Maen y Bardd (‘The Bard’s Stone’)
Maen y Bardd (‘The Bard’s Stone’)
An ancient tomb in an ancient landscape
Maen y Bardd (‘The Bard’s Stone’) is a Neolithic burial chamber thought to have been constructed around 3500 BC. It stands in a remote site above the village of Rowen, a spot enjoying magnificent views over the Conwy Valley. It is widely believed that the chamber was originally covered by a cairn of stones, though no evidence remains of this today.
The current structure consists of a large, flat slab supported by four upright stones and is around 1.2 metres (4 feet) in height. The large capstone projects out from the uprights to form a portal entrance; tombs of this form are often referred to as portal dolmens.
The location was clearly significant and carefully chosen. Many other prehistoric sites are found nearby, and the whole area was the scene of a thriving community of Neolithic hunters and, later, farmers who dotted the landscape with cairns and standing stones. Maen y Bardd is probably the best preserved and most evocative of these sites. The tomb and the standing stones lie close to an important trackway, which forms a major route through a pass in the mountains. It later became a Roman road, connecting the forts of Canovium at Caerhun in the Conwy Valley with Segontium at Caernarfon.
Links
Archwilio- Accessible by Public Transport
- Good Walks Nearby
- Family Walk
Directions
By Road
Follow the B5106 south of Conwy. Turn right at Tal-y-Bont for Llanbedr y Cennin. Follow road to end. Car park at Bwlch y Ddeufaen
By Rail
Conwy - 8 miles
By Bus
Bus stop at Groesfordd Rowen
By Bike
Cycle route Conwy to Betws y Coed
Walking
Follow track downhill towards Rowen from T-junction with minor road for approx 1/2 mile.
Access Details
Walking boots recommended. OS map required. Dogs must be on lead.
Practical Details
Full Figure Grid Reference: SH 740717 OS Landranger map sheet: 115
Contact
- Address
- Maen y Bardd, Rowen
