This is an A1 fibreboard cut out to match the Llia valley geometry. As can be seen its a very good match for this stone.
Image credit: cerrig
Images
Side view showing the 3D aspect.
Image credit: cerrig
This stone can be found not far from Maen Llia. It is a 3 dimensional representation of the same triangle that defines the layout of Maen Llia, the Henge and Rhyd Uchaf cairn.
Image credit: cerrig
Summer solstice sunrise, 2012.
Image credit: cerrig
Early April sunrise, when the shadow reaches Datum stone 1 as here. This is also the time of year when the sunset shadow first enters the stream for a drink!
Image credit: cerrig
Early April sunrise shadow. At this time of year the shadows cast by Fan Llia and Maen Llia meet at Datum stone 1, as indicated by this alignment megalithic.co.uk/modules.php?op=modload&name=a312&file=index&do=showpic&pid=209954.
When viewed from this direction fan Llia's shadow crawls down the eastern flank of Fan Nedd at a snails pace (the hill beyond the shadow here) towards Datum 1. When the shadow meets the flatter level of the platform it disappears in seconds, leaving the full shadow of Maen Llia in its wake, as though it had appeared out of thin air.
This is an optical illusion that has to be seen to be believed.
Image credit: cerrig
Field report from "Archaeology in Wales, 1969". Mr W E Griffiths discovered the Henge monument during a field walking trip for the RCAMW. The only other local monuments known before this were Maen Llia and Rhyd Uchaf cairn.
The three of them form a precise isosceles triangle.
Image credit: cerrig
Maps from 1804 and 1885. The road that runs by Maen Llia (Llech Llai on the older map) is absent on the 1804 map. It is almost certainly a toll road built around 1840 or so. There must have been a track there before then to connect the now abandoned Llechllia farm, which has no inroads on the 1804 map.
I suspect this track was originally ancient for a few reasons, but mainly because there are several significant stones on its wide verges.
Image credit: cerrig
The Datum stone triangular set up with the Maen Llia/henge/cairn/working platform isosceles triangle superimposed.
All these are visible on Google Earth but you may need to toggle between the different dates to find them.
Image credit: cerrig
The triangular arrangement of the Datum stones. The right angle formed at Datum 1 by the N/S and E/W lines is true to the cardinals at an accuracy that's less than 2 minutes of a degree. Put another way it's better than I could measure it and better than the accuracy assigned to the Great Pyramid of Gizah.
Image credit: cerrig
Datum 3 looking North.
Image credit: cerrig
Datum 3 looking South.
Image credit: cerrig
Datum 3 looking South West.
Image credit: cerrig
Datum 3 looking East, after I had pulled back the turf around the base and found no signs of packing stones or tooling.
Image credit: cerrig
This is the image that really made me realise that Datum 3 was possibly a genuine part of an example of prehistoric surveying and setting out.
I pulled back the thick moss on Datum 3's North West side and revealed a flattish face that pointed at Datum stone 2. This then linked all 3 Datum stones into 1 coherent plan.
Image credit: cerrig
A curious observation of Datum 3 is that, although datum 3 is much flatter on its top when viewed side on, when viewed along the E/W axis the profile of Datum 3 matches the top of Maen Llia to some degree.
Another example of the artistry I have come to find in these monuments.
Image credit: cerrig
Datum 3 to Datum 1 close up of alignment, looking along the precise East to West line. The right hand base of Datum 3; the Southernmost corner of Maen Llia and the centre line base of Datum 1 lie along this E/W line and they also share the same level.
This could well be surviving evidence of prehistoric surveying and setting out of a baseline.
Image credit: cerrig
A closer view of the alignment to Maen Llia from Datum 3.
Image credit: cerrig
The third and final Datum stone in the Llia valley set up. This is the view looking precisely true West towards Maen Llia and Datum stone 1.
The stone here is in its original overgrown state before I pulled back the turf to see what was underneath.
I believe this may be a natural stone in its natural state, untouched in any way, with no discernible signs of packing or tooling, but used as possibly the original Datum stone that the other stones are aligned with. It's position would seem to be too coincidental to be an accident.
Image credit: cerrig
Datum stone 2 from the East, showing the platform it sits upon.
Image credit: cerrig
Datum stone 2 from the West. It has a smaller hump back profile than Datum stone 1 but it is there. The size (4 feet x 2 feet) and orientation (62 degrees) are also similar. They seem to be a matched pair?
They share a North/ South relationship too, accurate to within 2 minutes of a degree, and they are precisely 504 feet apart.
Image credit: cerrig
The midwinter midday shadow, stretching down the North facing slope.
Image credit: cerrig
In two days' time it will be 10 years since my first visit to this wonderful stone. I think that may be Cerrig's Datum 1 stone in the grass over on the left.
