Arthur's Stone

     Our first proper outing since the start of Lockdown was to the crown of the great sandstone ridge of Cefn Bryn on peninsular Gower, taking the Red Road over the common from Llanrhidian. It was our first visit and we were properly rewarded with panoramic views in all directions. It certainly feels like the very centre of the peninsular - whether that's entirely accurate is a different matter.

     On the north flank of the hill, and with panoramic views over the Loughor estuary to the Brecon Beacons is Arthur's Stone. (I mention that because it could have significance as to the placing of this monument.) Its Welsh name is Maen Ceti. The stone is a glacial erratic, now split into two, that forms the capstone of a two chambered burial cairn - time and the hand of man removing its covering of stones. I'm not sure if anybody knows for certain whether the stone was moved to this location, or that the burial chamber was excavated from underneath the pre-existing stone. Either way it's a hell of a thing to achieve. As its English name suggests it has connections to the legend of King Arthur, but to St David also. Both men are credited with cleaving the stone in twain. Arthur used Excalibur and David his pastoral staff. A little further off to the west is a second cairn.