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Previous 25 | Showing 26-50 of 13,060 fieldnotes. Most recent first | Next 25 
Bearhurst Farm (Round Barrow(s)) |
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Down the road southwest one mile from Henbury destroyed stone circle, turn right in lower Paxhill, after a few hundred yards look right over hedge and there it is. I parked inconsiderately next to a seldom used field gate, crossed the road and jumped another gate, this as I was about to see is not common land or even farmland, but is part of the sprawling over manicured feng shuied garden belonging to Henbury hall. Pretty it is too with the big hall looking on impressively. The Bowl barrow, for it is of this variety, is cordoned off by a rickety fence that nearly fell down as I climbed over. Inside the fence the barrow is covered by rough untouched grasses, fallen branches, three trees and a sapling, standing in stark contrast to the neatly coifed lawn. Finds include a collared urn with a lid made from a round based vessel containing an 18yr old male, over 100 flint flakes scattered across the surface of the barrow, and a crude leaf shaped arrow head. The urns are now in Grosvenor Museum in Chester. |
Posted by postman30th January 2012ce |
Henbury (Stone Circle) |
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Like Gawsworth henge a couple of miles southeast, this stone circle is now utterly destroyed. I'd heard that maybe one stone survived, and was hiding out in the local hedges, near where he once dwelled with others in circular fashion. Despite it's good hiding place I still found it, quite easily about thirty feet from a metal stile in the hedge. It doesn't look dumped, it is earth fast with no wobble, light grey in colour, perhaps limestone? it certainly looked the part anyway. But there is a big open field, so the circle could be shifted about for a hundred yards in any direction. I shall return at a later date for more rummaging in the hedgerows. Until then, any more information anyone. |
Posted by postman 30th January 2012ce |
Woodhouse End (Round Barrow(s)) |
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I parked near the junction of the A523 and the Oakgrove Fools nook crossing, just by the canal, the barrow is up the lane one hundred yards and in a field to our right. I crossed into the field by a yellow road side grit box, though this is trespassing, but as it's Cheshire's only beaker barrow a quick cloaked survey was well on the cards. It was crowded with sheep as I approached but these soon scattered into the next field, leaving us alone. About one meter high and about fifteen across it is not a mighty work of old but it is in a good position, Gawsworth henge and Broad Oak barrow are almost visible and from on the barrow (sorry) I can see the snow in the Peak district not far away. Oh for a few dollars more. |
Posted by postman 30th January 2012ce |
Broad Oak Farm (Round Barrow(s)) |
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Just a couple of hundred yards down the road from the destroyed henge, is this apparently well preserved round barrow, with what we may take as a mature Broad Oak tree growing out of it. With the big posh farm and the whir of a quad bike nearby I settled for a gander from the road. it didn't half behoove me but settle I did. |
Posted by postman 30th January 2012ce |
Gawsworth Henge |
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Off the A523 at Oakgrove, the henge was in a field behind the Fools Nook public house, I parked at the corner of the field at the junction with the old Leeke to Macc road and a small upwards pointing little lane. The only hint of this henges existence is hearsay at best really, it was apparently finally destroyed in the 1980's by my old buddy agriculture. There is one picture on the megalithic portal (and some minor information) a picture of some trees, Iv'e recreated it here, but I don't know if its a picture of the field in general or weather the trees mark the henge. There is a seat carved from a tree stump and by it there is some sandstone rubble at the foot of another tree, but niether of these miniscule scraps of information reveal the henges former where about's, or if it was a henge at all. To be better safe than sorry I took to wandering the field up and down looking for anything suspect, a couple of features caught my eye and iv'e supplied a picture of each, but at the end of a fruitless search we can only confirm that it is most decidedly gone. After I'd quit the field I was having a further shufty nearby when I watched an unsuspecting fox come trundling over to within ten feet of me it saw me almost too late and yelped and careered off into another field, it fair gave me goosebumps and kind of repaid me for having no henge . |
Posted by postman 30th January 2012ce |
Glanbannoo Upper (Standing Stone / Menhir) |
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Visited 19th January 2012 Nicely set against the backdrop of Mullaghmesha to the East an Imposing stone some 15ft high. It has been incorporated into a field boundary wall. It is visible from the road and certainly catches the eye as you drive past. For access ask at the farm (Ballyhooley Farm), the farmer is really helpful and let me park in the farm yard. The farm dogs of all shapes and sizes are vociferous but harmless. Go through the two gates and its only 30 yards or so away. Another great West Cork site, with so much atmosphere, despite the electric fences. |
Posted by Meic30th January 2012ce |
Somerford Bridge (Long Barrow) |
