One of the very first ancient sites I came across many moons ago....... and certainly one of the most extreme, crowning the ridge between 3,425ft Carnedd Dafydd - itself, as the name suggests, bearing a burial cairn or two - and 3,211ft Pen Yr Ole Wen. Clearly these majestic mountains held great ritual significance back then, the abode of the gods even?
The word 'Carnedd/Garnedd' refers to 'cairn' in Welsh, but only in such a landscape could this example be referred to as 'small'.
Although much denuded and turned into a windbreak by people who really should know better - but clearly don't - this is a truly awesome spot, particularly for those who know its significance.
I doubt even the most hardened stone-head will make a special trip - be warned, The Carneddau are serious mountains - but if you happen to pass by (as you do)......... bonus site!! Right on!
As is usual practice upon Britain's more popular high places, the great Garnedd Fach cairn has been subject to much vandalism - for that is what it is, after all - inflicted upon it by passing climbers. Nevertheless it is a truly awesome location...Coflein has this to say:
'Burial cairn, probably Bronze Age, on the ridge above Cwm Lloer. Stone built circular cairn, measuring c. 20m in diameter and up to 3.5m in height. It has been disturbed in the past, with several drystone shelters constructed and a modern walker's cairn crowning the summit.'
In my opinion Garnedd Fach is most 'easily' (Ha!) reached via Cwm Lloer, following the outlflow of Ffynnon Lloer from the A5 near Tal Y Llyn Ogwen. From here the SE ridge of Pen yr Ole Wen provides the most natural line of ascent. Hell, if it looks too much when lake side .... a trip to the cwm is more than enough [it really is] since, surely, this great hidden valley, with its life giving water source, was the primary focus of the burial cairn sited above? Whether you go the whole distance or not, make sure you are properly equipped since The Carneddau takes no prisoners.
Log in |
Register
0 discussions
Show map (inline Google Map)
Add an image 
Posted by GLADMAN
Top of page