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June 16, 2026
Vejstrup Rundhøj is a stone age burial monument located in the Svendborg Municipality. This monument, consisting of a dolmen within a mound, is situated in the middle of a field and is accessible via tractor tracks through the crops.
The monument dates back to the stone age (3950–2800 BC) and has been legally protected since 1937. Its physical dimensions are approximately 9 by 4 meters. The site currently features:
Two side stones remaining in their original positions.
Remnants of what were likely large capstones that have since been blasted or broken.
An eastern stone featuring 9–10 cup marks (skåltegn), indicating its original function as a capstone.
The site has a long recorded history of surveys and disturbances:
1875/1878: Early private viewings and reports of damage/vandalism were recorded.
1917: A museum survey noted the site as a “stone grave” located on the highest point of the field.
1965 Restoration: The landowner admitted to performing an incorrect restoration by using a truck with a hydraulic crane to lift a large stone onto the mound.
Despite being poorly restored and in a rudimentary condition, the monument is described as a beautiful sight, particularly when viewed from the northeast. Surveys as recently as 2017 confirm the monument remains in the state described in previous records.
Local Folklore and Legends
The historical documentation includes fascinating folk tales associated with the mound. One legend tells of a “little yellow boy,” the size of a two-year-old, who was seen spinning around on top of the dolmen, which frightened local farmhands.
Another legend concerns a buried treasure—specifically a kettle filled with money. Local people attempted to dig for this treasure, but every time they spoke of the money, the kettle would sink deeper into the ground. They eventually stopped digging when the stones began to collapse and darkness fell.
June 15, 2026
A linocut (2026) based on a photo from a 2010 visit.
Image credit: David FLETCHER
June 12, 2026
Rather exciting news, to be fair. According to the BBC:
“Painted rock art discovered in a Welsh cave has been confirmed to be the oldest in Britain. The series of 10 red horizontal stripes was first found on the wall of a side chamber of Bacon Hole cave in Gower, Swansea, in 1912, before being dismissed years later as a natural phenomenon. But archaeologists have now used scientific advances to date the rock art to at least 17,100 years ago – also making it the oldest in north-western Europe.”
More here: bbc.co.uk/news/articles/c232dmk0xxdo
Looking approx north to Mynydd Rhiw and its wondrous cairns... presumably the drystone wall ‘filling in the gap’ is on the line of the original defensive barrier?
Image credit: Robert Gladstone
Looking to the approx southwest. Very, very windy....
Image credit: Robert Gladstone
To the northeast. Porth Neigwl – aka ‘Hell’s Mouth’ – can be seen beyond.
Image credit: Robert Gladstone
Finally scheduling a visit from my usual North Walian base (near Capel Garmon, so quite a drive), this hillfort – I hesitate to use Coflein’s ‘defended enclosure’ designation – certainly did not disappoint: excellent views, excellent surviving archaeology, excellent vibe... hey, just excellent all ‘round, to be fair. Coflein notes:
“This impressive site is situated around the large outcrop of Creigiau Gwinau, a feature that is in fact used as part of the fort’s defences. The outcrop forms a large spine of rock running along a north east – south west axis to the south east of which lies a relatively level area of land measuring about 150 x 50m at its largest extent. To the south and east of this platform the land drops away steeply and it is at this break of slope that a fairly substantial stony bank has been built describing an arc between two ends of the spine,. The bank incorporates substantial outcrops and grounders along its length, particularly to the north east, and also includes stretches of dry stone walling. The original entrance to this fortified area probably lay in an 8m wide gap in the escarpment to the west across which a relatively modern all now stretches. A low dry stone wall divides the interior of the fort into two fairly equal halves although whether this is an original feature or a later addition is unclear....” John Latham RCAHMW 31 July 2018 [Source: National Trust Report: Sean Taylor. 2000. Plas yn Rhiw – The National Trust Archaeological Survey.]
I parked beside the old chapel and accessed the site via the coastal path to the north.
The western flank has a very ‘Cornish’ vibe to it...
Image credit: Robert Gladstone
Pen and ink sketch following a visit to Beddyrafanc in May 2026.
Image credit: Dave
June 11, 2026
Sited adjacent to Pant Clyd Farm – a little distance from the busy A494 linking Y Bala and Dolgellau beneath the western flanks of the mighty Aranau – is a pretty substantial Bronze Age round cairn, measuring almost 50 feet in diameter.
OK, compared to other such monuments visited by The Citizen Cairn over the years, the intrusive traffic noise does have a somewhat negative impact upon the vibe here.... or maybe that’s just me? Nevertheless, access is straightforward (there is roadside parking and a recognised path accesses the monument within its field) and, furthermore, the very same Sarn Helen encountered at Fforest Fawr is immediately east. Combine a stop here with an extended sojourn at nearby Moel Caws and this is a classic ‘bonus site’, if ever I did encounter one.
June 10, 2026
Banffshire Advertiser – Thursday 03 November 1887
DRUID CIRCLES.—On the Hill of Durn there are two Druidical circles in a very good state of preservation. Those who have never seen this ancient place of law and worship might do worse than spend a holiday in the vicinity of the old and secluded village of Fordyce, where many a good scholar has had the rudiments of his future usefulness instilled into him. Taking our course by the road leading out at the eastern end of the village and keeping to the right and leaving the road at the stance of Hallow Fair, we find a water track road which leads over the south shoulder of Durn to the farm of Hillside. On the opposite side of the hill, about 300 yards due north, we come upon one of the circles; and by going 500 yards to the east we come upon the second. The circles are on the bare moor, which is of a very sterile character. Nothing in the shape of vegetation is to be seen except heather. A splendid view is to be got from the circles, and one could not help thinking that it would have been exceedingly difficult for a party to have surprised the worshippers without ample notice being given of their approach.
Image credit: stolinskie