Image credit: A. Brookes (4.4.2010)
Datum stone 2 looking towards Maen Llia and Datum stone 1.
Image credit: cerrig
This is the view from the base of Datum stone 1 towards Maen Llia. As can be seen, the top of Maen Llia coincides with the horizon.
This can easily be verified on site with a small mirror placed against Datum stone 1 pointing towards Maen Llia.
This is another reason to link the positions of these two stones.
Image credit: cerrig
The view from the South showing the different slopes.
Image credit: cerrig
View from the West along the East/West level line between Maen Llia's Southernmost corner and Datum stone 1.
Image credit: cerrig
View from Datum stone 1 looking East. The most Southerly corner of Maen Llia and the diagonal of Datum 1's rectangular shape form a precise E/W alignment.
The base of Datum 1 and the same Southerly corner are also on the same level.
A continuation of this line further East finds Datum stone 3.
Image credit: cerrig
View from the East, showing Maen Llia on its platform. The solstice midday shadow length is a little less than 60 feet long today, when the stone was set up it would have been over 100 feet long.
The stone is shaped and set up like a horizontal sundial so it points to the North celestial pole.
Image credit: cerrig
The winter solstice shadow and its manipulation by the North facing slope of Maen Llia's platform. Neolithic ingenuity.
Image credit: cerrig
Datum 1 stone straddling the boundary between the natural slope of the hill and the artificial platform.
Datum 2 is another stone that's very similar in size shape and orientation to Datum 1, it sits in the background precisely true South of Datum 1, against the fence.
Image credit: cerrig
This is the view from the NW showing the extent of the artificial platform constructed to mount Maen Llia upon.
Datum 1 is a stone that marks the position where the platform meets the natural slope of the hill. There is 90ft between the two stones. The platform has a gradient of about 1 degree.
Image credit: cerrig
Recumbent stone row with at least 6 recumbents, aligned on Maen Llia.
RHYD UCHAF STONE ALIGNMENT
NPRN: 422033
Type: STONE ALIGNMENT
Grid Reference: SN 92450 19120
Local Authority: Powys
Community: Maescar
Details at Coflein
Image credit: cerrig
Image credit: Robert Gladstone
Equinox sunrise March 2019
Image credit: cerrig
The stone couldn't wait for midsummer this year. The Beltane sunset shadow, on its way to the stream.
Image credit: cerrig
The huge monolith – bottom right – appears anything but when seen from Fan Llia. Fan Nedd, Fan Gyhirych and Y Mynydd Du (etc) rise beyond/above.
Image credit: Robert Gladstone
Image credit: A. Brookes (17.11.2017)
Image credit: A. Brookes (17.11.2017)
Image credit: A. Brookes (17.11.2017)
Late autumn, late afternoon.
Image credit: A. Brookes (17.11.2017)
The "working platform" with scale model in the approx. center. Maen Llia on skyline, looking north.
Image credit: cerrig
The monolith pales almost to insignificance against the bulk of Fan Nedd. Almost.... but, crucially, not quite. Viewpoint is slopes of Fan Dringarth.
Image credit: Robert Gladstone
At last the temporary fence surrounding the stone has been removed. Returning the stone to it's rightful setting in the landscape.
Image credit: Matt Botwood
During a busy week for Maen Llia , it's fence has gone , it's Eastern face has been vandalised , and it's guardian , an ancient creature known as the "Pwca", begs forgiveness for taking a day off and allowing the stone to be desecrated ( apparently he went to the match to cheer on Wales , so he's absolved, unlike England, who are stuffed )
Image credit: cerrig
Summer solstice sunset shadow , going down to the stream , for a drink .
Image credit: cerrig
A new fence is currently being constructed around the stone! The grass area has also been reseeded and the hollow at the base of the stone which used to collect a pool, of water has been filled in. Not sure what the long term plans are, but it's not very pretty at the moment :-(
Image credit: Matt Botwood
My favourite image from the eclipse which I forgot to post at the time.
Image credit: Matt Botwood
Cotton grass in flower in June
Image credit: Matt Botwood
Cotton grass in flower in June
Image credit: Matt Botwood
Cotton grass in flower in June
Image credit: Matt Botwood
Even a truly substantial stone such as Maen Llia pales to near insignificance within such a landscape as Fforest Fawr. Viewed from Llethr, the monolith standing approx centre right near the tree. Wouldn't be at all surprised if that was Cerrig's car...
Image credit: Robert Gladstione
The moment of maximum coverage .
Image credit: cerrig
A busy morning at the stone with the eclipse today. I'm looking forward to cerrig's time lapse of the event (it is he who is pictured)
Image credit: Matt Botwood
Landscape context of the monolith and the other – to my mind associated – monuments within the valley... looking from Fan Llia.
