Maen Ceti – Arthurs stone

by Sharon Williams

 

One of my favourite spots in Wales is Maen Ceti also known as Arthurs stone. Arthurs stone is a Neolithic dolmen built probably built as a burial chamber for a tribal chief or a person of high standing amongst the tribe. 

Above, Arthurs stone has a capstone weighing around 25 tonne and is supported by a few upright standing stones. Surrounding the dolmen are smaller stones, which make up a series of circles.

 

To the left of the megalith there is a burial mound of stones which is very interesting, and can be mistaken for a quarry of left stones.

  

  

There are many legends attributed to the dolmen and until fairly recently the healing well was used by parishioners of the local capel, who every Sunday after mass would walk up to the well,  and immerse their feet in the hopes it would provide healing.   Since then the stone has been associated with pagans, and the church has disassociated itself with the well and it is no longer used but can be found across the road from Maen Ceti enclosed in a hut. Folk law also suggests that on a full moon young maidens would make an offering of crescent shaped cakes while dancing around the stone in the hopes that their suitor would appear as an apparition by the end of the dance.

After it has rained a well underneath the dolmen also fills up. Legend says that on mid summers eve and all hallows eve Arthurs stone rises up to quench its thirst in the estuary, or even that the well is tidal and fills up and disperses according to the tides in the Gower.

There is no denying the beauty of Maen Ceti, on a windy day you get a feel of how desolate and magical the plains of Cefn Bryn are. On the opposite side of the road you get to see wild horses and black bulls and further down the path towards Penmaen there is another burial chamber. Travellers who have taken photos on around this area have found their photos come back with strange orbs in the print or on the screen.   Are these the mysterious Tyle Teg who will grant you one wish if you ask it on the peak of Cefn Bryn.

Facing South you can see two lakes one of which is meant to be bottomless, and could make an ideal fishing spot during fishing season.

 

At Reynoldstone when you have finished your visit quench your hunger and thirst at The King Arthur Hotel, which boasts a restaurant and pub that serves some of the finest food in the Gower.

Maen Ceti is found on the road that leads from Reynoldstone towards Llanrhidian. Map reference: SS49149055.