GLADMAN

The Serpent Mound of Lochnell, near Oban
C. W. M... [from Nature, Volume 20, Issue 506, pp. 242 (1879)].

‘I walked over yesterday from here to examine this for myself. I started with some feelings of doubt as to whether it was not one of those fantastic shapes naturally assumed by igneous rocks, seen through the spectacles of an antiquarian enthusiast. I came away quite satisfied that it is an artificial shape, designedly given, and deliberately intended to represent a snake. It partly closes the entrance of a singular little rock amphitheatre with a waterfall at the head (the north end of it), the Loch being to the southward. There is a raised plateau to the northward of the serpent, nearly square. The ground is apparently a rubble of gravel, stones, and dirt, such as is found in moraines. The head of the snake had been opened, and showed a quantity of stones with some indication of a square chamber in the middle‘

This enclosure is sited upon the north-eastern flank of Allt Du, which forms the terminal of Cefn Cwm Llwch, northern ridge of Pen-y-Fan.

According to Coflein:

‘A somewhat hooded enclosure, c.100m by 60m, set on a north-east facing hillslope, defined by a bank and ditch, except to the north, where a weak bank is said to have existed.‘

The origin of Maen Madoc is not known. According to Coflein the monolith is:

‘A memorial stone measuring 2.7m high, 0.7m wide and 0.3m thick. On its narrowest, south-west, edge is the following inscription:

‘DERVAC-- FILIUS/IVST – (h)IC IACIT‘

The stone, having fallen, was re-erected in its present position some 5.0m to the north, in 1940. The stone is thought by some to be a burial marker, all traces of human remains having been destroyed by the acid soils of the locality. Others believe it to be a re-used prehistoric megalith.‘

An Iron Age ‘defended enclosure’ – or hillfort – occupying a rocky crag towering above the Cist Cerrig chamber and Porthmadog.....

themodernantiquarian.com/img_fullsize/89688.jpg

According to Coflein it is:

‘A complex stone-walled enclosure, set on a broken, craggy summit. On the SW is an oval enclosure, c.26m E-W by 16m, having a rather larger, less well defined annex on the E. This is set on the perimeter of a larger, irregular enclosure, c.164m E-W by 94m, having a narrow annex projecting c.38m further E.‘

As is usual practice upon Britain’s more popular high places, the great Garnedd Fach cairn has been subject to much vandalism – for that is what it is, after all – inflicted upon it by passing climbers. Nevertheless it is a truly awesome location...Coflein has this to say:

‘Burial cairn, probably Bronze Age, on the ridge above Cwm Lloer. Stone built circular cairn, measuring c. 20m in diameter and up to 3.5m in height. It has been disturbed in the past, with several drystone shelters constructed and a modern walker’s cairn crowning the summit.‘

In my opinion Garnedd Fach is most ‘easily’ (Ha!) reached via Cwm Lloer, following the outlflow of Ffynnon Lloer from the A5 near Tal Y Llyn Ogwen. From here the SE ridge of Pen yr Ole Wen provides the most natural line of ascent. Hell, if it looks too much when lake side .... a trip to the cwm is more than enough [it really is] since, surely, this great hidden valley, with its life giving water source, was the primary focus of the burial cairn sited above? Whether you go the whole distance or not, make sure you are properly equipped since The Carneddau takes no prisoners.

Coflein has the following information relating to the two associated monuments at the southern end of Hatterrall Hill:

1) GARREG LAS, ENCLOSURE:

‘A sub-circular enclosure upon the summit of Hatterrall Hill, c.50m in diameter, defined by a stone wall, c.5.0m wide and having an entrance to the E, obscured by a recent cairn’ [another blasted walker’s cairn! – Gladman]. ‘Has been associated with the cross-ridge wall, c.600m to the SW, both being of a similar build.‘

2) HATTERRALL HILL, CROSS RIDGE WALL -
SO30332511:

‘The remains of a “massive dry-stone wall”, 166m long and 6.0-8.0m wide, with no trace of an accompanying ditch, set astride a high steep sided ridge’.

Coflein doesn’t have a great deal to say about this Bronze Age cairn, but it is enough:

‘A much mutilated and denuded cairn, c.15m in diameter and 1.3m high, in which elements of a cist are apparent.‘

Best reached from Llanthony Priory via a steep ‘footpath’ through Cwm Bwchel........

