Showing 1-20 of 912 fieldnotes. Most recent first | Next 20 
Visited 5.5.12
Saw this on the map and just had to try to check it out.
The Hillfort is in the eastern suburbs of Cheltenham in the Charlton Kings district.
This is another of those Hillfort which is slowly but surely being swallowed up by housing.
Taking the minor road north off the very busy A40 we tried to access the site from the north. However we were met by private housing with various ‘Private Road – no access’ signs. At least the Hillfort is being recognised in some of the road signs – ‘The Camp’ and ‘Battledown’. No way in from this direction.
We then drove around to the south of the site which is more rural and looks a more likely access point. There is no public access across the fields but from the road I could see a row of trees in the distance which I suspect is where you would find what remains of the defences? We were heading home as Karen had to get to work so I didn’t have time to try to cross the field for a closer look – maybe next time?
E.H. has nothing to report on this site.
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Visited 5.5.12
Access to Cleeve Hill is very easy and there are many footpaths which lead all over the site – particularly as there is a golf course over most of it!
We parked in the lay by next to the telephone box on the B4632 although there is also a smaller parking area directly opposite.
Much to Karen’s frustration the toilets shown on the O/S map is now closed!
The lower slopes were covered in sheep and lambs and a dog was running around in a ‘playful’ mood. Although it meant no harm it was obviously worrying the sheep. As I walked up through the sheep an irate farmer came over thinking the dog was mine – which wasn’t helped when the dog ran straight over to me as if we were the best of friends! I think the farmer believed me when the dog eventually ran off into the distance!
I carried on to the top of the hill (short but steep) and headed for the obelisk which has one on those metal diagrams on top which points out the various places in the distance. (You have to walk around a golfing green to reach it – hole 13 I think?)
I then had a look at the Dyke before heading for the ‘Ring’.
There were quite a few golfers about and although golf isn’t my thing I have to admit it is a great place to play golf. The views across to Wales are stunning – you can see for miles. (Although I am sure the wind causes havoc with the golf handicap!)
As well as the golf course and its associated bunkers etc an awful lot of quarrying has taken place here in the past. I found the ‘lumps and bumps’ made it difficult to be sure I found the ‘Ring’. I had a photo with me and I know I was in the right area so I am pretty sure I found it but if I did, it isn’t much to write home about. It consists of little more than shallow earthen banks. If you weren’t looking for it specifically you would never know it was here.
Although the ‘Ring’ was a disappointment it was more than made up for by that view – wow!
I was planning to visit the Hillfort but time was against me and I headed back to the car. On the way down the hill I spotted an information board near one of the quarry sites. It gave information on the geological make up of the hill – types of rock to look out for etc.
I can’t comment on the preservation of the Hillfort as I didn’t see it but there isn’t a lot to see of the other sites to be honest. However, the views are so fantastic I would recommend a visit for that alone.
Just one warning – watch out for flying golf balls!
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Visited 5.5.12
I was a bit disappointed by this.
I was expecting a sort of Offa’s Dyke type construction but the section I saw was not much more than a shallow ditch.
I think my expectation levels were a bit high!
(At least I didn’t get hit by a golf ball)
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Visited 5.5.12
Access to the site is very easy (for a Hillfort!).
Just north of Woodmancote via a minor road off the B4632.
There is a free parking area a short walk to the south of the Hillfort and a public access track takes you right through the middle of the site.
However, when I visited this track was extremely muddy so be warned.
Karen Stayed in the car park with the sleeping Sophie while myself and Dafydd walked up the track. Dafydd was doing his usual ‘faffing’ so I walked on ahead.
I soon reached the ditch and bank at the southern end of the Hillfort and was pleasantly surprised to see the ramparts still standing to a height of about 2.5m.
This section of the Hillfort is covered in trees although the interior is open grass.
At this point I heard the cry ‘Dad – help!’
I looked around to see Dafydd stood in the middle of the track up to his ankles in mud.
‘Come on’ said I - ‘I can’t’ said Dafydd.
‘Why not?’ I asked? - ‘I can’t move, I’m stuck!’ came the reply.
