The Shadow of the Preselis
The ancient trackways in the shadow of the Preselis have been used by travellers, traders, invading warriors and pilgrims ever since early farmers began to cultivate and pasture beasts on these upland soils around 4,000 to 5,000 years ago. Along these tracks the spotted dolerite – ‘bluestone’ – was transported from Garn Meini to build Stonehenge. Because of their command over the Preseli chain of hills and adjacent upland strongholds the leaders of the Iron Age and the early Christian settlers were able to establish some control and influence in the region.
This part of Pembrokeshire is rich in history, archaeology and legend. Across this landscape King Arthur pursued Twrch Trwyth in the story of Culhwch and Olwen. Here, the cult of St Teilo continued centuries after his death, as his skull was used to draw up healing waters for the sick. To this area St Brynach fled from persecution to establish his ministry and, during the Middle Ages, Preseli was a battleground in the conflict between the Welsh princes and the Normans.