Written by Roger Hulm

"Maen Serth stands on top of a hill called Esgair Dderw. There are some interesting stories connected with this stone. 'Maen' is the Welsh name for a large stone, whilst 'Serth' can have two meanings, either steep, or obscene!

From the east or west side, the stone can be seen to lean at a steep angle, but the other meaning - obscene - could be connected with a much older story about the stone from many centuries ago.

The story goes that in the late 12th century, there was a dispute over the land surrounding Rhayader between the Norman 'Marcher' Lord, Roger Mortimer, and the Welsh chieftains - Rhys ap Gruffydd and the two brothers, Cadwallon and Einon Clud. During a temporary 'lull' in hostilities, at Christmas 1176, these men had gathered at Rhys' castle to feast and joust.

At the jousting event, the Welshman Einon Clud defeated Roger Mortimer but the Norman was a bad sportsman. He ambushed Einon on the hill above Rhayader and killed him as he was returning home. A short time later, the other brother was also ambushed by Mortimer on the same hill and killed.

It was said that Maen Serth was the place of the double killing which has given another local name to the stone - the 'Princes' Stone'. It is also where the Welsh description "obscene" could have arisen.

From the 16th to the 19th century, the stone could have served as a marker for a drovers track which led across the Elenydd from Cwmystwyth to Rhayader and on to England.

Public Access

Go along the public road from Rhayader towards the Elan Valley, through Cwmdeuddwr to the start of the Elan Valley Cycle Path, then turn right up the old road to Aberystwyth. Continue for one and a half miles, climbing the steep hill beyond the lake on your left until the hill begins to ease. There are some rocks and a small waterfall on your left and a track leaves the road and climbs the hill.

Take the opposite track to the right of the road leading backwards at an acute angle. This climbs for about 100 metres, rounds the shoulder of the hill, then descends to meet another track from the left.

You will see Maen Serth directly ahead, on the skyline to the south. It is no more than 200 metres from the bottom of the hill to the stone at the top."

Written by Roger Hulm from Rhayader