Bryn
Cader Faner is a small cairn just 8m across and less than
1m high, but around the edge is a ring of tall, thin slabs set at an
angle, projecting from the mass of the cairn like the rays of the sun,
or as some say the "Welsh Crown of Thorns". The monument
may be classified as a cairn circle, and was probably a site of burial
rather than ceremonial function. It has been disturbed and a hole in
the centre no doubt indicates the position of a cist or grave, the content
of which is unknown. The army, on manoeuvres before the second world
war, pulled out stones on the east side but, miraculously, the striking
silhouette remained intact.
It is a monument of simple but brilliantly effective design, placed
with sophisticated precision in its dramatic setting so as to achieve
maximum impact on travellers approaching from the south. It is arguably
the most beautiful Bronze Age monument in Britain.
Acknowledgement: A guide to ancient and historic Wales by Frances Lynch
Directions
: [ Map
of Bryn Cader Faner Cairn Circle location ]
I have not yet visited this site. I include directions from two
other sources.
1. Drive south from Talsarnau on A496. Then 0.3 ml (0.5km) after the
harlech Junction turn left (signposted Maes Y Neuadd Hotel) and persevere
up very narrow steep road to end (Moel y Geifr) where 1 or 2 cars can
be parked. Follow Welsh Water track on right for 0.75 ml (1.25 km). Shortly
after 3rd gate track bears right to lakes. Leave track here (this is
crucial point) and continue straight ahead through boggy patch, skirting
wall to left of rocky knoll. Time to complete return journey 2.5 to 3
hours.
Acknowledgement: A guide to ancient and historic Wales by Frances Lynch
Or try these directions :
2. From the "Maes-Y-Neuadd" hotel, follow the narrrow
no through road (sign posted) which runs parallel to it. go across two
cattle grids and one gate which you must close, and you come to the parking
area (5 minutes or so uphill and around some narrow bends). Bryn Cader
Faner is about an hour and 20 minutes (include a short 5 min break).
Follow the trail until you arrive at Llyn Eiddew Bach, then veer sharp
left and follow the lake edge until the narrow path veers left and then
widens (seems that a vehicle has made the wide path which helps) across
marshy but quite firm ground until you intersect the main path to the
burial ground. Once you intersect this path which at the moment is bone
dry, Bryn Cader Faner is about 15 minutes away. I looked up about 10
minutes into it and then saw it on a hillside to my right
Acknowledgement: Philip
J Davies
