Visited 20.7.14
The standing stone is right next to a minor road which runs parallel to the A74.
It occupies a nice spot, under the bows of a tree, opposite a house.
The stone is the other side of a barbed wire fence. It is approximately 1.5m high x 1m wide.
It is smooth and the top of the stone is covered in moss.
Well worth a look if you are in the area.
Directions:
Sign posted off the A832, west of Munlochy.
I had forgotten about this site but seeing the sign meant a stop-off just had to be made. There is a small free car park and the well is only a short walk away – just follow the bits of clothing hanging from the trees!
I have been to many places where clooties have been left and I usually find them quite respectful. However, to me, this was just a mess. There were masses of items bedecking what seemed like the entire wood. Old socks, jumpers, t-shirts, football shirts, trousers, sweat shirts – even a high visibility jacket! It looked like the aftermath of a hurricane hitting a laundry!
There were a few ‘tasteful offerings’ but in the main it looked like a load of old tat.
The well itself was quite nice but overall the site left a lot to be desired. I think someone needs to go through the site and clear out the tat and restore some of its dignity.
If anything I suspect it is even worse now than when Martin visited 10 years ago.
All in all it was a very disappointing visit.
Having just come from Champ Dolent menhir we had by necessity to get round the town of Rennes, this proved to be a challenge of considerable size, I have since become convinced that the French have arranged there road system in such a manner as to utterly confound the foreign traveler, perhaps in response to the conflicts of the previous century. But in the end we found our way out of Rennes and going in the right direction, then we got lost again. How i HATE DRIVING IN FRANCE.
After much, no, prolific growling, swearing and head smacking we got to our destination.
The car park has, since my last visit 11 years ago, shrunk by half, in order to erect a none necessary visitor shop and information hub. Really not needed, but at least they haven’t started to take money off us.
There was only one car in the car park and the owner was in the shop, so, superbly we had the monument to ourselves.
This was my favorite place last time we came here and it was highly essential that I come back next time I was here.
It really has it all, the stones used seem to be perfect for the job, the size of the whole construction is massive to say the least. The inside is high enough for Masai warriors to do their bouncy dance, heck it’s big enough to drive a car through. The entrance stones are stunning, I sat against a tree for some time staring in disbelief at it’s perfection. Then some people came, just about the only buzzkill that I find it hard to cope with, then a load came all at once. Bugger, that’ll be time to go then.
Winter solstice is the time to be here, at sunrise the the sun shines through the entrance and illuminates the interior, and presumably the gaggle of amazed megalithiticians as well, I hope to be one some day.
When first arriving into Brittany the natural first place place to go to is Mont St Michel, it is a magical Hogwarty dreamy kind of place. But when the hoards of tourists (and I cant stress the word hoards enough) choke the only street, it is time to come here, to the Menhir, thee menhir, of Champ Dolent.
At 32 feet, it is just over 6 feet taller than the Rudston monolith, Britain’s tallest stone, but hey, it’s not a competition, is it ? It is so big it just giddies the mind and it becomes impossible to look at its height and girth with out smiling, they were a bit bonkers in Brittany weren’t they ?
There were a few people here today, but none of them stayed long, when ever someone comes we take a seat on a nearby table and watch them take the inevitable selfie, sorry to use such a contemporary term, I am in no way a modern man.
It was harder to find the stone this time, don’t know why, and the bushes that lined the short path to the stone have gone, opening the whole place right up.
Burl says the Granite monolith was taken from a massif 4 km to the south, and erected on the Schist plateau, it’s name is sometimes translated as “the field of sadness” which is interestingly samey as Kerloas “The heath of sadness”.
The Menhir of Dol is said to be related to the Menhir De Noyal, 17km south east, related by the Devil throwing them both from Mont St Michel.
Menhir de Champ-Dolent is essential viewing for any stone hunting trip to Brittany. It is a true marvel.
I’ve parked in the carpark at the eastern end of Burrator reservoir as directed and set off down the main path with the plantation on my right. After passing a picnic area with a ruined house there’s a path to the left up through the bracken emerging out on to the moor and a steady climb up to the top of Down Tor. The views are fantastic, Sheeps Tor away to the southwest, and the sky’s a mix of bright blue and high, fluffy clouds, some darker ones threatening the forecast rain which mercifully doesn’t come. I expect to see the circle and row from the top of the tor but then remember the sweetcheat’s note and put my disappointment on hold, cresting the next rise and there it is, majestically isolated in this epic landscape.