1) PEN TWYN GLAS Bronze Age cairn – SO20102604

The mutilated cairn is located on a level area above the northwest facing slope. It is a mound roughly 10 metres across and 1.3 metres high, roughly circular in plan. It is built of portable stones measuring about 0.2 metres across. A shelter has been dug into the top of the cairn, forming a round hollow 3 metres across and 1.2 metres deep. A peculiar channel runs up the east side of the cairn and can be seen continuing along the bottom of the shelter. It is about 7 metres long and 0.5 metres wide. Where it runs up the side of the cairn it is 0.2 metres deep and full of exposed stone (the rest of the cairn, apart from the shelter, is covered with bilberry). The channel could be associated with the original design of the cairn, perhaps even a passage. A previous investigation of the cairn found a pigmy cup and burnt bones located within a primary cist.‘

2) PEN TWYN GLAS Arrowhead Find Location – SO2065025050: ‘Late Neolithic chisel arrowhead.‘

3) PEN TWYN GLAS Flint Find Location – SO2135025850: ‘Flint flake with broken or snapped end. Poss. Mesolithic’.

Man has been frequenting the summit and flanks of Mynydd Llysiau for, well, ever. This assertion is evidenced by nothing very obvious at all, but nevertheless the evidence is there. According to Coflein the peak has remnants of a field system with attendant hut circles.... and was also the location of a flint tool find, possibly mesolithic in date:

1) MYNYDD LLYSIAU FIELD SYSTEM – SO2015028050:

‘Field system comprising at least 5 linear boulder banks running downslope on the western side of Mynydd Llysiau, with 2 other banks at right angles to 2 of the downslope banks. Associated with two Bronze Age hut circles‘

2) MYNYDD LLYSIAU FLINT FIND – SO2045528555
Flint found by G Makepeace in 2000. Snapped flint blade, possibly Mesolithic

Unfortunately I wasn’t aware of all this during my couple of visits here over the years, but have to admit that – like nearby Pen Twyn Glas – there is definately a serious ‘sense of place’ to be had here.

Anyone contemplating a visit may well wish to ascend via Rhiw Trumau [to the approx west] and thus take a look at the prehistoric remains upon Pen Trumau, too. Note that this beautiful route – affording exquisite views – begins near Castell Dinas hillfort, not to mention Cwmfforest, site of the Ty Isaf excavated long cairn.

themodernantiquarian.com/site/4338/ty_isaf.html

Like the example upon neighbouring Corn Du, the Bronze Age burial cairn upon Pen-y-Fan has also been excavated. According to Coflein:

‘Cairn on the summit of Pen-y-Fan, 16m in diameter,excavated 1991, now reconstructed’.

In addition, selected CPAT records state:

1) Massive cairn 18m diameter with large cist at centre.Erosion revealed that Trig point had been built on top of this. (Jones 1978)

2) Excavated May and August 1991 in response to tourist destruction. Half of monument had already been destroyed. Cairn comprised a turf mound built around a substantial stone cist. Over the mound had been placed a stone capping of overlapping sandstone slabs. Larger slabs defined edge of mound. Organics well preserved below cairn on OGS and within basal layers of turf mound. Small bronze hoard comprising ring, sheet fragments and spearhead fragment from disturbed area on north. Fragments of cremated bone from cist and green copper alloy stain on cist floor (Gibson, A M 1991b, 14-15).

The Corn Du cairn has been excavated; according to Coflein:

‘Corn Du burial site consists of a modern marker cairn overlying a sub-circular cairn of up to 12m diameter. Excavation in 1978 revealed the remains of complex cist below it. Further excavation by Clwyd Powys Archaeological Trust was undertaken in 1992.‘

Coflein has the following information listed for the Fan Foel summit round barrow at SN8214722341]:

‘A burial barrow is set on the summit of Fan Foel, a dramatic spur on the northern escarpment of Mynydd Du. Prior to excavation and consolidation in 2004, this monument was a roughly circular turf covered mound, 16.2m in diameter and up to 1.2m high on the east, with a rough modern cairn or shelter on the north-east side. Excavation demonstrated that this was an earthen mound up to 0.3m high ringed by an oval kerb of possibly laid stones, measuring 13m north-west to south-east by 11m. A cist or stone slab chest was found beneath the modern cairn; it measured 2.0m by 1.1m and was 0.65m deep. It contained a cremation deposit accompanied by a flint knife and a pottery vessel of the ‘Food Vessel’ type. A secondary cremation deposit with a Collared Urn pottery vessel was found on the north-west side of the mound. Finds of flint flakes and a string of clay beads may relate to this site.‘

