The Modern Antiquarian. Stone Circles, Ancient Sites, Neolithic Monuments, Ancient Monuments, Prehistoric Sites, Megalithic MysteriesThe Modern Antiquarian

Gwern Wyddog

Standing Stone / Menhir

Fieldnotes

Visited 13.1.13

Directions:
Follow the directions given for Cwm Henwen Standing Stone
From the parking area take the overgrown steps up the grass bank opposite and head towards the equally overgrown picnic table to the right. Hop over the barbed wire fence, through the open field gate to the right and over the next barbed wire fence.
The stone becomes visible when you reach the brow of the hill.


Dafydd and Sophie decided they wanted to join me on this little adventure (Karen was happy to sit in the car overlooking the reservoir and read her book in peace and quiet!)

Dafydd wanted to take ‘the lead’ and headed up to the overgrown picnic area. Sophie let it be known that she had no intention of walking and so I carried her in Dafydd’s wake.
When we reached the barbed wire fences I carefully lifted the children over before hopping over myself. Sheep scattered as we walked up through the fields.

‘Are we allowed in this field Dad?’ enquired Dafydd
‘Erm..... not exactly’ I honestly replied!
Sophie was more intent on watching the fleeing sheep to be bothered about trespass laws!

The stone itself is a whopper and well worth the effort of a visit.
It is a dark red/purple colour – the same type of stone as Maen Llia (probably my favourite standing stone) and the nearby Cwm Henwen standing stone.
The stone is almost pyramid in shape and the top half of it is covered in a thick matting of moss – almost as if protecting the stone from the worst of the Brecon Beacons weather.
Several large grooves run down the side of the stone – adding even more character.
Two largish stones lay flat on the ground at its base – packing stones?

There are several large field clearance stones you pass propped up against the fence when walking up to this fine standing stone.

Before long we all waved goodbye to the stone and headed back to the car.

Certainly a site to recommend.
Posted by CARL
14th January 2013ce

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