I walked back down the track and luckily had his plastic sword I had just bought.
I was able to reach over and pull him out without getting covered in mud myself!
This is a good place to visit but unless we are in a drought – bring your wellies!
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Visited 20.4.12
The information board near the car park states that the wall is not prehistoric.
I think it said it was mediaeval but I can’t be sure.
I tried to write the information down but it was raining so my paper got wet and I couldn’t write on it!
The walls in question are easy enough to spot around the stones – in fact you need to climb over one section to get closer to some of the rocks.
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Visited 20.4.12
As I have said in previous field notes I am ‘drawn’ to natural rock outcrops so on my last full day in Cornwall I wanted to make time to visit one.
This would be my last visit of the day on our way back to the caravan and despite the rain was determined to have a look around.
Although Helman Tor can be seen for miles around we had difficulty finding the car park and had to rely on a very helpful local to show us the way. The lady started to give directions but in the end said ‘follow me’ and guided us right there (throwing her recently poured cup of tea away in the process!) – thank you!
The rain was falling and Karen and Sophie stayed in the car while myself and Dafydd headed through the gate up to the rocks. We then spotted a couple of rock climbers all kitted out in their gear and helmets. We on the other hand just clambered up and over the stones and Dafydd enjoyed his own version on ‘rock climbing’.
This would be a cracking spot for a picnic in nice weather – but not today!
I really enjoyed myself here despite the rain and on a clear day you would be able to see for miles. The stone carved with a small cross was easy enough to find.
In the end the weather got the better of us and we had to return too soon to the car.
By the way, the Logan stone doesn’t move!
A rainbow came out to bid us farewell.
Well worth a visit.
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Visited 20.4.12
Two Barrows are shown on the O/S map a short distance south of the Trippet Stones; to the west of the lane leading to the main road.
The terrain here is very ‘lump bumby’ (technical term!) and the Barrows are not obvious - in fact I couldn’t find them!
E.H. has nothing to say on the matter.
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Visited 20.4.12
The lane running south of the burial chamber is very narrow and parking is difficult.
However, we did manage to park at the turning which leads to the transmitter.
The rain was falling and everyone opted to stay in the car while I walked back down the lane to try to spot the burial chamber. This was not easy as the bank is high and topped with a hedge. Coupled with the wet grass I slipped on several occasions before finding the right spot to see the stones.
There are 3 large stones remaining but there was no way through the hedge to get into the field for a closer look. One of the stones was holding the largest up on an angle. Unfortunately I didn’t read pure joy's notes before visiting so didn’t realise access was via a gate opposite the sub-power station.
When I returned to the car I realised I had dropped my notes and had to walk back along the lane (in the now pouring rain) to retrieve them!
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Visited 20.4.12
Now here’s a problem you don’t encounter very often trying to visit an ‘old stone’ site (particularly in Cornwall) – a Highland cow!!!
Yes, as odd as it sounds it is true.
Making our way to the Trippet Stones we approached the hamlet of Bradford. As we turned a corner, there in the middle of the lane, completely blocking it was a Highland cow! Luckily Karen wasn’t driving fast and immediately opened the window and got her camera out. At this point Hannah stated to scream to close the window.
‘What are you expecting it to do?’ I asked her ‘climb in?’!!
We stared at the cow – the cow stared at us.
Eventually the cow started to move towards us and tried to squeeze past the car.
I was concerned his/her long horns would take out a window but luckily the cow leaned in towards the drystone wall and took a couple of stones out!
Phew…. (try explaining that to Auto Glass!)
We continued onto the stones and parked on the grass at the junction of the cross-moor roads a little to the east of the circle. What did we then see? A small heard of 5/6 Highland cows! Karen jumped out of the car, camera in hand, whilst myself and Dafydd headed off towards the stone circle. (Hannah decided to stay ‘safe’ in the car)
As we walked along the track towards the circle (and Hawk’s Tor Farm) we were approached by the farmer on his quad bike but he passed by without saying anything.
