The southern barrow as seen during the more-or-less vertical descent to Cwm Bach.
Image credit: Robert Gladstone
GLADMAN
Looking approx west across Cwm Merwys from the southern monument (SO17566414, southern arc). My ascent ridge (I’d suggest perhaps better as descent ridge) can be seen to left.
Image credit: Robert Gladstone
The southern round barrow at SO17566414
Image credit: Robert Gladstone
Toward the north-western flank of Great Rhos ascending the southern headwall of Cwm Merwys – in retrospect.... I’d suggest members wishing to base a circular visit upon Cwm Farm may wish to consider this path for the descent... since the way down from the pair of barrows at the terminus of the northern flank of Cwm Bach (seen left background) is ludicrously steep and arguably better tackled early on! Incidentally, thanks to TSC for prompting a return to Great Rhos after 24 years via a different route.
Image credit: Robert Gladstone
Conditions were about as bad as they get... but hopefully this gives a sense of the large, well preserved monument to be found here.
Image credit: Robert Gladstone
The substantial main eastern defences, looking north during downpour [on compact]
Image credit: Robert Gladstone
From very approx north-east on back up compact during downpour....
Image credit: Robert Gladstone
Cnwc y Bugail can be seen centre far left.... The hill to right is also called Disgwylfa – approx ‘watchtower’.... or something like that.
Image credit: Robert Gladstone
Looking northward to neighbouring Cnwc y Bugail.
Image credit: Robert Gladstone
As you would expect the primary defences face the path of least resistance...the east.
Image credit: Robert Gladstone
Looking south to the neighbouring Castell Disgwylfa. It would be rude not to.... if driving a tractor, perhaps wise to brush up on those hill starts?
Image credit: Robert Gladstone
Not bad defences for such a small enclosure, to be fair.
Image credit: Robert Gladstone
The more-or-less unassailable north-western arc.
Image credit: Robert Gladstone
The hill fort from (the even better sited) Castell Disgwylfa to the south....
Image credit: Robert Gladstone
For me, Pumlumon’s THREE river sources are intrinsic to the appeal of what is arguably the UK’s finest grouping of upland cairns... this is that of the River Wye sited between Pen Pumlumon-Arwystli and Pen Pumlumon-Fawr.
Image credit: Robert Gladstone
Even a trio of cairns of Pen Pumlumon-Arwystli’s stature (extreme top right) fade to nothing in the context of the upland landscape... seen rising above Graig Las.
Image credit: Robert Gladstone
The sheer size of the main, central cairn is clear... how much of that is due to slippage??
Image credit: Robert Gladstone
Looking south from the southern cairn to Y Garn, the latter also bearing a massive stone pile.
Image credit: Robert Gladstone
The scale of the central cairn is hopefully apparent. I would assume it is now impossible to determine the exact original dimensions, so guess ‘massive’ will have to do.
Image credit: Robert Gladstone
The massive footprint of the southern cairn looking toward Nant-y-Moch.
Image credit: Robert Gladstone
The disrupted eastern arc of the central cairn
Image credit: Robert Gladstone
Such is the size of this central cairn that numerous muppet shelters have been erected within the footprint... this is but one.
Image credit: Robert Gladstone
Central cairn... or at least a section of it.
Image credit: Robert Gladstone
The central of Pen Pumlumon-Fawr’s trio of summit cairns... to make a judgement based upon the enormous footprint, this must have been an absolutely superb cairn in its heyday.
Image credit: Robert Gladstone
The linear series of massive cairns gracing Y Gamriw are well seen from Waun Sarn.
Image credit: Robert Gladstone