Image credit: Robert Gladstone
Fan Llia, rising beyond, possesses the remains of a Bronze Age cairn....
Image credit: Robert Gladstone
Image credit: Robert Gladstone
The last golden rays of the evening evading the bulk of Fan Nedd emphasise the vibrant old red sandstone.
Image credit: Robert Gladstone
Fan Nedd – blessed with two ancient cairns – rears up behind. I'd forgotten how large this lovely stone is, to be fair. A million curses upon those morons who see fit to periodically deface it.
Image credit: Robert Gladstone
Maen Llia at Night
Image credit: Matt Botwood
Maen Llia at Sunrise
Image credit: Matt Botwood
The new notice board for Maen Llia , in response to last years smiley face !
Image credit: Cerrig
Winter sunset. Th only footprints here were mine and a fox.
Image credit: Cerrig
Winter Solstice sunrise , 2012.
Image credit: cerrig
Solstice sunrise.
Image credit: cerrig
Landscape context from the slopes of Fan Nedd.
Image credit: A. Brookes (22.2.2011)
With Fan Dringarth behind.
Image credit: A. Brookes (12.2.2011)
You have to love a stone with its own fur coat.
Image credit: A. Brookes (12.2.2011)
With Fan Nedd behind.
Image credit: A. Brookes (12.2.2011)
Fan Llia slumbers beyond.
Image credit: Robert Gladstone
Sitting within its customary 'puddle'.
Image credit: Robert Gladstone
The stone in its landscape, with Fan Llia behind.
Image credit: A. Brookes (4.4.2010)
The moss-covered monolith, looking down the valley.
Image credit: A. Brookes (4.4.2010)
The sentinel peaks of Corn Du/Pen-y-Fan dominate the Llia valley skyline
Image credit: Robert Gladstone
This superb monolith (bottom right) in its dramatic landscape setting – from Fan Nedd
Image credit: Robert Gladstone
Some landscape context.... looking northwards up the valley of the Afon Llia from above Blaen Llia. The monolith is a clearly visible landmark for travellers heading in this direction.
Image credit: Robert Gladstone
Maen LLia standing stone in the Brecon Beacons National Park.
Image credit: Paul Blockley
As thin as it is tall...
Image credit: Derfel
Not just a massive monolith but wonderful colours too!
Image credit: Derfel
With Annette for scale
Image credit: Derfel
Taken 08/02/07 on the heaviest snowfall day of the year while on a MountainBike ride.
Image credit: Chris O'Ceallaigh
My interpretation of Maen Llia and it's surroundings in a series of 3 shots
Image credit: Ben Alder
My interpretation of Maen Llia and its surroundings in a series of 3 shots
Image credit: Maen Llia
My interpretation of Maen Llia and it's surroundings in a series of 3 shots.
Image credit: Ben Alder
12th August 2003
Image credit: Michael Mitchell
Taken 26th February 2005: Taken from Rhyd Uchaf, a platform to the south of Maen Llia (SN92441905). Not easy to find in the snow, Rhyd Uchaf is thought to be Bronze Age and associated with the other sites around Maen Llia.
Image credit: Simon Marshall
Taken 26th February 2005: Taken from the road to the west of the stone.
Image credit: Simon Marshall
Taken 26th February 2005: Viewed from the west with William alongside (armed with a snowball).
Image credit: Simon Marshall
Image credit: Photobabe
Image credit: Photobabe
Image credit: Photobabe
Image credit: Photobabe
Image credit: Photobabe
Image credit: Photobabe
Articles
Vandals who daubed a Bronze Age stone in the Brecon Beacons National Park with a smiley face have been criticised.
The 3.7m (12ft) Maen Llia standing stone is recognised as a site of national archaeological importance.
It is likely that the stone was erected in the Late Neolithic or Early Bronze Age between 2500 and 1800BC.
The graffiti is being removed from the stone which is situated between Heol Senni and Ystradfellte.
Removal will be carried out between the national park authority, landowners and the Welsh government's historic environment service Cadw.
Natalie Ward, heritage officer for Brecon Beacons National Park Authority, said: "The heritage of the national park is the legacy left to us by our ancestors and it contains a wealth of information about past peoples and their lives.
Causing damage to a scheduled ancient monument is a criminal offence, and the graffiti at Maen Llia has been reported to Dyfed-Powys Police
Visited 1.10.15.
A visit to Maen Llia is an obvious stop-off when showing someone the prehistoric highlights of this part of the Brecon Beacons. After reading Cerrig's notes on the damage recently caused I was fearing the worst.
