Upper Gilwern Quarry, Howey, Llandrindod Wells, Powys, Wales, UKi

Regional Level Types
Upper Gilwern Quarry	Quarry (Inactive)
Howey	- not defined -
Llandrindod Wells	Community
Powys	County
Wales	Country
UK	Country

Situated on the edge of the Brecon Beacons, Gilwern Hill is a site long known for its well preserved and complete trilobites. The hill is made up of rocks from the Lower and Middle Ordovician, and the privately owned former quarry located there is accessible to parties staying at the onsite Shepherd’s Hut self-catering accommodation. Trilobite fossils are plentiful and the chances of finding a good number is normally high. Lots of fossils can be found on the scree surface, but the use of a geological hammer and a bolster chisel to split the shale along the bedding plane will reveal many more (often complete) specimens. The sheer number of trilobite fossils indicates a rapid burial and death, probably from hot, burning ash raining down from sub-aerial volcanoes, followed by poisoning from noxious fumes.

Access to Upper Gilwern Quarry (sometimes referred to as Old Tile Quarry) is via a very isolated and rural terrain. From Builth Wells, head north or, from Llandrindod Wells, head south, in each case to Howey. Turn east, where it’s signposted towards ‘Hundred House’. After one and a half to two and a half kilometres, there is an exceptionally steep hill and, at the top, is a cattle grid. You are then out onto open moorland. Take the second turning on your left (where there is a small signpost for Upper Gilwern). This is a single track road. Pass by a small cottage set away from the road and keep straight ahead. By now you will see the quarry on the hillside in front of you. Go through a gate and turn into the quarry or if the gate is closed you may park a vehicle next to it.

Other Databases

Wikipedia:	https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Gilwern_Hill,_Powys
Wikidata ID:	Q5562652

Other Regions, Features and Areas containing this locality