I’m not big on the tecnicalities of these sites, it’s all about atmosphere for me and this place has it in shedloads. The big stone at the end of the row abutting the circle really is a big beast and looks to have been dressed on its south-facing side, so smoothly does it present itself to the circle. I walk to the end of the row and back, a permanent smile fixed on my face and get twenty minutes to myself before someone else hoves into view so I decide to leave it to him, exchanging appreciation as I pass. He echoes Greywether’s comment about it being sufficiently remote to deter visits from most of those parked back at the reservoir, but I pass six more people heading towards it as I climb back up Down Tor. The views remain stunning and I face the prospect of the long drive back to London with spirits lifted.
Visited 28.7.14
Directions:
Sign posted off the A90 at the village of Tealing.
Ha! – two Historic Scotland sites for the price of one (not that you have to pay to visit).
The sign states that visiting is allowed until 6.00pm. As it was only 6.15pm I wasn’t going to let that put me off.
My first port of call was the Dovecot which is said to have Bronze Age carvings on some of its stones. (No doubt nicked from the souterrain/earth house?)
The door to the dovecot was locked so I had a look at the stones from the outside. Unfortunately I couldn’t spot any of the carvings.
Perhaps they are on the inside?
From here I took the short walk to the earth house. There is an information board.
The site is in good condition and the cup and ring carving at the entrance is a fine example. Once down inside the earth house it feels a lot bigger that when looking down on it from the outside.
I liked it here and it is well worth a visit if you happen to be in the area.
Visited 28.7.14
After navigating the hedge and barbed wire fence I’m afraid I couldn’t see anything. The cairn was totally overgrown.
No point in visiting in the summer months unless this site has a good hair cut first.
Visited 28.7.14
Directions:
A short distance north-west of the Aberlemno stones along a narrow and steep minor road. The site is signposted off the main road but not along the minor road .
We parked at a field gate and myself and Dafydd set out for the hillfort whilst Karen stayed in the car with the sleeping (thankfully!) Sophie. We crossed the road and climbed through the ‘trap door’ of the deer fence – a first for me.
It was a tricky climb up the very steep and slippery side of the hill but we eventually made it. The weather was beautiful and I was thankful for the cooling breeze. From the top we could see for miles.
The hillfort was quite overgrown with long grass, bushes and several trees. Despite being close to a road (albeit a very minor one) this site has a feel of ‘remoteness’ about it. We walked around the perimeter of the hillfort before making our way back to the car and our waiting companions. It was even more slippery on the way down!
It does require a degree of effort to visit Finavon Hillfort but it is well worth it.
Visited 28.7.14
I loved it here.
The Aberlemno standing stones are fantastic. I have done a bit of reading recently about the Picts and the carved stones they have left us. I was therefore looking forward to seeing these stones – I wasn’t disappointed.
You can park outside the village hall?
Luckily the light was just right to see the stones and the carvings at their best.
In addition to the three stones alongside the B9134 (take care) make sure you don’t miss the one at the nearby church yard. It is simply magnificent.
This group of stones is worth travelling a very long way to see.
One of the highlights of my holiday.
Visited 28.7.14
Directions:
Sign posted off the B9119 / B9125.
Another Historic Scotland site knocked off the list!
From the parking area a path via an avenue of trees leads you to the stone circle. It was nice to see that a ramp is in place to allow disabled visitors access.
The great weather continued with blue sky and white fluffy clouds.
Eight stones (boulder type) and eight cairns, all within a previously burnt area of land – so reports the information board. All very interesting……….
Yes the site has been ‘tidied up’ a lot, but I liked it here and consider it well worth a visit.
For those with any mobility issues this is an ideal site to visit.
Visited 28.7.14
The last time I visited this fine site it was pouring with rain. I liked it so much I was determined to re-visit when next in the area – hopefully on a nice day. Well, today was the today and luckily, the weather was great – hot with a clear blue sky.
We parked at the gate and were confronted by a sign stating that due to forestry work being carried out access to the circle was temporarily prohibited. Sod that! Myself, Dafydd and Sophie walked along the track towards the circle whilst Karen stayed in the car in case anyone turned up.
It was good to see the sign requesting visitors to respect the stone circle and not to damage them by lighting fires.
This is a lovely stone circle in a very pretty woodland setting. I always find wooded settings most pleasing. There is something about the trees, birdsong etc.
Clearly we weren’t the only recent visitors judging by the ‘offerings’ left on the recumbent stone – peaches, flowers and even a home made ‘prehistoric’ arrow, complete with knapped stone arrow head. Someone put a lot of effort into that.
This really is a great stone circle to visit.
If you get the chance make sure you don’t miss out.
Visited 28.7.14
Directions:
Alongside the B974.
Although feels like the middle of nowhere.
I didn’t know about this cairn and you can imagine my surprise as we drove past this huge pile of stones. There is a large parking area near the cairn which is used as a ‘view point’. There were lots of people enjoying the view but no one seemingly taking any notice of the cairn – their loss.
