Foeldrygarn is a large rocky tor with an extensive Iron Age hill fort on its summit. The fort comprises three large cairns, from which the hill gets its name (Foeldrygarn - translated from Welsh as Three Cairn Hill). The site lies within the Pembrokeshire Coast National Park at the eastern end of the Mynydd Preseli ridge. It is situated on open moor which is registered common land.
At the bottom of the hill are natural springs, these create small ravines and streams, which along with regular, and sometimes heavy, rainfall provide the main source of water for the Eastern Cleddau.
The steep contoured hill with low-lying shrubs, and pathways that cut through to the top, is a popular place for walkers and wildlife enthusiasts.
Location
The site is approximately one and half miles to the west of the town of Crymych (OS map Explorer OL35 - North Pembrokeshire, grid reference SN157533)
Site Access
The site is accessible at any time of the day as well as all year round; it is accessed via a rough stone bridleway approximately 150 metres long, which runs from a small lay-by on the nearest public road. At the end of the bridleway there are a farm gate and a stile. Beyond the gate, the area opens up to rough fields with pathways visible leading up towards Foeldrygarn.
The land rises gently to the north for approximately 300 metres, at which point the steeper rocky outcrops of Foeldrygarn begin to take shape.
Walks
The site lends itself easily to short or long walks. The whole site can be seen in under an hour or a longer walk in the surrounding area can be undertaken. Near the stile there is a bridalway sign and a small board with a map and the general code of conduct for common access land. From the lay-by it is a 2 to 3 minute walk along a lane to lower slopes of the hill. From the lower slopes it is a moderate 15-20 min walk to the summit. The walk is steep in places and the footpath is rocky and muddy. The walk to the summit is steep but easily found due to the paths cut through the shrubs and bracken. The footpath and the rest of the area can become more difficult to get to if heavy rain has fallen making the exposed soil slippery.
Access for the disabled
The lower slopes are accessible to some wheelchair users during dry weather, but the upper slopes and summit are unlikely to be suitable for wheelchair access.
Access for the disabled could be improved by filling in potholes on the access path.
By road it’s a short drive along a minor road from either Crymych on the A478 (<2 miles) or Mynachlogddu (2 miles). From Haverfordwest the journey takes ~30 minutes and Cardigan ~15 minutes.
Public Transport The only direct public transport to the site is the seasonal Preseli Green Dragon Walker’s Bus (Tel: 0800 783 1584). There is a weekday bus from Cardigan to Haverford West (Richards Bros No. 430) which stops in Crymych.
On foot the site is accessible via local footpaths and bridleways which reach Foeldrygarn from the west along the centuries old 'Golden Road' that runs along the top of the Preselis from Foel Eyr in the west. Horse Horses are exercised along the bridleways in the area and these are well marked.
Facilities
There are no designated facilities at this site apart from a small lay-by with space for approximately 4-6 cars (see image below). The nearest conveniences; toilets, shops and telephone are located in Crymych one and a half miles away.