The circle itself is wonderful – a great setting – very atmospheric.
We took turns touching/counting the stones to see if we came up with the same figure – we didn’t!
The Trippet Stones are easy to access and well worth a visit.
Unfortunately our visit was cut short when my phone rang and Karen asked if we could come back to the car asap as a man needed help.
When we arrived it turned out a chap was lost and despite having an O/S map wasn’t sure where he was. I was happy to help but slightly miffed as we had left the circle a lot sooner than I would have liked – but there you go.
Karen and Hannah were very excited as the chap was a photographer for a fashion designer label (I can’t remember the name but needless to say meant nothing to me!)
and that he was looking for photo shoot locations. I did suggest the standing stones but he said he was looking for something with ferns!!
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Visited 20.4.12
Directions:
Although looking at the map it appears the minor lane next to the Barrow joins the main A30 it doesn’t, it is fenced off, so the only way to the Barrow is via the lanes from the west as described in the previous field notes. O/S map required!
Access to the Barrow is no more than a quick hop over a locked metal field gate and a very short walk. The gorse covered Barrow is easily seen from the lane if climbing over gates isn’t your thing!
The Barrow is approx 2.5m high x 20m across. As I say, the Barrow is covered in gorse so close inspection is not possible.
A Barrow visit for the dedicated only.
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Visited 20.4.12
A very easy site to access as described by pure joy. The lay by to park in is the second one you come to when travelling north along the minor road to the west of the Hillfort.
The sun was shining, the wind was blowing and the only sound was birdsong.
Black clouds were gathering on the horizon so I knew rain was a’ coming.
Although the site is easy to access in truth there isn’t much to see; although the bank on the south western side is a good 3m high.
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Visited 19.4.12
Directions:
A short distance to the east of Piran’s Round; to the north of the busy B3285.
I managed to park at the junction of the track opposite the Barrows and tried to see over the hedge to see if I could spot the Barrows – I couldn’t.
I later discovered that E.H. record the Barrows as being only 0.2m and 0.5m high so perhaps it wasn’t surprising! For a more detailed search you would need to ask permission at the farm.
E.H. state:
‘A group of three bowl barrows situated 150m east of Rosehill Farm. Two of the group survive as visible mounds, 20m apart. The easternmost barrow mound is 15m in diameter and 0.2m in height. The mound of the central barrow is 23m in diameter and 0.5m in height’.
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Visited 19.4.12
My 900th field note! - that’s a lot of writing (and walking!)
Parking is available right next to the site.
The pink house mentioned in previous field notes is now beige!
The information board is interesting and has good photos.
I know this is listed as a ‘Hillfort’ but it gives a good idea of how Henges must have looked in their prime.
For some reason it reminded me of a mini version of the Roman amphitheatre in Caerleon.
The surrounding ditch is about 1m deep and the bank about 3m high.
I really liked this place and would heartily recommend a visit when in the area.
Watch the B3285 though – it’s a busy one!
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Visited 19.4.12
As per pure joy - I couldn't see anything obvious either although this isn't helped by the high hedgerows and the fiarly bust road running through the site!
I doubt there is anything to see other than maybe a 'bumpy' field.
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Visited 19.4.12
Directions:
Follow the minor roads north out of the village of Cubert onto the common.
An O/S map would be a big help as some of these roads are very minor.
One stretch of road was so narrow that both car wing mirrors were catching the hedge – and I only drive a little Fiesta!!
There is room to park right next to Barrow – through a wooden field gate.
The Barrow is large – approx 3m high x 20m across – grass covered.
There are nice views to be had out towards the coast.
It was a sunny but windy day and you could see the large waves breaking in the distance.
All in all, one to recommend.
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Visited 19.4.12
Directions:
Built into the church wall in the middle of Cubert village – south of Newquay.
There is a large car park outside the church and the church itself is worth a look around.
The lettering on the stone was barely visible and if I wasn’t specifically looking for it I would never have known it was there.
But I did know about it; I was specifically looking for it; so I found it!
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Visited 18.4.12
My last visit of the day – and what a good one to finish on.