There are two denuded Iron Age hillforts perched within woodland upon the eastern flank of Allt Lwyd. According to Coflein:

NANT TARTHWYNI [WEST ENCLOSURE] – SO08941944:

‘The subrectangular hillslope enclosure at Nant Tarthwyni west measures about 63m by 55m. It is defined by vestiges of a bank and ditch, with an entry facing downslope (to the east). A second enclosure lies 60m to the east.‘

NANT TARTHWYNI [EAST ENCLOSURE] – SO09111951:

‘An oval hillslope enclosure, about 75m in diameter, defined by the vestiges of a bank and ditch with an east-facing, downslope entrance, having a roughly concentric bank and ditch about its southern perimeter’.

Perhaps not worth a specific visit for archaeology alone, but the landscape, my friends, the landscape! Combine with a visit to Carn Pica and enjoy some serious mountain views, too.

themodernantiquarian.com/site/12097/carn_pica.html

Coflein gives this information for the site. Note that there is another monument (excavated in 2004) a little north upon the summit of Fan Foel itself:

‘A turf-covered cairn of small stones is situated on the tip of a promontory of the NE-facing escarpment of Mynydd Du. It measures 11m in diameter and 1.2m high and appears to be undisturbed.‘

Coflein has this to say, not forgetting to mention the enormous shake hole with which the row would appear to be associated:

‘A row comprising seven upright or leaning orthostats measuring up to 2.9m long and aligned NNE by SSW. The surrounding land surface is eroding to reveal a silica-rich clay and gravel subsoil into which the stones are set. All the stones are of Carboniferous silicious grit except for one which is a rounded boulder of Old Red Sandstone. About 20m to the south is a pile of gritstone standing to 0.25m above the eroded surface, possibly the site of a former orthostat. The alignment lies within a karst landscape of limestone solution hollows; a large shake hole lies to the immediate north.....‘

Coflein description of this Iron Age hillfort sited upon the coast – ar lan y Mor – beside Cardiff International Airport.... not in Cardiff, of course, but at Porthkerry, Rhoose:

‘An enclosed trapezoidal area measuring 230m (N-S), 250m along N, tapering to 120m on S (4.1ha) is defended on the S by cliffs and elsewhere by three close-set banks and accompanying ditches well preserved on the W but reduced to terraces on the other three sides. Entrance on W side.

The camp occupies a blunt promontory, opening onto level ground to the west. Excavations behind the western ramparts, in 1968, identified a sequence of three rectangular buildings, occupied up to the late third or fourth century CE. Early twelfth century pottery occurred in the topsoil.‘

There are also the remains of a Bronze Age Round Barrow nearby at SO13101755. According to Coflein it is:

‘Situated on a local rise above the crest of a steep slope falling away into Dyffryn Crawnon, the cairn consists of stones consolidated with light vegetation and measures 11.5m in diameter. It has a raised rim up to 0.6m high externally, 0.3m internally. Given the uneven interior it seems likely that the rim results from disturbance, though the site’s identity as a ring cairn remains possible’.

Coflein descriptions of the four large Bronze Age cairns upon this ridge:

1) SN68321673. A much disturbed cairn 20m across and 2.2m high
2) SN68451686 – Severely robbed cairn, 12m diameter and 1.2m high
3) SN68401681 – Damaged at centre but the best preserved of the group; diameter 15m, height 1.8m.
4) SN68061682 – Severely mutilated, 9m across and 1m high.

Coflein data relating to the three monuments:-

1) Tair Carn Uchaf Cairn A (SN69491756) – is one of three Bronze Age Round Barrows situated on local high points upon a ridge near Blaenpedol. The cairn measures 18m in diameter and 2.3m high. A central excavation crater is 7.5m wide and 1.8m deep.

2) Tair Carn Uchaf Cairn B (SN69351737) – the cairn is the most impressive in the group, measuring 22m in diameter and with a height of 3.2m. The centre is slightly disturbed by the construction of a wind break.

3) Tair Carn Uchaf Cairn C (SN69241736) – it measures 17m in diameter and 2.6m in height and there is a slight central disturbance.

Carn Pen-y-Clogau is not the only monument to grace this wild mountain top. According to Coflein:-

CARN FATHO [Bronze Age Round Barrow] – SN71581855 – Some 130m W of Carn Pen-y-clogau lie the remains of another cairn. It is badly denuded and consist of a consolidated ring measuring overall about 10m (E-W) by 8.5m and 0.4m high, infilled with loose boulders. Further boulder scatter to the N may have come from the cairn. This is perhaps the site of Carn Fatho, a cairn believed to be located near to Carn Pen-y-clogau. It was possibly used as a parish boundary marker.

