A well-preserved circular lime kiln is located on the west bank of the River Gwaun, opposite Mwsland. The kiln is marked as ‘Old Limekiln’ on the 1st Edition of the OS 25” map, suggesting that it was disused at the time of survey. A square building is shown to the south of the kiln in the OS map, although there was no trace of this visible at the time of inspection. The kiln itself is substantially intact and has been whitewashed. Both kiln-eyes are intact, although access restrictions did not permit inspection of the crucible, an iron guard rail has been added to the top of the kiln. A slate plaque mounted on the front of the kiln reads “PISTYLL LIME KILN | CIRCA 1800”.
The kiln is set back from the River Gwaun, with a track between it and the river. It is built against the valley slope with a retaining wall on its western side, and kiln-eyes on the northern and southern walls. The kiln stands to a height of 3.9m on its front (eastern) wall and is c.7m wide (north-south) and 5.6m front to back (west-east). The bottom section of the kiln-eye openings are vertical, before tapering to a pointed arch with a short lintel. The southern kiln-eye is 2.9m high at its opening, 2.6m in width and 2.4m in depth. Access to the northern kiln-eye was not possible although it appears to be well-preserved and broadly similar to the southern one.
The kiln is not entered into the Historic Environment Record, or afforded any statutory designation by Cadw.
Sources
OS 1st Edition 25" map (published 1889)
J.Whitewright, RCAHMW, February 2023