The fence here is in far better condition than it’s near neighbour as Auchorachan.Take the B9136 turning south near the primary school. As the road heads directly south stop at the first gate on the east. The stone is about 50 meters from the road. This beautifully sited monument has wonderful all round views. About 200 meters down the road is the famous distillery at Glenlivet. Lovely place!!!
Visited 14/10/2011.
Go south from Dufftown on the B9009 until Auchbreck. From Auchbreck head south on the B9008, going past Auchorachan farm pull into the east side of the road at the first gate after the farm. The stone, standing on the brow of the hill at 1.7 meters in height, has lovely views south, north and west. Packing stones can be seen at the base of the stone.
The lovely sight of Glenlivet distillery is on the other side of the valley. Sadly the fence has seen better days on the plus side no cows dropped dead during the visit!
Visited 14/10/2011.
Finally got back to revisit these barrow, nearly 4 years later and what a pleasant surprise, the barrows are in much better nick. Full marks to what I assume is the farmer on whose fields these are for clearing all the rubbish and scrub from them. From just across the narrow road which leads to them can be seen the Lord’s Barrow on the ridge to the east.
Visited 13.10.11.
As a birthday treat I took the day off work and myself, Karen, Dafydd and Sophie went to the Cotswolds area for the day – a lovely part of the world.
On the way to a luchtime meal at the excellent Fleece Inn (N.T. site) I decided a slight detour was in order to check out these Barrows.
My O/S map showed two Barrows although in his ‘Guide to Prehistoric England’ Nicholas Thomas states that there are 6 Bowl Barrows here.
What then can actually be seen?
In two words – not much.
The Barrow right next to the drive leading to the farm has very little left to be seen. No more than 0.5 metres high and about 15 metres across. It looked like the western end of the Barrow has been cut through by th farm drive.
The other Barrow marked on the map which is across the other side of the field has survived a little better. Clearly seen from the drive it is about 1 metre high and 30 metres across.
Normally this wouldn’t be much to write home about but for today’s adventures this turned out to be the highlight!
By the way, the village of Snowshill is well worth having a look at – very pretty. One of the many ‘picture postcard’ villages to be found in the Cotswolds.
Visited 13.10.11
After visiting the excellent Middle Littleton Tithe Barn (N.T. site) I went to have a look for this Barrow.
We parked on the main road and I walked with Sophie up the lane towards the site. (As it turned out we could have driven up the lane). Still, Sophie enjoed the walk, chuckling most of the way, and managing to eat the odd blackberry we found.
As the lane turns sharp to the south a public footpath leads you to the Barrow – sign posted Windmill Hill Nature Reserve.
This is obviousy a popular location for dog walkers judging by the amount of ‘mess’ on the track.
As for the Barrow – well, I can’t say I found it. There was a very slight ‘mound’ which may, or may not, have been the what is left of the Barrow. Either that or it must be an equally small ‘mound’ hidden away amoungst the trees and long grass.
At least the weather was nice.
Failed visit 13.10.11
After spending an enjoyable hour in the pretty village of Chipping Campden I decided to have a look for the Kiftsgate Stone.
Taking the minor road west out of Chipping Campden I soon came to a convienient lay by near to where the stone is said to be.
So far so good.
The trouble was I couldn’t find the stone!
The area where the stone stands is wooded and very overgrown. I searched up and down but couldn’t see it. If the stone is quite small it could have easily been hidden by the brambles.
Canmore quite rightly hedge their bets and say this might possibly be a kerb cairn then again it might be a ruined stone circle set on the eastern slopes. There are certainly stones that look like they once stood and there are certainly some kerbs plus loads of cairn material. Sadly it has also received some harsh treatment. However its position keeps alive some of the former glories. Views east and west are of the Don valley, to the south Culquoich and to the north the modern cairn on the summit of Dalrossach. There are some cracking rocks for cup marks etc, I couldn’t find any unfortunately.
I parked at Dalrossach west of Glenkidie on the A97. Opposite the farm entrance is a track that winds up the hill. Fairly steep all the way to the cairn but worth it for the views. Looking for the other cairn I accidentally climbed the hill to the north. Looking all round I discovered that I’d climbed every hill in the area and still there is much to find in what is my favourite hill walking area.