To my pleasant surprise and relief I couldn't see anything obvious. In fact, at first, I couldn't see any damage at all. I then saw the initials T D chiseled into the stone (the side opposite the road) but (thankfully) these are small and looked old to me. They certainly didn't look fresh, nor was I able to see any others. Perhaps the sun was at the wrong angle?
Ironically enough Danielle was quite taken be the carved initials G Hay 1869? on the other side of the stone. She liked the quality of the 'work'. It has to be said it is well done. However, that was then, this is now. No defacing (however well done or not) is excusable in this day and age. I hope the initials I saw are the ones Cerrig reported and that I haven't somehow missed something much more serious.
Maen Llia is an outstanding stone and one of the gems of prehistoric South Wales. I just wish everyone had as much appreciation for it as we do. At least we now have one new member of the Maen Llia appreciation club!
Visited three times in the last week and the cotton grass is looking particularly nice up there at the moment. I've posted a few images including this which were captured as part of my ongoing visits to the stone (https://twitter.com/search?q=%23maenllia2015&src=typd&vertical=default&f=tweets)
Visited 6.4.15
After visiting the ancient yew tree in Defynnog it required only a (relatively) slight detour in order to visit the mighty Maen Llia – one of my favourite prehistoric sites. The recent excellent photos of the stone on TMA only heightened my longing to re-visit. (Thanks Matt)
The sky was a deep blue with small white fluffy clouds. High above could be seen the trails of several airplanes. The weather was unusually hot and it was a relief to both myself and Sophie’s to be able to get out of the car. The first thing I noticed was a new information board. I am sure the addition of an information board will not be to everyone’s taste but it is well done. The Perspex board is semi-see through and is in the shape of the standing stone. It gives basic information about Maen Llia and shows a time-line of events over the 4,000 years since the stone was erected. It is mad to think that the yew tree I had just visited was a thousand years old when someone decided to put the stone up!
After reacquainting myself with the stone (which by now seems like an old friend) we headed to the small stream nearby. As quick as a flash Sophie had her socks and wellies off and was knee deep in icy water! Once she got over the initial cold water shock she happily splashed around and amused herself. I sat on a grass knoll next to the stream and soaked the atmosphere up. The weather was gorgeous. Above me two red kites floated silently on the thermals. Away in the distance a saw a paraglider doing the same thing. We spent a really relaxing time here and the only thing I regretted was not brining a flask of tea! I could feel my inner batteries being recharged and any stress I had before I arrived soon evaporated in the breeze.
A magical visit to a magical place.
28/1/15 – I'm visiting this stone probably at least once a week this year as part of a long term photographic study of the location. See my latest images here: twitter.com/search?v=stream&q=%23maenllia2015&src=typd&mode=photos
Visited 16.2.14
Good news – the ‘smiley face’ and sprayed graffiti on the other side of the stone has now been removed.
The only graffiti I could now see were the chiselled names/dates of over 150 years ago – which doesn’t seem so bad.
This great old stone is now back looking at its best.
Hats off to CADW for their efforts.
Visited 16.6.13
‘As it’s Father’s Day, where would you like to go today?’ asked Karen.
So here we are, at probably my favourite standing stone, the mighty Maen Llia.
On the way up to the Beacons I have waxed lyrical to Karen about how lovely this part of the Beacons is and much quieter than the busy A470. The drive up through Ystradfellte is gorgeous and even on a wet, murky day like today is well worth a visit.
We had the granddaughter with us and she was happy enough watching the sheep perched on the side of the road as we drove north. Dafydd and Sophie of course are well used to such sights.
‘There it is’ I pointed out to Karen as the stone came into view and we quickly parked up next to the stile.
Arghhhhhhhhhhhhhhh………………!!!!!!!!!
Someone had sprayed a large ‘smiley face’ in silver on the road facing side of the stone
Who could have done this?
Why would someone have done this?
Let’s be honest, this isn’t the easiest place in the world to drive to.
In fact, you have to go out of your way to get here. There’s not even a farm nearby!
At first Karen thought someone had scarped the ‘face’ using a stone.
I hoped not as that would have left permanent damage.
Luckily (sort of) it was ‘only’ spray paint which I know will eventually wear off.
On the other side of the stone is further sprayed graffiti of someone’s name but this is a lot older and is already starting to wear off.
I reported this crime to CADW and to be fair they E-Mailed me straight back. They said they would pass my report onto their Regional Inspector.
Whether they choose to remove the paint or let nature do the job for them I don’t know? I will keep you informed of any progress.
Despite all this, the stone is magnificent, in a great location and its top covered in dark green moss which adds to its character. The sweeping valley views are wonderful.
This is a ‘must see’ site and well worth the effort required to visit.
Hopefully when you visit the graffiti will have gone and the stone back to looking its best.