Coflein gives limited data thus:

‘A a spur-top ruined cairn, 17.1m in diameter and 1.8m. The site name may refer to the function of a large oval shelter that has been built into the body of the cairn’.

This desolate mountain bears the remains of several Bronze Age cairns of various descriptions and stature. According to Coflein:

1) PANT LLWYD, CAIRN I  – SO12951700 – A dense stone pile 15m by 15m and 0.5m high, modern disturbance by walkers to create shelters.

2) PANT LLWYD ROUND CAIRN – SO13151734 – (Bronze Age Round Barrow) Located at the head of a minor stream valley, the ground falls away gently to the E and risES slightly to the W. The cairn consists of medium/large stones, turf consolidated, and measures 8m in diameter and 0.4m high. A number of large stones around the perimeter on the S and NE give the appearance of a kerb. At the centre of the cairn lies embedded a slab 1.5m long, aligned E-W, probably the remains of a cist.

3) PANT LLWYD ROUND CAIRN – SO13161742 – A very disturbed cairn of large stones consolidated with turf measures 8m in diameter and 0.4m high. At its centre lies a hollow with upcast piled up on its NE side. A large slab embedded in this position is probably the remains of a cist. There are traces of a possible kerb in the form of a number of upright and leaning slabs spaced around the cairn perimeter.

4) PANT LLWYD RING CAIRN – SO13231744 – Bronze Age – Located to the immediate SW of another round cairn, the site consists of a grassy ring bank averaging 1.5m wide and 0.1m high in which are embedded a number of short leaning and fallen slabs; at least 14 are visible, the most prominent lying on the W half of the cairn. The interior is turf covered but uneven and is marked by a low swelling, no more than 0.2m high, at centre. Overall the ring bank measures 9m (E-W) by 8m. There is a possible entrance gap on the SE.

5) PANT LLWYD ROUND CAIRN – SO13241744 – (Bronze Age Round Barrow). Located on a low hillock this cairn consists of a turf-consolidated pile of mainly large stones and measures 5m in diameter and 0.4m high. A shallow trench has been dug into the mound from its E side. A partially visible slab, aligned NW-SE, measuring 1.2m long embedded in one side of the trench and another of similar dimensions nearby are probably the remains of a cist. Its capstone is probably the slab which lies just beyond the mound on the SW and which measures 1.4m by 1m. Several leaning slabs and blocks around the S and W perimeter appear to be the remains of a kerb. A ring cairn lies to the immediate SW.

6) PANT LLWYD ROUND CAIRN (Bronze Age Round Barrow) – SO13121682 – a low mound of earthfast stones 4m in diameter and 0.4m high is located on a minor rise on an undulating hilltop. Possibly a sepulchral cairn though no structural features are apparent.

Coflein description of this excellent, yet seemingly unknown site.........

“Bivallate enclosure with counterscarp bank, though much of the latter with the outer ditch have been destroyed. For most of the circuit the defences comprise two close-set banks and ditches and a counterscarp bank, though that and the outermost ditch have been destroyed except on the NE sextant and for a short length on the W side. Where best preserved a typical profile measures 30m horizontally and 7.5m vertically overall.

There is no sign of stone revetment On the S, where the hillside is steeper than elsewhere, the outer defences were omitted but the innermost rampart seems to have continued along the crest of the slope , though it has been levelled. The entrance was on the SE. Here, the inner and middle banks diverge to leave between them an irregular space of about 0.3 ha. The entrance through each rampart was by a passage about 7.5m wide between parallel inturned banks now only about 0.6m high, about 15m long through the outer defences and about 28m through the inner. The ramparts near the entrance do not seem to have been accompanied by ditches or by the counterscarp bank. The enclosed area measures 230m (E-W) by 180m.”

Incidentally the popular ‘Brecon Carreg’ mineral water brand is sourced at a spring here (the village of Trap, according to the bottle labels).

One wonders if those involved are aware of the Sacred Well folklore. I would guess so.

