a question about the book

Bellybones Oct 10, 2005 19:24:57

I have found The Modern Antiquarian on Amazon, and they do let me look at the TOC and the index and the cover, but I still cannot determine if the book has instructions on how to get to the sites. I know someone here must know.

rocknicker Oct 10, 2005 19:32:30

Replying to Bellybones

sometimes, yes. But a lot of the time it's a cop-out and says you have to buy an OS map. Actually you wouldn't (in my opinion) want to lug the thing rounds sites about cos it weighs a ton

But.... this here site is very searchable and gives OS coordinates and links to external map sites etc... and there are often very good directions given by the people hereabouts who have been recentlly - even when directions are given in The Book, they can be out of date, which we found when up near Kilmartin last year.

My opinion.. the book is well-presented and a good read and should be bought for those reasons; but not really comprehensive or pocket-sized in any way so shouldn't be used as the only guide for sites.

FourWinds Oct 10, 2005 19:33:13

Replying to Bellybones

The book does have directions to most of the sites it covers, but you really can't beat buying the Ordnance Survey maps for the areas you are going to visit. The book is only a 'sampler' of some of the better sites in the areas covered and there's so much you'll pass right by if you just rely on the book.

Pilgrim Oct 10, 2005 19:51:57

Replying to Bellybones

Hi, Bellybones,

Amazon, Shamazon,
GRR! GRR! GRR!
(sorry: prejudiced prole on the loose!)

Before shelling out on maps and the book, have a squint at the official OS site:

http://getamap.ordnancesurvey.co.uk

Click the big Radio button, and under "Search For" type in Avebury: click on the top one, and fill yer boots! Once you are up to speed, try some of the sites you want to visit. HAve Fun.

Pilgrim

Wiggy Oct 12, 2005 14:48:15

Replying to Bellybones

I've found that it gets you close enough in most cases.
In fact when JC says it's a difficult walk to get to somewhere, you will often be surprised how easy it is, so I think he's made sure that this is a pretty "inclusive" book in terms of it's users.
It's ok to use in the field if you have a bag to put it in - the slip case wipes clean, and the book is sturdy in my experience. It also tells you how to use an os map and compass if you don't already know. =;o)

fitzcoraldo Oct 12, 2005 15:06:26

Replying to Bellybones

Hiya Bellybones
get yourself a copy of A Guide to the Stone Circles of Britain Ireland and Brittany.
ISBN 0-300-06331-8
It'll cost you about ten British Pounds, is readily available and is slightly bigger than your arse pocket so fits snugly into your bag, glove box or where ever. As a field guide to Stone Circles it just can't be beaten and is probably used by most of the regular contributors here.
http://www.amazon.co.uk/gp/reader/0300063318/ref=sib_dp_pt/026-1843341-5976463#reader-link

cheers
fitz

Kammer Oct 12, 2005 18:00:52

Replying to Bellybones

I usually use this site, and print-outs from Multimap.co.uk (even in black and white relatively useable).

In dire emergencies I use a GPS, but it's usually more trouble than it's worth.

When I'm on my holidays (that's 'vacation' to you he said patronisingly) I treat myself to an OS map from here...

http://www.mapkiosk.com/

K x