Twr Pen-cyrn cairns Cairn(s) View all content for Twr Pen-cyrn cairns

Visited 9.7.13 Following a satisfying and rewarding day volunteer work with the Woodland Trust in the beautiful Sirhowy Valley, I had time for a bit more ‘old stoning’ before having to drive home. The sun was still high and the weather still hot so I wanted to make the most of it, particularly as I didn’t have the children with me. After navigating the maze of narrow country lanes (with very few passing places) I eventually arrived at the car park. It was no surprise to find I was the only one there. I managed to park beneath the shade of a tree and after grabbing my map, compass, hat and water bottle I headed up the green track as described by Mr G. At first the walk is a gentle stroll but as soon as you arrive at the derelict former quarry buildings it rapidly becomes a steep scramble up between the rocky crags. I was fairly huffing and puffing by the time I reached the top and was glad to see that the ground became flat again as I headed along the ‘path’ towards the higher ground. As soon as you get near the summit the two Cairns come into view and what a fine sight they are. Both are substantial, if hollowed out, and it was with relief I plonked myself down upon the top of the southern one and enjoyed a refreshing drink of water. Now, usually, I would be sheltering out of the wind and cold but not today. It was a pleasure to sit on top of the stones, take in the surroundings and contemplate the meaning of life. All was quiet except for the shrill of several small birds hopping in and out of the heather. Next to the two large Cairns (and the smaller one with the Trig on top of it) was another small stone cairn. I am surprised this has not been mentioned before as it is so close. Perhaps this is a modern cairn although COFLEIN does state that there are many Cairns on Mynydd Llangatwg. Despite being a fair hike from the car park (about 45 minutes) it certainly is worth the effort – particularly on a day like today.

Posted by CARL 11th July 2013ce

Comments (3)
It's a great site isn't it? I came from the south, a longer route but more of a gradual climb. By the way, there are four cairns that I could see - two big, one with a trig and this one: http://www.themodernantiquarian.com/post/93115/twr_pencyrn_cairns.html Is that the other one you mean? Plus there's the alleged "stone circle".	Posted by thesweetcheat 11th July 2013ce
'the beautiful Sirhowy Valley'.... wasn't always that way, was it? One for locals to debate, that. Whether it's a good or bad thing? Good to hear you sitting ON the cairns, Carl. What's the Welsh for Citizen Cairn'd?	Posted by GLADMAN 11th July 2013ce
TSC - yep, that's the one. (nice to know after all these years I am able to spot a Cairn - even if it is quite obvious!) Mr G - Carl the Cairn?	Posted by CARL 12th July 2013ce
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