The Modern Antiquarian. Stone Circles, Ancient Sites, Neolithic Monuments, Ancient Monuments, Prehistoric Sites, Megalithic MysteriesThe Modern Antiquarian

Mr Hamhead’s TMA Blog

Post to the TMA Blog

The ongoing exploration of Shallow Water Common

This area of Bodmin Moor, sitting only a mile or so west of Jamaica Inn, and right beside the A30 is perhaps one of the most featureless parts of the moor. It descends northwards to Shallow Water Common, a vast expanse of tussocky moorland which, as the name suggests, contains plenty of shallow water lurking amongst the tussocks.

I first visited the area in October 08 using the agricultural bridge over the A30 just before Temple as my entrance point. On that occasion I barely explored as far as Shallow Water, concentrating on the hillside around the two Brockabarrow cairns and the settlement remains on both the east and west flanks. Being October the grass, though dead or dying, was still long in length and walking through it was hard work.

I returned in April 09, the sun was high in the sky and the air warm enough for an adder to be sunning itself right in the middle of my route...I don't know who was the more surprised!! On this occasion I made it right to the northern end of the common where the infant DeLank river forms the boundary between Shallow Water and Garrow Tor.

For an area that looks very barren from the A30 I found plenty to interest me, and many questions to be answered. Other trips to the area may happen, I have not covered all the ground by a long way, but for the moment I think I should take stock of what I have already seen..and show it to my fellow antiquarians.

ce
Mr Hamhead Posted by Mr Hamhead
27th April 2009ce


Comments (0)

You must be logged in to add a comment