Latest Fieldnotes

Adjacent to some farm buildings and heavy plant this huge stone seem to have been damaged at some stage, it is one of the tallest standing stones I have come across, the owners of the land were happy to let me look at it

Come up the minor road alongside Maes Howe [marked Fursbreck Pottery] up and past Hybreck until you reach the Grimeston road junction. Pass along the Grimeston road to a fieldgate on the left. Here I entered the place where the standing stone is, striking a diagonal by a small dry burn (these being all over and about Staney Hill I imagine one can rule out glacial deposition for the big rocks ?). From the Staney Hill road you can see the stone behind a ledge like a very low cliff, and then coming this way it reveals itself to be standing above one end of a long wiggly quarry

It’s a long time since I was last here and it wasn’t quite how I remembered it. There are some huge stones here. One good thing about the masses of vegetation at this time of year, is that you can spot strangely flat areas that probably hide more stones. But mostly the nettles and the grasses hinder movement and stop you seeing the stones. But it’s a great spot, and clearly visited by others as you can tell by the trampling of the plants. It was soothingly peaceful and shaded from the hot sunshine. I sat near a superbly large stone on its edge right in the middle of the barrow. Below it there was an intriguing dark hole veiled by another smaller stone and a spider web.

But I found it kind of concerning that there were loads of large flat stones kind of stacked up at the far end. They looked strangely unmossy/licheny as though they’d been uncovered or moved quite recently. Surely no-one would bother moving stones from the barrow? I felt confused. I’ve posted a photo, if anyone’s familiar with the site and can comment.

This long barrow is so cute, because it’s very small. It’s clearly a haven for sheep, but today there were no sheep in the enormous flat field, and it was very tranquil indeed. I was impressed by the view – you can see out to Wales through a gap in the hills, and back to Wiltshire in the other direction. It did feel like the barrow had been unfortunately nibbled at over the centuries, as though it was much smaller than it should be, but it still has some height. It was deliciously shadey in contrast to the dried out field. There were a lot of small stones around but it was hard to decide if there’d ever been part of a wall – maybe the barrow looks like that through and through. It just had a very nice atmosphere here. And it’s extremely easy to find (and park near).

A single round barrow several hundred yards west of Kinston Russell stone circle. It is aligned with the round barrow on Abbotsbury castle which is to the south.

For about half the week this stone was flanked by a variety of wheelie bins. Wheelie bins need to be collected from the roadside and this stone has unfortunately found itself right on the verge so be prepared for your souvenir shots to feature a variety of coloured wheelies!
Park just across from the primary school and the the stone is right there by the car park. Dont get run over.
This stone had a partner. It lies tumbled in the woods across the road. Cross the road and go into Stronach Wood. Follow the low wall and fence line of the primary school into the trees until the school boundary fence turns to your left. Continue on your original bearing for the same distance again. Even in the undergrowth and trees it is hard to miss. I was out of battery power on my camera when I went... so no pic! Next time!

It was summer 1988 when I first visited this site. I’d approached it through deep plantation forestry and endured the clouds of firey midges which hung in biting clouds around it. Visits in the 1990’s were no better. There were no views or any way to understand where this cairn stood in its landscape. All changed now!
The best way to approach these large Clyde Type Chambered Cairns is to follow the Glenashdale Falls path. Dont go up the steep signposted path if you want to avoid an excruciating climb! It is much gentler to walk on up to the falls and is really not much longer. You should walk the path right up to the falls then take a left along the smooth flat forest road which takes you around the hill. It makes for very easy walking and you are met with a spectacular view of the cairns as they sit in profile on the crest of their terrace with the Ayrshire coast behind them. The forestry has been completely clear felled allowing some wonderful viewing. You then walk down a gentle path on your left to the cairns.
The southern chambered cairn is aligned east/ west and looks directly to the black flat topped volcanic plug of Mochrum Hill near Maybole. These plugs/ igneous intrusions stretch from Scotland’s West Coast to East Coast taking in Ailsa Craig, Mochrum Hill, Tinto Hill, Arthur’s Seat, Bass Rock and the Lomond Hills.
The north chambered cairn sits on a north/ south axis and although only the massive cists are left in the centre, there are still large stones marking where the “horns” came out to. Views to the barbed peaks of Goatfell and Cir Mhor to the north are spectacular. If you are wondering where all the many tons of removed cairn material went... then on you way down the steep winding path look to your right and see the beautiful dry stane dyke which runs across the hillside! There’s your cairn!
While munching a fish supper with my Mrs and kid the following evening, we could see the stumps of the north cairn from the path out to King’s Cross Point in Whiting Bay far below. In its original state the cairn would have been very visible.