The Hillfort can be found on a minor road just to the east of the village of Tywaerdreath. There is room to park a little way up the road from the site in a lay by.
To access the site you need to jump over the field gate at the top of the drive leading to Lawhibbet Farm.
If you want to do this legally you probably need to ask for permission from the farm?
Once you are across the flat field and inside the outer rampart you can relax a bit as the ramparts height (about 3m) keeps you out of sight!
The outer ditch is now only about 0.5m deep although no doubt it would have been far deeper when the site was constructed.
The second inner rampart is again about 3m high with its ditch a bit deeper – about 1m.
There were cows around but I thought the site was in good condition – better than most Hillforts I have visited.
This is a really easy site to access as long as you are prepared to either:
A – ask permission or B – sneak over the gate access is easy enough.
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Visited 18.4.12
This was an interesting place to visit and despite the rain well worth it.
Directions: Take the B3274 south into St Austell. As mentioned in goffik's notes the turning you need to make to the right is extremely sharp. So sharp in fact that a 3-point turn would be required and this is a busy road. It is much safer to continue past the turning (not sign posted and narrow) into St Austell and approach from the south. That way the turning becomes easy.
Follow the narrow lane to the small car park near the chair, overlooking the stream.
There was a chap standing near the chair and I thought for the first time this week there would actually be someone else at a site I was visiting. As I got closer I noticed the several cans of Stella he had with him so I don’t think he was there to look at the chair!!
The chair itself is cute and I would have loved to have sat in it but the puddle put me off!
At this point Dafydd spotted the Well across the other side of the stream, nestled amongst the trees.
‘Look, a little house!’ he shouted excitedly.
I must admit, it did look like the type of ‘house’ you see in fairy tales.
We crossed over the small bridge and entered the well house for a look around.
It was really atmospheric with virtually the entire stonework covered in moss with small ferns growing in the damp and shade. Water was dripping outside and there was plenty of water in the well.
On the way back over the bridge we stopped for a quick game of ‘Pooh sticks’
Dafydd insisted he won but I am sure I did!
This is a very, very pretty little place and comes highly recommended.
We headed back up the lane leaving the man alone with his thoughts – and his Stella!
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Visited 18.4.12
After spending a couple of hours looking around the shops in St Austell with Karen and the children it was time for a bit of ‘old stoning’.
We found the school easy enough and the footpath was also easy to spot.
Karen and the children stayed in the car and I headed up the path in the pouring rain.
In this instance the rain was a good thing as there was no one about and these days you have to be careful being seen hovering in trees near a school – even if it is on a public footpath!
I was surprised by how big this stone is – it’s massive!
It goes without saying that getting a close up of the stone would be impossible without prior permission from the school.
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Visited 18.4.12
Whilst on my way to Fowey to visit St Catherine’s Castle (another E.H. site off the list!) I took the opportunity to have a look at the Tristan Stone.
Very easy to see spot as it is right on the B3415.
**As an aside, in order to visit the castle you have to cross a lovely little beach / cove below the castle. This would make a great place for a day at the beach in nice weather. I found a set of car keys on my return trip and had to wait for nearly an hour for the worried owner to return to the beach to reclaim them. He was happy – so was Dafydd – he had extra ‘play time’ on the beach!
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Showing 1-20 of 912 fieldnotes. Most recent first | Next 20 |
I have visited both historic and prehistoric sites for a number of years but since 'discovering' this website about 3 years ago my visits have spiralled out of control!
I am now out 'exploring' most weekends and have been to many wonderful places I didn't even know existed before using this website.
I have a couple of goals I am trying to achieve – visit every CADW site, every E.H. site and as many H.S. sites and sites mentioned in Julian's book as possible. In trying to achieve these goals I get to travel all around the country and with it the chance to visit as many sites as possible mentioned on this fine website. I hope some of you find my contributions a little helpful? I have certainly found the contributions made by others to be both very informative and often quite amusing!
I must also mention the lovely Karen whom without her help, encouragement and understanding I would not be able to visit half of the places I do. I am forever grateful.
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