Stoney Littleton Long Barrow View all content for Stoney Littleton (84 posts)

It's Saturday and the weather is good so my son and I (and Rex of course) decided to go to Stoney Littleton LB. We did think about going to Wayland's Smithy but talk of car theft on TMA but me off the idea. I hadn't been there for about 15 years but can still remember the way quite well. What I hadn't remembered was the beautiful surroundings the barrow is set in. Driven down the rather narrow but pretty lane toward Stoney Littleton, we could see the barrow on the hillside ahead of us. We arrived at the little car park at by the river Wellow where the way to longbarrow is well signposted. Crossing the wooden footbridge and sty we headed up the hill which although is a little steep is quite short. There a are quite a few sty's on route and we had to carry Rex over a couple of them which would have been a little problematic had I not had my son with me. Arriving at the barrow I was delighted to see that it was still well kept as it was all that time ago. In fact it was better as previously the entrance had a gate across it and I could not go inside (Obviously work had been done to make access inside safe). I had even go my camera out before my son AND the Rex were inside like a rabbit down a burrow. Being a little on the larger side I was reluctant but my enthusiasm over took me and I went for it. As my son had pinched the torch before I had a chance I headed for the light that was glowing at the end of what looked like a very long tunnel. I made my way along being careful not to bang my head. As I passed the first two side chambers the passageway got lower and quite narrow. My son, giving me confidence beckoned me on by shining the light in my eyes….sorry.. by shinning the light along the route for me. It felt as if the tunnel had got a little wider but at the same time somewhat more lower. By now it had also got more damp and I was crouching with my hands in the muddy soil but I had reached the end. I think for the size of the barrow the passage way is very long. With all three of us at the end it was very cramped and quite claustrophobic. We took some time to look at the wonderful internal structure and contemplated what we saw. I like to sit and imagine the people who built and used these remarkable monuments to their kin. My son and Rex made there way back along to the outside and I was left alone in the dark. Despite the strong wind outside, it was silent inside the chamber and I remained still for a few minutes, as it is not often you get moments like this. My son called down from the end of the chamber and I was startled out of my mini slumber. I began to take some pictures as I made my way out to the entrance which can be difficult in the dark (thank goodness for digital cameras). We walked back to the car a slightly different way which meant we did not have to get over as many stiles as on the way up. I thoroughly enjoyed my experience here and my son agreed it was one of the better barrows I had dragged him along to. I haven't posted any pictures as I can't really add anthing to what is already here. But I did get some good shots.

Posted by scubi63 17th March 2007ce

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