Visit if you can – you won’t be disappointed.
The cairn is separated from the Maen Llia monolith by the Afon Llia itself, fast-flowing and not as easy to cross as it looks, with peaty banks quick to crumble underfoot. But cross I must, as the pull of the stone, one of South Wales’ undoubted megalithic stars, is too much to avoid for long. This will be my second visit here. The last time I came with a friend by car and to be honest I had little hope of ever making it back here under my own steam. It’s a wonderful, wonderful stone, enjoying a lovely view down the valley between the two steeply rising mountains that flank its either side. The shaggy coat of moss gives it a primordial look, and even years’ old graffiti can do little to undermine its towering charm.
I spend a good while here, undisturbed by any other visitors, although an empty car is parked nearby. Time stops briefly, and I recharge for the next and steepest of today’s climbs. When the time comes to bid farewell – adieu hopefully – I do so with some sadness. This is a site that rewards the effort of getting here tenfold.
Re-Visit 30.10.10
Visiting Maen Llia is like visiting an old friend. Since my last visit I have visited many standing stones up and down the country but this remains a favourite of mine. I think it's a combination of the size, shape, colour and dramatic setting. As a bonus it is very, very easy to access.
I notice that on the far side of the stone some moron has used spray paint to graffiti his name. I notice that this isn't a modern form of vandalism as there is a name carved in the other side of the stone dates 1869! I am sure the stone will survive such minor irritations.
This is a fab stone, in a fab location – visit, visit, visit. You won't be disappointed.
I drove past this in Wales and didn't have time to stop, but it's always stayed in my memory as it was a very beautiful stone almost sculptural and the location is very wild and scenic as well
Visited Easter Sunday (4.4.2010), coincidentally within an hour or so of Gladman's visit! On the walk up from Blaen Llia we saw a red kite hovering right overhead, which just about made my day straight away, but then this wonderful monolith topped even that. A huge slab of stone, with great views south down the valley of the Afon Llia river. Oddly, the name Maen Llia may derive from the Welsh word for "less" or "least" (llai), but this huge stone is anything but! A terrific start to the day. The surrounding hills are largely trackless and from here we climbed Fan Nedd, into a hailstorm on the summit. I love this countryside, it is utterly inspirational and requires much more exploration on my part.
(Access note – I came out today with a walking friend by car – I do not think that there is easy access to this part of the Brecon Beacons by public transport, sadly.)
[Access update 13.2.2011: There are indeed no buses running to anywhere very close, but a good walk from either Storey Arms or Glyntawe/Dan yr Ogof makes it accesible on foot, taking in mountains on the way.]
A lovely looking stone and a lovely colour only 30 yards from the road (small layby). If it has been raining take your wellies as the ground around the stone is very wet.
This standing stone is one of the better known megalithic sites in the Brecon Beacons national park. It stands around 12 ft high and probably dates to the Bronze Age. It is a very impressive site, surrounded by the atmospheric mountains and is clearly positioned in order to direct ones gaze down the valley to the south. It does appear to be aligned with cairns to the SE and SW. The alignment to the SE passes through the cairn on nearby Fan LLia. I am unsure if this is original, but there is a white qaurtz pebble that can be seen on top of the stone. White qaurtz is often found at megalithic sites and is still used by farmers today as a form of protection.
A favourite monolith and one of the first I came across as a 'stone-illiterate' walking Fan Nedd and Fan Llia during the mid-Nineties. Remember them?
Completely dominates the valley, guiding travellers along the nearby ancient track – later bastardised by the Romans to become Sarn Helen – and perhaps serving as a place to stop and offer up a few, er, offerings......
Daubed in graffiti by mindless fools several years back, a few Welsh Winters – not to mention Summers (!) – have made light work of that. Maen Llia will still be guarding its mountain pass when they are long gone and forgotten.
More than the average energy here. Tie off, jacket off, back from work, meant to visit and spend a short time, not expecting much but bought a couple of beers anyhow. Sat in the sun aiming for solitude, two girls arrive one Ukraine one Australia. Aussie lass, "what's the significance?". "Dunno", I still haven't touched the beast yet. It's a bit too hairy. Next two more girls come, better, both well into it . She into energy being blasted, me sympathetic but not really able to get too close to Maen Llia, sit in sun, drink ale, try again. Not all uppity about whole deal but understand enthusiasm. Quiet hour is filled with people, but they're all good folk. Calm moment, go for it walk round, touch, energy drops, still explosive, very rare place this, hard to fathom, beneficial, still living off it.
The stone appeared worn out today. Litter again (aargh!) at it's base added to an overall unkempt feel. I am undecided if this is an individual stone, or the remains of what were once many, perhaps resurrected in the distant past after it's companions had been moved or destroyed. However, I still believe this is man made, and it's slim lines astonish upon closer inspection.