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This time I parked about a hundred yards further down the road from the trig point, the shortest point between the road and the barrow, just a quick hop over a barbed wire fence and whilst Bob isn't technically my uncle we're certainly good friends. In the same field as me and the long barrow were some ponies, as soon as they saw me confidently striding across the field they all came galloping over, some getting a little too close for comfort, eight of them there were, big muscular ponies, that looked me straight in the eye, I looked back and radiated masterful intentions, then I jumped over a small stream and left them behind, they seemed unwilling to cross the very small stream but I was glad they had lost interest so quickly, move along nothing to see here. Now, in the winter, the barrow is more visible and easier to traverse than in the summer, eighteen months ago was my first visit and i'm happy to be back so relatively quickly. The north-western end is larger than its southeastern partner, higher and wider, but I don't know whether these things have fronts and ends, only that it points south east vaguely towards the Bride stones and the winter solstice sunrise, closer inspection may yield a more definitive picture. The long barrow also sports three sets of rabbit holes, nothing outside they're entrance but sand, is this an indication of they're build and make up. I also jumped across the loach brook and scrambled up the opposite bank for a wider view of the small river valley, the long barrow really stands out, looking good even in the mid afternoon gloom of perhaps the greyest day of the year so far, weather wise. |
Posted by postman 29th January 2012ce |
Swallowhead Springs (Sacred Well) |
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26.01.2012 A place I'd only found out about recently, and after getting absolutely battered with the hail whilst walking around Avebury this felt like about all I was up to. The place is palpably magical and sacred, without a doubt. The solitude and sanctity of the visit was rather diminished by a pheasant shoot which was going on nearby, but the 'specialness' of the place came through even that. Probably my perceptual set, but the near-recumbent willow/s remind me of the legs of a birthing mother, further sanctifying the site. Silbury looks down, and in an area which can often get crowded this is much quieter and worth a short detour. |
Posted by Zastrozzi 29th January 2012ce |
Lisnagun (Standing Stones) |
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Visited on the 29th January 2012 Situated in the grounds of the catholic church at Darrary, just past the Agricultural College and the reconstructed Ring Fort at Luis na gCon (Lisnagun) at W417418. |
Posted by Meic 29th January 2012ce |
Murder Stone (Standing Stone / Menhir) |
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[visited 29/1/12] What a glorious little stone with an equally glorious view. Its a similar profile to the near-by Whaley Bridge stone and sits in a similarish position, this one having a wider view. Its on a little knoll next to the footpath, so you may have to do a quick ninja run to get right next to it. It's yet another shouldered head of valley stone as well, this one made me seriously think there could be something in the stone representing an ancestor idea. Give it a biodegradable head and you've got a symbol that can look over your land, that can be seen from a fair way away. Access should be easy, there are no stiles from the road, but there is a shut gate into the field then a short steepish climb. There is a space for a car to park just up the road from the farm, I however headed over from kettleshulme via the footpaths. Again this should be straight forward, just aim for the one that comes out nearest the farm, not the one the other side as this takes you through a swamp. |
Posted by juamei29th January 2012ce |
Eldon Hill Enclosure |
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[visited 8/1/12] Without a GPS and with blanket mist, I found this by educated luck, basically heading downhill in the right direction from the main barrow. Its a fairly small enclosure, presumably designed to keep cattle penned in as the high land immediately next to it would have made defensive use very difficult. The banks that are left look to be in good condition, though I didn't walk the whole thing as I was getting rushed for time by this point. Access is the same as the rest of Eldon Hill. |
Posted by juamei 29th January 2012ce |
Eldon Hill (Round Barrow(s)) |
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[visited 8/1/12] I came up here in blanket mist, with visibility down to 40-50 metres, but I still found both definate barrows on top of the hill. First the small "later" barrow to the East, clearly defined and reminiscent of some in the cairn fields in the more southern and eastern moors of the peaks. In the mist watch out for mine workings and just head to the high bit at the East end of the hill. Not worth the trip on its own I have to say, but worth seeing if you are up here. Secondly I headed for the bigger barrow, keeping in mind it was on the only high point to the West, I tried to keep on the highest points and headed off into the gloom. Via an accidental detour halfway down the slope towards Eldon hole, I found the bigger barrow. This is another good sized barrow in the Northern peaks, of a similar size to Cow low, Lord's seat et al. The obligatory massive hole in the middle didn't disapoint, but the much more recent cairn on top was a sad sight for me. I presume because of the hole and maybe the quarry, walkers felt marking this point in the mist is necessary. To be fair to them, it certainly helps find it! Via Eldon Hill enclosure I made the obligatory trip to Eldon Hole. A scary open wound into the centre of the earth, no wonder this hill was once called Elvedon Hill. This is definately an entranceway into the nether realm. Access is across a few fields. I parked near the top of Winnets Pass which is a 40 minute trip to the top of the hill. You could probably park near Perryfoot and come at it from that direction. Stiles abound from either way, but its pretty firm under foot. |
