Magnificent Neolithic Burial Chamber with a very fine high portal
Standing on a ridge 300ft above sea level near the Slate Caverns of Llanfair, just off the Harlech to Barmouth road, this Neolithic burial chamber is a fine example of a portal dolmen. This form of burial chamber is very common on the west coast of Wales, typically characterised by a high portal or entrance to the chamber and a large sloping capstone. Portal dolmens are thus very impressive monuments to visit, and great subjects for photography due to their size and shape.
At Gwerrn Einion the portal (or entrance) is very high, and the remains of five large stones and the huge capstone are also still visible. The chamber was once built into the wall of a sheepfold behind 19th-century farm buildings, constructed from stones that were conveniently to hand. However, this wall has recently been cleared by archaeologists so the splendour of the monument can be fully appreciated.
There are many other fine Neolithic burial chambers in this area, including Cors y Gedol and Dyffryn Ardudwy.
Minor road from Llanbedr or Pen Sarn – map required
Llandanwg Station
Bus stop at Llandanwg Station
Near NCN route 8
OS map required – cross fields through kissing gate from minor road.
On Private land – permission required from Gwern Einion. Not suitable for wheelchairs.
Full Figure Grid Reference: SH 587286 OS Landranger map sheet: 124