<< Our Photo Pages >> Gop-y-Goleuni - Cairn in Wales in Flintshire

Submitted by TimPrevett on Saturday, 08 June 2019  Page Views: 22333

Neolithic and Bronze AgeSite Name: Gop-y-Goleuni Alternative Name: The Gop Cairn
Country: Wales County: Flintshire Type: Cairn
Nearest Town: Prestatyn  Nearest Village: Trelawnyd
Map Ref: SJ08668015  Landranger Map Number: 116
Latitude: 53.310382N  Longitude: 3.372351W
Condition:
5Perfect
4Almost Perfect
3Reasonable but with some damage
2Ruined but still recognisable as an ancient site
1Pretty much destroyed, possibly visible as crop marks
0No data.
-1Completely destroyed
 4 Ambience:
5Superb
4Good
3Ordinary
2Not Good
1Awful
0No data.
 4 Access:
5Can be driven to, probably with disabled access
4Short walk on a footpath
3Requiring a bit more of a walk
2A long walk
1In the middle of nowhere, a nightmare to find
0No data.
 3 Accuracy:
5co-ordinates taken by GPS or official recorded co-ordinates
4co-ordinates scaled from a detailed map
3co-ordinates scaled from a bad map
2co-ordinates of the nearest village
1co-ordinates of the nearest town
0no data
 5

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jeffrep visited on 9th May 2009 - their rating: Cond: 4 Amb: 3 Access: 3

w650marion DrewParsons TheWhiteRider TimPrevett Wazza12 have visited here

Gop-y-Goleuni
Gop-y-Goleuni submitted by TimPrevett : Clearance has enabled wildflowers to flourish on the south facing slopes. Flowers and foreground in focus. (Vote or comment on this photo)
Silbury Hill in Wiltshire is the only hill to beat The Gop as the largest prehistoric man made hill in Britain and Ireland. It sits on top of a hill some 800 feet above sea level, commanding a panorama through nearly 360 degrees, with the dimensions being oval, around 300 by 240 feet, and 40 feet high, dating between 4000 and 3000 BC. Excavations in 1886-7 revealed just a few bones of animals, with no chambers or passages being discovered. The top of the mound is considerably pitted, probably due to stone robbing.

The Gop is also known as Cop y Goleuni or 'Mount of lights'; disappointingly, it is not because of some earth mysteries phenomena which might warrant the likes of Paul Devereux investigating further, but due to its use as a beacon in the 17th Century.

Interestingly, local traditions and names place the defeat of Boudica and her forces on the plain beneath The Gop. For any general commanding an army, this would be an excellent point from which to survey the battlefield. For a full exploration of the inconclusive reasoning behind this, a read of this article At The Edge is recommended.

Access is from a bridleway to the SE, and then through a wood. The path was extremely muddy and slippery even after several days of dry weather, and near overgrown with brambles in places.

This cairn is recorded as Coflein NPRN 306725. The Journal of Antiquities also includes an entry for Gop Hill Cairn, Trelawnyd, Flintshire (Sir y Fflint), Wales, which includes directions for finding this site, background information and reference sources for more information.
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Gop-y-Goleuni
Gop-y-Goleuni submitted by TimPrevett : The southern panorama from the top of The Gop. Penycloddiau Hillfort is to the south east, and Moel Hiraddug to the south west. Some interpret cairns and burial locations as a way their creators would have defined their territory. In this case, this is some statement. As Jez remarked when we were here "what a way to say, 'this is mine'". The pitted top of The Gop is visible in the fore... (1 comment - Vote or comment on this photo)

Gop-y-Goleuni
Gop-y-Goleuni submitted by TimPrevett : The south west view from The Gop just after sunset - a composite of four pictures; in the immediate foreground is a dark outline of some of the cairn, while the large silhouette left of centre is the site of Moel Hiraddug hill fort. (3 comments - Vote or comment on this photo)

