Name of monument
Carreg Bica
Also known as
Type of site
Dimensions (approx)
H:
3.85m
W:
1.32m
D:
0.6m
LR Grid Reference
OS Map Number
LR 170
Nearest Village
Nearest Town
Neath
Property Type
Access
MRW Access rating
MRW Site Rating
Other information
Legends / stories attached to this monument. Inscriptions. See who has provided other information.
This
monument has to be seen, it is simply a monster. Getting there as it turns
out is relatively simple, although as usual we had initial problems. Luckily
a chance encounter with an extremely helpful couple out walking their dogs
set us on the right road. It was a cold, wet, foggy November day when we
first visited Carreg Bica.
As
it turns out you can take the car all the way to the monument itself,
although this would mean driving through fields of livestock, therefore
parking just below the ridge, about five minutes walk away is by far the
better option.
Approaching
on the A465 from Hirwaun. Take the exit for Neath and go around the
roundabout and under the flyover. Take the exit for Skewen and Neath Abbey.
Go straight across the next roundabout, there is a Tesco store on your left.
You will very soon come to two mini roundabouts, like a figure eight, turn
right off the second and follow the road, it will lead to yet another mini
roundabout and under a railway bridge, just stay on this road, over a number
of speed humps.
After
passing through the residential area follow the winding road, you will soon
pass the Glyn Clydach Hotel on your right. Just round the corner you will
come to a church on your left, as the road takes you around the church, take
care, As the left turn you want is a very sharp turn, on a right hand bend.
There is a sign as you turn directing you to Grange Farm, follow the road
all the way up to the entrance of The Grange. You now bear right and
continue along the road passed Cotland Cottage on your right. You will soon
pass a big stone wall on your left, just before a small Transco gas
compound, also on your left.
It
is at this point the tarmac ends, and the road gets a little rough, to say
the least. Follow the road passed Dyffryn Farm, on your right, all the way
to a sharp left bend in front of Keepers Lodge. Keep on going up the hill to
a sort of junction, just keep going straight up the hill. At the top we
suggest you park up alongside the rocky mountainside on your right and
continue on foot. You need to continue up the track behind you, through the
gate and turn left, cutting across the field until you pick up the track
again. This track will lead you to the foot of the monument.
Carreg Bica is an incredible stone as you can imagine it dominates the landscape. Although unfortunately slightly defaced, with names etched into it, Carreg Bica is once again an extremely captivating monument, with mesmerising panoramic views of the gorgeous surrounding countryside
