Significant is the fact that Carn Meini was the source of the bluestones that were taken to Stonehenge about 2600 BC, perhaps making it a source and centre for healing. Folklore accounts claimed that these had healing powers when used in conjunction with water. These may refer to the springs that well up below the crags that have been accredited in this context on a historical basis. It might even be possible that the Stonehenge arrangement was a pre-existing stone circle. Pentre Ifan, Bedd yr Afanc and Banc Du were contemporary to this time.
From the north, Pentre Ifan is probably one of the most photographed tombs in Wales
Foel Trigarn (SN158336), an Iron Age fort seen from the NW, named from the three large cairns each over 10' (3m) high in a similar alignment to Bedd Arthur. In and around the site, over 200 house platforms have been recorded.
Another view from the same direction.
Another aerial view of Foel Trigarn from the NE. This being quite a dramatic site, a personal impression is that the three cairns may represent the final destuction of the settlement here.
Bedd Arthur (SN130324), with Carn Meini in the background. With seventeen bluestones aligned NE/SW, this has the strongest resemblance to the Stonehenge bluestone circle.
Banc Du, to the west, is a Neolithic defended enclosure contemporary to Pentre Ifan and Bedd yr Afanc. Set on a hilltop, a radiocarbon date of 3650 BC has been given, making Banc Du very rare. Time will tell whether Foel Trigarn was adopted when this settlement proved insecure (sea-borne raiders could be expected to have come from the direction of what is now Newport).
Another view of Gors Fawr with Carn Meini on the sky-line.
For those unfamiliar with sites like these (more can be found here), it is worth bearing in mind the long-term damage that can be done to them through thoughtlessness or carelessness. Always leave a site in the condition that you found it, please.