Scheduled MonumentsWalesArenig Fawr Cairn
Prehistoric · Round Cairn

Arenig Fawr Cairn

Meirionnydd, Wales
Cadw SAM ME257
Period
Prehistoric
Site type
Round Cairn
Broad class
Religious, Ritual and Funerary
Nation
Wales
Boundary

Scheduled area

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Overview

History & significance

Arenig Fawr Cairn is a Bronze Age round cairn situated on Arenig Fawr mountain in Meirionnydd, Gwynedd, Wales. The monument consists of a stone mound constructed during the later prehistoric period and is characteristic of funerary and ritual monuments erected across upland Wales during the Bronze Age. Its elevated position on the mountain reflects the deliberate placement of such cairns in prominent landscape locations, likely serving both commemorative and territorial functions for Bronze Age communities. The site remains an important archaeological record of prehistoric burial and ritual practice in mid-Wales.

Arenig Fawr Cairn is a scheduled monument protected by Cadw under reference ME257. View the official record →

About this monument

Questions & answers

What is Arenig Fawr Cairn?

Arenig Fawr Cairn is a Bronze Age round cairn situated on Arenig Fawr mountain in Meirionnydd, Gwynedd, Wales. It is designated a Scheduled Ancient Monument by Cadw under reference ME257.

What period does Arenig Fawr Cairn date from?

Arenig Fawr Cairn dates from the prehistoric period, and is classified as a round cairn. It is one of over 32,000 scheduled monuments protected across Britain.

Who is responsible for protecting Arenig Fawr Cairn?

Arenig Fawr Cairn is a Scheduled Ancient Monument, legally protected by Cadw — the body responsible for designating and safeguarding heritage sites in Wales. The official designation reference is ME257.

What other scheduled monuments are near Arenig Fawr Cairn?

Several scheduled monuments lie within 10 km, including Llechwedd Erwent Hut Circle Settlement (3 km), Cairn 200m SE of Foel Ystrodur Fawr (3.2 km), Pont Tai-Hirion Old Bridge (3.7 km).

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