Garn Goch - Bethlehem, Carmarthenshire, Wales
Posted by: 
BruceS
N 51° 54.077 W 003° 54.382
30U E 437641 N 5750446
Iron age hill fort occupying a high hill near the small village of Bethleham, in Carmarthenshire, Wales.
Waymark Code: WMA7GH
Location: South Wales, United Kingdom
Date Posted: 11/28/2010
Views: 9
During the Iron Age Wales was occupied by Celtic Britons and several hill forts were built during this time. Garn Goch also called Carn Goch (red cairn) is one of the largest of these in Wales. The Garn Goch actually has two hill forts Y Gaer Fach (the small fort) and Y Gaer Fawr (the large fort) on two hill tops along the same ridgeline, visitors will arrive at the smaller fort first while walking from the parking area. The larger fort is more complete and evident than the small fort. The fort has extensive stone storm wall ramparts which follows the contours of the hill. The larger fort has a large cairn located on its northeast side which is thought to be a burial mound.
Garn Goch is the boundary between the Dematae and Silures tribal areas. At the time of the Roman invasion the Silures occupied the whole of South-Wales from the Severn to the Towy and the Dematae held south-west Wales (west Carmarthenshire and Pembrokeshire). The Silures were a more aggressive tribe and gave the Roman invaders the most trouble to subdue.
Garn Goch is located in Brecon Beacons National Park. To access Garn Goch park at the parking area in vicinity of N51 54.057 W3 55.087 and follow the foot path leading up the hill.