Bryn Cader Faner
A remote Bronze Age 'Crown of Thorns' stone circle in Snowdonia, offering stunning mountain vistas and a mystical ancient atmosphere.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Clearer skies, better visibility
Bryn Cader Faner
Best Time
Clearer skies, better visibility
Highlights
Must-see attractions
A remote Bronze Age 'Crown of Thorns' stone circle in Snowdonia, offering stunning mountain vistas and a mystical ancient atmosphere.
"Well worth the effort for the amazing views and fascinating Bronze Age monument."
🚗 Drive as far as possible
Push your vehicle to the limit on the rough track to shorten the hike. 🚗
🥾 Sturdy hiking boots essential
Expect boggy moorland; waterproof and supportive footwear is a must. :athletic_shoe:
Quick Facts
Rating
4.9 · 51 reviews
Type
Historical Landmark
Address
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
The Crown of Thorns Cairn
Summit
A striking Bronze Age ring cairn, resembling a crown, offering panoramic mountain and sea views.
Panoramic Mountain Vistas
Summit
Breathtaking views stretching towards Snowdon and Diffwys, a truly awe-inspiring landscape.
Remote Rhinogydd Landscape
Surrounding area
Experience the wild beauty of Snowdonia's Rhinogydd range, a haven for nature lovers.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Embrace the Hike
Ancient Mysteries Await
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
🚗 Drive as far as possible
Push your vehicle to the limit on the rough track to shorten the hike. 🚗
🥾 Sturdy hiking boots essential
Expect boggy moorland; waterproof and supportive footwear is a must. :athletic_shoe:
🧺 Pack a picnic
Enjoy a quiet meal with unparalleled views; it's a perfect spot for a peaceful picnic. :sandwich:
🗺️ Circular route recommended
Consider a circular walk starting from Llyn Tecwyn Isaf for varied scenery. 🧭
Tips
from all over the internet
🚗 Drive as far as possible
Push your vehicle to the limit on the rough track to shorten the hike. 🚗
🥾 Sturdy hiking boots essential
Expect boggy moorland; waterproof and supportive footwear is a must. :athletic_shoe:
🧺 Pack a picnic
Enjoy a quiet meal with unparalleled views; it's a perfect spot for a peaceful picnic. :sandwich:
🗺️ Circular route recommended
Consider a circular walk starting from Llyn Tecwyn Isaf for varied scenery. 🧭
🌬️ Be prepared for wind
The exposed summit can be windy, even on a clear day. :cloudwithwind_face:
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Visitors consistently praise Bryn Cader Faner for its breathtaking views and the unique experience of visiting a remote Bronze Age monument. The challenging hike is considered well worth the effort, offering a sense of accomplishment and solitude. Some minor concerns include the rough access road and the potential for boggy conditions underfoot.
"Prepare for a 2-3 hour walk up there 5-6 hours round trip. But don't let that put you off. It is well worth it as the views are amazing. A lovely place for a very quiet picnic."
Russel Stone
"Fab walk. Be brave a keep driving as far as you can.
If you find a leather wallet. Keep the cash as reward, but would like the wallet back. Address on driving licence. 😄
Well what a fabulous surprise. Some one has found my partners wallet. We would love to thank the kind person who returned it to us this morning. AMAZING.....THANK YOU 👏"
Alison Garfield
"We parked at Llyn Tecwyn Isaf and did a circular route passing by Bryn Cader Faner. It is a fascinating Bronze Age monument and it is often referred to as one of the most beautiful Bronze Age monuments in Britain, dating back to around 4000 years ago. Local folklore often adds a mystical layer to such ancient sites. Bryn Cader Faner is sometimes linked to tales of ancient kings and warriors. According to some legends, the site could be the burial place of a notable chieftain or warrior, which is symbolized by the crown-like structure of the stones."
Lewis
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
The best approach is to drive as far as possible on the rough track towards the site to minimize the walking distance. Parking is available near Llyn Tecwyn Isaf, from where a circular route can be taken. Be prepared for a challenging drive on unpaved roads.
Public transport options are very limited due to the remote location. It's highly recommended to travel by car. If relying on public transport, you would likely need to combine bus services with a significant walk or taxi.
The final approach involves driving on a rough, unpaved track. It's advisable to use a vehicle with good ground clearance, though some visitors have managed with standard cars if they drive cautiously.
The walk typically takes 2-3 hours to reach the cairn and 5-6 hours for the round trip, depending on your starting point and pace.
The terrain involves walking across boggy moorland, which can be uneven and wet. Sturdy hiking boots are essential.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
No, Bryn Cader Faner is an open-air historical site and does not require tickets for entry. Access is free.
As an ancient monument in a natural landscape, there are no set opening hours. You can visit at any time, though daylight hours are recommended for safety and enjoyment.
There is no entrance fee to visit Bryn Cader Faner. It's a freely accessible historical site.
While technically accessible, visiting at night is not recommended due to the challenging terrain, lack of lighting, and potential safety hazards.
There are no specific restrictions, but visitors are expected to respect the ancient monument and its surroundings, leaving no trace.
🎫 🧭 Onsite Experience
Bryn Cader Faner is famous for its well-preserved Bronze Age ring cairn, often called the 'Crown of Thorns,' set in a dramatic mountainous landscape. 
Expect stunning panoramic views across the mountains, including glimpses of Snowdon and Diffwys, as well as sea and estuary views.
Absolutely! The unique stone circle, dramatic landscape, and sweeping vistas make it a photographer's dream, especially during sunrise or sunset.
No, there are no facilities such as restrooms or visitor centers at Bryn Cader Faner due to its remote location.
Yes, it's an ideal location for a quiet picnic, offering a serene atmosphere and incredible scenery.
📸 📸 Photography
Sunrise and sunset offer magical light, especially during the autumn equinox. Golden hour light enhances the dramatic landscape.
A wide-angle lens is great for capturing the expansive landscape and stone circle. A drone can offer unique aerial perspectives.
The cairn itself is the main subject, but explore the surrounding ridges for different angles of the monument and the vast mountain scenery.
Drone footage is possible and can capture stunning aerial views of the cairn and its remote setting. Ensure you follow any local drone regulations.
Its dramatic setting atop a hill, the ancient 'Crown of Thorns' stone circle, and the sweeping views of Snowdonia's peaks and coastline create a unique photographic appeal.
Social
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit