Carn Gluze

Also known as:
Ballowal Barrow, Ballowall Barrow and Carn Gloose
Nearest town:
Newlyn (11km E)
OS reference:
SW355313
OS sheet:
203
Latitude:
50° 7' 19.48 N
Longitude:
5° 42' 3.13 W

Images

Image of Carn Gluze (Chambered Cairn) by Chris Bond

Ballowall Barrow, Carn Gluze (SW 3552 3125). Whole barrow from the north. Photographed on the 5th of April 2003. © Chris Bond.

Image credit: Chris Bond
Chris Bond
Chris Bond Aug 25, 2023
Image of Carn Gluze (Chambered Cairn) by Chris Bond

Ballowall Barrow, Carn Gluze (SW 3552 3125). Cist at north east from the west. Photographed on the 5th of April 2003. © Chris Bond.

Image credit: Chris Bond
Chris Bond
Chris Bond Aug 25, 2023
Image of Carn Gluze (Chambered Cairn) by Chris Bond

Ballowall Barrow, Carn Gluze (SW 3552 3125). Eastern pit from the west. Photographed on the 5th of April 2003. © Chris Bond.

Image credit: Chris Bond
Chris Bond
Chris Bond Aug 25, 2023
Image of Carn Gluze (Chambered Cairn) by Chris Bond

Ballowall Barrow, Carn Gluze (SW 3552 3125). Eastern pit from the south west. Photographed on the 5th of April 2003. © Chris Bond.

Image credit: Chris Bond
Chris Bond
Chris Bond Aug 25, 2023
Image of Carn Gluze (Chambered Cairn) by Chris Bond

Ballowall Barrow, Carn Gluze (SW 3552 3125). Small cist adjacent to entrance grave from the north north west. Photographed on the 5th of April 2003. © Chris Bond.

Image credit: Chris Bond
Chris Bond
Chris Bond Aug 25, 2023
Image of Carn Gluze (Chambered Cairn) by Chris Bond

Ballowall Barrow, Carn Gluze (SW 3552 3125). Entrance grave close up from the south. Photographed on the 5th of April 2003. © Chris Bond.

Image credit: Chris Bond
Chris Bond
Chris Bond Aug 25, 2023
Image of Carn Gluze (Chambered Cairn) by Chris Bond

Ballowall Barrow, Carn Gluze (SW 3552 3125). Whole barrow from the south south west. Photographed on the 5th of April 2003. © Chris Bond.

Image credit: Chris Bond
Chris Bond
Chris Bond Aug 25, 2023
Image of Carn Gluze (Chambered Cairn) by Chris Bond

Ballowall Barrow, Carn Gluze (SW 3552 3125). Entrance grave on the outer edge from the south west. Photographed on the 5th of April 2003. © Chris Bond.

Image credit: Chris Bond
Chris Bond
Chris Bond Aug 25, 2023
Image of Carn Gluze (Chambered Cairn) by Chris Bond

Ballowall Barrow, Carn Gluze (SW 3552 3125). Looking towards the central section from the south west. Photographed on the 5th of April 2003. © Chris Bond.

Image credit: Chris Bond
Chris Bond
Chris Bond Aug 25, 2023
Image of Carn Gluze (Chambered Cairn) by Chris Bond

Ballowall Barrow, Carn Gluze (SW 3552 3125). Central area from the east north east. Photographed on the 5th of April 2003. © Chris Bond.

Image credit: Chris Bond
Chris Bond
Chris Bond Aug 25, 2023
Image of Carn Gluze (Chambered Cairn) by Chris Bond

Ballowall Barrow, Carn Gluze (SW 3552 3125). Central area from the north east. Photographed on the 5th of April 2003. © Chris Bond.

Image credit: Chris Bond
Chris Bond
Chris Bond Aug 25, 2023
Image of Carn Gluze (Chambered Cairn) by Chris Bond

Ballowall Barrow, Carn Gluze (SW 3552 3125). Western section of the gap between inner and outer sections from the north east. Photographed on the 5th of April 2003. © Chris Bond.

Image credit: Chris Bond
Chris Bond
Chris Bond Aug 25, 2023
Image of Carn Gluze (Chambered Cairn) by Chris Bond

Ballowall Barrow, Carn Gluze (SW 3552 3125). Central area from the north. Photographed on the 5th of April 2003. © Chris Bond.