Visited 13/10/2011.
This should be one of the best kerb cairns in Aberdeenshire, probably Scotland but it left me in a pretty bad temper. Culquoich is rich in history with 3 cairns all nearby, this was the third attempt to find this one.
Sadly the three trees mentioned by Canmore have been sawn down and left to rot on the cairn. Obliterating some kerbs in the process. Up to 18 kerbs I counted with the inner cairn reaching 0.7 meters in height. I know these places are high up and out of sight to most folk but that surely doesn’t mean they should be treated in this way. Being incensed I phoned Aberdeen Archaeology who have asked for these photographs as evidence, something I’ve gladly passed on. Why oh why could didn’t they cut the trees down and make them fall another way, out of the cairn. Probably it would have been better just to leave them. One of the reasons I probably missed the cairn previously was because I was looking for three trees surrounded by stones. So annoying, I must have walked right past this place looking for something I’d never find.
Still on the plus side the views would be tremendous if it wasn’t for the trees. However Culag is a short distance southish, the views south from there are wonderful with my friend Morven dominating the skyline.
From Culquoich 1 head south east towards the deer gate. The deer today were very friendly allowing me to pat them on the head, obviously getting messages from their pal in the south to be good to this visitor. Once over the gate head straight east and a clearing amongst the trees is reached. What should be a superb site marred by people who should really know better.
Visited 13/10/2011.
Leave the A944 (Alford road) at Milnbank and head south on the B993. Take the first minor road west marked Baudygaun. Just after Baudygaun (a farm) take the first farm road north, signposted Denwell then head north west at the fork. Just after Denwell a bridge has to be crossed, keep going until the end of the road. At this point there is a small steading. Follow the track on foot and as it veers west head thru the park, the remains of the circle are straight in front.
Although only two stones remain, a standing stone and the possible recumbent it would be a safe bet to say that some stones are in the nearby walls. Location is everything, so they say, and this circle had tremendous views south to the prehistory central of Deeside, saying that whole area is prehistory central.
This isn’t a very hard walk compared to the other two today, very simple. For the views alone very rewarding and at last I’ve visited here here, its been a long time coming.
Visited 13/10/2011.
When I saw this stone I was unsure about it. It seems so different to the other nearby stones. The others are much thinner and more upright while this is a small squat bolder.
Stone C can be seen quite clearly from this stone. And it does mark the track way leading up to Moel Goedog.
A nice warm day, and it really was easy to spend some time here.
I’m glad to say that the silly wooden truss has been removed.
It all looks as stable as any great big rock resting on top of a thin pointy one.
Following along the same road as Carreg and Moel y sensigi pass through a gate. Just before the road forks on a wide grass verge next to the road on the left is this small very thin standing stone.
Tiny compared to the other stones in the area.
Following along on the same road as Cerrig cross over a cattle grid. The stone is just after this on the left hand side of the road. You can see the top of the stone over the field wall
There is a farm gate which wasn’t locked, so easy access.
Lovely big thin stone. I liked it.
After following the steep windy road that leads up from Harlech castle you will come to a cross roads with a phone box and post box.
Turn left here. The standing Stone is on the right hand side not far along the road. It is in the field next to the road and can be clearly seen.
Taking the first left after the castle and driving up the very very steep windy road. I was delighted and surprised to find that my camper van was able to climb it. You will come to a crossroads with a phone box and post box.
Turn left here. Follow the road along you will see a standing stone on the right hand side.
Just after this is a small layby / bin store.
Take the next right. You have to go through two lots of farm track gates. Luckily I had my son with me, because there are lots of these around here.
A little while after the 2nd lot of gates you will see a public footpath signposted on both sides of the track. There is a stream that has been culverted under the track. Lots of room to park here.
Taking the path on the left, follow it around the side of the little hill and keep going left. I passed another circular structure that looked to me like a cairn. (I’ve added a pic) Pass through the gap in the old stone wall and then follow the track up hill.
When the ground levels the circle is on your right.
