Carn Biga, Pumlumon Fawr/Plynlimon

Cadw's description

Summary description and reason for designation

The following provides a general description of the Scheduled Ancient Monument.

The monument comprises the remains of three stone-built round cairns, probably dating to the Bronze Age (c. 2300 - 800 BC). Items 'A' and 'B' form a pair located on a slight summit on a high plateau above the NW-facing flank of Plynlimon Fawr and overlooking Afon Hengwm to the N. Item 'C' is located 120m to the NNW of Item 'B' on a local knoll. Item 'A' is the southernmost cairn of the pair and is roughly circular in shape on plan. It measures 2.5m in height and 13.5m in diameter. Item 'B' is located 15m to the NNE of Item 'A'. It is circular in shape on plan and measures 2.5m in height, 17m E-W and 15m N-S. Item 'C' measures 0.5m in height, 5m N-S and 3m E-W. There is a pronounced 'tail' of cairn material downslope to the E. The remains of a possible kerb are preserved on the N side.

The monument is of national importance for its potential to enhance our knowledge of prehistoric burial and ritual practices. The feature is an important relic of a prehistoric funerary and ritual landscape and retains significant archaeological potential. There is a strong probability of the presence of both intact ritual and burial deposits, together with environmental and structural evidence. The importance of the monument is further enhanced by the group value it shares with neighbouring cairns.

The areas to be scheduled comprise the remains described and areas around within which related evidence may be expected to survive. Items 'A' and 'B' are centred on Area 'A' (NGR SN 83037 89928). It is roughly oval in shape on plan and measures 58m NNE-SSW by 30m transversely. Item 'C' is centred on Area 'B' (NGR SN 82982 90043). It is circular in shape on plan and measures 15m in diameter.