Mynydd Rhiw Round Cairns

Cadw's description

Summary description and reason for designation

The following provides a general description of the Scheduled Monument.

Four cairns, probably burial cairns dating to the Bronze Age (c. 2300 - 800 BC), arranged roughly in a straight line. They are situated on a prominent ridge a little below the summit of Mynydd Rhiw. All command an extensive view, but nos.2 and 4 are on top of local outcrops and overlook a very wide area. No.3 is in a hollow between these and has a more restricted view, while No.1 is on a lower natural eminence N of No.2.

A fifth cairn used to exist on the top of Mynydd Rhiw at SH 2297 2949, but a building now occupies this spot.

The monument is of national importance for its potential to enhance our knowledge of prehistoric ritual and funerary rites. It retains significant archaeological potential, with a strong probability of the presence of associated archaeological features and deposits. The structures themselves may be expected to contain archaeological information concerning chronology and building techniques.

The scheduled area comprises the remains described and areas around them within which related evidence may be expected to survive.