Now Coflein is silent in this respect – and I didn’t notice during my last visit 8 years ago – but this feature, a little north, certainly appears to be of artificial construct? Pen Pumlumon-Arwystli glowers upon the horizon.
The way forward toward the far, far more substantial pair of cairns gracing the summit of Carn Hyddgen.
Towards upper Cwm Hengwm. Those with excellent eyesight may just about make out Carn Fawr, upper right.
Looking across the Afon Hyddgen to Pumlumon’s most enigmatic standing stones during an ascent of Banc Lluest Newydd (9/9/2020). Note that it is now possible to cross further to the south (left) – via a new footbridge at SN779891 – rather than ford the Hyddgen. The summit of Banc Llechwedd-mawr, rising above, bears two Bronze Age cairns.
Preparing to ford the Nant y Llyn (the nascent Afon Rheidol) en route to Banc Lluest Newydd, seen rising beyond, and Carn Hyddgen.
The natural defences of the eastern flank, looking approx south... note how the main rampart of the northern exclosure acts as a cross-bank.
Lots of stone still in situ here at this magnificent hill fort.
Southern enclosure, looking toward the northern... note the twin defence lines of the latter here.
The inner, southern defences of the northern enclosure, looking south... the main rampart can be seen arcing around to the left, with the southern ‘annex’ beyond.
Eastern flank of the northern enclosure, looking approx north... I found no trace of any former defences here... although whether there was a token wall back in the day, now fallen and within the scree below, dunno. I would assume not, since the angle is very steep. The traveller is immediately reminded of a similar plan at the great Dinas hill fort overlooking Llyn Clywedog further to the north.
Sunburst upon the powerful western defences of the northern enclosure, looking approx north.
Looking across the main entrance to Y Carneddau.
The unexpectedly well preserved main entrance into the northern enclosure, from the southern.
Y Carneddau... bearing hill forts and cairns galore ... from the SW corner of the northern enclosure.
Looking approx south along the very powerful western defences... this really is a first-class hill fort.
The superb Castle Bank hill fort from the equally fine ‘fort overlooking Cwm Berwyn to approx SW. I had taken a brief from the previous visitor’s fieldnote and decided to forego a visit... but, clearly, could not disregard the evidence of my own eyes.. consequently re-arranging the itinerary to enable a visit at the end of the week. Exceptional. It would appear Coflein agree.
Seen descending Garn Fawr to the approx south-west...
Looking towards the (apparent) site of Garn Felen, engulfed within forestry. I made a serious attempt to visit, but could not locate the monument within... Bryn Rhudd and Banc-y-Gwyngoed (left to right) can be seen beyond
The obligatory ‘marker’ cairn upon the far larger prehistoric footprint facing off to Garn Gron.
Across the cairn, looking approx North-east. Garn Gron, with its excellent cairns/hillfort etc, rises beyond.
Looking approx south-west toward distant Bryn Rhudd.
The customary parasitic paraphernalia notwithstanding, the traveller can appreciate why this is called Garn Fawr......
Looking to the north-west(ish). A good place to be for a couple of hours or so.
A further arc of impressive circular footprint. Note the ‘Teifi Pools’, top right... starting point of my ascent.
Looking approx east into the wilderness of Cwmdeuddwr. The Claerwen Reservoir can just be seen.
Looking approx NW across the inexorable ‘shelter’ and marker cairn. Much of this cairn is ‘green’... appropriately enough for Cwmdeuddwr.
Bryn Dafydd from Carn-y-Rhyrddod. Pen-y-Garn (The Cwmdeuddwr Hill’s third 2,000 ft’er) and Pumlumon rise beyond Cwm Ystwyth.
Pen-y-Garn (to the left of the wind farm) rises beyond Bryn Dafydd (according to Coflein, bearing the remains of another Bronze Age cairn) with the wonders of Pumlumon crowning the horizon. The sheer scope of the upland archaeology of Mid Wales (if not Wales per se) is breathtaking, in my opinion. Most of it hidden ‘up here’.
Hint of a kerb? Llan Ddu Fawr rises beyond.
Looking toward the similarly massive cairn upon Llan Ddu Fawr. Punters are advised to keep solely to the ridge-lines here... take it from me: the bogs are industrial strength, impassable in places.
Toward Llyn Fyrddon Fawr... even with a sunburst... in my opinion, this is some of the harshest terrain in all Wales.
The eye is drawn towards the Hafod estate... and, ultimately, Pumlumon.
Not as obviously upstanding as its near neighbour crowning Llan Ddu Fawr, but look closer and it is nonetheless another very substantial upland cairn in an incredibly vibey location.
It was a drag to finally leave, but Carn-y-Rhyrddod beckoned. A bog making Dartmoor look like a child’s playpen barred progress...
Looking approx north across the excellent footprint to Carn-y-Rhyrddod.
The massive footprint was far more substantial than anticipated... note the bothy erected around the OS trig... and Carn-y-Rhyrddod visible beyond, left background.
Approaching across the trackless wilderness of Waun Claerddu... Llan Ddu Fawr (centre) betrays not a hint of the massive monument crowning its summit... trust in your compass.
Approach from the east... the ‘fort occupies the left-hand extremity of the ridge.
The magnificent Castle Bank hillfort can be seen top right of image.
