Wales

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CARN MENYN

Carn Menyn is a cluster of rocky outcrops, or tors, in the Preseli Hills in Pembrokeshire. It is an atmospheric environment, slightly lonely, with excellent views inland as well as over the sea, and several prehistoric remains in the area – such as Foel Trygarn and Bedd Arthur. In addition to the slightly strange arrangement of stones, Carn Menyn has been believed for many years to be the source for the bluestones used to build Stonehenge in Wiltshire 170 miles (274 km) to the east and some 4,500 years ago. The claim is disputed by many and there has been great speculation about how these stones were moved such a distance by Neolithic people. It is also possible that the stones came from several places in the Preseli Hills, not just Carn Menyn. In 2005, it was suggested – apparently seriously - that the stones from Stonehenge should be returned to the Preseli Hills.

Accessible by foot only. Postcode is for a nearby village.

Region/Nation
Location/Address
Nr Mynachlog-ddu
County
Pembrokeshire
Post Code
SA66 7RY
Main Historic Period
Prehistory
Tip/Nearby
Bedd Arthur, Foel Trygarn
Primary Management
National Park
CASTELL HENLLYS

Castell Henllys is a reconstructed Iron Age village, or fort, but the only one in Britain built on an original Celtic site. So the idea is that you walk in the footsteps of the Demetae tribe that lived there 2,000 or so years ago. It is very much geared to schoolchildren, but it is fascinating for all ages. As well as roundhouses, enclosures etc, there is a visitor centre and you can stroll through the surrounding countryside and take a picnic. Regular events are held.

Region/Nation
Location/Address
Meline
Nr Crymych
County
Pembrokeshire
Post Code
SA41 3UR
Main Historic Period
Prehistory
Link to featured article
Tip/Nearby
In the National Park off the A487 between Newport and Cardigan.
Primary Management
National Park
CEIBWR BAY

Ceibwr Bay is a relatively remote and tiny cove of rocks and sand hemmed in by tall cliffs. It is not a beach to swim from, but the scenery is wonderful and it is possible to spot dolphins offshore.  The coastline either side is wild and spectacular and it is well worth walking in either direction.  About a mile to the south of Ceibwr Bay is the popular Witches’ Cauldron sea cave.

North east of Molygrove.  There is limited roadside parking on the narrow road near Ceibwr Bay.  Post code approximate.

Region/Nation
Location/Address
Ceibwr Lane
Moylgrove
Cardigan
County
Pembrokeshire
Post Code
SA43 3BU
Main Historic Period
N/A
Primary Management
National Trust
CILGERRAN CASTLE

Cilgerran Castle lies beyond some village cottages on a rocky promontory, overlooking the Teifi Gorge. It is a strategic position, thought to be first fortified by the Norman, Gerald of Windsor, in 1108.  It was captured by the Welsh in 1164, retaken by William Marshal, Earl of Pembroke, in 1204, recaptured by the Welsh during Llywelyn the Great's campaigns in 1215, but was back in English hands in 1223 when William Marshal’s son, also William, built a stone castle on the site.  It is reckoned to have been in a largely ruinous state by 1405.

It has been suggested that Cilgerran Castle is the site of Cenarth Bychan castle, from which Gerald of Windsor’s beautiful wife, Nest, daughter of Rhys ap Tewdwr, was abducted by her admirer, Owain ap Cadwgan, while Gerald escaped via the privy.

Today, the main ruins are of the inner ward, which includes two massive 13th century towers connected by a curtain wall.  The outline of other buildings remains, though the outer defences are now under gardens and houses.  One of many interesting features is a sally port in the side of the curtain wall, between the towers.

Cilgerran Castle is owned by the National Trust and looked after by Cadw.

Region/Nation
Location/Address
Castle Square
Cilgerran
County
Pembrokeshire
Post Code
SA43 2SF
Main Historic Period
Medieval
Tip/Nearby
St Dogmael's Abbey, Cardigan Castle
Primary Management
Cadw
DINAS MAWR promontory fort

Dinas Mawr promontory fort is reckoned to date from the Iron Age and was probably the stronghold of a clan leader.  It is situated on the west of the Pencaer Peninsula, generally known as Strumble Head, jutting out into the Irish Sea.  The location is stunning, but not for those of a nervous disposition, especially in bad weather.  Dinas Mawr is accessible along the Pembrokeshire Coastal Path or via a footpath off a minor road.  However, laymen will need to look for evidence of the fort.  A ditch is clearly visible on the headland between what were stone ramparts and traces of at least one hut circle can be made out just inside the ramparts.  Most of Dinas Mawr comprises a towering lump of rock, however, with severely restricted space for settlement to the east and the south of the crag; the top, surely, would have been too inhospitable.  Immediately beyond Dinas Mawr is the islet of Ynys y Ddinas.  Though a good defensive position, there is no fresh water and it is speculated whether the fort had some ceremonial or ritual purpose, for it cannot have been of much long-term use, or in the event of a prolonged siege.