The cairn is easily as large as the Memsie Cairn (H.S. site) and someone has built a modern mini-cairn on top of it. It wouldn’t take much to get rid of this unwelcome parasite.
Needless to say there are fantastic views in all directions.
This was a great surprise and well worth stopping off for if you are driving along this fairly remote road.
The site can be easily missed- I first visited the field about a decade ago, unaware of the henge, and failed to spot it (although in my defence I was downhill from it, near the river). Much easier to find second time around, entering over a stile from White Horse Lane, the local electricity board has helpfully marked the spot by placing a pylon either side (they also stuck the adjoining substation over a related round barrow). On a hot, parched summers day like the one of my visit, the earthworks are quite clear, and the vegetation still conforms to the henge contours. Lots of flints lying about, and the ground is turned over by moles- a few finds have been spotted fairly recently. I’m sure someone with a better eye for flint tools than myself could spend a productive half hour here.
Visited 3.8.14
It was the last day of our holidays and it was time to head home. But not before enjoying the day in the beautiful Lake District. We had been very lucky with the weather but today it was persistent rain. On the plus side, the rain did keep visitors to Castlerigg to a minimum.
Karen stayed in the car while myself, Dafydd and Sophie donned our boots and coats and headed for the stones. A couple of gallant individuals were braving the elements and trying their best to take photos. It didn’t take long for both Sophie and Dafydd to complain about the cold wind and rain. In the end I gave up and took them back to the car.
Karen suggested I go back to the circle without the children and have a little ‘me time’ – which of course I did without hesitation! By the time I walked back up to the stones I was pleasantly surprised that everyone else had left. Not only that but the rained had eased off as well. Castlerigg – all to myself!
Whatever the weather, Castlerigg has a majesty all of its own. There is nothing I can add that hasn’t already been said about the setting. The swirling hill mists only added to the atmosphere.
All too soon another group of walkers were making their way up through the gate to have their photo’s taken. It was time to go.
To watch the sun rise at Castlerigg is on my ‘bucket list’. Due to the weather there was no chance of that happening this time but I am sure I will be back one day.
Visited 2.8.14
Directions:
Follow the signs for Brinkburn Priory (E.H. site) off the B6344.
The O/S map shows the fort to be on the promontory above the priory.
The road leading from the car park to the Priory cuts across the northern steep sided slope. This would have indeed been a very steep incline before the road was built.
As for spotting any evidence of remaining defences I couldn’t see any.
Where the O/S map shows earthworks is an undulating field.
Difficult to tell (for me anyway) what was natural and what was man made.
The Priory is worth visiting but don’t go out of your way to look for anything older.
Visited 3.8.14
Directions:
From the A595 take the B5343 towards Seascale. Before reaching the village take the turning on the right signposted Calder. About 1km along this road you will cross over a stream (there is a metal barrier either side of the road at this point). The tops of the stones can be seen away in the distance to your left (west).
On the approach road to Calder (and its entrance into the nuclear power station) there is a warning sign stating that you are not allowed to stop or park. I of course chose to ignore this and after instructing Karen where to pull over onto the verge, left the car with a cheery ‘if the police come and ask you what you are doing just tell them I have nipped over to see the stone circle!’ You can imagine the look of disproval on Karen’s face!
Not only has the public footpath sign been removed but someone (the farmer?) has put barbed wire across what was the access point. They clearly don’t want visitors here.
Undeterred I climbed over and headed across the field towards the derelict building. The field next to this was full of bullocks so I stayed well clear! The next field was full of wheat so I skirted around the edge until I came out on the far side. This is where you will find the stone circle. A 10 minute walk from the road.
Although the grass around the circle was short, the grass between the stones and inside the circle itself was long and rough. In the distance the white breakers in the choppy sea could be seen. However, dominating everything is the large power station and its unfriendly (but necessary) rows of fencing and barbed wire.
The stone nearest the sea looked to me to have been struck by lightening? The top and side was blackened and a chunk had broken off. A crack runs through part of the stone. I can’t think of anything else which would have caused this?
Unfortunately due to the access difficulties I had a feeling that this is an unloved, unwelcoming and rarely visited site. No doubt unlike the nearby golf course.
Try to visit if you can as these stones if you can as they need all the TLC they can get.
Visited 3.8.14
Directions:
Next to a minor road south of Ennerdale Bridge – off the A5086. O/S map required.
It is a pretty bleak place up here. Open moorland and a strong wind.
On the plus side the stone circle is right next to the road and has decent views to the north. Also, being a Sunday we avoided any ‘Sellafield traffic’ and had the place to ourselves.