From the road it appears immense, but closer inspection reveals a positively sylph like stone, the super model of its age. The positioning in relation to the nearby Roman road intrigues. This must have been one of the most foreboding tracks in the empire, the location being one of desolation. What role this site played in the dynamics of this landscape can only be guessed at, but psychologically speaking, it's appearance must have struck fear into visting soldiers, especially ones who had been reassured 'the old ways' were no more.
Walking the Roman road, the stone strikes an unusual juxtaposition with its surroundings, appearing to play optical illusions as you walk south to north, appearing like a slender spear point at first before rounding itself into an axe head upon approach. Intentional? I can only guess, but it certainly unsettled me and my companion.
I left, cursing again the visitors who are too idle to reclaim their rubbish, and deposited a bootful of recovered junk in nearby Sennybridge. A worthwhile, but unsettling site, with many answers still to give up.
Park at the side of the road (a layby waits) and the stone is no more than 20 yards 'inland', open for all. Beware of visiting in wet weather – very boggy.
Maen Llia feels right, but it worries me that this may be a natural boulder that just happens to be upstanding in an attractive location.
Notes from the stone, 26 Aug 00
Visible on the skyline for quite some distance when approached from the South, Maen Llia is an imposing and isolated stone.
Despite it being, as Julian Cope's poem would have it, miles from anywhere, there's a stile over the fence and a well-worn path to the stone, which has been slightly vandalised by people carving their names into it (one appears to be dated 1860).
The stone stands facing the valley sides and its edges align with the valley. Although the predominant stone of the area is grey, Maen Llia is a deep wine-red, and very pitted and pock marked. The stone is huge – some four metres tall – and surrounded on three sides by upward slopes; getting it from wherever such rare stone was found to here was a mighty task.
The top is gently rounded and comes to a point. One side of the point is very straight indeed. I don't know how to tell if it's tooled or not, but either way it's an odd shape.
The sense of position is really weird; as you look down the valley toward Ystradfellte there are impressive layers of hills, but that is true of pretty much anywhere round here. If the stone were 500m north there'd be the same view down the valley, but it'd also look down another valley too. The stone was clearly not positioned with a wish for the most impressive position on the landscape.
To the northeast of Maen Llia there's a notably anomalous mound on the landscape that goes halfway up to the horizon, not overly dramatic but unusual for the shape of the land round here. It's kind of like a squashed Silbury (but is too big to be the work of humans). To extend the comparison with Silbury, the mound here also has a Roman road running directly beside it, Sarn Helen. This implies that the hill may have had some significance.
The StonePages link below mentions two apparently standard folklore tales connected with Maen Llia. But are they more complex than at first sight?
One legend has it that whenever a cock crows, the stone goes to drink in the River Nedd. Look at the map and you will find this is rather perverse, because the stream that runs right near the stone isn't the Nedd Fechan at all. It would require a strenous walk up over the hill Fan Nedd, and then down the other side.
According to another story, the stone visits the River Mellte for a swim on Midsummer morning. The Mellte runs through the village of Ystradfellte to the south – it's the same watercourse as that near the stone, but up there it is surely called Afon Llia? So does the stone wander all the way down to Ystradfellte? I have read that the stone is actually visible from there. Besides, it's probably worth the trek – it's a pretty strange river. The whole area is full of caves and shake holes, and the river actually disappears into a cave (Porth yr Ogof) – to flow underground for 300 yards before reappearing at the surface in the mysterious Blue Pool!
It seems to me that Maen Llia is not a natural shape. In the distant past it was almost certainly tooled, and sited, very deliberately.
The reasons for this aren't clear to me , but some of its secrets have emerged.
The stone is oriented north/south. this isn't approximate, it is n/s.
the diamond shaped top is a right angle. The slope that runs uphill from north to south is 38 degrees, which means that at midday at the equinox it is pointing directly at the sun.
The slope that runs downhill from the apex to the south is between 51 and 52 degrees. which means if you look up it to the north on a clear night you are looking directly at the pole star.
this means that the angle of this slope is the same as the latitude of the site, which it is.
Anyone who has a horizontal sundial will be familiar with this shape. To work properly the sundial must be aligned n/s and the slope of its nodus must equal the latitude of its site, otherwise it doesn't accurately measure the hours. Maen Llia might just be the oldest horizontal sundial in the world( if i'm right)
Strangely enough if you stand by a small triangular shaped stone about 40meters south west of maen llia at sunrise on midsummers day( about 10 meters from the road) the shadow cast by the apex of maen llia just touches the stone, and the azimuth of the sun at that moment is spookily between 51 and 52 degrees.