Image credit: Chris Bond
Chris Bond
Chris Bond Aug 25, 2023
Image of Carn Gluze (Chambered Cairn) by thesweetcheat

Towards Bartinne and Chapel Carn Brea hills on the skyline.

Image credit: A. Brookes (15.6.2021)
thesweetcheat
thesweetcheat Mar 20, 2022
Image of Carn Gluze (Chambered Cairn) by A R Cane

Looking South. If you’re wondering where the information board has gone, I photoshopped it out. Why was it sited so close to the barrow? Probably ruined lots of peoples shots over the years!

Image credit: A R Cane
A R Cane
A R Cane Jul 17, 2015
Image of Carn Gluze (Chambered Cairn) by A R Cane

Looking back towards the chimney and mined landscape. The chink in the foreground is right next to the half covered cist.

Image credit: A R Cane
A R Cane
A R Cane Jul 17, 2015
Image of Carn Gluze (Chambered Cairn) by A R Cane

Easy to understand the positioning of this burial chamber at the end of everything with it’s fantastic juncture between the land, the sea and the sky.

Image credit: A R Cane
A R Cane
A R Cane Jul 17, 2015
Image of Carn Gluze (Chambered Cairn) by Crazylegs14

I visited this place at sunset as a child and it so disturbed me that I couldn’t sleep for days afterwards!

Image credit: Ballowall Barrow - Tim Knight (Secret Landscape Photography)
Crazylegs14
Crazylegs14 Jun 12, 2015
Image of Carn Gluze (Chambered Cairn) by Ravenfeather

Photo taken 8th March 2014 at 8am. The back of Ballowall barrow looking out to Lands End, with a vague hint of the early morning sea mist on the horizon.

Image credit: Paul Kesterton
Ravenfeather
Ravenfeather Mar 13, 2014
Image of Carn Gluze (Chambered Cairn) by postman

Its been six years now, seems like a lifetime ago. Got to get back as soon as possible, anyone need a kidney?

Image credit: Chris Bickerton
postman
postman Nov 20, 2012
Image of Carn Gluze (Chambered Cairn) by thesweetcheat

The remains of the north-eastern cist, with the capstone now missing.

Image credit: A. Brookes (14.6.2011)
thesweetcheat
thesweetcheat Jul 4, 2011
Image of Carn Gluze (Chambered Cairn) by thesweetcheat

General view, looking SE inland to show how Bartinne Hill (with enclosure and cairns, left) and Chapel Carn Brea Hill (with entrance grave and cairns) are prominent on the skyline.

Image credit: A. Brookes (14.6.2011)
thesweetcheat
thesweetcheat Jul 4, 2011
Image of Carn Gluze (Chambered Cairn) by thesweetcheat

Ballowall Barrow, June 2001 – the mound on the horizon is mining spoil.

Image credit: A. Brookes (6.2001)
thesweetcheat
thesweetcheat Jan 21, 2009
Image of Carn Gluze (Chambered Cairn) by formicaant

Standing on the west side looking east across the barrow.

Image credit: Mike Rowland 07/09/2008.
formicaant
formicaant Sep 8, 2008
Image of Carn Gluze (Chambered Cairn) by formicaant

The end of the entrance from inside the barrow.

Image credit: Mike Rowland 07/09/2008.
formicaant
formicaant Sep 8, 2008
Image of Carn Gluze (Chambered Cairn) by postman

Land’s end beyond with laughable theme park ,should be theme puke

Image credit: christopher bickerton
postman
postman Aug 3, 2006
Image of Carn Gluze (Chambered Cairn) by Mr Hamhead

To put things into perspective...Carn Gluze sits atop of the cliff in the centre distance. Cape Cornwall with its prominent mine chimney sits behind.
..and yes it was a great day, and the sea was warm..

Mr Hamhead
Mr Hamhead Sep 10, 2005
Image of Carn Gluze (Chambered Cairn) by Moth

Easy to see why Julian recommends the sunsets in the TMA book – ‘Jane from TMA’ stands atop the barrow amid the drama

Image credit: Tim Clark
Moth
Moth Mar 23, 2004
Image of Carn Gluze (Chambered Cairn) by Moth

The amazing structure – and light to die for

Image credit: Tim Clark
Moth
Moth Mar 23, 2004
Image of Carn Gluze (Chambered Cairn) by Moth

The view over the bay as sunset approaches

Image credit: Tim Clark
Moth
Moth Mar 23, 2004
Image of Carn Gluze (Chambered Cairn) by Moth

