Re: Road closure works | Forum — The Modern Antiquarian

S

Sanctuary Sep 6, 2013 07:26:50

Replying to Rhiannon

Rhiannon wrote:

If you have to walk more than 50 yards from the car park, no one* will bother. At least, that's my repeated experience everywhere I've ever been - I'm guessing most people on this forum also find themselves alone with a tumbleweed as soon as they're out of earshot of the ice cream van, every time they go out? This year's classic example on Lindisfarne - horrifyingly massive carpark filling up, but literally 1 minute from the castle the island was completely desolate (in a good way) and me and Mr Rh saw like 2 other people during a couple of hours. So strolling types might get to Stonehenge eventually but Im pretty certain most people will be happy with a flyby view in the car, or otherwise get the landtrain.

* ie no one but me and 0.001% of everyone else

Yep, pretty much par for the course in my experience as well Rhiannon...and thankful for it in the main. Down here in Cornwall we get massive traffic Jams along the A30 from Bodmin Moor westwards. Until you get used to it your heart sinks imagining hundred of visitors heading for the same place you are. You pull off the A30 (say to visit the Trippet Stones) and you're in a world of nothingness with regard to visitors. I've spent many an hour there and most that do turn up park their cars within view of them, break out the sandwiches, let the dogs out for a pee and just sit there munching away before driving off! Suits me.

N

nigelswift Sep 6, 2013 07:27:07

Replying to Rhiannon

I'm sure you're right, the great majority of people will stay on a well-worn path from the land train disembarkation point to the stones, flashing their ticket to the officials if asked.

But then there'll be others who have walked and will close in on the stones from all points of the compass and "will be intercepted by staff and asked to pay the admission fee".

I can see fun and games arising from that.....

T

tjj Sep 6, 2013 10:02:33

Replying to Rhiannon

Rhiannon wrote:

If you have to walk more than 50 yards from the car park, no one* will bother. At least, that's my repeated experience everywhere I've ever been - I'm guessing most people on this forum also find themselves alone with a tumbleweed as soon as they're out of earshot of the ice cream van, every time they go out? This year's classic example on Lindisfarne - horrifyingly massive carpark filling up, but literally 1 minute from the castle the island was completely desolate (in a good way) and me and Mr Rh saw like 2 other people during a couple of hours. So strolling types might get to Stonehenge eventually but Im pretty certain most people will be happy with a flyby view in the car, or otherwise get the landtrain.

* ie no one but me and 0.001% of everyone else

Well put Rhiannon ... you have vividly described the problem of our times and what will surely prove the downfall of humanity. I have never owned a car - however, I have a good friend who like to go places in their small economical car - and likes company. When I agree to these excursions, especially if they are at the weekend, I am always shocked at the volume of traffic and the speed at which people drive. On one of these excursions recently down to Lulworth Cove for the day I had a 'flyby' view of Stonehenge - it looked beautiful and majestic. I was able to take in the effect of removing the road and the car park - as I've said before, I can't wait to go back.

PS: The journey down to Lulworth Cove was relatively peaceful, especially the last bit which is country lanes. That part of the country is owned by the army though so thankfully cannot be populated. The car park at Lulworth Cove is quite massive too, albeit on a field and you get a really good view of all those shiny cars when you look down at the unique cove.

T

The Eternal Sep 8, 2013 21:53:34

Replying to Rhiannon

Rhiannon wrote:

If you have to walk more than 50 yards from the car park, no one* will bother. At least, that's my repeated experience everywhere I've ever been - I'm guessing most people on this forum also find themselves alone with a tumbleweed as soon as they're out of earshot of the ice cream van, every time they go out? This year's classic example on Lindisfarne - horrifyingly massive carpark filling up, but literally 1 minute from the castle the island was completely desolate (in a good way) and me and Mr Rh saw like 2 other people during a couple of hours. So strolling types might get to Stonehenge eventually but Im pretty certain most people will be happy with a flyby view in the car, or otherwise get the landtrain.

* ie no one but me and 0.001% of everyone else

Hi Rhiannon,

You're quite right. However, that will make it a better place to visit. It's not just the proximity of roads that spoils Stonehenge, it's the crowds. What if the distance puts visitors off and E.H. experience a big drop in takings? Who will they offset the deficit onto, because someone will have to pay for the alterations, and I'm betting it'll be Joe Public.

I think the reason I love visiting esoteric out-of-the-way sites is because they are so lonely, and even more so in mountainous terrain. Just me, the old places and the weather. Atmosphere in more than one sense. Perfect.

All the best,
TE.