I’ve visited this long barrow before but on each previous occasion the chambers have been closed to visitors. Today was my first opportunity to go inside.
A hot summer’s day, as we approached along the edge of a field of unripe wheat a raven rose up from the barrow – a good sign. Externally the barrow was covered in high grass and wild flowers – internally it was dark and cool with a low lintel stone to scramble under to gain access. The ground is covered with loose Cotswold stone chippings so hard on the knees, especially in light summer clothes. However, once inside it becomes almost possible to stand – I could see the chamber at the back of the barrow but did not venture that far in.
This is one of my favourite long barrows to visit – it always feels ‘away from it all’ in spite of the road only being a field distance away. Today there was a raven and later a buzzard.
Sad to report, the exterior of the lintel stone had been vandalised by some idiot scratching the word ‘Beware’ and someone’s name on it. My companion also reported similar damage inside.
This is a great site to visit.
Pity about the grafiti - but what can you do other than sealing it up again?
Which obviously is something we don't want.