Barclodiad y Gawres burial chamber
Neolithic passage tomb on the headland above Porth Trecastell (Cable Bay), with rare carved stones inside. Free to view from outside; chamber opened on Cadw tours.
Barclodiad y Gawres, “the giantess’s apronful”, is a Neolithic passage tomb on the cliff above Porth Trecastell (Cable Bay). The grassy mound, about 27m across, is a modern reconstruction. Beneath it a 7m passage leads to a cross-shaped chamber where five stones are carved with zigzags and spirals. Similar carvings are found in Neolithic tombs in Ireland, and the only other tomb in the UK with this kind of art is Bryn Celli Ddu.
Even from outside, it’s a spectacular spot, with big views along the coast and the sandy cove below.
Good to know
The chamber is not generally open to the public. Cadw runs pre-booked guided tours on selected summer dates that give access to the decorated stones. You can view the tomb from outside, free, 10am–4pm. Park at the Porth Trecastell car park off the A4080 and follow the coast path up the headland. The ground can be slippery or muddy, and coastal erosion affects the lower path, so take care. Dogs are welcome.