Gop-y-Goleuni
Gop-y-Goleuni submitted by TimPrevett : Silbury Hill in Wiltshire is the only hill to beat The Gop as the largest prehistoric man made hill in the British Isles. It sits on top of a hill some 800 feet above sea level, commanding a panorama through nearly 360 degrees, with the dimensions being oval, around 300 by 240 feet, and 40 feet high, dating between 4000 and 3000 BC. Excavations in 1886-7 revealed just a few bones of animals, w... (1 comment - Vote or comment on this photo)

Gop-y-Goleuni
Gop-y-Goleuni submitted by carrie : From Gop Cairn, Trelawnyd, looking towards Moel Hiraddug in Denbighshire. (Vote or comment on this photo)

Gop-y-Goleuni
Gop-y-Goleuni submitted by w650marion : Clearance of trees and shrubs has taken place to improve the site. Work will continue as funding is available to plant appropriate limestone grasses to preserve the soil and keep the cairn secure. A water source will be provided so that sheep can graze and prevent shrub encroachment. (2 comments)

Gop-y-Goleuni
Gop-y-Goleuni submitted by Bladup : Gop-y-Goleuni.

Gop-y-Goleuni
Gop-y-Goleuni submitted by Bladup : The Gop Cairn looking over to Moel Hiraddug fort in the background.

Gop-y-Goleuni
Gop-y-Goleuni submitted by postman : Looking east, back home.

Gop-y-Goleuni
Gop-y-Goleuni submitted by TimPrevett : A transatlantic meeting in North East Wales between Portal contributors Jeffrep and myself. (1 comment)

Gop-y-Goleuni
Gop-y-Goleuni submitted by TimPrevett

Gop-y-Goleuni
Gop-y-Goleuni submitted by TheWhiteRider : The Gop on Midsummers Day 2006.

Gop-y-Goleuni
Gop-y-Goleuni submitted by TimPrevett : The cairn viewed on the north side, which was a previously unexplored part for me. The cairn material on this side has not grassed over so much, giving a better idea of what its appearance should be - and would have been distinguishable for many miles away. Not so today, where it appears as a green lump on top of a green hill from the main road to the south. That's if you know where to look. The...

Gop-y-Goleuni
Gop-y-Goleuni submitted by TimPrevett : The cairn viewed from the north, which was a previously unexplored part for me. See the tree, and my friend atop the cairn for an idea of its scale. Remember - this is a Neolithic cairn, 2nd largest prehistoric mound in the country. It has been opined in "Prehistoric Wales" there could be an undiscovered passage grave here.

Gop-y-Goleuni
Gop-y-Goleuni submitted by TimPrevett : Showing the very steep gradient of The Gop, which is not evident until you are about to ascend!

Gop-y-Goleuni
Gop-y-Goleuni submitted by carrie : Gop Cairn in Trelawnyd, Flintshire

Gop-y-Goleuni
Gop-y-Goleuni submitted by TimPrevett : I've not visited The Gop in quite a few years, so it was pleasing to see the site has had some active management, clearing scrub and opening the second largest manmade hill in the UK right up. The cavity from the victorian excavations makes a pleasant sun trap for a picnic and gives a chance to enjoy the flora. Visited 6th May 2019. Photo with iPhone 6s.

Gop-y-Goleuni
Gop-y-Goleuni submitted by TimPrevett

Gop-y-Goleuni
Gop-y-Goleuni submitted by TimPrevett : I've not visited The Gop in quite a few years, so it was pleasing to see the site has had some active management, clearing scrub and opening the second largest manmade hill in the UK right up. Viewed from the south east here. Clearance has enabled wildflowers to flourish on the south facing slopes - making this May Day bank holiday weekend visit a particular joy. Hill top in focus. Visited 6t...

Gop-y-Goleuni
Gop-y-Goleuni submitted by TimPrevett : I've not visited The Gop in quite a few years, so it was pleasing to see the site has had some active management, clearing scrub and opening the second largest manmade hill in the UK right up. Viewed from the south east here. Clearance has enabled wildflowers to flourish on the south facing slopes - making this May Day bank holiday weekend visit a particular joy. Visited 6th May 2019. Photo w...

