Maen Llia

Maen Llia is a sandstone monolith standing in Brecon Beacons National Park with a distinctive diamond shape and seven well-defined sides. The stone rises roughly 3.7 meters above the surrounding moorland, appearing as a solid upright structure on the open terrain.

The stone was erected during the Bronze Age and became an important landmark for people traveling through the region. Archaeological evidence suggests it served as a marker in the ancient landscape and held cultural importance for early populations.

The stone takes its name from the nearby River Llia and holds a special place in local storytelling. Its commanding presence on the open moorland makes it easy to understand why such legends developed around it over the centuries.

The monolith stands only about 60 meters from a minor road connecting Ystradfellte to Brecon and is easy to reach. Several other prehistoric monuments are located within walking distance, making it possible to explore multiple sites in the area.

The stone is oriented precisely along a north-south axis and its top edge corresponds to the elevation angle of its latitude. This careful alignment suggests it may have served as a solar indicator or astronomical tool for ancient people.