My 1994 OS Landranger map had not one but two sites marked at Stronach Wood – one being the main one here in Stronach Wood and the other a few hundred yards further up the hill. I decided to start with the one further up the hill then walk down to the next. The first attempt ended with me sunk in a bog, totally drenched, bearing many midge bites and harbouring a deep sense of failure and disappointment. Then I set up a big Red Deer deep in the insect infested bracken and heard gun shots break the afternoon air a few minutes later. My sense of failure and disappointment turned immediately to one of getting off the hill before I caught a stalker’s bullet. I made my way noisily down to my car on the String Road determined toreturn and find the carvings. Getting changed back at the cottage I found a derr tick munching its way into my shoulder. Nasty creatures, they are difficult to extract without leaving the jaws in your flesh. It left a very painful bite which swoll badly and is still draining a week later.
The following morning I found myself back in the same mire and unable to find the stone as marked on my map. It took a third attempt to come to the conclusion that the old edition of the map was simply wrong or I needed new specs. I do need new specs but the old OS map seems to show two sites and I’ve posted the relevant map clipping to show folks where not to go (just in case their map is as old as mine was).
I bought the new OS Pathfinder edition and there was only one site marked! Once I had tracked down the deer stalker’s access track off the main road I was at the carvings in a few minutes. But get this folks… there were quad tyre marks across the panels! (Once you shoot that deer on the hill you gotta get that yummy venison down to the butcher’s shop and onto the plate somehow. Maybe Arran Heritage should take out a few of the plantation trees and take the path around the carvings…)
These carvings are groovy. I’ve seen many a cup and ring from Ben Lawers to Achnabreck but nothing had prepared me for the utter grooviness of these. Fluid and writhing… some of these seem to have a real sense of movement in them. A devastating midge attack suddenly ensued when the wind dropped and I had to flee the site but I was drawn back twice more during my week on Arran to look at and photograph some other stuff I’d seen up there – but I’ll post about that once it has all been checked out and verified. If they are for real it will be a big WOW! But until things are verified then I shall temper my enthusiasm and say nowt!
The complete removal of the forestry plantations around Giants Graves above Whiting Bay has transformed the landscape they occupy. I’m sure this plantation at Stronach Wood will soon be due for clear felling as well. It will help with interpretation of the this site in relation to the megaliths in the immediate area and the notable landmarks in the landscape (Goatfell, Cir Mhor etc). There must be more art lurking under the peat on the red Arran sandstone which forms this hill!

I walked up to Chisbury hillfort this morning from the village of Great Bedwyn; look for Castle Road which will take into into a (now golden) barley field. There is a ‘right of way’ footpath through the centre of the crop.

A very pleasant walk up to the hillfort which is now completely wooded; a lovely place to chill out on a hot day. As previous fieldnotes have mentioned there is an old chapel in the farmyard of Manor Farm unususal in being thatched. Today I was walking with a group of people so didn’t get to mooch around for quite as long as I would wanted. Like Ringsbury hillfort (also wooded) this is one of Wiltshire’s lesser known hillforts though being fairly near to Marlborough it overlooks some stunning rolling downland.

Mowat Newton 3

The remnants of this ring cairn are scattered amongst plates of living rock, alas I couldn’t find any rock art. Basically all thats left is a small circular ditch, where the stones should be. Only one kerb remains. Sadly a pile of stones a few meters away indicates their final resting place.

Only the views to north, south, and west save this site. This should have been a magnificent place instead it resembles a rubbish dump. Soon this site will vanish perhaps no bad thing considering its former status. Very sad place!

Visited 8/07/2010.

Mowat Newton 2

This is the furthest north of the almost demolished ring cairns. Most of the stones have been removed but at least 2 kerbs remain with a large boulder perhaps being another. In the middle of the 4 meter wide cairn is a rocky slab , perhaps a cist.

