The peak of the Rocher Kergus crowns the summit of the hill, like the bald head of a huge giant.Rocher Kergus In the hilly, rock-studded countryside east of the Menez Arez, there is one hill, and one rock, which seems to be dearer to the local residents than all the others. I had heard and read a lot about the site before finally getting round to visiting it, and it was with a sort of nervous excitement that I finally arrived, and began to climb the hill on which sits the Rocher Kergus. I was not disappointed; the hill, which is 241 metres above sea level, is crowned with a rugged rock, from which you gain one of the best panoramic views over the forests, fields, towns and villages of Central Brittany.
On one side are the Menez Arez, the rounded hill called Mt-St-Michel of Brasparts, topped with its chapel, and the telecommunications mast at La Feuillée; on the other can be seen the silhouette of the Menez Du (Montagnes Noires). Closer at hand is the forest of Beffou and the ‘clocher’ or steeple of the Plourac’h church. There are also several windmill farms in the distance, which could help one identify even more places.
Roc'hellouRoc'Hellou For those who like to do more than one thing in a day, there is another odd rock feature, right within the town of Plourac’h itself. This is the Roc’h Hellou – a huge pile of giant rocks, set in a little wood. Although formerly very well known, the Roc’h Hellou seems to have fallen asleep in recent years; trees and ivy have invaded the spot, and there is only a tiny path, made by visitors, leading to it. No signpost marks its whereabouts, although there is still a rue Roc’h Hellou.
Min ar Groac'h Menhirs are elusive characters. Just a few months ago I learnt there was a menhir in my neighbouring town, Plourac’h. I have been a resident of the area for over fifteen years, but never knew of its presence. This, perhaps, is a little more excusable when you realize there is no mention of the stone on either signs, books or the Internet – however, it is close to the road, and makes a great visit for the lazier megalith hunter, who will not have to venture from his car...
The 'Old Sorceress' or Min ar Groac'h.It was one of the strangest menhirs I had ever seen, and the only one I have yet found, made of limestone. The menhir has quite a different character from others, and, if it were ever smooth, time has dealt roughly with it. Its name, which means the old sorceress, or fairy, is very apt.
Apparently a jealous neighbour took several large chunks of the stone for himself.
The menhir is by the D54, which leads from Carhaix to Plourac’h, Calanhel and then Guingamp. It is on the right of the road, just after the farm at Toull ar Hoat and before the crossroads of la Croix Rouge.