In yet another attempt to find the second Culquoich cairn ending in failure I noticed my map had the fancy writing for cairn on a hill to the west. Sure enough a small cairn exists being almost 8 meters in width and 0.7 meters high. Two stones, possibly kerbs, are earthfast. Strangely a ram’s skull is under the biggest stone, so maybe sometimes this place is still used.
From Culquoich Cairn I walked to the trees in the east heading in a southish direction, climb over the gate, thru the bog, jump over the burn and head towards the Culag Hill. The cairn is en route, on dry land, to the summit. As for Culquoich 2, something that is 26 meters can’t be that hard to find. Seems impossible to me but another attempt coming shortly then the pleasures of Dalrossach.
Thanks to Bruce Mann at Aberdeen Archaeology for the grid ref.
Visited 10/10/2011.
From Betws y Coed, head west, after Swallow falls but before the Ugly house (how dare they) turn left.
Passing the Roman fort Caer Llugwy look out for small left turn for a farm called Bryn Gefeilia, I parked at the bottom of the farm lane with plenty of room.
As I was putting my boots on a man walked past looking at me with some interest, through the open window he said “good mornin, going canoeing are you?”
I looked around vainly looking for something that might have given him that idea, but finding nothing I replied ” no just going for a walk” .
This seemed to satisfy his curiosity he mumbled something about an empty campsite and he was off up the lane towards the farm.
After donning my entire waterproof collection, for it was one of those days that occur all too frequently in these parts, I followed the curious man up the lane. As I neared the farm he was coming back down the lane with his bag of farm produce and stopped to speak to me again, first he mentioned the weather, then asked me if I was going up Moel Siabod, I looked back slightly incredulously and answered ” in this weather?‘
Do you know your way around? was his next question, what is this twenty flippin quetions?
I lied and said yes not wanting to describe my uncanny sense of direction and near awsome map reading skills. He said good morning and off back down the lane he went.
Passing through the farm the footpath now takes over, through a somber crowd of wet calves and on to a three way crossroads, we turn right.
The wind is now directly thumping me in the face and little wet bullets sting it all over, I look sideways and see where i’m going out of the corner of my eye. Wales!!!
A small footpath turns left, ignore it and on to a gate and stile then another crosspaths, turn left again. It is off to the right of this track that the two hut circles are situated but I cant find them either, in this weather I’m not particularly bothered, I will be surprised if I can find the cairns.
Ten minutes on, the path impersonates a lagoon, its a muddy lagoon not in the slightest bit blue.
My internal alarm goes off and I start looking to the left just in time to make out a small bump rising out of the boggy hillside, even though there have been other bumps this one seems the one, as I get closer I can see stone and the spirit of Homer takes over as I let out a loud Woohoo!!!
If this cairn was anywhere else but high in the mountains it would have more visitors, it’s tall, it’s
stoney and a big cist proudly stares skywards, I do like a good cist, I could have kissed this cist I was that elated at finding it, Anneka Rice would have died trying to find this treasure. The spectacular view was curtailed to about 150 yards, there was no hint of the big mountain hidden so completely by the ground-clouds.
The other cairn was doing its best to stay hidden for a little while longer, as I waded through grassy bogs to the nearest likely looking bump, then to the next one and the next one, when finally I saw it, it was ahh there you are you cheeky little scampster, I do hope I’m not the only one who speaks to the stones when i’m alone.
Lower down a slight slope, and not as big as its near neighbour, this cairn is also full of charm. A small wall has been half heartedly built from its cairn material. But its main point of interest is its well preserved cist, still with its capstone but this is slowly being covered by the little wonder that is Sphagnum moss. Not fifty yards away two large rocks jut out of the squelchy ground, from the perspective of the cairn one of them looks like a standing stone.
It was about now that the batteries packed up, after only a dozen pictures, that’ll teach me to delete the old ones whilst on site, its time to go, to a shop with batteries then on to some other little known treasure of Snowdonia.
Parking is available on the A498 opposite the campsite, and a footpath almost goes up to it, it actually heads for a house called Perthi. A fallen No Access sign needs to be re-erected because I didn’t see it at all, after not seeing said sign a short slippery squelch arrives us at the hill fort.
As Gladmans Misc note reports there isn’t a lot to see in the way of ramparts and such, though it does state that no entrance could be found though they reckon its on the northwest side, if they can’t find it how do they know where it is ?