North of Brynamman, the A4069 ascends to a bwlch, Rhiw Wen, across the western shoulder of Mynydd Du, before descending sharply to the fertile Tywi valley beyond. As it does so it passes above and to the west of Cwm Garw, through which flows the tumbling Nant Garw. The eastern bank of this river is the site of a prehistoric domestic settlement, below and to the south west of Garreg Lwyd (itself crowned by a Bronze Age barrow). It is a bleak, hostile, yet beguiling location. According to Coflein it is:

‘A settlement comprising a number of hut circles, a larger enclosure (possibly also a hut circle) and a wandering wall are located at 310m above O.D. on SW-facing gently sloping open moorland, E of Nant Garw.

SN72331657: the remains of a hut circle defined by two crescent-shaped lines of limestone blocks protruding 0.3m high above the turf, overall it 5.7m (N-S) by 5.2m.

SN72311654: an enclosure measuring 11.5m in overall diameter bounded by a stony bank 2m wide and 0.4m high. There is an entrance gap 1.8m wide on the E. From the N flanking bank there runs a stony bank 50m long, 2.5m wide and 0.3m high.

SN72361657: at the end of the bank above another hut circle measuring 7m in overall diameter, its wall spread to 1.5m wide and 0.3m high; there is an entrance gap on the NW, 1.5m wide.

SN72391656: hut circle 6.5m in overall diameter, slightly platformed on its E side and elsewhere bounded by a stony bank 1.5m wide and up to 0.3m high.

SN72351654: possible hut circle, 8m in overall diameter bounded by a stony bank 1.5m wide and 0.3m high; there are narrow entrance gaps on the W and E sides.

A possible further hut circle lies at SN72391664, in the form of a penannular bank, open on the E. Around this group are scattered some less well-defined features, perhaps of more recent date – short lengths of bank, a U-shaped structure and spreads of rubble’.

The surrounding area is rich in prehistoric archaeology...

1) an Iron Age settlement on the south western flank of Buarth y Caerau at approx SO069135
2) a potential Bronze Age cairn in Cwm Criban at SO0734313320
3) another cairn upon Twynau Gwynion [SO07681227] to the approx south-west.

This site occupies the initial summit of a long, grassy ridge – known as Y Grib – which penetrates the fastness of The Black Mountains like some Masada siege ramp. During the course of relatively recent fieldnotes made at the Bwlch Bach a’r Grib cairn, I pondered that the remains of this medieval fortress looked very ‘hillforty’ in nature....

themodernantiquarian.com/site/11781/bwlch_bach_ar_grib_cairn.html

Somewhat surprisingly, I was in fact correct. According to Coflein:

‘The complex of defensive earthworks at Castell Dinas cover an area c.363m by 280m and represent the remains of an extensive masonry castle constructed over the site of an Iron Age enclosure’.

Although clearly best appreciated from the surrounding hills and mountains – particularly from Mynydd Troed across the valley – nothing suffices like actually setting foot upon the ramparts.... so another for the list, I guess.

Two massive Bronze Age burial cairns are located at the 2,025ft summit of Cefn yr Ystrad, eastern sentinel of The Brecon Beacons. According to Coflein they are

Garn Felen (SO0885613724)

‘Located on a promontary. A mound of limestone rubble with some conglomerate, 15m in diameter and 2m high. Depression in centre of top surface, possibly where it was robbed or excavated’.

Carn-y-Bugail (SO0880613629)

‘...is a massive round cairn, approx 15m diameter and up to 3m high. The top surface is irregular, having been partly robbed out. The apparent boulder kerbing to the northeast-east may be natural outcropping...’.

The chamber is more extensive than may at first be apparent. According to Coflein it is:-

‘A chambered tomb is located at about 45m above OD in sand dunes in south Gower, on a low headland flanking Three Cliffs Bay which lies to the immediate east. Two rectangular hambers and an entrance passage are exposed in a hollow below a large dune, which is believed to conceal the remains of the cairn to the W. The ruined structure is made of slabs of limestone, sandstone and conglomerate. The main chamber is 4m long and 2m wide, has six uprights in their original positions including the one which closes the W end. It is entered from the E by a narrow gap between transverse portal slabs from a passage 1.2m wide, of which the outer end is buried. Between the two uprights of the chamber’s S side is the entrance to the second chamber, 2.6m (N-S) by 1.4m. There was probably a similar chamber on the N but its entry from the main chamber is obscured; a possible component slab lies loose on blown sand. The displaced capstone resting on the SE uprights of the main chamber, and on loose stones within it, is large enough to have covered the whole of a side chamber or half of the main one’.

Banc Llechwedd-mawr is another subsidiary peak of the Pumlumon massif and – in common with many other hill/mountain tops in the vicinity – possesses Bronze Age burial cairns, in this case a pair sited towards the eastern end of its summit ridge.

