Looking south along the row (Scale 1m).
A single stone row measuring 123.6m long, including at least 10 small and medium-sized stones situated at the western foot of a pronounced ridge. The row is orientated north to south and protrudes from deep peat which means that the stones will be much bigger and others may be completely hidden. The row has a sea view reveal, a possible astronomical link and stands in the vicinity of cairns.
Location
| Wales | Gwynedd | Rest of Wales | SH 90829 14260 |
| Lat 52.71492729 Long -3.61760435 | |||
Map showing the location of Mynydd Clywedog stone row.
Simplified plan of the Mynydd Clywedog stone row (Source: survey by Sandy Gerrard at 1:500).
Plan of the northern nine stones. A higher resolution is available by clicking on the image.
Characteristics
| Type: Single | Length: 123.6m |
| No. of stones: 10* | Size of stones: Small and medium* |
| Orientation: 11° | Altitude: 475m |
| Upper end: – | Lower end: – |
| Straight (Yes or No) : | Sea View: Yes |
| Context: Prehistoric settlement | |
| Notes: * There is a considerable depth of peat in this area and all the stones are likely to be much bigger. Only the tips of the stones are visible and it is likely that many stones are buried completely.
This stone row was found in the 1980’s by the farmer Tegwyn Jones who reported his find to the local archaeological trust. |
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Other Information
| Public Access: Yes |
| Land Status: |
| Scheduled Ancient Monument: No |
Interpretation
Category: Plausible. Deep peat accumulation in this area means that not all of the row is visible, but despite it is almost certain that this represents the remains of a prehistoric stone row. The presence of the peat means that the row is likely to survive very well and the original land surface may exist. This row therefore has considerable environmental and dating potential.
Typology
This stone row is of Type S10. Information on this form of stone row and other rows of this type is available here.
Photographs
View from the south highlighting the location of the row.
View from above and south of the northern length of the row. The stones are protruding through a deep peat deposit which is probably sealing the original land surface, more stones and the lower parts of the visible stones which are probably considerably larger. Position of two stones highlighted by white arrows. (Scale 1m).
View from above and south of the northern length of the row (Scale 1m).
View from above and north of the northern length of the row (Scale 1m).
Looking south along the row (Scale 1m).
Individual Stones
Plan of the stone row showing the position of the numbered stones.
Stone 1 measures 0.38m long by 0.30m wide, is orientated at 0° and was identified only by prodding. View from north looking along the row.
Stone 2 (in front of ranging rod) measures 0.30m long by 0.13m wide, stands up to 0.06m high and is orientated at 56°. Stone 3 is visible to the right. View from west (Scale 1m).
Stone 3 measures 0.36m long by 0.12m wide, stands up to 0.12m high and is orientated at 5°. View from north (Scale 1m).
Stone 4 measures 0.33m long by 0.27m wide, barely protrudes through the turf and is orientated at 15°. View from north (Scale 1m).
Stone 5 measures 0.29m long by 0.16m wide, stands up to 0.36m high and is orientated at 23°. View from east (Scale 1m).
Stone 5. View from north looking along the row (Scale 1m).
Stone 6 measures 0.34m long by 0.16m wide, stands up to 0.44m high and is orientated at 160°. View from east (Scale 1m).
Stone 6. View from the north looking along the row (Scale 1m).
Stone 7 measures 0.40m long by 0.13m wide, stands up to 0.32m high and is orientated at 165°. View from east (Scale 1m).
Stone 7. View from north east (Scale 1m).
Stone 8 measures 0.14m long by 0.06m wide, stands up to 0.08m high and is orientated at 174°. View from east (Scale 1m).
Stone 8. View from south (Scale 1m).
Stone 9 measures 0.33m long by 0.22m wide, stands up to 0.10m high and is orientated at 33°. View from above and east (Scale 1m).
Stone 10 measures 0.57m long by 0.13m wide, stands up to 0.46m high and is orientated at 29°. View from north east (Scale 1m).
Stone 10. View from north (Scale 1m).
Sea Views
From the top of the row at stone 1 the sea together with highground north west of Fishguard and near Gwbert near Cardigan are visible. As you walk down the row the sea slowly disappears and is not visible from the lower part of the row. Another example of a stone row being built across the limit of visibility to the sea. View from stone 1.
The sea view from stone 3. The sea is being swallowed up by the near slope. View from stone 3.
By stone 5 only a slither of sea remains to be seen.
The sea view from stone 6. The sea finally disappears from view at stone 7.
Landscape Comment
The position and orientation of the row provides a number of links to the surrounding landscape. There is no outlook towards the east but elsewhere a number of distinctive landmarks are visible, with many disappearing or appearing depending on the direction of travel.
Cwm Cerist
Cwm Cerist is visible and prominent throughout the length of the row. An astronomical purpose is certainly a possibility and definitely an avenue worth exploring by those with the expertise. This pass with its distinctive land triangle beyond is situated at around 280° from the row and it is clear that dramatic sunsets would have been visible from certain points along the row during the summer months. It is even possible that movement along the row could have enhanced the experience or permitted time to be measured. View from stone 10.
A rocky outcrop
As you walk up the row a rocky outcrop appears on the near northern horizon just before stone 8 is reached. This outcrop is distinctive and may have been incorporated into the design of the row by its builders. The outcrop is visible on the horizon just to the left of the ranging rod. View from stone 8 looking north.
Access Information
Limited road side car parking is available at SH 91262 13047. From here it is possible to carefully cross the busy A458 and follow the farm road to Braich-llwyd and then the track to access land at SH 90203 13770. From here follow the track northward to the row. Alternatively permission to use the track leading north from Braich-llwyd could be sought at the farm or nearby Talglanau.
Online Resources
Megalithic Portal Modern Antiquarian Coflein Historic Environment Record
Timeline
VISITED:- 30th August 2018
FIRST PUBLISHED:- 13th February 2016
LAST UPDATED:- 25th March 2019
The Stone Rows of Great Britain 