But I might have found it, there is a gap to the northwest, whether its an entrance or not I don’t know it doesn’t lead to a gentle slope as expected, but perhaps there’s been a land slip and the bit that makes it obvious as an entrance is now gone.
If you didn’t know it was a hill fort you would never guess it was, the hill top is as bare as could be, but its saving grace would be the spectacular views in all directions, though the Welsh weather God saw fit to hide even that from me. From the bottom it looked quite clear but at the top it was white out, then back at the bottom again it all cleared up, I couldn’t help getting the feeling that something somewhere was laughing at me.
This is one for people who....
Have too much time on their hands,
Want to see all that Snowdonia has to offer,
or are a tad barmy.
Two out of three ain’t bad
This is very much a damaged and restored site, as the information board says much of it was used to build the road nearby. Looking at the base of the Taula it would appear to have been repaired with cement.
The Talaoit is damaged and fairly insubstantial, but not as knocked about as the houses would appear to be. All in this is well worth a visit for its peacefulness alone, when we went there we saw no-one else.
Been 8years since I last was at Offerton West. So overgrown was it back then that I wasn’t in a hurry to return.....gave it another shot today and the circle/ring cairn is quite prominent now, although the damaged western side is covered in dying bracken.
Worth a look. Photos dont really do it justice.
Now missing its centre and western side this would’ve at one time been quite an impressive cairn. It overlooks the settlement and field systems on the improved Highlow Bank.
From the standing stone, follow the wall east for a couple of hundred yards. When the wall changes direction the cairn is visible over the wall.
Visited Knap hill for the first time today and what a lovely spot it is. I felt that along with adams grave it acts as a a pair of sentries guarding the southern approaches to Avebury. I look forward to returning when its not so windy and having a proper stomp around. A truly lovely part of the world and well worth a visit.
This is quite a large cairn, somewhere around 20 or so metres in diameter and less disturbed than its northern neighbour. A ring of gritstone kerbstones surround it.
SK22481 85614.
Parking at Dennis Knoll the cairn is about three quarters of a mile away on the top of Stanage Edge. The first half mile is all up hill with a final rocky scramble up to the Edge proper.
I’d left Matlock bathing in the sun under clear blue skies, but here only 20miles North, the wind howled up along Stanage Edge blowing in rain and hail storms every few minutes.
The north cairn at Crow Chin is around 20m in diameter and ringed by a gritstone kerb. Several smaller cairns from the excavation lie beyond its rim on the north side. And the stones of the dismantled cist within the cairn circumference to the south.
On a clearer day the views out over Win Hill, Lose Hill and Crook Hill would be superb.
SK22469 85614.
Visited 1.10.11
It may be October but myself and Dafydd were sweltering in the afternoon heat as we walked down the hill from WKLB towards Swallowhead Springs. The walk took longer than expected due to Dafydd insisting on stopping to pick flowers for his mother who no doubt was also sweltering back at the car looking after Sophie.
I had wanted to visit this site for the past few years and was very glad that I managed at last to get around to it. The cooling shade of the trees was most welcome.
As we approached the site the first thing we noticed was the amount of branches covered with ribbons, strips of cloth, feathers etc. The fallen tree which formed an arch was particularly impressive and prompted Dafydd to exclaim – ‘look its magic!‘
I must admit that his summery of the place was hard to disagree with. It certainly has a ‘feel’ about it – as well as being very pretty. There were ‘offerings’ all over the place – candles, berries, acorns, apples – even an egg.
At this point we noticed a chap who was quietly laying in the shade reading his book. At least it was quiet until we arrived with Dafydd asking no end of questions! The spring was bone dry although we still enjoyed hopping over the stepping stones.
I really liked this place and would highly recommend a visit to anyone already in the area visiting the more famous Avebury locations. Although the nearby WKLB was by now swarming with people we were able to leave the chap in quiet solitude enjoying his book.
Rather than come the way we did the easiest access is directly from the car lay by.
Go through the kissing gate and instead of following the path to WKLB head diagonally across the field towards the far right hand side corner – near the trees.
There is a wooden stile over the fence and you are there – it’s as easy as that.