Region/Nation
Location/Address
Trefasser
Goodwick
County
Pembrokeshire
Post Code
SA64 0LR
Main Historic Period
Prehistory
Link to featured article
Useful Website Address
Tip/Nearby
Garn Fawr fort, other prehistoric remains and Strumble Head lighthouse.
Primary Management
National Park
FOEL TRIGARN

Foel Trigarn is a famous multivallate Iron Age hillfort and landmark in the east of the Preseli Hills. Experts have identified 3 main enclosures as well as at least 227, possibly 270, sites of Iron Age dwellings.  Ditches can be clearly made out by a layman.  Though Foel Trigarn is thought to have been a major centre of population, possibly the headquarters of a tribal leader, it is not considered likely that these dwelling sites were all occupied simultaneously, but over many centuries.  In short, this was probably a prehistoric village.  Three enormous cairns on the summit give the hill its name.  These are believed to be communal Bronze Age burial mounds.  Because they are believed not have been plundered, it has been concluded that those that lived on Foel Trigarn venerated their ancestors and that the hill may well have been a sacred site.  Both Iron Age and Roman artefacts have been found.

Post code approximate.  Access by foot only wearing suitable clothing. Parking in a layby on a nearby road.

Region/Nation
Location/Address
Nr Crymych
County
Pembrokeshire
Post Code
SA41 3SG
Main Historic Period
Prehistory
Useful Website Address
Tip/Nearby
Bedd Arthur, Pentre Ifan, Cilgerran Castle
Primary Management
Local Authority
GARN FAWR CAMP

The multivallate Iron Age hillfort of Garn Fawr on the Pencaer/Strumble Head peninsula dominates the surrounding landscape, which is peppered with prehistoric remains.  At 699 feet (213m), Garn Fawr is the highest point on the peninsula and there are spectacular views from the top.  The craggy terrain was formed more than 440 million years ago by intrusive vulcanicity, giving Garn Fawr a tor-like appearance. Drystone walls link rocky outcrops to form boundaries and ramparts.  There is also a WW1 lookout post on the summit, from which the nearby smaller fort of Garn Fechan to the east is easily visible.  There is an easy walk to the fort from a car park and a shortish circular route takes you around the landscape, past another feature, Ysgubor Caer, and an abandoned cottage that once belonged to the artist John Piper.  Extend your walk to the promontory fort of Dinas Mawr.

Post code is for guidance only. Take a minor road north from Harmony to the car park.

Region/Nation
Location/Address
Harmony
Goodwick
County
Pembrokeshire
Post Code
SA64 0JJ
Main Historic Period
Prehistory
Link to featured article
Useful Website Address
Tip/Nearby
Dinas Mawr, Strumble Head lighthouse, Fishguard.
Primary Management
National Trust
PEMBROKESHIRE COAST NATIONAL PARK

The Pembrokeshire Coast National Park covers an area of 240 square miles (621 kilometres) along a 260 mile (418 kilometres) coastline in South-West Wales.  It was established in 1952 and the highest point is Foel Cwmcerwyn at 1758 feet (536 metres).

Pembrokeshire Coast National Park is unique in that it is predominantly, but not exclusively, coastal.  But, in addition to high rugged cliffs and broad, sandy, beaches, it does include woodland and inland hills.  Along the 186 mile (299 kilometres) long Pembrokeshire Coast Path you will spot seals, dolphins and basking sharks, as well as seabirds.  There are prehistoric tombs, Iron Age hill forts, numerous castles and Britain’s smallest city, St Davids.  The park includes a marine nature reserve, 6 national nature reserves and 75 Sites of Special Scientific Interest.

Principal settlements include St Davids and Tenby.

Region/Nation
Location/Address
Pembrokeshire Coast National Park Authority
Llanion Park
Pembroke Dock
County
Pembrokeshire
Post Code
SA72 6DY
Main Historic Period
N/A
Link to featured article
Primary Management
National Park
PENTRE IFAN

Remains of a communal tomb constructed maybe around 3,500 BC. The remaining stones form a doorway with a capstone on top some 17 feet (5.1 metres) long and weighing an estimated 16 tonnes. It is thought the original structure would have been about 120 feet (36 metres) long. Bits of pottery and worked flint have been found on site, but no human remains have been found.

Region/Nation
Location/Address
South east of Newport on a (very) minor road between the A487 and B4329.
County
Pembrokeshire
Post Code
SA41 3TZ
Main Historic Period
Prehistory
Link to featured article
Primary Management
Cadw
PICTON CASTLE

Picton Castle was built in 1280 and has been owned by the Philipps family since 1491.  It is now run by a charitable trust.  Despite looking like a medieval castle, with towers and gatehouse, in the 18th century it was transformed into a stately home.  The interior includes elegant room with magnificent fireplaces and good artwork, including a controversial ‘Picton Renoir’.

The 40-acre gardens are said to include one of the best plant collections in Wales and feature many rare species, with woodland walks and trails, as well as a walled garden with pond and herb garden.  Other attractions include The Welsh Owl Garden, an adventure playground, the Lumsden Collection of Antique & Vintage Lawnmowers and the Mansion of Mystery Escape Rooms – two unique interactive adventure games for teams of two to six players.

Image credit: Historic Houses

Region/Nation
Location/Address
The Rhos
Haverfordwest
County
Pembrokeshire
Post Code
SA62 4AS
Main Historic Period
Georgian
Useful Website Address
Tip/Nearby
Carew Castle, Pembroke Castle, Llawhaden Castle
Primary Management
Independent – Historic Houses member

If your favourite attraction is not listed yet, and you have a good quality digital photograph of it that you are able to freely send, please get in touch

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