This place is also covered in small cairns, on the slopes of Stot Hill are many field clearance heaps.

Visited 8/07/2010.

Unfortunately this site is a shambles with supposedly 5 ring cairns on it. I could only find 3, the others being covered in gorse or smashed to bits by farm machinery.

The remnants of this cairn are found nearest to the East Newton farm, slightly to the north. The stony mound is now turf covered being 14 meters in width being almost a meter high. It is hollowed out in the centre. 2 large boulders, probably kerbs, remain but look as if they’ve dunted. A small circular track shows where the other kerbs would have sat.

Head west from Lumphanan following the signs to the Peel of Lumphanan. Take the first minor road south, road is a very loose description, East Newton is two miles further on. I asked permission to park which was given.

In reality I was heading for Cairn Mude, on Stot Hill (this farm is on its western slopes) Unfortunately the trees, ferns and jabby things made progress impossible but I know where the cairn is so next time I’ll try from the other side.

Visited 8/07/2010.

Visited June 2010.

Worth noting that the owner of the land where you park asks for a £2 donation to the Air Ambulance to be left in the postbox on the gate to the metalled track to the lakes.

Some drainage and surfacing work has been done on the direct path, which should make it easier going. However, as we visited in very dry weather, I can’t comment on how bad it would be in the wet. This is a very isolated spot in potentially dangerous terrain, so proper equipment and clothing is a must.

You can follow the metalled track to the lakes then keep going along the higher ground to opposite the site, which reduces both height lost in crossing the valley and the amount of distance taken through bogs. However, the ground is rocky and there are some springs.

This tomb is a real adventure to get to! The best approach is to drive the R386 from Cong to Clonbur. After ~2km there is a sharp bend to the right with a place to park the car. Leave the car and walk approximately 60m on a forest trail than turn left and walk for about 70m. Look for a small beaten path that climbs a small hillock on which the tomb is located.

When we arrived at the parking area, there was a huge semitrailer full of logs. As a matter of prudence I parked my car away from the semitrailer, to leave enough ground for a tractor unit. A good decision, as you will later see.

Unfortunately we just have the GPS coordinates of the tomb and no directions. As we followed the forest track too long, we approach the tomb from the west, instead from the north. This means we had to chop our way through the undergrowth. Also the underground is limestone, which is overgrown by moos. Several times I broke through and stuck with one legs deep in the limestone! My wife had enough and returned to the car. My son, my nephew and I refused to quit and stumple around in circular movements, until I finally found the tomb. Just at that moment (the smile on my face was not yet faded away), I heared my wife screaming and bawling, that we should immediately return to the car. So we made haste and scaled down the hillock (but certainly not without quickly taking some pictures ;-)).

As we came back to our car, we saw that the semitrailer has taken on a life of its own and moved straight towards our rental car. My wife was a bit pale in her face, as the semitrailer did several movements. Fortunately there was still some distance between the car and the semitrailer, so that I could moved the car out of the danger zone. However I didn’t have the time to examine the tomb more thorough and after the shock we also didn’t want to return to the tomb either.

Visited June 2010

Visited 27.6.10.
Very easy to find. Take the left hand turn off from the A4110 at Bush Bank (pub on the corner of turning). About 60 yards down the lane the stone is clearly visible in the verge on your left opposite the drive to Merriedown House. It is about 3ft high, next to a telegrath pole. Whilst I was looking at the stone a chap came along who said he was a local archaeologist. He said that he kept the grass cut around the stone (top man!) and that there were quite a few people who came to visit. He then showed me what he thought was a ridge cut into the stone (about a third of the way from the top) and that he had a theory that it was possibly once the bottom part of a stone cross. He also stated the the stone had been removed from a local field and placed in its current position in the 1930’s.
Worth a look if you happen to be in the area.

Visited 27.6.10.
This was a bit odd. I drove up the country lane towards the site only to see a sign which stated the road was private – access only to houses along the lane. I looked again at the O/S map which shows it to be a normal lane. Anyway I continued my journey up the lane past Butthouse towards King’s Pyon. I did get a stare from a woman doing the gardening in one of the very posh houses but nothing was said. (as an aside you drive past a small detached black and white medieval looking building on your left – pretty).
The barrow itself has a fence around it with large trees growing on the top. There doesn’t appear to be any public access to the barrow although access to the field would be via a metal gate. I chose to view from the lane as even if you did go in the field you would still have to climb over the fence surrounding the barrow.