Gop-y-Goleuni
Gop-y-Goleuni submitted by TimPrevett

Gop-y-Goleuni
Gop-y-Goleuni submitted by TimPrevett : I've not visited The Gop in quite a few years, so it was pleasing to see the site has had some active management, clearing scrub and opening the second largest manmade hill in the UK right up. Viewed from just above the caves, looking uphill over a carpet of daisies. Visited 6th May 2019. Photo with iPhone 6s.

Gop-y-Goleuni
Gop-y-Goleuni submitted by TimPrevett : I've not visited The Gop in quite a few years, so it was pleasing to see the site has had some active management, clearing scrub and opening the second largest manmade hill in the UK right up. Viewed from the top looking east; all the area to the left of the wall was previously overgrown - the approaching path now wide open. Visited 6th May 2019. Photo with iPhone 6s.

Gop-y-Goleuni
Gop-y-Goleuni submitted by TimPrevett : I've not visited The Gop in quite a few years, so it was pleasing to see the site has had some active management, clearing scrub and opening the second largest manmade hill in the UK right up. Viewed from the top looking south west. Visited 6th May 2019. Photo with iPhone 6s.

Gop-y-Goleuni
Gop-y-Goleuni submitted by TimPrevett : I've not visited The Gop in quite a few years, so it was pleasing to see the site has had some active management, clearing scrub and opening the second largest manmade hill in the UK right up. Viewed from the top looking north; this area was formerly a drinking den, well covered over with remains of fires and litter strewn around. Visited 6th May 2019. Photo with iPhone 6s.

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Nearby sites listing. In the following links * = Image available
 63m SSW 197° Gop Caves* Cave or Rock Shelter (SJ08648009)
 261m E 95° Gop Wood Mound* Cairn (SJ08928012)
 661m S 189° Hen Dy Round Barrow(s) (SJ08547950)
 689m WNW 291° Gop Farm Bone Cave Cave or Rock Shelter (SJ08028041)
 890m ENE 74° Bryn-Y-Odyn* Round Barrow(s) (SJ0952380376)
 1.1km NW 314° Ty-Uchaf* Round Barrow(s) (SJ07868095)
 1.7km E 84° Axton Barrows Round Barrow(s) (SJ104803)
 2.0km S 172° Cae Bryn Round Barrow(s) (SJ08917821)
 2.0km NW 309° Coed-Yr-Esgob Round Barrow(s) (SJ07098146)
 2.4km W 268° Graig Fawr (Dyserth)* Standing Stone (Menhir) (SJ06288013)
 2.5km SSW 207° Marian Ffrith Hillfort (SJ0746877947)
 2.7km SSW 211° Marion Bach 2 Round Barrow(s) (SJ07217782)
 2.9km SW 234° Moel Hiraddug* Hillfort (SJ063785)
 3.0km SSW 211° Marion Bach 1 Round Barrow(s) (SJ07057759)
 3.2km SSW 199° Aelwyd Uchaf (Cottage) Barrows Round Barrow(s) (SJ0758577185)
 3.2km WSW 252° Dyserth Church* Ancient Cross (SJ056792)
 3.7km SSW 195° Llyn-Y-Gorseddau 3 Round Barrow(s) (SJ07647662)
 3.7km SSW 194° Llyn-Y-Gorseddau 2 Round Barrow(s) (SJ07687657)
 3.7km SSE 156° Hendre Bach Round Barrow(s) (SJ10137671)
 3.8km SSW 194° Llyn-Y-Gorseddau 1 Round Barrow(s) (SJ07657651)
 4.0km SSE 164° Pany Y Dulath Round Barrow(s) (SJ09677624)
 4.1km S 170° Criafol* Round Barrow(s) (SJ09317611)
 4.4km WSW 251° Ffynnon Fair (Rhuddlan)* Holy Well or Sacred Spring (SJ045788)
 4.4km ESE 107° Maen Achwyfan* Ancient Cross (SJ129788)
 4.9km SSE 149° Traveller's Inn* Round Barrow(s) (SJ111759)
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"Gop-y-Goleuni" | Login/Create an Account | 11 News and Comments
  
