Name of monument
The Gray Hill Complex
Also known as
Type of site
Dimensions (approx)
H:
W:
D:
LR Grid Reference
OS Map Number
LR 171
Nearest Village
Nearest Town
Property Type
Access
MRW Access rating
MRW Site Rating
Other information
Legends / stories attached to this monument. Inscriptions. See who has provided other information.
The Gray Hill Complex is a substantial monument, consisting of a stone circle, standing stones and a barrow cemetery.
Getting to the site is not particularly difficult. We got there from the A449, as we had been visiting the Llangbi stone near Usk, although you can also get there from the A48 near Caerwent. So we approached along the road through the woods, as usual a very tight and twisty road.
As you approach the edge of the woods you pass the road leading to the reservoir on your right, just as you pass there you will come to another turning left, leading to some houses. Follow this track until you can’t go any further. In front of you, up to your left you should be able to see a wooden gate with Gray Hill carved into it. Park your car as not to cause an obstruction, and set off on foot through the gate.
As you approach the hill in the car you would have noticed how high and steep it looks, don’t be put off, but be prepared for about a 10-20 minute walk very much uphill. As you reach the top you need to turn left and follow the path across the top, then bear right as you start to drop. There is a tree line on your right, and as you come to a break in the tree line you should be able to see the standing stone to the north of the circle. It has been suggested that the northern stone and the southern stone are aligned to the midwinter sunrise. It has also been suggested that a number of the original stones are missing. A few of the remaining stones have fallen but still remain within the circle.
Although Gray Hill isn’t a spectacular visual monument, the setting is amazing, the views across the Severn are exceptional, especially from the northern standing stone. On a bright summers day this site is well worth the climb.