I don’t know when the stones were re-erected but they don’t seem to have withstood the test of time very well. One stone has fallen, one half-fallen and one stone has been badly worn away around its base by sheep. I don’t think it will be standing for too much longer.
The circle was a lot smaller than I was expecting but pleasant all the same. The site has a ‘remote feel’ about it despite the closeness of the road. I quite liked it here.
Well worth a visit but make sure you bring a good map in order to find it.
‘Failed to find’ 2.8.14
Now, Powburn may only be a small place on the A697 but where is the centre and the cup marked stone?
We drove up and down but couldn’t find it.
Is it still there?
If so, can anyone provide details of how to find it?
The O/S map shows this promontory fort to be adjacent to the cup and ring marked rock. Apparently it has at least five ramparts to protect the side without steep natural slopes. However, I can neither confirm nor deny this as I couldn’t see anything due to the head high rhododendrons and chest high ferns.
No doubt a winter visit would be more productive.
Visited 2.8.14
O/S map required.
There is no information board and nothing to indicate this fine cup and ring marked rock is here except what is shown on the O/S map. Look out for a wooden gate with a sign on it proclaiming ‘Lambton Estates Private’- the stone can be located in the tress opposite.
The ‘path’ leading from the road to the stone is becoming overgrown with rhododendrons. It won’t be too long before the ‘path’ is gone completely. However, I pushed on through and soon came face to face with the large rock outcrop. The grey overhead sky was far from ideal in seeing the lower cup and ring marks and it was the one neared the top which revealed itself the best. A shallow puddle had formed within the rings which highlighted them well. There are many cup marks to see – some better than others.
This is a very peaceful setting and well worth a visit if you are in the area.
I stayed as long as I could but the Vikings were due to attack Lindisfarne Priory at 3.45pm and a certain 6 year old was keen not to miss it!
Visited 31.7.14
Directions:
From Dunbar, take the minor road south towards the hamlet of Spott. The stone is on the roadside when you come out of the other side (south) of Spott.
On the way to visit the Witches’ Stone keep an eye out for the Easter Broomhouse standing stone which you will pass.
The Witches’ Stone is quite small – about 1m high. There were several coins which had been left on top of the stone.
There is a worn information board next to the stone which states that the stone marks the spot where Marion Lillie (AKA the Ringwood Witch) was burnt at the stake in 1698. She was the last witch to be burnt in Southern Scotland.
This is an awkward place to get to but worth the effort if in the area.
A view from the road 31.7.14
Directions:
From Dunbar, take the minor road south towards the hamlet of Spott. The stone is in a field on your left (east) as you head towards Spott.
As with the Pencriag Hill stone I also visited today, Easter Broomhouse was surrounded by a crop of wheat. Again easily seen from the road but a post-harvest visit required for a close up look.
A view from the road 31.7.14
The stone is easily seen from the A1 but I was unable to get a close-up look as the stone was surrounded by a field of wheat. Once the crop has been harvested it would only be a short walk from the road. A nice, tall, pointy stone. Well worth a look.
Visited 31.7.14
Directions:
Sign posted off the A1 – south of Dunbar
As part of my on-going mission to visit all the Historic Scotland sites I find myself at the Doonhill Homestead. I would strongly suggest you park at the start of the track leading to the homestead rather than be tempted to drive up it. The track is not in good condition but the biggest problem is that at the top of the track (where there is a small car park) several bars are missing from the cattle grid. This means that anyone driving over the grid will feel their tyres disappear into a big hole! (Unless you happen to be driving a tractor of course). Luckily I had decided not to drive up the track before knowing this.
It takes about 10 minutes to each the site from the road.
There is a large information board explaining the site and both the Anglian chief’s hall and (more importantly perhaps) the 6,000 year old Neolithic hall are marked out on the grass. The Neolithic hall is surprisingly large. The information board states that the hall was deliberately set on fire and destroyed. There is also a small rectangular cemetery marked out in the grass but the information board doesn’t specify from which period it dates.
There are all round good views, spoiled only by the large (cement?) works.
I really liked it here and thoroughly enjoyed my visit – no doubt helped by the fine weather. It you happen to be in the area I would certainly recommend a visit.
Very surprised no one has posted about this site before?
Top of Ecton Hill on a clear day in the Peak, for views, takes some beating. Swallow Moss, Axe Edge, the Hills of Parkhouse and Chrome, High Wheeldon fill the northern horizon. While the Wolfscote, Glutton, Narrowdale and Wetton hills dominate toward the southern one.
There Five barrows on Ecton Hill; this one, of three, on Hanging Bank being the pick of them. Excavations have left their mark but it survives as a pretty decent barrow in a Peak sorta way.
