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 round cairn located on Arenig Fawr mountain in Meirionnydd, Wales, dating to the Neolithic or Bronze Age period. The monument consists of a substantial heap of stones accumulated on the summit, typical of funerary and ritual monuments from prehistoric Wales. Its position on this prominent mountain peak suggests it held significance as a burial monument and ritual focus within the Bronze Age or earlier landscape. The cairn remains an important record of prehistoric funerary practice in the upland regions of north 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 round cairn located on Arenig Fawr mountain in Meirionnydd, Wales, dating to the Neolithic or Bronze Age period. 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 the UK.

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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