Images

Image of Mynydd Machen (Round Cairn) by thesweetcheat

Looking west. The peculiar coxcomb hill is Pen-rhiw Tip, and the hill rising behind that to the left is Mynydd y Grug. The Twyn yr Oerfel cairns are at the bottom of Mynydd y Grug and intervisible with Mynydd Machen.

Image credit: A. Brookes (30.1.2022)
Image of Mynydd Machen (Round Cairn) by thesweetcheat

Becairned Mynydd Machen is one of the most prominent hills visible from the Severn/Hafren shoreline. Seen on a grey and drizzly day from the coast path near West Usk lighthouse.

Image credit: A. Brookes (2.9.2012)

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Mynydd Machen

The final hill of the day is now directly ahead of me. It’s not that steep a climb from this direction though, and the going is easy. I reach the summit area next to the masts to find a few other people up here, enjoying the last of the sunshine, which is rapidly giving way to an overcast evening as the sun sinks behind low cloud. There’s also a 4x4 parked up, overlooking the much steeper drop eastwards.

The cairn is another fine one, but judging by ruts and loose stone on its top and sides it’s being actively damaged by vehicles. It’s a real shame, as the placement here is terrific. Although visibility has lessened with the cloud, there’s still an amazing panorama looking south and east across the Gwent Levels to the mighty Afon Hafren (Severn), with the instantly recognisable Flat Holm and Steep Holm islands.

While I’m taking photos, the 4x4 pulls away from the edge of the drop and comes and parks up right on top of the mound next to me. The driver and passenger grin idiot grins through the window at me, I’m sure they think they’re very clever. I carry on taking photos, now with the 4x4 as an additional feature. Belatedly realising that number plates can be traced, the driver decides he’s had his fun and drives away off the hill. It’s left a sour taste at the end of what has otherwise been a fine ridge walk. It’s so frustrating that people like this are wrecking the excellent archaeology around here.

With them gone, I enjoy the last sun rays on the barrow before making my way down the steep slopes to the east.

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Folklore

Mynydd Machen
Round Cairn

Wikipedia. You’re never quite sure if it’s genuine or misinformation. But anyway, that never stops me normally, and it says:

Saint Peter was visiting Wales in order to watch over the Faithful. Taking offence at the sudden appearance of the Devil, he picked up a large number of boulders and placed them in his apron so as to carry them more easily. He then gave chase to the Devil, both chaser and chased (having the stature of giants) leaping from mountain-top to mountain-top. As the Devil alighted on Mynydd Machen he paused to catch his breath, whereupon Saint Peter began hurling the rocks at him, leaving a considerable amount of debris around his adversary in the process. The area of rocks is known to this day as “The Devil’s Apron Strings”.

The name of the cairn on top of the mountain, Twyn y Certhi could imply ‘Cerddi’? and thus mean the mound of singing/poetry. But perhaps someone knows better.

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