The innards. Pit-like chamber on the left

Image credit: Tim Clark
Moth
Moth Mar 23, 2004
Image of Carn Gluze (Chambered Cairn) by pure joy

Ballowall Barrow – 29th September 2003 – alcove/pit on the east side – old chimney in background

Image credit: Martin Bull
pure joy
pure joy Oct 22, 2003
Image of Carn Gluze (Chambered Cairn) by pure joy

Ballowall Barrow – 29th September 2003 – looking through the central chamber, out towards Longships lighthouse off Land’s End (probably not visible on the pic)

Image credit: Martin Bull
pure joy
pure joy Oct 22, 2003
Image of Carn Gluze (Chambered Cairn) by IronMan

Just below Carn Gluze is this rocky outcrop, looking out on the rocky islands of the Brisons, and the Atlantic.

IronMan
IronMan May 10, 2003

Articles

Carn Gluze

Ravenfeather
Ravenfeather Mar 14, 2014

Visited 8th March 2014

I’d been itching to get back here all week, seeing as it was just a five minute walk away from where we were staying, however every morning I got up to be greeted by either grey rain swept skies, or cold dank sea mists. Today however I was woken by bright sunshine peeking its way through the curtains. So enticed by the thought of a barrow before breakfast, I was up and out by 8am.

Just a short walk along the top of the headland above Priest’s Cove and I arrived at Carn Gluze, and now knowing why the sea mist had vanished, blown away by a bitter wind of such incessant force it made me homesick for Orkney!

The barrow itself is big. Standing in the shadow of an old mine chimney which looms nearby, it could at first glance be mistaken for the remains of one of the old industrial buildings, or the remains of a spoil heap, which is not helped by the 19th century ‘reconstructions’ of William Borlase, which only seek to confuse the layout of the site. Climbing onto the outer stone ‘collar’, I’m almost blown off by the wind, but clambering down into the space between the dry stone walls allows me surcease from the icy gusts, and the ability to inspect the cists a bit better and write my fieldnotes.

It’s certainly an impressive place, and amazing views are to be had out to sea, looking down to the Land’s End peninsular, but I find it difficult to get a handle on this place. It is very different in layout to most barrows and chambered tombs, and the radical alterations undertaken by Borlase in 1878 obfuscate the original layout to such an extent the monument as a whole loses something for me. I’d love to see a more sympathetic modern archaeological restoration undertaken to more properly bring out the wonder of this place.

My hands are freezing by now, even in the shelter of the barrow, and I’m too cold to stay much longer, so clambering out I bid the place farewell. I’m sure I’ll be back, I’ll need at least few more visits to try and work out this place!

Carn Gluze

thesweetcheat
thesweetcheat Jul 4, 2011

Surrounded by spoil heaps and yet another chimney, the setting is still stunning. The hills of Bartinne and Chapel Carn Brea are the dominant features inland, while Land’s End and the Longships beyond form the seaward backdrop. It’s almost exactly ten years since my first visit here and I had forgotten what a brilliant monument this is. It’s been heavily messed about with, exposing central spaces that were not originally there (the space between the collar and central mound). But it remains magnificent, huge and beautifully sited.

The entrance grave, set into the southern wall of the outer collar, is partially hidden by summer vegetation giving it a cool, leafy feel. It would be impressive in its own right, but here it simply serves to enhance the much larger mound above. Climbing over the outer collar, the well-preserved southern cist is set into the inside of the wall at almost the same position as the entrance grave is in the outside (see plan from info board). It is the only one of several original cists that retains its capstone, as the others went “missing” after Copeland Borlase excavated and exposed the inner workings of the mound. The circular space between the outer collar and the inner mound is not an original feature, having been inserted by Copeland Borlase to allow visitors to see the interior more easily. Walking around this narrow passage gives a great sense of the scale of construction, as the drystone walls are at head height on either side. Foxgloves grow in the light soil. At the northeastern part of this passage, a second cist can be seen, sadly now lacking its capstone. There is also an unexplained “pit” set into the outer collar on the east side. A climb over the wall of the inner mound gives access to the central chamber, with a deeper pit – a grave? – at its northern end. There were further cists here, but they have also gone now. Even without a roof, it’s an intimate, enclosed feeling place, hidden away from view from outside.

We sit and enjoy the quiet for a while, as clouds form overhead. Eventually, we leave, heading back to nearby St Just along Carn Gloose Road. First fix of the holiday greatly enjoyed!

