Maen-serth

Heritage Site in Radnorshire

Wales

Maen-serth

Gamallt The steep, scrub covered hillside of Gamallt
Gamallt Credit: Eirian Evans

Maen-serth is a significant heritage site located in Radnorshire, Wales. Situated just outside the small village of Cilmery, it is an ancient standing stone that holds historical and cultural importance.

The stone is composed of a single, large slab of local red sandstone, measuring approximately 3.5 meters in height and 1.5 meters in width. Its impressive size and distinctive shape make it a prominent landmark in the area. Maen-serth is believed to have been erected during the Bronze Age, around 2000 BCE, making it over 4,000 years old.

The stone is surrounded by a small, well-maintained grassy area, with a pathway leading up to it. There are information boards nearby providing visitors with details about its historical significance. Many visitors are drawn to Maen-serth due to its mysterious aura and the sense of connection to ancient civilizations.

There are several theories about the purpose of Maen-serth. Some researchers believe it was used as a boundary marker or a religious monument, while others speculate that it may have served as a ceremonial site or even a burial marker. The stone's location on a hilltop offers panoramic views of the surrounding countryside, further adding to its allure.

Maen-serth is protected as a scheduled ancient monument, ensuring its preservation for future generations. It is a popular destination for locals and tourists alike, attracting those interested in archaeology, history, and the mysteries of the past. Its sheer age and enigmatic presence make it a must-visit heritage site in Radnorshire.

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Maen-serth Images

Images are sourced within 2km of 52.313/-3.548 or Grid Reference SN9469. Thanks to Geograph Open Source API. All images are credited.

Gamallt The steep, scrub covered hillside of Gamallt
Gamallt
The steep, scrub covered hillside of Gamallt
Lay-by with valley view by A470
Lay-by with valley view by A470
The track to Fergwm No access without permission!
The track to Fergwm
No access without permission!
A sagging power cable below Coed Cwm-coch
A sagging power cable below Coed Cwm-coch
An abandoned farm trailer near Cwmbach
An abandoned farm trailer near Cwmbach
The River Wye, near Rhayader The River Wye to the North of Rhayader at the Point where the long-closed Mid-Wales Railway crossed the river.
The River Wye, near Rhayader
The River Wye to the North of Rhayader at the Point where the long-closed Mid-Wales Railway crossed the river.
Bridge support on the long-disused Mid-Wales Railway line. "Iron Man" hanging from an old bridge support from the long-closed Mid-Wales Railway, on the River Wye North of Rhayader.
Wikipedia entry - <span class="nowrap"><a title="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Mid-Wales_Railway" rel="nofollow ugc noopener" href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Mid-Wales_Railway">Link</a><img style="margin-left:2px;" alt="External link" title="External link - shift click to open in new window" src="https://s1.geograph.org.uk/img/external.png" width="10" height="10"/></span>
Bridge support on the long-disused Mid-Wales Railway line.
"Iron Man" hanging from an old bridge support from the long-closed Mid-Wales Railway, on the River Wye North of Rhayader. Wikipedia entry - LinkExternal link
Old Milestone by the A470, below Gamallt, Rhayader Parish By the A470, in parish of Rhayader (Powys District), below Gamallt hill, on verge against hillside.

Surveyed

Milestone Society National ID: RAD_AYRY32
Old Milestone by the A470, below Gamallt, Rhayader Parish
By the A470, in parish of Rhayader (Powys District), below Gamallt hill, on verge against hillside. Surveyed Milestone Society National ID: RAD_AYRY32
Gamult [hill] Viewed from Abermarteg beside the A470/A44 road.
Gamult [hill]
Viewed from Abermarteg beside the A470/A44 road.
Suspension footbridge across the River Wye The bridge is no longer safe and has been replaced by one a little further downstream.
Suspension footbridge across the River Wye
The bridge is no longer safe and has been replaced by one a little further downstream.
Gamault  Viewed across the River Wye.
Gamault
Viewed across the River Wye.
The Gamallt milestone in its setting Beside the A470, the damaged milestone is still a clear landmark. Close-up view of the remains of the stone in <a href="https://www.geograph.org.uk/photo/2430142">SN9570 : The Gamallt milestone - detail</a>
The Gamallt milestone in its setting
Beside the A470, the damaged milestone is still a clear landmark. Close-up view of the remains of the stone in SN9570 : The Gamallt milestone - detail
The Gamallt milestone - detail Clearly damaged beyond reasonable repair (especially if the missing chunk is not in the care of the council)
The Gamallt milestone - detail
Clearly damaged beyond reasonable repair (especially if the missing chunk is not in the care of the council)
Mid-Wales Railway long-disused cutting through the embankment <span class="nowrap"><a title="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Mid_Wales_Line" rel="nofollow ugc noopener" href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Mid_Wales_Line">Link</a><img style="margin-left:2px;" alt="External link" title="External link - shift click to open in new window" src="https://s1.geograph.org.uk/img/external.png" width="10" height="10"/></span>
Closed and dismantled in 1962/63, this was a cutting through a long, raised embankment section along the River Wye North of Rhayader on the Mid-Wales Railway Line.
Mid-Wales Railway long-disused cutting through the embankment
LinkExternal link Closed and dismantled in 1962/63, this was a cutting through a long, raised embankment section along the River Wye North of Rhayader on the Mid-Wales Railway Line.
Mid-Wales Railway - closed in 1963 and reclaimed by nature. Mid-Wales Railway - section along the River Wye North of Rhayader. Closed in 1963 and reclaimed by nature.
Mid-Wales Railway - closed in 1963 and reclaimed by nature.
Mid-Wales Railway - section along the River Wye North of Rhayader. Closed in 1963 and reclaimed by nature.
View through the Iron-Man "Iron Man" hanging from an old bridge support from the old Mid-Wales Railway North of Rhayader.
View through the Iron-Man
"Iron Man" hanging from an old bridge support from the old Mid-Wales Railway North of Rhayader.
Gate in the Wye valley
Gate in the Wye valley
Gamallt and Wye Valley
Gamallt and Wye Valley
Show me another place!

Maen-serth is located at Grid Ref: SN9469 (Lat: 52.313, Lng: -3.548)

Unitary Authority: Powys

Police Authority: Dyfed Powys

What 3 Words

///bravest.placidly.flamingo. Near Rhayader, Powys

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