Preseli Mountains Mountains
Welsh hills noted for bluestone and prehistoric sites
The Preseli Mountains in Pembrokeshire feature rocky tors, walking routes and megalithic sites such as Carn Menyn; visitors come for hill walks and connections to Neolithic stone-working stories.
Preseli Mountains at a Glance#
Address: Preseli Hills (Preseli Mountains), Pembrokeshire, Wales
About Preseli Mountains#
The Preseli Mountains, also called the Preseli Hills, are a low, rocky range in north Pembrokeshire in west Wales; they are notable for their tors, moorland and archaeological significance. The range’s highest point is Foel Cwmcerwyn at 536 metres.
The hills contain rocky tors, peat bogs and open moorland and attract walkers, birdwatchers and those interested in prehistoric archaeology. The skyline is punctuated by stone outcrops and short ridge walks that provide views across Cardigan Bay and the surrounding countryside.
The area contains numerous prehistoric features including prehistoric stone settings and burial cairns. Stone fragments known as the Stonehenge ‘bluestones’ are believed to have been quarried from outcrops in the Preseli Hills in the Neolithic period and transported to southern England.
The Preseli Hills lie in north Pembrokeshire in west Wales, within the historic county of Pembrokeshire. Nearest larger towns include Haverfordwest to the south and Cardigan to the north, and the landscape is a mixture of agricultural lowland and upland moor.
- Foel Cwmcerwyn: Summit reaches 536 metres and is the highest point in the range.
- Bluestones: Stonehenge bluestones are widely believed to originate from several outcrops in these hills, notably Carn Menyn.
What to See#
- Carn Menyn: A rocky outcrop and stone setting on the ridge associated with small dolerite and spotted dolerite blocks traditionally called the ‘bluestone’ source for Stonehenge.
- Foel Cwmcerwyn: The highest summit in the Preseli range at 536 metres, offering sweeping views across north Pembrokeshire and Cardigan Bay on clear days.
How to Get to Preseli Mountains#
The Preseli range is reached by car from Newport, Pembrokeshire (about 25-35 minutes by road). Major approach roads include the A487 along the coast; narrow B-roads and lanes climb into the hills. Public buses connect Newport and Cardigan; from there local taxis or bike hire are options for reaching trailheads.
Tips for Visiting Preseli Mountains#
- Visit Carn Menyn at dawn for the best light and fewer visitors; watch out for boggy ground and sheep droppings.
- Don't assume the bluestone outcrops are obvious - take a local guide if the goal is to see the specific outcrops linked to Stonehenge.
- Combine a drive with a stop in Newport (the nearest market town) to sample local dairy and cawl - the landscape is pastoral, not alpine.
Best Time to Visit Preseli Mountains#
Late spring through early autumn is best for walking and seeing the bluestone outcrops; expect changeable weather year-round.
Weather & Climate near Preseli Mountains#
Preseli Mountains's climate is classified as Oceanic - Oceanic climate with cool summers (peaking in August) and cold winters (coldest in February). Temperatures range from 1°C to 17°C. Abundant rainfall (1565 mm/year), wettest in November.
| Month | Comfort | Temp | Feels | Rain | Sky | Humidity | Wind | UV | Daylight |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| January | Poor | 2° - 6° | -1° | 168 mm | overcast | 88% | 8.8 m/s | 0.1 low | 8.2h |
| February | Poor | 1° - 6° | -2° | 123 mm | overcast | 88% | 8.4 m/s | 0.2 low | 9.8h |
| March | Poor | 2° - 7° | 5° | 134 mm | overcast | 87% | 7.8 m/s | 0.4 low | 11.7h |
| April | Acceptable | 3° - 10° | 2° | 99 mm | partly cloudy | 86% | 6.5 m/s | 0.9 moderate | 13.7h |
| May | Acceptable | 6° - 13° | 6° | 95 mm | partly cloudy | 85% | 6.2 m/s | 1.3 high | 15.4h |
| June | Acceptable | 8° - 15° | 12° | 98 mm | partly cloudy | 86% | 5.6 m/s | 1.5 very high | 16.3h |
| July | Good | 11° - 17° | 14° | 93 mm | overcast | 87% | 5.5 m/s | 1.5 high | 15.9h |
| August | Good | 11° - 17° | 14° | 118 mm | overcast | 87% | 5.6 m/s | 1.1 high | 14.4h |
| September | Poor | 10° - 15° | 12° | 130 mm | overcast | 86% | 6.4 m/s | 0.8 moderate | 12.5h |
| October | Poor | 7° - 12° | 6° | 164 mm | overcast | 86% | 7.5 m/s | 0.3 low | 10.5h |
| November | Poor | 5° - 9° | 2° | 172 mm | overcast | 86% | 8.1 m/s | 0.1 low | 8.7h |
| December | Poor | 3° - 7° | 5° | 171 mm | overcast | 88% | 8.4 m/s | 0.0 low | 7.7h |
