Pembrokeshire, West Wales is famous for its beaches and dramatic coastline but only a short distance inland you encounter a remote ancient landscape. To the north of the county are the Preseli Hills a sparsely populated range of rugged hills. However, if you look closely, there are plenty of signs of the people who occupied the area dating back thousands of years.
The Preseli Hills are the source of many of the bluestones used in Stonehenge, 180 miles away. These were quarried and transported to Salisbury Plain over 5000 years ago. For my Preseli walk, I went in search of the exact location of these famous bluestones.
Where To Start?
I started the walk at the foot of the Iron Age Hillfort in the Preseli Hills near the village of Crymych (SN 165 332). There is a small lay by which is only big enough for about 4 cars. So get there early to ensure you have a parking space.
Foel Drygarn Hillfort
Foel Drygarn can be seen for miles around, it dates from the iron age but within the inner defences are three Bronze Age burial mounds. Climb to the top of the hill fort to get a great view of the surrounding area and the various craggy outcrops which scatter the landscape.
One of the nearest outcrops is Carn Menyn. It can be reached via the Golden Road which passes by the base of the hillfort.
The Golden Road
The Golden Road is an ancient route which runs from the Pembrokeshire coast and across the Preseli Hills. It was established in the prehistoric period and may have been an important trading route from Ireland, across Wales and onto England.
Carn Menyn
Carn Menyn was believed to have been the main source of the bluestones used at Stonehenge. You can see why when you look at the natural rock formations. Later research has suggested that the stones were sourced from several different outcrops. A number of the dolerite bluestones have been identified recently as coming from the outcrop of Carn Goedog nearby.
Carn Goedog
There’s no direct path to Carn Goedog. You’ll have to take the short diversion from the track of the Golden Road. You can really see the natural rock formations of Carn Goedog that look like they could easily be standing at Stonehenge.
Geological studies in 2013 and 2014 confirmed that the spotted dolerite stones of the inner horseshoe at Stonehenge have come from Carn Goedog and not Carn Menyn.
A hike over the Preseli Hills is a fascinating experience and highly recommended when you are in Pembrokeshire. It’s easy to imagine how it must have been over 5000 years ago.
If you haven’t visited Pembrokeshire, West Wales, it is definitely worth a visit. As well as this ancient history it has some of the best beaches in the UK.
