Richard Hayman, a seasoned author and expert in various historical, archaeological, and industrial topics, has crafted a fascinating exploration of Wales' historic landscape. His newest work, Hidden History in the Welsh Mountains, draws from his extensive knowledge gained over 14 years as a contractor for the Royal Commission, where he surveyed the Welsh uplands. This book is a celebration of the Welsh landscape in all its forms, offering readers a comprehensive guide to the often-overlooked monuments, structures, and sites scattered across the Welsh countryside.

Throughout the challenges of the lockdown period, Hayman poured his passion and expertise into this book, creating a resource that is as informative as it is inspiring. Whether you're a walker, researcher, or history enthusiast, this book provides valuable insights into the rich and varied history of Wales' rural uplands. For those who, like the reviewer, have spent time hiking through the Welsh hills and wondered about the origins and stories behind the remains and ruins they come across, this book serves as a perfect companion. It offers a detailed yet accessible guide to understanding the significance of these sites and helps readers identify and interpret the different monuments scattered across the landscape.

Overview of the Book

The book is structured into ten themed chapters, each focusing on a different aspect of Wales' upland history. These chapters include topics such as ‘Roads and Tracks’, ‘Upland Farming’, and ‘Industrial Sites’. But before diving into these themes, Hayman begins with a necessary introduction to the Welsh uplands. In the opening section, he discusses how to access and navigate the landscape, offering practical advice on how readers can get started with their own explorations. This section also briefly touches on the rich Welsh language, place-names, and oral traditions, setting the scene for the rest of the book. It serves as an essential primer to understanding the cultural and historical backdrop of the Welsh hills.

The chapters are then divided into themes that reveal the many layers of history embedded in the Welsh uplands. Each theme provides a deep dive into the types of monuments and structures that hikers and walkers might encounter while traversing the hills. For example, one chapter focuses on the various ‘boundary stones’ that mark the edges of territories, while another delves into the remains of ‘tramroads’—the tracks used during the industrial revolution to transport materials like slate and coal. The book also covers other interesting features of the landscape such as ‘peat stands’, ‘quarries’, and ‘pillboxes’, each telling its own unique story of Wales’ past.

Focus on Upland Wales: Understanding the Landscape

One of the standout features of Hidden History in the Welsh Mountains is Hayman’s ability to take what might be considered mundane features of the landscape—boundary stones, quarries, or old farming structures—and reveal their deeper historical significance. This is no small feat, as these sites are often overlooked or dismissed by casual hikers. However, Hayman shows how each of these elements plays a part in telling the broader story of Wales' cultural, social, and industrial evolution.

The book is not just about well-known monuments, though. It also highlights some of the lesser-known treasures hidden throughout the Welsh hills. For example, Hayman takes readers to the Bedd-yr-Afanc passage grave in Pembrokeshire, a fascinating prehistoric site that has largely escaped the public eye. Another highlight is the abandoned farmstead at Nant Pasgan-Mawr in Gwynedd, which provides a haunting glimpse into the lives of those who once lived in this remote part of Wales. Similarly, the curving ‘half-tunnel’ at Gorseddau Quarry in Gwynedd, which holds back quarry spoil, is a remarkable and often-overlooked industrial feature that Hayman brings to light.

The Importance of Photography and Design

Hayman’s background as a professional photographer greatly enhances the appeal of this book. The stunning drone photographs throughout the book provide a bird's-eye view of the Welsh uplands, offering a perspective that most walkers would never get to experience. These photographs not only showcase the natural beauty of the landscape but also help to contextualize the historical sites and monuments discussed in the text. The book’s modern design and excellent reproduction also make it a visually appealing read, ensuring that each image and map is presented with clarity and detail. This attention to visual quality, along with Hayman’s thoughtful commentary, makes the book a valuable resource for anyone interested in the historical and archaeological aspects of Wales’ upland regions.

Practical Advice for Exploring the Welsh Hills

For anyone planning to explore the Welsh mountains, this book offers practical advice on how to access these historical sites and monuments. The introduction includes helpful tips on how to navigate the upland landscape, whether you are walking along established trails or venturing off the beaten path. Hayman’s experience as a surveyor shines through in his clear explanations of how to recognize different types of monuments and interpret their significance. He also offers advice on how to approach the landscape respectfully, emphasizing the importance of understanding and preserving the sites you visit.

For example, one of the key pieces of advice Hayman offers is the importance of looking beyond the obvious. Many hikers may pass by a stone wall or a ruined farm building without giving it a second thought, but these seemingly mundane features can often tell us a great deal about the history of an area. Hayman encourages readers to take a closer look at the features around them, as even small details—such as the way a stone wall is built or the shape of a boundary marker—can provide clues about the past. For anyone with an interest in history or archaeology, this book provides the tools and knowledge to make these discoveries more meaningful.

Discovering the Hidden History of Wales

As much as Hidden History in the Welsh Mountains is about the physical monuments and remains found in the landscape, it is equally about the stories they tell. Each chapter not only covers the types of structures and sites to be found in the uplands but also delves into the history behind them. For example, Hayman explores the importance of the slate industry in Wales, discussing how quarries like those at Gorseddau shaped the local economy and landscape. Similarly, the chapter on ‘Upland Farming’ offers insights into the ways that rural communities have lived and worked in the Welsh mountains for centuries, highlighting the challenges and rewards of farming in such a remote and rugged environment.

As readers journey through the chapters, they gain a greater appreciation for the intricacies of Welsh history and the resilience of the people who have lived in these upland regions over the centuries. From ancient burial sites to the remains of industrial sites that powered the industrial revolution, Hayman’s book paints a vivid picture of how Wales’ uplands have been shaped by both nature and human hands.

Conclusion

Hidden History in the Welsh Mountains is a remarkable work that brings the hidden treasures of Wales’ upland landscape to light. With its combination of engaging storytelling, beautiful photography, and practical advice, this book is an invaluable resource for anyone interested in the history and archaeology of the Welsh hills. Whether you're a seasoned hiker or someone with a casual interest in the past, Hayman’s book offers something for everyone. By uncovering the stories behind the monuments and remains of the Welsh uplands, Hayman has created a guide that is not only informative but also deeply inspiring. It encourages readers to look beyond the surface and explore the rich, often hidden, history that lies within the Welsh landscape.

Hidden History in the Welsh Mountains is published by Logaston Press and is available for £16.99. It can be purchased through various online retailers, and its ISBN is 978-1-910839-80-5.