on sloping ground. GPS reading SJ 0357 3312. 55cm high, 50cm wide, 13cm deep with long axis running N-S
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Posted by Idwal
2nd October 2006ce
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Yr Aran Marker Stone I
A tiny stone on the east side of the ridge, well clear of the bracken. GPS reading SJ 0372 3278. 40cm wide, 12 cm deep, at least 40cm tall of which 20cm is visible. The long axis runs 120-300 degrees.
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Posted by Idwal
2nd October 2006ce
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I parked the car where the map said the barrow was, but couldn't immediately find it. Is it behind this small hill? No, it is this small hill. Covered in trees and bushes, almost everyone driving past will miss it. The stone is maybe 5-6 ft tall. The small road cuts through the mound, but there isn't much traffic, so peace, if sought, can be found. Not easily photographed, but delightful to find. Give the stone a hug its been through a lot.
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Posted by postman
24th July 2006ce
Edited 15th October 2006ce |
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Another hero of mine Aubrey Burl said this circle might be spurious (had to look that one up) but the presence of a prehistoric trackway and the barrow argue for its authenticity. The first time I came here I chickened out of a visit because the landowners were about. I don't like asking for permission to see our own heritage. The second time I was luckier. No-one was about so I drove between the gatehouses and parked by the gate near the stones. Another quick Ninja scurry and there we have it. Further up the drive towards the mansion is a large loaf like menhir.
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Posted by postman
17th July 2006ce
Edited 20th July 2006ce |
I don't think we could have picked a better day for our first visit to this beautiful place. Late February brought snowfall that was in places knee-deep and when we reached the circle itself was drifted right up Eastern-most stones. I've attached a wraparound photo of the snow-covered hill.
The walk up was not too challenging, there is a handy parking area where the road splits in two, quite low down the hill. Best to park here and enjoy the walk up the road through the (open already) gate that's on the right fork, and enjoy all the wildlife scurrying about, from rabbits to birds of prey. When the road ends there's another gate, then head up the nearest highest hill (high up,on your left), the circle comes into tantalizing view just before you reach it.
The cold weather and time of day meant we had the place to ourselves, sharing it only with the sheep, biting wind and dramatic views in between the storm clouds.
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Posted by whipangel
7th March 2005ce
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This circle of recumbent stones is quite lovely, and lies right next to a smart farmhouse (how is it these Welsh folk get to have such antiquities in their gardens?! See Fairy Oak Round Barrow). Some of the stones have been robbed, but nonetheless, an idea of the commanding nature of the place remains. Fab mountain views are to be had on all sides. Pretty.This post appears as part of the blog post " Berwyn Beauties" |
Posted by treaclechops
9th February 2005ce
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A large mound, with two uprights like snaggly teeth, sits in a field on the Dee floodplain. This must have been very impressive in its hey-day, but sadly has been robbed for stonework. Still lovely, though, especially under a winter sunset, while a thrush sings through the dusk.This post appears as part of the blog post " Berwyn Beauties" |
Posted by treaclechops
9th February 2005ce
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