Carn Gluze

C
CARL Apr 22, 2010

Visited 13.4.10.
From St Just follow the sign posts for Cape Cornwall and then Carn Gloose. Carn Gluze is right next to the road and parking is easy. This site is certainly ‘odd’ and I didn’t expect to have to climb over the stone outer collar to get inside! It is certainly a unique experience walking around between the outer wall and the inner central dome – one I would certainly recommend. There is an E.H. information board next to the site. The views alone make this a ‘must see’ site.

There is a (half size?) replica of Men-An-Tol outside the Tourist Information Centre in St Just.

Carn Gluze

GLADMAN
GLADMAN Jul 5, 2009

Can there be a more striking example of how society can completely balls up its heritage than the comparison between this wonderful structure and Land’s End – complete with ghastly ‘theme park’ – across the water?

Land’s End should be a wild, inspiring place chock-a-block with myths and folk tales. It is not.

Carn Gluze, surrounded by the smoke stacks and debris of past industry and just outside a town should – by all rights – be a ‘quick look around’ jobbie.

It is not. Not by a long chalk........

Carn Gluze

pure joy
pure joy Oct 5, 2003

Ballowall Barrow – 29th September 2003

From the west side of St.Just follow the ‘Cape Cornwall’ road past ‘Cape Cornwall School’. 300 metres on, as the houses finish on the left hand side of the road, take an immediate left. This is NOT signposted (and bloody should be for a site if this importance). Follow this road into the National Trust land and you can hardly fail to spot this sublime ‘barrow’ on the left hand side of the road, just after an old mine chimney.
Parking is available a short distance past the barrow.

I put inverted commas on ‘barrow’ because this thing is so amazing that I feel there has to be a separate word for it! I have seen quite few different types of barrows and burial places in my time and this blows them all out of the water, being a mix of different sites and styles. The central dome is assumed to have been significantly bigger before, and with its strange thick collar all around it surely would have been a magnificent sight all those years ago, whatever it actually looked like at the time.

The entrance grave on the outside is clearly visible, as is a cist directly on the other side of the ‘outer collar’, and another cist at the other side of the central dome. There is also a strange alcove and pit on the east side. This was built by Borlase as a viewing pit; a sort of ‘show pit’. Read the English Heritage listing for the barrow via the internet link below to try to fathom out all of this (I could just follow it, but a diagram would have been useful).

Walking between the outer collar and central dome is a fantastic experience as your senses are surrounded by the ancient equivalent of the art of dry stone walling (although some of it is Borlase’s work).

Carn Gluze

IronMan
IronMan May 11, 2003

On our way back from staying in Mousehole, we decided to make one last trip round the coastal road and stop off at Cape Cornwall to see this monument and the cliffs, before heading to Chûn Quoit, and then back up to Bristol.

The size of this place is impressive, and the view even more so – taking in Land’s End at a distance where the horrible theme park is almost invisible. The waves below these here cliffs are quite something, and must have had quite an impact on the minds of the ancients.

Carn Gluze

Mr Hamhead
Mr Hamhead Feb 12, 2003

I know this site as Ballowal Barrow, but whats in a name? This has got to be one of the most perfect spots in the British Isles. What a place to be laid to rest.
This is the Lands End...not that commercialised ediface to the south. On a clear day like what we had last Sunday (9.2.03) when you can look out and see the Scilly Isles....the sea below you white with spray....the sky blue as it can be, you forget all the troubles in the world.
I noticed that the information board has disapeared from the side of the road, shame because it was very informative. I hope it will be replaced soon otherwise the site can look just like a pile of mine waste which it was I believe before it was uncovered.
If you find yourselves in West Penwith and have done all th circles and standing stones...make your way out to Carn Gluze as the sun is setting over the sea.........you wont regret it.

Miscellaneous

Carn Gluze
Chambered Cairn
phil
phil Dec 8, 2001

Easily located on waste land immediately to the left of the lane from St. Just to Carn Gluze.
It is placed above the highest cliffs on this part of the coast.

The entrance looks out to sea

One of the largest barrows in West Penwith

Topics

Carn Gluze/Ballowall Barrow question 6
Rupert Soskin
Rupert Soskin
Feb 2008
Ballowall Barrow Coursework 1
T
TheAlternative
Sep 2007

Sites within 20km of Carn Gluze

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