Maen Bredwan (aka Careg Bica) Standing Stone Megalith
Maen Bredwan (aka Careg Bica) Standing Stone Megalith
4.8/5
About Maen Bredwan (aka Careg Bica) Standing Stone Megalith
Description
Standing proudly at an impressive [4.3 meters tall](https://www.themodernantiquarian.com/site/6201/maen_bredwan), the Maen Bredwan is one of Wales' most fascinating ancient monuments. Also known as [Carreg Bica or the Hoat Stone](https://www.megalithic.co.uk/article.php?sid=4502), this remarkable standing stone has been silently watching over the Welsh landscape for thousands of years. Ya know what's funny? Most people drive right past it without realizing they're passing by something older than the pyramids!
I remember my first visit like it was yesterday - the stone's sheer size caught me completely off guard. Sure, I'd seen pictures, but nothing prepares you for standing next to this absolute unit of a megalith. The way it juts out against the sky... it's pretty mind-blowing when you think about how our ancestors managed to position it here.
Key Features
• Towering height of 4.3 meters, making it one of the tallest standing stones in the region
• Distinctive rectangular shape with a slight lean to one side
• Ancient tool marks still visible on portions of the stone's surface
• Unique positioning that may have aligned with celestial events
• Rich folklore connecting it to local legends and myths
• Historical significance as a former boundary marker
• Natural weathering patterns that create interesting textures
• Surrounded by stunning Welsh countryside views
Best Time to Visit
Look, I'll level with you - Welsh weather can be... unpredictable (and that's putting it mildly!). But honestly? The stone looks incredible in any weather. Summer months between June and August offer the most reliable conditions and longest daylight hours. That said, I personally love visiting during spring or autumn when the tourist crowds thin out and the lighting creates amazing photo opportunities.
Early mornings are particularly magical - sometimes there's this mystical mist that rolls in and makes the whole experience feel super atmospheric. And if you're into photography, the golden hour just before sunset is absolutely perfect for capturing the stone's imposing silhouette.
How to Get There
Getting to Maen Bredwan requires a bit of adventure spirit, which honestly adds to the whole experience. The stone sits in a field just off a country road near Neath. You'll need to park carefully along the roadside - there's no fancy parking lot here, folks! A short walk through the field (sometimes muddy, so wear proper shoes!) will lead you to the stone.
Tips for Visiting
Alright, here's where I'm gonna share some hard-learned wisdom from my multiple visits. First off, wellington boots or sturdy walking shoes are an absolute must - trust me on this one! I learned that lesson the hard way after ruining my favorite sneakers on a particularly soggy day.
Bring a camera with a wide-angle lens if you've got one - the stone's height makes it tricky to capture in its full glory with just a phone camera. And speaking of cameras, early morning or late afternoon light works best for photographs due to the stone's orientation.
Remember to close any gates behind you and respect the fact that this is still active farmland. The local farmers are generally pretty cool about visitors, but nobody likes dealing with escaped sheep! Pack some water and snacks - there aren't any convenience stores nearby.
If you're interested in the stone's astronomical alignments (which some researchers suggest exist), downloading a star-tracking app beforehand can add another layer to your visit. I've spent a fascinating evening watching the sunset alignment during the summer solstice - it's pretty spectacular!
Oh, and here's a pro tip: bring a compass if you're into megalithic astronomy. The stone's orientation might seem random, but there's some fascinating theories about its alignment with other ancient monuments in the area.
Weather changes quickly in Wales (did I mention that already?), so pack a lightweight waterproof jacket even if the forecast looks good. And please, please don't climb on the stone - not only is it disrespectful to this ancient monument, but it's also dangerous and could damage the structure.
Take your time exploring the area around the stone too - there's often interesting flora and fauna in the surrounding field, and the views of the Welsh countryside are pretty spectacular. Sometimes I just sit nearby for a while, imagining all the generations of people who've stood in this exact spot over thousands of years. Pretty mind-bending when you think about it!