According to Coflein these are:

‘A well preserved, large summit cairn, which appears to be undisturbed. It measures approximately 11m in diameter and stands up to 0.5m high. It is one of a pair of cairns at this location, the other cairn stands c.30m to the north (and is also)…a large summit cairn…..it.. measures 6m in diameter, by up to 0.8m high. A later sheepfold has been inserted into the cairn (NPRN 285743). Two parallel lines of stone project eastwards out of the cairn, the southernmost being 7.5m long, by 1.5m wide, the northernmost being 4m long x 1.5m wide. There is a gap of 1.5m between the two lines of stone. It is not certain if these features are contemporary with the main cairn structure.‘

This large hill, an outlier of the main Pumlumon Massif, rises to the approx west of Pen Pumlumon-Fawr across the Nant-y-Moch Reservoir. It bears two Bronze Age funerary cairns.

According to Coflein:

“Two cairns on summit of Drosgol hill, each c. 8-10m in diameter. Partly altered by creation into shelters . Drosgol cairns mentioned in Archaeology in Wales”.

An eroded round barrow set upon the summit plateau of 2,133ft Black Mixen, Radnor Forest.

According to Coflein the barrow...

‘...measures 22m in diameter and 1.5m high, topped by an OS triangulation pillar. The pillar....stands at the centre and the flat top to the mound is uneven, pockmarked with erosion hollows. Most of the barrow is covered in heather but the erosion scars were exposed peat‘

There are numerous other burial cairns/barrows upon these unfrequented mountains, including a particularly fine example upon the summit of nearby Bache Hill to the SE and one upon the exquisite cone of Whimble – not to mention a myriad others on the surrounding lower ground. Radnor Forest is well seen from the large ‘four poster’ at The Four Stones, east of New Radnor.

Pen Pumlumon-Arwystli, at 2,431ft, is the second highest peak of the Pumlumon massif, sited astride the main ridge, approx to the east of Pen Pumlumon Fawr itself. It is particularly notable for having two major rivers rise either side of it; the Afon Hafren (River Severn) to the approx north and the River Wye to the west.

Although clearly conjecture, this may go some way to explaining why the (arguably) otherwise somewhat undistinguished summit is crowned by three large, Bronze Age burial cairns; in effect a cemetery, since there are the remains of several ‘probables’ also. Whatever the truth, clearly this inhospitable mountain top was of considerable importance ‘back then’, and must have been viewed as a truly sacred location to the locals.

To quote Coflein:

Southern cairn – SN8149087750 – “..a centrally cratered, circular cairn, c.20m in diameter and 2.4m high”

Middle cairn – SN8152487780- “.. a sub-circular cairn, 23m by 20m and c.1.6m high, which has had shelters constructed upon it. The cairn is still substantially intact, but a shelter has been built on the south from the cairn stone, and on top are traces of a round stone platform c.1-1.5m in diameter with a shelter to its north – burnt stone is visible in the bottom of the shelter. The round platform and burnt stone may be related to use as a beacon”.

Northern cairn – SN8156787826 – “..some 0.70m high with possible kerb. Much denuded of stone. c. 20m in diameter with an outer ring of loose stones around a turf covered interior”.

[EDIT]

For comparison, there follows the official CADW scheduling description (Source ID: 1841) highlighting the ‘ring cairn’ configuration of the northeastern monument:

“The monument comprises the remains of three burial cairns, probably dating to the Bronze Age (c. 2300 – 800 BC). The southernmost cairn is c.18m in diameter, c.62m in circumference and c.2m high, with a depression in the top. The central cairn, which lies c.20m to its north-east, is c.22m in diameter, c.70m in circumference and c.1.5m high. It is intact and has been used as beacon. The north-eastern cairn lies c.35m further to the north-east, is c.20m in diameter with an outer ring of loose stones around a turf-covered interior. The centre is of stone and has a large shelter constructed within it. The cairn stands 0.5 to 1.5m above its surroundings.”