‘Visited’ 27.6.10.
Not really a visit but an attempted observance from afar! I took the small lane which runs to the north of the hillfort off the main road. Unfortunately the entire hill is covered in trees and there is no public right of way to the site.
I had a quick look for any easy access points for a ‘sneak’ visit but I couldn’t see any. I had Dafydd with me so I didn’t fancy a battle through the trees. Nothing much else I can say!

Visited 28.6.10.
Parking is quite difficult and the nearest place I could find was near Ivy Cottage a couple of hundred yards down thel ane from the public footpath. You need to climb up a short but very steep bank off the lane, over the stile and then it’s becomes an easier walk up through the field to the hillfort. It only takes 5 minutes. The best preserved section of the ramparts are those directly in front of you although they do continue to the left into the next field and to the right into the trees. Great views, including the Severn Bridges away in the distance.

Visited 26.6.10
As previously described parking is easy and the walk up the hill is pretty much straight forward. When I visited it was a scorcher of a day and the cows and sheep in the fields were all sat down in the shade trying to keep cool. I of course was carrying Dafydd up the hillfort whilst sweating like a pig!! Although there is a lot of bracken about there is a clear path all the way up (30 minute walk). The ramparts are in pretty good condition and the views are obviously good. Nearby Slwch Tump hillfort is easily visible.

Visited 27.6.10.
There is a small sign post off the A488 – near a bend so easy to miss. Follow the lane and up the rough track to the small car park. It’s only a 10 minute walk over the cattle grid and across the moor land to the stone circle. The stones are not visible from the car park but just walk straight ahead and you can’t miss them. There is a ‘remote’ feel about this site and lovely views to be had. There are a number of stones outside the circle which would easily fool me into thinking that they were more than ‘natural’. However, I know little about these things and I accept they are! An E.H. information board gives some interesting reading. The stone circle isn’t massively impressive but the location certainly is. There were ‘offerings’ placed around the top of the tallest stone in the circle – ribbons / leaves / flowers etc. Well worth a visit.
*** Before you turn right onto the track which leads to the car park there is a large cairn to be seen on your left. I have not been able to find any information about this cairn but it is worth a quick look when visiting the stone circle ***

Visited 26.6.10
I parked by the house near the stone. The stone is easily seen from the lane; sited next to a wire fence and telegraph pole. The stone stood tall and proud in the brilliant summer sunshine whilst the people living in the house enjoyed a BBQ.

‘Visited’ 26.6.10.
I couldn’t see any easy access leading to the top (no public right of way) and I didn’t fancy a ‘sneak’ visit through the open fields. I couldn’t make out a great deal from the lane despite the binoculars. One tor two possible earthworks near the summit.

Tried to visit 26.6.10.
Failed on this one. I tried to get near the stone via the lane to the west. However, I was confronted by large closed wooden gates with several ‘Private – Keep Out’ signs!
(I wonder what these type of people are afraid of?) I then tried to get a view from near the newly built houses on the opposite side of the dismantled railway. There is a large field next to the houses which goes right down the railway. The problem is when you get close you come to a 5ft high barbed wire fence and 6ft brambles! There was no chance of getting through that little lot! Judging by the amount of undergrowth I doubt the stone would have been visible anyway?

At the small village of Muir Of Fowlis on the A980, area covered in ancient sites, take the minor road east signposted Tough (RSC nearby which I’ve yet to visit)

The cairn is situated on the northern side of the road after the track to Guise Farm (the second track north) and can be identified by the group of trees on the skyline. A fairly steepish climb awaits to the well kept if added to cairn.

It stands some 20 meters wide, at least 2 meters tall. Mostly turf covered some cairn material pokes thru. Field clearance has been added to the northern side. With that it was back down the hill only to climb it again. I’d forgotten the fotie machine!

Visited 8/07/2010.

I am not sure of the name of this stone, next trip down that way I will check it out and edit the details