Gop Cairn, Trelawnyd, Flintshire, Wales, UK

Gop Cairn is located on the summit of Gop Hill north of Trelawnyd, Flintshire in Wales. It is the largest prehistoric constructed mound in Wales and the second largest, after Silbury Hill in Wiltshire, in the UK. It dates to the Neolithic period (4300 - 2300 BC). The mound of collected limestone rubble is approximately 14 metres high and 100 x 70 metres across. It was investigated in 1886 by Boyd Dawkins who excavated a shaft in the top and then a 30ft tunnel from the base of the shaft. He claims to have missed the centre of the mound and any burial that may have been there. The only artefacts recovered included some horse bones and the bones of some other animals. The shaft has partly collapsed leaving the present day cratered summit. Gop Cave can be seen downslope of the cairn. Recent clearance of the scrub around the base of the mound has now revealed it once more in its entirety for public viewing . The views from the top are superb in all directions and a visit to Gop Cairn is highly recommended.