As part of National Festival of British Archaeology, Bannau Brycheiniog National Park Authority has teamed up with the Dyfed Archaeological Trust on the weekend of 31st July and 1st August to host a series of archaeological and historical themed activities at the largest Iron Age Hill Fort in Wales. It’s a free family fun day out that runs from 10.30am – 4.00pm.
Starting at Bethlehem Village Hall visitors will be guided along a time trail up and around the hill fort learning about the landscape and hearing tales of the past along the way. Within the stone ramparts of Garn Goch visitors will be treated to demonstrations of some of the crafts practised locally through the ages. Children and adults can investigate the site themselves by taking part in a history hunt. Other activities on offer include surveying the Hill Fort, archaeological and guided walks, face painting, storytelling, pot making, spinning, spear throwing, flour milling and bread making – there’s even a hog roast!
Judith Harvey, Western Area Manager for Bannau Brycheiniog National Park Authority said: “Garn Goch is an historic landscape which is home to some real hidden treasures. We are happy to be able to team up with the Dyfed Archaeological Trust to promote the British Archaeological Festival at one of our most impressive sites. Over the years it has benefitted from our partnership work to promote good habitat management using traditional livestock – so this weekend will provide a fantastic opportunity for everyone to have a great day out at a location we are really proud of.”
Alice Pyper, Project Manager from the Dyfed Archaeological Trust said: “Garn Goch is such an impressive hillfort in its own right, but it’s also a really good place to discover the landscape and history of the Tywi valley. At this festival we hope to inspire people to come and explore one of Carmarthenshire’s most dramatic locations and experience life through the ages. So come and join in – it’s completely free!”
The weekend will also celebrate the landscape of the Tywi valley; the focus of Exploration Tywi! – a community investigation led by the Dyfed Archaeological Trust. The project forms part of a landscape scheme called Tywi River Through Time which is supported by Heritage Lottery Fund, Welsh Assembly Government’s Rural Development Plan, Carmarthenshire County Council, Countryside Council for Wales and The National Trust.
Walking boots or wellies are recommended. To find out more about the festival or about Exploration Tywi! contact Alice Pyper at the Dyfed Archaeological Trust 01558 823131 or log on to www.dyfedarchaeology.org.uk
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Notes for Editors
Located in Carmarthenshire, the 70 hectare common is a Scheduled Ancient Monument that possesses one of the largest and finest examples of an Iron Age hill fort in Wales, dramatically situated 700 feet above sea level. Garn Goch translates as the red cairn where it is not only associated with the hill fort but also have been attributed to the pink heather would once have dominated the hillside.