GLADMAN

As my rucksack makes clear, this is a pretty substantial monument........

To be honest, such a fine ring cairn as this is not something I expected to find toward the lower extremity of Cadair Berwyn’s great western ridge. But there you are. Pleasant surprise.

Note the ‘feature’, foreground. The farmer seemed to reckon this was far from recent? Guess we need to go with Coflein.......

The cairn – approx centre(ish) – from across the Nant Eisgeiriau..........

Looking towards Foel Cwm-Sian Llwyd (centre right, skyline).... well worth a visit, too, should you be so inclined to tackle the merciless heather.

Incidentally, Arenig Fawr dominates the horizon beyond Cwm Pennant.

Appearances can be deceptive.... since this once mighty cairn is now hollow. However, great positioning.

Speaking to the farmer it would appear the sheep enclosure has probably been here a couple of centuries or so. Incidentally, he and the lads gathering in the sheep thought I was from the ministry.... a government archaeologist!

Note sheep gathering top left.... to say these are impressive manoeuvres is a serious understatement and no mistake. Had a chat with the farmer and lads – suffice to say they understand this landscape. After 30 years now, I reckon I’ve now an inkling, too.

The capstone. The trekking pole is for scale. I’m not that lazy.

The rucksack highlights the capstone still in situ.

Looking toward the summit of Cadair Berwyn. Without the attendant sheep enclosure, this would truly be a classic site.... as it is the location, the sense of upland vibe, is well worth the effort in itself. In my opinion. Enough to resist the magnetic draw upwards.

Worth stopping by....... if you’re into this sort of thing :-)

Looking across the ring cairn (probable, I reckon) to the main ridge of Y Berwyn ascended a few years back now.

What seemed to me probable remains of cist elements...

It would be easy enough to walk right by this ring cairn oblivious... however pay attention now – tarry a while and all will be revealed within the undergrowth.

Dinas fleetingly materialised through the misty rain...

The lingering remnant of a former kerb, perhaps? Perhaps not.

A pretty decent small barrow, to be fair...

Nice day for it.......

There goes the job with the Wales Tourist Board...

Looking toward Bwlch y Ddeufaen. Not ideal conditions, to be fair.

Dinas from the approx north near Plas Heulog.....

Nice day for watching the farmer round up his sheep, the northern peaks of Y Carneddau barely visible through the swirling vapour.

Looking westward........

The precipitous western flank of this fine promontory fort looking toward Penmaen Mawr and the Neolithic axe factory of Graig Lwyd.... itself apparently the site of a former hill fort. What might have been....

Whether this – at the southern flank – represents original dry stone defences... or later ‘rearrangement’ is perhaps open to debate. For what it’s worth I reckoned the former.

Southern flank overlooking Nant-y-Coed...

Approaching from the approx north-east in torrential rain; well, this is the Carneddau.

The lovely little cairn below Foel Ystrodur Fawr is arguably one of the most obscure in all Snowdonia... combine a visit with its neighbour in the vicinity of Bryn Cau for a great wilderness vibe without venturing too far from the road. Viewpoint is Moel Llyfnant, the wondrous Aran Fawddwy approx centre skyline crowned by perhaps Wales’ finest upland cairn?