Posted by juamei 29th January 2012ce |
Red Castle (Cairn(s)) |
| 28/01/2012 - Glen Esk, I love this place. Stop the car anywhere in the Glen and walk, you can't go wrong. Today we parked by the phone box (space for 4 cars, NO 5403 7896) at Millden Lodge. Loop of Mount Battock but on the way we stopped off at Red Castle cairn. This is a really great cairn, 18m diameter, ringed by lovely red sandstones (hence the name). Surrounded by a field system. Bit off the beaten track but well worth a visit. On the way back down the hill we chatted with a farmer who told us stories of illicit stills and witches' covens. Good weather today, cold but no wind. |
Posted by thelonious29th January 2012ce |
Colmeallie (Stone Circle) |
| 28/01/2012 - Parked at NO 5666 7783. Space for a couple of cars at entrance to drive. No access problems. Short walk up drive to circle. Stones a bit jumbled but I liked the 3 big ones that were standing together. Nice views. |
Posted by thelonious 29th January 2012ce |
Glantane East (Stone Row / Alignment) |
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visited on January 2nd 2012 About 50 yards down the road on the right hand side (heading towards Knocknakilla) there is a stone allignment, made up of two stones. They are visible through the gate and are alligned NE - SW. Just walk along from where you are parked at the junction for the circle |
Posted by Meic 28th January 2012ce |
Glantane East N (Stone Circle) |
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Visited 2nd January 2012 Another site that we found en route to somewhere else ! This time we were looking for Knocknakilla, heading down the lane when I hear the shout "STONES". A quick pull in at the junction, wait for the shower to pass then get out to see a mass of stones over in the field. An information panel tells us that we are at Glantane East stone circle. What it doesn't tell you is how to get in the field. So it's a quick jump over the ditch and under the fence and head down to see what we've got. To be honest, it's a bit of a mess. There's a massive stone and an equally big one fallen at the other side of the circle. The circle has six stones still standing and there are others laying around. It is also surrounded by the remains of a fosse. The information board says that there were possibly 11 or 13 stones in the circle originally. |
Posted by Meic 28th January 2012ce |
White Moor Stone Circle |
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My favourite stone circle of all time. I lived around the area for 25 years, visiting it in all seasons. I loved it's remoteness and the fact that you had to make an effort to get there. The fact that a lot of people just walked by without giving it a second glance prompted me to write a poem about it back in 2008 Circles of Stone My heart is in the lonely places, the forgotten places that people walk by without seeing that people walk by without thinking Where echoes of the past float on the wind For those that want to hear For those who want to care For those who want to be somewhere, else The Raven always watching over Guardian of life and bearer of death of those who have gone before Their memories lost, waiting to be found In the swirling mist and the circles of stone I am a stranger in this time Wandering and searching for a truth that is always out of reach and I sit in the circle of life and death set in stone and live with the pain of having no hope while listening, for the voices of the past February 2008 |
Posted by Meic 28th January 2012ce |
Reanascreena (Stone Circle) |
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Visited on the 20th January 2012 I've been meaning to visit this site for ages now and eventually got around to it last week. From Skibbereen direction turn off left in Connanagh by the Beehive, go up the hill and take the first right.Keep going, ignore the left fork, go past the right hand turn and eventually you pass a farm entrance on your left, then there is a gate into a field, a big long field. This will be the field that you want. Really, you should go and ask the farmer , who lives up the next left by the bungalow. There are parking spaces along this road, before you reach the gate, The day that I went, there was no answer at the farm, so I just went for it. Through the gate, up the long field and through the gate at the top. Just as I reached the top of the hill, the circle came into view..... and so did the three BIG horses that are in the field. I'm not so keen on horses and I have to admit that they do make me a bit nervy ! so I quietly made my way over to the circle hopeing that they wouldn't see me. Of course, all three look up and make their way over,I quicken the pace and arrive at the circle before them. The circle has an electric fence around it, but it's not switched on (or at least wasn't on this day !). The ditch surrounding the circle is full of stagnant rancid water lots of frog spawn, but luckily someone has put a few bits of wood to make access easier. You still sink ankle deep, but at least it's not knee deep. This is a great circle though, it reminds me of a Dartmoor or West Cornwall circle.There are thirteen stones, all still standing. There is a feeling of peacefulness here. There is no noise other than the wind rustling through the grass. Even the horses, which are now grazing around the outside look calm and serene. It was a shame that it was such grey day, as I bet that the views from here are spectacular. I'm definitely going to have to come back here again soon ! |