A Bronze Age burial cairn crowns Twll yr Ogof, lying to the southwest of the 2,040ft summit of Craig-y-Llyn at the western end of Cadair Idris’s great escarpment. The eponymous ‘Llyn’ (lake) in question is the beautiful Llyn Cyri, lying at the base of a plunging cliff-line. So, what gives with the vernacular name for this great prehistoric funerary monument: (roughly) Hole/Hollow of the Cave? Is the ‘cave’ referenced here the now vandalised funerary cairn, the ‘hole or hollow’ the former cist/chamber which presumably once sat within? The Gwynedd Archaeological Trust (PRN4230) informs us that the monument was: “..Opened by Wynne-Foulkes in 1850 having been previously opened by an old woman some years before. Wynne-Foulkes excavated the centre but found nothing...“. Now, far for me to cast aspersions upon unnamed old women of yore... but, did this one know something Wynne-Foulkes and our good selves do not?

The monument is substantial, yet it is the superlative scenery which steals the show here, particularly looking north across the sublime Mawddach Estuary to Central Snowdonia. Welsh folklore informs us that Cadair Idris was (quite literally) the ‘chair’ or seat of the legendary giant Idris... while fizzy drink aficionados of a certain age will perhaps conjure up other images since the factory was nearby. Perhaps it still is?

[edit] Incidentally, visitors to the stone circle of Cerrig Arthur – located some 5 miles to the northwest across the Afon Mawddach – will note that the southeastern stones of that ring appear (to me) to be almost certainly aligned upon Twll yr Ogof. Why not go see for yourself?

The 2,260ft summit of Arenig Fach, known as Carnedd y Bachgen, is crowned by the remains of a Bronze Age funerary cairn. This is Coflein certified, but – unfortunately – the database currently has no further information available.

The mountain is, in my opinion, best ascended from the east from the A4212 at the NW tip of Llyn Celyn, this route taking the traveller past the delectable mountain lake Llyn Arenig Fach – ideal for a paddle in complete solitude on a summer’s day.

The cairn boasts great views across to nearby Arenig Fawr and of the heathery bog wilderness of The Migneint, providing foreground for the great Central Snowdonian peaks to the west.

Not the most substantial of monuments, true, but well worth a look since the approach from the SSW, along the escarpment edge of Ffynnon y Parc beginning at Gospel Pass, is a fine – not to mention easily graded – walk in itself. That’s assuming you don’t want to take the option of the very steep ascent beginning near the remnants of the stone circle...... Bear in mind the site is not far from the 2,219ft summit.....

Lying virtually upon the border with England – hence the mountain also possessing an English name (Hay Bluff) – the views from the site are extensive and ...well... I could go on and on and on. Suffice to say that they are worth the effort.

Coflein says:

“A much denuded cairn upon the edge of Hay Bluff, 10.5m by 12.1m and 0.8m high, with cist elements exposed.” So there you are.

Gospel Pass is most easilly reached via the minor road from Hay-on-Wye. A longer, more picturesque route arrives from the south via the Vale of Ewyas and Llanthony Priory. Take care on these roads, however......... not for the faint hearted.

Although short, the climb up from the bwlch to this promontory fort is rather steep – emphasising, in the most obviously practical manner, the grand choice of siting its occupiers made. Having said that, it’s well worth the effort, since the views towards Llangorse Lake and the Brecon Beacons are superb. The view down Cwm Sorgwm, featuring the small Caeau Enclosure themodernantiquarian.com/site/12472/caeau_enclosure_cockit_hill.html isn’t exactly ordinary either.

I don’t recall being overly impressed by the defences, although it should be noted that my 2005 visit with the Mam Cymru coincided with the bilberry season – the Mam consequently collecting copious amounts of the fruit to go into her jam – the carpet of plants possibly masking them to some extent.

The expert opinion from Coflein is:

‘A bank and ditch, 29m long, cut offa 55m deep promontory defined by vertical rock outcrops to the N and NE and steep slopes tothe W.‘

Also note that there is a standing stone south of Mynydd Llangorse summit at SO15782544, above Cwm Shenkin.

For approach details please refer to elderford’s field notes for Cockit Hill chambered cairn, which lies on the slopes of Mynydd Troed across the valley:
themodernantiquarian.com/site/4337/mynydd_troed.html

The Tarrens are a compact group of mountains to the south of the great Cadair Idris and separated from it by the deep rift holding Llyn Mwyngil (better known as Tal-y-Llyn Lake).

Much encroached upon by forestry plantations though the Tarrens are, the main ridge linking Tarrenhendre with Tarren-y-Gesail still provides a fine walk, particularly for those with an interest in ancient burial cairns, since the former – at 2,076ft – possesses three examples in varying states of preservation at SH68350395, 6838203964 and 6839103998.

