The quarrying and manufacture of stone axes represents one of Britain’s earliest known industries, and the Neolithic quarry at Graiglwyd is one of the largest sites of its kind. Axes from Graiglwyd have been found all over the country, with many fine examples housed in the British Museum and the National Museum Wales.
Excavations carried out here between 1919 and 1921 revealed the existence of five working floors arranged around three outcrops of hard, igneous rock. Blocks of raw material were extracted and roughly shaped before being moved to other sites to be ground and polished into finished axes. Aside from being essential tools of their age, such axes were prestigious items. Many of the finest examples have clearly never been used to fell trees, and were presumably kept exclusively as status symbols.
An Audio Trail and Itinerary have been created for this site. To download them, please see here
From Penmaenmawr follow road direction of Dwygyfylchi. Follow signpost for Druid’s Circle / Graig Lwyd Road. Park by Jubilee Walk gateposts.
Penmaenmawr - 1 mile
Bus stop at Penmaenmawr Railway Station
Various footpaths. 40 minutes moderate footpath from Jubilee Walk car park, or steep footpath from Graiglwyd Farm is most direct.
Walking boots recommended. Dogs must be on lead.
Full Figure Grid Reference: SH 717749 OS Landranger map sheet: 115