Anglesey And North Wales

fig. 4 : Trefignath

The first tomb of this trip was Trefignath (SH 227 809), a very odd monument indeed. My first reaction was to compare it with Island (County Cork) to which the initial similarities are very striking (see fig. 4). So, is this a form of wedge tomb? Under closer inspection it would appear not and the clue is in the capstones. If the front capstone was raised up and made to rest on the two tall portal stones then it would easily fall into the portal tomb category.

fig. 5 : Trefignath - Both chambers

The monument is built on a large rocky outcrop and faces east - another portal tomb trait. One oddity is that it has what appears to be a subsidiary chamber to the rear of the main structure, but this could simply be a ruined portal tomb as well. Two portal tombs are not an uncommon occurance and seem to be just as common in Wales as they do in Ireland, if not more so (see fig. 5).

From here we move inland to another example of a double tomb - Presaddfed (SH 347 809) (see fig. 6). Sadly one of the structures is very ruined and the other is propped up by a wooden post. That aside, this is a lovely monument nicely situated in the middle of a large open field. On the day that I walked up the lane there was a cricket match underway in the field opposite, the sounds of which added to the calmness of the area.

fig. 6 : Presaddfed

It is possible that the very ruined structure is actually just stones from the other. The main monument has two gaps where the portal stones would have been and two of the other stone slabs would make very good portal stones for the main tomb.

Northwards and we arrive at Mein Hirion or the Llanfechell Triangle (SH 364 917) , a trio of standing stones in the brow of the hill (see fig. 7). These stones are approached from the farm to the west and the walk up the hill seems like a pilgrimage of sorts. These stones definitely have a presence in the landscape. There are the remains of a very battered tomb in the valley below near the farm and you can't help thinking that it and these stones were very firmly linked.

fig. 7 : Mein Hirion

Before my visit here I was under the impression that they were taller. They are still all over 2m high, but I had imagined them to be closer to 3m. One of the stones is fantastic in its own right - a huge curved scimitar blade-like menhir that begs for attention.

At the farm below I had bumped into a couple who were also looking to reach these stones. It makes a nice change to see people at sites who have a keeness similar to mine. It's not unusual at some of the more popular locations to see groups of people there simply because their guide book tells them to visit, but to meet people keen to hunt out a place with no signpost is very refreshing!

There is another, less spectacular, standing stone nearby. From this trio look northeast and beyond some bungalows you will see a pylon. The stone is near to this.