According to Coflein the round barrow is:

a ‘large round barrow 12m diameter approx. with small stone cairn on centre which is clearly a later addition. Original round barrow is covered in peat with some stone now eroding out of it but is generally in good condition. Area of possible original stone quarrying to the W and NW of monument. Round barrow is approx.1.5m in height. Field boundary runs right over the middle of the monument’.

Note that the mountain is also the site of a Spitfire crash on 22/10/42........

Having been part of my ‘Sunday walking’ landscape for the past 20 years, or so, I’d love to be able to report that this is an essential visit. Sadly this is not the case, however. Although the defences of this plateau hillfort – consisting apparently of single rampart and ditch – can still, for the most part, be traced, all but the most enthusiastic visitor will no doubt leave disappointed. The most prominent feature of the site – discounting the large antennae mast nearby, that is – is the 13th Century Church of St. John the Baptist. Great if you like that sort of thing, I guess.

Excavations have revealed evidence of Iron Age occupation; however the name Danbury seems to relate to the Saxon ‘Daeningas’ tribe. Fair enough. The ‘fort now echoes – if that’s the right word – to the shouts of local sportsmen on the nearby playing fields at weekends. At other times it is quiet save the occasional walker or gardener tending the allotments within the enclosure.

In summary, then, worth a look if you’re in the area, but don’t arrive expecting to be awed by mighty ramparts........

The approach from the west is by way of a Public Bridleway, with two access points from the minor road at the north-western tip of Ennerdale Water.

However please be extra careful how you park if you choose this route – and it is well worth the effort since the retrospective of Ennerdale Water is stunning and the gradient nice ‘n’ easy – since I unfortunately had the great misfortune of coming into contact with the local landowner, clearly a very unhappy man with, shall we say, some major ‘issues’ which he seriously needs to address. You’ll get an idea of the mentality of the man from the misspelt sign banning access to Great Borne further up the bridleway – oh dear. Needless to say intimidation does not work upon Gladman, as of course it shouldn’t.

So take a mobile – even better with video to capture any ‘issues’ – park properly and enjoy a great walk to a wonderfully remote site.

Set upon the 2,195ft summit of Carnedd-y-Filiast to the north of Llyn Celyn, this Bronze Age burial cairn is another prehistoric monument to have legendary associations with a greyhound [in this case a beast belonging to St Helen].

There is another major 2,000ft summit bearing the name at the northern apex of The Glyderau, overlooking Nant Ffrancon....the other references I’m aware of relating to cromlechs.

Well worth a visit – particularly for lovers of wild, high moorland – only don’t come expecting soaring, serrated ridges. Carnedd-y-Filiast possesses a subdued, ‘get away from it all’ aura for those who fancy a bit of solitude off the beaten track. Then again perhaps that’s the cairn’s influence upon the psyche?

According to Coflein:

“Situated within enclosed moorland, the stone built cairn is circular on plan and measures c. 15.5m in diameter and up to 1m in height. The original extent of the cairn is marked by a well preserved circular grass-covered bank, which measures c. 18m in diameter. An Ordnance Survey triangulation pillar, walker’s shelter and memorial slab have disturbed the upper stones of the cairn”.

A small, wonderfully sited (from an aesthetic point of view, anyway) hillfort of presumably Iron Age origin set upon Cockit Hill, below the north-eastern flank of Mynydd Llangorse.

Commanding beautiful Cwm Sorgwm, it itself is completely dominated by mountainous high ground to the east (where Mynydd Troed rises to c2,000ft) and the west. Since there are also the remains of a promontory fort upon Mynydd Llangorse (at SO16032774), my assumption is that this enclosure was sited to control valley traffic and not to resist determined, sustained attack, the inhabitants retreating to the higher site in this eventuality.

Coflein defines the hillfort thus: ‘an enclosure, c.30m by 40m, has been levelled into a hillslope, being defined by a bank, except facing uphill, where there is only scarping.‘

Not subject to a Gladman visit as yet – since the lure of surrounding ridges has proved the stronger to date – this lovely little site is on the ever expanding list. Note that there are the remains of a chambered cairn nearby at the bwlch and a standing stone south of Mynydd Llangorse summit at SO15782544, above Cwm Shenkin.

Visited too long ago – 1999 – for posting relevant fieldnotes; however Coflein states:

A cairn on the W end of the main summit ridge of Gamriw, 20.4m by 16.6m and 2.0m high. A central crater houses a drystone building.

There are other cairns nearby – and of course the Carnau Cefn-y-Fford cairn cemetery lies in the valley to the south east (ish)