Posted by Meic 28th January 2012ce |
Scrahanard (Wedge Tomb) |
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Visited 2nd January 2012 About a mile further along the road from Carriganimmy to Knockraheen you will see a brown sign for Dolmen pointing right into a field. There is room to park a few yards backat the top of a long farm track, where there is a possible standing stone built into the stone wall. Climb over the gate and in the field you will find a large cairn, a standing stone and the burial chamber. The wedge tomb, which is also known as The Bealik, has had a stone wall (ditch) built behind it. The small rectangular standing stone is just slightly off allignment with the wedge tomb, some 60 ft away to the East The large overgrown cairn lies in the corner of the field, |
Posted by Meic 28th January 2012ce |
Knockraheen (Stone Circle) |
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Visited on the 2nd January 2012 Signposted from carriganimmy up a lane to the left (coming from Mill Street diresction). Keep going for a little over a mile and you will see a brown sign saying Archaelogical Sites. There's room to park by the sign. Go through the gate into the obligatory boggy field. There's a stone allignment a five stone circle and a radial cairn. The allignment is made up of 2 quartz blocks together and a further granite block set back on its own some.The granite block has a cup mark on the top and all three are alligned NE towards the circle. The circle itself is a nice large five stone recumbant circle in really good condition. It was a shame that the electric fence was so near, but you can't have everything ! The radial cairn is situated SE of the circle and all the monuments here are intervisible |
Posted by Meic 28th January 2012ce |
Dunmanus (Burial Chamber) |
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visited 5th January 2012 I parked at the junction at V854331 and walked down the lane. The Boulder burial is visible from the lane, situated near the shoreline of a small bay.You have to walk through a wet, tidal, reedy field to reach it. It consists of a large boulder supported by three large stones. |
Posted by Meic 28th January 2012ce |
Dunmanus East (Standing Stone / Menhir) |
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Visited 5th January 2012 Situated in a field off of a narrow lane between Dunmanus East and West. there is room to park in the gateway 50yds south. It is over 2 metres in height and is leaning heavily against another stone. Possibly part of a two stone allignment. |
Posted by Meic 28th January 2012ce |
Knocknakilla (Stone Circle) |
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Visited 2nd January 2012 Cnoc na Cille - "Hill of the church" Situated on the North Western slope of Musherabeg mountain. There is a signpost and a gate, giving access, up a wet boggy hill.The site has been fenced off, presumably to protect it from the sheep or forestry workers ! There are two massive stones, one fallen, the other leaning towards the circle, forming an allignment NE - SW. Both are at least 3.5 to 4 metres tall. The circle itself is a five stone recumbant circle. Three stones still stand with two fallen. |
Posted by Meic 27th January 2012ce |
Maughanasilly (Stone Row / Alignment) |
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Visited 28th December 2011 Macha na Saili - "the milking place of the willows" An Impressive site, made even more so by it's setting. Five stones of varying sizes still stand and one slab has fallen. None of the stones are massive, but there is something special about this row. There is a great feel to the place and the atmosphere here is so relaxing. The row lies on the North Western slope of Knockbreteen on a ENE - SSW axis. overlooking Lough Atoreen. To the West is Knockboy and Coomhoola Mountain. To the North is An Carran. When excavated in 1977, several shallow pits were found to have been dug in the topsoil and quartz pebbles scattered around the stones. Two flint scrapers were also found. Access is easy. there is a kissing gate, with room to park. Go through the gate, up a slight hill and there it is, right in front of you. |
Posted by Meic 27th January 2012ce |
Western Pap (Passage Grave) |
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Visited 27th January 2012 Take the Clydagh Valley road off of the N22 and follow until you reach a barn with a track going of left at W145840. There's plenty of room here to park. Follow the track up through through three gates until the end of the forestry then strike off up the steep slope to the left. It's steep and slippery ! Pick out your route as you go. There is a boggy bit at the head of the stream, but it should present no difficulty. Just keep going up and you will come to the eastern Pap. The Western Pap is an easy walk from here. Just a straight forward down then follow the stones up to the summit cairn. When I visited today, the snow was knee deep on the Western Pap and I was greeted by blizzard conditions and a whiteout for a while. The wind was so strong that I could hardly stand. The return trip can be a little slippery ! and you will most definitely NOT have dry feet by the time you get back to your car ! The whole walk took 3 and a half hours. A great exhilarating day out in the hills ! |
Posted by Meic 27th January 2012ce |
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