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Re: Gop-y-Goleuni by Anne T on Monday, 18 February 2019
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On 19th March 2010, coldrum wrote: View Larger Map
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Re: Gop-y-Goleuni by Anne T on Monday, 18 February 2019
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On 1st June 2010, sem wrote: Quote from Coflein "The Gop Cairn is Wales’ largest prehistoric monument and only surpassed in size by the prehistoric mounds of Silbury Hill and the Marlborough Mount in southern England. It commands a mighty vista from its elevated limestone plateau on the north coast of Wales, close to Prestatyn. A shaft sunk to its centre in the nineteenth century shed little light on its original purpose but it was clearly a place of enormous significance. The Gop Cave in the foreground has produced human skeletons, prehistoric flints and pottery. (Extract from the forthcoming 'Historic Wales from the Air', RCAHMW, 2012)."
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Re: Gop-y-Goleuni by w650marion on Saturday, 16 February 2019
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Fiona Gail, former Denbighshire County Archaeologist, lead a group of 40 enthusiasts on an enjoyable walk here today.

Woodland and shrub growth have been cleared from the site and new gates and fencing started. Funding has been secured for cost effective maintenance. This involves planting grasses suitable for limestone which will hold down the soil and protect the cairn. A water source will be provided, so that sheep can graze the hill and maintain the grass, preventing shrub overgrowth.
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Re: Gop-y-Goleuni by coldrum on Wednesday, 13 January 2010
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Coflein entry.

http://www.coflein.gov.uk/en/site/306725/details/GOP+CAIRN%3B+Y+GOP%3B+GOP+HILL+CAIRN/
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Re: Gop-y-Goleuni by sycorax on Wednesday, 10 September 2008
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Visited Gop Hill on July 19, in rainy weather. Took the southern approach route described above by "Anonymous", which is not very obvious but much easier than going through the wood from thr east! A most impressive and atmospheric site, especially in the rain. The pock-marked summit suggests that people have excavated the mound in the past, perhaps looking for buried "treasure".
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Re: Gop-y-Goleuni by Anonymous on Thursday, 03 April 2008
just visited the cairn on the top of Gop Hill today as low cloud swept around the hilltop giving a very atmospheric feel to the place.
Access is best from the village of Trelawnyd. Park in the public car park half way up High Street and walk up the left hand side of the road to an unsurfaced lane (not signposted) just before it bends to the right. Continue past the entrance to some houses until you see a stone stile across the front lawn of the last house. Crossing this the obvious path leads upwards to the caves and hilltop.
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Re: Gop-y-Goleuni by nicoladidsbury on Thursday, 23 March 2006
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I am reading Manda Scott's latest fantastic novel, Dreaming the Serpent Spear, which is about Boudica and leading up to the final battle, and so found the comment about the last battle possibly having taken place under this mound very interesting. Recommend her four Boudica books, they stir the soul in a similar way to ancient burial mounds and stone circles.
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Re: Gop-y-Goleuni by Anonymous on Wednesday, 15 March 2006
A hearth and drinking den are on the NW side of the Gop... nicely concealed - but broken bottles, cans and litter are strewn about the place. Sad
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Re: Gop-y-Goleuni by TimPrevett on Thursday, 27 October 2005
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Have just read in P75 of Prehistoric Wales that some have supsected a
neolithic passage grave beneath The Gop cairn! If it is there, presumably it is untouched?
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Re: Gop-y-Goleuni by TimPrevett on Wednesday, 12 January 2005
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A good small documentary feature to download here on the Gop

http://www.nwtv.co.uk/pages/wales/denbig/villag/trelnd/gop01.htm

credit to Eileen Grimshaw for finding this one!

Tim
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Re: Gop-y-Goleuni by TimPrevett on Sunday, 10 October 2004
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BBC Local site - panoramic photo
http://www.bbc.co.uk/wales/northeast/panoramics/pages/trelawnyd.shtml
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