At the southern edge of the stone from ground level is another slope, this one believe it or not is once again the same angle?
I think this angle was important to the people who sited this stone, but i havn't come up with any use for it , other than a very crude calender.
There must be more to it than that. someone with a bit more grey matter than me can maybe take it further, (or discredit what i've come up with) i don't mind which as long as the argument is sound.
One more thing, this angle has been used on other ancient monuments too. Theres one in Egypt that uses it 4 times. there may be others, i dont know.
There are other angles on maen llia too. I can't find anything for them yet.
If anyone can suggest anything else going on here i'd like to know about it.
Please don't take my word for it , these are just my observations and i'm just an amateur at this. Check it out for yourself, theres more to be found here i'm sure.
Good luck
This page contains a photo of the stone, a short description and directions. It also links to a high resolution version of the photo.
Sites within 20km of Maen Llia
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Llech Lia
photo 12 description 1 -
Rhyd Uchaf
photo 13 description 3 -
Fan Nedd (north east)
photo 11 description 2 -
Fan Nedd (Northern summit)
photo 34 description 2 -
Fan Llia
photo 34 description 3 -
Nant Mawr, Fforest Fawr
photo 32 description 1 -
Maen Madoc
photo 14 description 7 -
Pen y Waun Dwr Stone
photo 5 description 1 -
Pen y Waun Dwr
photo 4 -
Fan Gyhirych
photo 33 description 2 -
Plas-y-gors
photo 5 link 1 -
Carnau Gwynion
photo 5 forum 1 description 1 link 1 -
Blaen-Nedd Isaf
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Cefn-yr-Henriw recumbent stone
photo 7 description 2 -
Ysgubor-Wen
photo 7 forum 1 description 1 link 1 -
Gelli-Nedd
photo 10 description 2 link 1 -
Craig Cerrig-gleisiad
photo 9 description 1 -
Cwm Nant
description 1 -
Pwll Byfre
photo 11 -
Fan Frynych
photo 31 description 2 -
Blaen Glyn
photo 23 description 1 -
Waun Leuci summit
photo 18 description 2 -
Twyn Garreg-Wen
photo 11 description 1 -
Waunewydd
description 1 -
Carn-Yr-Arian
photo 7 description 6 -
Tyle Bychan
photo 4 description 2 -
Maen Gweddiau
description 1 -
Y Gaer (Defynnog)
photo 1 description 1 -
Blaen-Hepste hengiform earthwork
photo 1 -
Cerrig Duon and The Maen Mawr
photo 61 description 11 -
Nant-y-Llyn, Y Mynydd Du
photo 20 description 1 -
Waun Leuci
photo 29 description 6 -
Cefn Crew and Cwm Crew
photo 9 description 1 -
Daudreath Illtyd
photo 4 description 4 -
Waun Leuci cairn
photo 2 description 3 -
Cefn Esgair Carnau
photo 21 description 2 -
Waun Leuci stone setting
photo 12 description 4 -
Tawe valley Triangle
photo 12 -
Afon Tawe
photo 3 description 1 -
Craig y Rhiwarth
photo 1 -
Moel Feity
photo 12 -
Corn Du
photo 34 description 5 -
Cadair Fawr
photo 12 description 3 link 1 -
Llwyncelyn-Fawr
photo 1 description 1 -
Defynnog Church
description 1 -
Bedd Gwyl Illtyd
photo 6 description 3 -
Cadair Fawr (South)
photo 8 description 1 -
Mynydd Illtyd
photo 3 description 4 -
Pen y Fan
photo 52 description 9 link 1 -
Bone Cave
link 1 -
Llwyn Bedw Settlement, Pen Milan
photo 1 description 1 -
Twyn Bryn Glas
photo 7 description 2 -
Nant Maden
photo 6 description 2 -
Saith Maen
photo 26 forum 1 description 5 -
Cribyn
photo 15 description 1 -
Cefn Sychbant
photo 28 description 3 -
Cefn Sychbant
photo 50 description 4 -
Pwll-yr-Wydden Fach
photo 10 description 1 -
Twr y Fan Foel
photo 46 description 3 -
Upper Neuadd cairns
photo 21 description 1 -
Cribarth
photo 33 description 3 -
Lower Neuadd
photo 8 description 4 -
Fan Foel
photo 40 description 5 -
Twyn-y-glog
photo 3 -
