The Great Orme (appears to) rise above the hill fort Dinas Allt-Wen... with optical assistance from Tal-y-Fan.
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October 3, 2024
The strategic significance of the great hill fort's location, looming above Dyffryn Conwy, is obvious – viewed from Tal-y-Fan.
October 2, 2024
Optically-assisted close-up of the brutal south face of the 'hill fort'. The main summit of Y Berwyn rise beyond, Cadair Berwyn prominent.
Craig Rhiwarth and Y Berwyn are resplendent looking across Bwlch y Main from Carnedd Das Eithin to the south.
Foel Offrwn (centre) and Foel Faner (to right): two hillforts standing before the great escarpment of Cadair Idris. Yet more loom beyond overlooking the Afon Mawddach. Viewpoint is near Moel Cors-y-garnedd, above Bwlch Goriwared.
The great round barrow/cairn(?) at the summit. Yeah, pretty obvious when you consider it... The wondrous Pumlumon peeps above the shoulder of Foel Fadian (which, as well as possessing a fairly substantial barrow of its own, hosts a viewpoint dedicated to the late, great Welsh raconteur Wynford Vaughan-Thomas. Can't say fairer than that)
Gazing towards Southern Snowdonia – Cadair Idris is seen left skyline – from what is clearly a substantial summit barrow/cairn.
This is what can be seen at the spot depicted upon the map, looking across Bwlch Coch to the excellent Pumlumon outlier Foel Fadian. To be fair, there did appear some manner of circular feature here... and this would be a typically 'Bronze Age' location, set below and to the south(ish) of the summit. However, there is no doubt in my mind about the mound at the summit.
The monument can be clearly seen surmounting the 1,539ft summit of Moelfre upon concluding the sharp ascent from Bwlch Glynmynydd to the (approx north-east). Note that this is NOT where it is depicted upon current OS mapping..
The view to the South was previously barred by the forestry plantation. Good news, it's been cut back! This was done in January 2024, returned in August, no more was cut back, but it looks like they're not finished yet.
That hill in the near distance is Twyn Du, there are ancient settlement remains on there, worth a look : )
Main photo taken in 2022. Inset sign on side of bench from 2005.
Photo taken in 2019. No remains can be seen at the location.
October 1, 2024
Wondrous monument, wondrous location, and thus wondrous vibe...
Looking across the 'hollow' resulting from the c19th Century 'excavation' towards the site of the none too distant Afon y Dolau Gwynion chambered cairn, itself only rediscovered in 1993! According to CPAT: "...The c.1800 excavations produced "a piece of brass kettle" (possibly a small pot or cauldron) and some coins. Pieces of armour are reputed to have been found near the same place..."