GLADMAN

Gazing across from Moel Llyfnant... to my mind the more logical Arenig Fach. But there you are...

The barrow to north of the great round cairn at SH6839103998. Arguably, it could be said this is how upland monuments were meant to be viewed, through swirling hill fog. Incidentally, I couldn’t see any sign of the remaining member of Coflein’s trio, although obviously that’s not to say there’s nothing to be seen there.

The monument to the immediate north of the round cairn at SH6839103998.

Showing the southern part of the cairn to the east of the fenceline, looking towards the Dyfi......

Highlighting the substantial footprint of the round cairn. To these eyes, it does look more or less intact.

Looking approx SW towards the continuation of the long ridge of Y Tarenau... there are numerous other monuments to be found there... particularly upon Trum Gelli.

Placing the DSLR at the mercy of the elements for a scale shot – it survived.

The great round cairn is topped by a small modern marker cairn... and crossed by a fenceline. However it has mercifully been spared the ravages of a shelter for muppets – without any hill sense – to hide within. The estuary of the wondrous Afon Dyfi, rising within the bosom of Aran Fawddwy, can be seen through the swirling hill fog.

To my mind, the approach from Pennal is as severe – if not more so – as many a 3,000-footer I’ve had the pleasure of visiting in the past.... or then maybe I’m just getting old? Whatever, it is worth it.

The primary monument here (at SH6838203964) is actually a lot more upstanding than I recalled from my youth. Last month’s views from Pumlumon’s wondrous Pen Dinas were the collective catalyst for this visit... despite the intermittent cloud cover.

Looking across to Arenig Fawr from the wondrous Moel Llyfnant. Moel Yr Eglwys is approx centre.

Looking toward the heart of Yr Eryri...

The ‘possible’ internal orthostats. Or not.

The large slab and associated stones certainly resemble the displaced remnants of a shattered former cist... whether they are is, of course, another matter. Note also the two vertical ‘orthostats’ set just beyond.

Sadly the interior of the cairn has been almost gutted – in the usual manner – by myopic peak baggers. Almost, but not quite.

The cairn viewed from the 2,861 ft summit. Y Carneddau form the backdrop...

Do you ever get that feeling you’re not alone? Brocken Spectre at the summit of Moel Siabod [24/10/2019]. Well, either that or the former occupant of the cairn (sited to left) was going for a wander. Or maybe even looking for his/her shield? Now just consider... for a moment... that you were a Bronze Age shaman and adept at predicting these spellbinding phenomena? Pure theatre guaranteed to get a 10 even from darling Revel Horwood.

Eastern flank of the summit enclosure, looking approx north.

The excellent inturned entrance to the south...

One won’t get up that in a hurry.... I can relate from experience. However, with so much attention being accorded the local wildlife here there’s really no reason to hurry.

Another section of the seriously powerful outer bank – as far as I could tell – of this multivallate monster.

Across the powerful entrance to north-east.

To south....

To south-west...

North-eastern inner apex....

The ‘Great Fort’ is heavily wooded; however, give me sunlight and I reckon the association is a pleasing one. This is the approach from the south, the sheer size of the banks – in defensive terms, not to mention the perhaps just-as-important ‘bling factor’ – not yet apparent.

Standing at the north-eastern entrance to this magnificent hillfort.... so, which way’s it gonna be. Left, or right?

How cool is this? I want one. Now!

Iconic visitor’s on-site seating amenity presumably influenced by the discovery of a bronze boar ‘helmet emblem’ hereabouts at the beginning of the 19th century. Coflein has details here: coflein.gov.uk/en/site/407371/details/guilsfield-bronze-boar#images

Looking towards the main ridge of Pumlumon...... so many cairns.

Looking toward the neighbouring northern cairn from the summit monument.

Looking across the eponymous upland lake (with attributed mystical feminine associations) to the great cairn surmounting Llechwedd Llwyd

A ‘moment’ at the northern cairn.

Summit cairn..... great upland vibe

South(ish) from the northern cairn toward another great cairn upon Llechwedd Llwyd. Note the lake, scene of a local ‘Lady in the Lake’ legend.

Looking across the Tarren Hills to not too distant Cadair Idris (top right)... from Moel y Llyn’s northern cairn.

A rare sunburst (for the day) upon Moel y Llyn’s northern cairn (at SN71249183).