Rhyd-wen Fach stone setting
photo 3 description 2 -
Blaenau Uchaf
photo 9 description 3 -
Tor Glas
photo 5 description 1 -
Craig-y-Ddinas (Pontneddfechan)
photo 5 description 4 -
Garn Las (Llywel)
photo 12 description 3 -
Twyn-y-Gaer (Mynydd Illtyd)
photo 10 description 2 -
Mynydd-y-glog
photo 29 description 2 -
Fan y Big
photo 11 description 2 link 1 -
Picws Du, Y Mynydd Du
photo 29 forum 1 description 3 -
Tyle Mawr
photo 9 description 2 -
Pant Sychbant
photo 7 -
Fedw
photo 7 description 1 -
Foel Darw, Y Mynydd Du
photo 6 description 1 -
Nant Melyn
photo 2 -
Plas-y-Gaer, Allt Ddu
photo 2 description 1 -
Twyn-y-Gaer (Trallong)
description 2 -
Coedcae’r Gwarthog Summit cairns
photo 17 description 2 -
Garn Ddu
photo 18 description 1 -
Nant Tarw
photo 67 forum 4 description 5 -
Varlen Cairn, Traianmawr
description 1 -
Bannau Sir Gaer
photo 29 forum 1 description 3 -
Carn-Ddu
photo 16 description 2 link 1 -
Gwern Wyddog
photo 9 forum 1 description 2 -
Cefn Cil-Sanws
photo 16 description 2 -
Cilsanws Mountain
photo 16 description 2 -
Pant Madog
photo 8 description 3 -
Cwm Moel
photo 13 description 1 -
Garn Goch
photo 1 description 3 -
Coed Fenni-fach
photo 1 description 2 -
Finger Post
description 1 -
Cwm Henwen Cairn
photo 10 description 2 -
Cwm Henwen
photo 10 description 3 -
Blaen Clydach Fach
description 1 -
Battle
photo 6 description 2 -
Llorfa
photo 18 description 1 link 1 -
Llorfa
photo 18 description 1 -
Carn Pica
photo 13 forum 2 description 2 -
Cwm Fforch-wen
photo 8 description 1 -
Llorfa menhir
photo 6 link 1 -
Carnau’r Garreg Las
photo 36 description 3 -
Pontsticill ring cairn
photo 9 description 1 -
Carn-y-Gigfran
photo 12 description 2 -
Fennifach
description 3 -
Y Pigwn
photo 35 description 6 link 1 -
Pant Meddygon
photo 15 description 3 -
Y Pigwn Cairns
photo 11 description 3 -
Morlais Castle Hillfort
photo 4 description 2 -
Pen y Crug
photo 26 description 4 -
Carn Fadog and Nant-y-Llyn
photo 1 description 1 -
Hirwaun Common
photo 17 description 2 -
Llyn Fawr
photo 11 description 3 link 3 -
Tomen-y-Rhos
photo 10 description 2 -
Abercriban
photo 12 description 2 -
Dorwen
photo 6 description 2 -
Craig y Llyn (Neath)
photo 15 description 2 -
Mynydd Cefngyngon
photo 9 -
Slwch Tump
photo 12 description 3 -
Pen Caenewydd, Mynydd Myddfai
photo 16 description 1 -
Maen Richard
description 1 -
Pant-y-Turnor
photo 11 description 2 -
Carn Cornel
photo 10 description 1 -
Nant Tarthwynni
photo 12 description 2 -
Twynau Gwynion
photo 12 link 1 -
Cylchau
photo 10 description 1 -
Cefn y Llethr Hir
photo 9 -
Mynydd Aberdare
photo 13 description 3 -
Rhondda Fach
photo 6 -
Garreg Lwyd
photo 12 description 2 -
Cefn yr Ystrad
photo 24 description 5 -
Garn Felen
photo 4 description 2 -
Gelli-benuchel
photo 8 description 1 -
Twyn Blaenant
photo 6 description 2 -
Odyn-fach
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Pont Lluest-wen
photo 6 -
Llanhamlach
photo 2 description 3 -
Gwersyll
photo 7 description 1 -
Garn Wen
description 1 -
Garreg Fawr (Llanfihangel Nant Bran)
link 1 -
Garreg Lwyd
photo 28 description 2 link 1 -
Twyn Ceiliog
photo 10 description 2 link 1 -
Garn Las (Troed y Rhiw)
photo 8 description 1 -
Twyn-Llechfaen
photo 1 description 1 -
Ty Illtyd
photo 12 description 8 link 1 -
Clawdd Brythonig
description 1 -
Mynydd Tynewydd
photo 8 description 1 -
Graig y Gilfach
photo 1 description 1 -
Bryn Llydan
description 1 -
Tump Wood Camp
photo 14 description 1 -
Ynys Hir
photo 11 description 2 link 2 -
Rhos Gwawr
photo 13 -
Carn Castellymeibion
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Penybegwyn
photo 4 description 1 -
Nant-y-Wern
description 1 -
Carn Pen Rhiw-ddu
photo 17 description 2 -
Gilestone
description 3