Carn Fawr (Cynwyl Gaeo)

Nearest town:
Lampeter (9km WSW)
OS reference:
SN6688750275
OS sheet:
146
Latitude:
52° 8' 3.41 N
Longitude:
3° 56' 42.35 W
Added to TMA by

Images

Image of Carn Fawr (Cynwyl Gaeo) (Round Cairn) by GLADMAN

Note the extensive bog upon the southern arc... a substantial diversion would be required to avoid it... so I just waded. Sod it.

Image credit: Robert Gladstone
GLADMAN
GLADMAN Oct 3, 2021
Image of Carn Fawr (Cynwyl Gaeo) (Round Cairn) by GLADMAN

The surviving structure of the cairn is impressive, not to mention unusual in my experience. Coflein reckons it “appears to be a square, drystone revetted cairn, with rounded angles” (J.Wiles 03.04.02)

Image credit: Robert Gladstone
GLADMAN
GLADMAN Oct 3, 2021
Image of Carn Fawr (Cynwyl Gaeo) (Round Cairn) by GLADMAN

Looking approx north-east toward Graig Wen... the serene Llyn y Gwaith lies (unseen from here) immediately below.

Image credit: Robert Gladstone
GLADMAN
GLADMAN Oct 3, 2021
Image of Carn Fawr (Cynwyl Gaeo) (Round Cairn) by GLADMAN

Aside from the horseshoe-shaped ‘shelter’ plonked on top, the massive cairn appeared more-or-less inviolate to me.

Image credit: Robert Gladstone
GLADMAN
GLADMAN Oct 3, 2021
Image of Carn Fawr (Cynwyl Gaeo) (Round Cairn) by GLADMAN

Looking approx south from the massive cairn – The Brecon Beacons and Great Escarpment of South Wales crown the horizon.

Image credit: Robert Gladstone
GLADMAN
GLADMAN Oct 3, 2021
Image of Carn Fawr (Cynwyl Gaeo) (Round Cairn) by GLADMAN

Approaching from the southern/eastern arc is fraught with difficulties.... even during this ‘dry season’, the bog was industrial strength. So thought I ‘d be smarter upon the return and stick to the fenceline – first to the east, then to the west. But to no avail. A steep northern ascent, or approach along the ridge to the west would appear the only dry-shod option. Still, a magnificent cairn worth a bootie or two.

Image credit: Robert Gladstone
GLADMAN
GLADMAN Oct 3, 2021

Articles

Miscellaneous

Carn Fawr (Cynwyl Gaeo)
Round Cairn
GLADMAN
GLADMAN Oct 9, 2021

This ‘Big Cairn’ – ‘massive’ would perhaps be the more apt adjective – stands upon the eastern aspect of Craig Twrch, an extended rocky ridge located a few miles to the east of Lampeter. Difficult to approach due to extensive bog, this inquisitive traveller thought the monument to be of somewhat unusual construction... and, for once, it would seem the professional archaeologists concur:

“Said to be 18m in diameter, this appears to be a square, drystone revetted cairn, with rounded angles surmounted by a recent, loosely built shelter. The Cairn proper stands 2.2m high. (J.Wiles 03.04.02)”

As for the state of the visitor, the withering stare of a passing fox suggested pity for the creature far less adapted to the hostile environment. Hey, tell me about it, Reynard, my friend.

A must-visit for those who appreciate the more, er... obscure areas of these Isles. And, while not necessarily adept at walking upon water, are at least resigned to wading through it. Webbed feet advantageous.

Sites within 20km of Carn Fawr (Cynwyl Gaeo)

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