The Modern Antiquarian. Stone Circles, Ancient Sites, Neolithic Monuments, Ancient Monuments, Prehistoric Sites, Megalithic MysteriesThe Modern Antiquarian

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Pentre Ifan (Dolmen / Quoit / Cromlech) — Images (click to view fullsize)

<b>Pentre Ifan</b>Posted by mort

Dyffryn Ardudwy (Dolmen / Quoit / Cromlech) — Images

<b>Dyffryn Ardudwy</b>Posted by mort

Bryn Cader Faner (Cairn(s)) — Images

<b>Bryn Cader Faner</b>Posted by mort<b>Bryn Cader Faner</b>Posted by mort<b>Bryn Cader Faner</b>Posted by mort<b>Bryn Cader Faner</b>Posted by mort

Bryn Cader Faner (Cairn(s)) — Fieldnotes

I go here often as its relatively near to my home, last time I visited was on the 3rd of September 2009.
It was one of those stormy, rainy days, been home most of the day, week in fact as it was unbeleivably wet for this time of year. Going stir crazy, I decided to head off to the hills, camera gear in tow and the dog to keep me company.

On the way up I met two guys who'd been up, walked past it for some time before realising. Halfway up, a storm started, but soon cleared and skies started clearing by the time I reached the Stones.

The light was good, and found some good points to photograph from. The gods where with me that day, but I forgot my usual offering to leave behind at the stones, so when I reached back home that evening I found i'd "lost" a few things, a lens cap and a camera release cable. Serves me right for visiting empty handed, so let that be a lesson to you all, take an offering or bad luck will befall you!

Pentre Ifan (Dolmen / Quoit / Cromlech) — Fieldnotes

Visited in May 2009, a very long time coming! Been trying to get to here for years, funny being in Wales, but sometimes you never look or visit some things nearer to you.

I found the site relatively easy to find considering I visited alone with no map reader. Parking is good for a few cars, and nice path with good gates down to the Monument itself. Seeing this in books over the years I had an image it was much bigger than it was, but the only gripe I have is that its fenced in, crap for us photographers not wanting posts and fence wire in the frame!

Do take the time to visit, I will be returning soon.

Li Lolghi (Tomba di Giganti) — Fieldnotes

I visited this in march 2003 and was fortunate not to have to pay any entrance fee or parking for the site. What was dissapointing though, was the litter scatterred all over the car park and around the monument.
A big dissapointment too was that someone had taken a dump in the chamber itself. This is the first time I've ever encountered this anywhere and hope its not a regular occurrence.
Obviously in the out of season times the place had the look as if no-one looked after it, but dont let that stop you going.
Still, apart from a few human offerings, the site is set in a wonderfull area, great view and very prominent. Although obviously repaired, the main Fascia stone is still a magnificently carved example. I wondered wether that maybe the seperate panels were painted originally. Who knows, but a nice though.

Li Mizzani (Tomba di Giganti) — Fieldnotes

I visited this in 2003. What fun it was looking for and driving up the dirt track to this great monument, set in one of the most picturesque parts of the Island.

Not huge compared to some others, but its setting more than make up for this. Well restored and cared for site, others on the island I found less so looked after.

Dont overlook it if your in the area.

Coddu Vecchju (Tomba di Giganti) — Fieldnotes

I visited this in march 2003, arriving after dark initially, then returned next day to really see its splendour.
I found it quite a peacefull location, great setting and loads of parking with no fees to pay at that time of year.
I found it to be in very good condition and feel it does give you a sense of what it might look like complete.
With a few Nuraghi towers nearby you could also explore on foot. Combine this with lots of other antiquarian sites in the area a great part of the island to visit.

Coddu Vecchju (Tomba di Giganti) — Images

<b>Coddu Vecchju</b>Posted by mort<b>Coddu Vecchju</b>Posted by mort

Li Lolghi (Tomba di Giganti) — Images

<b>Li Lolghi</b>Posted by mort

Li Mizzani (Tomba di Giganti) — Images

<b>Li Mizzani</b>Posted by mort

Pentre Ifan (Dolmen / Quoit / Cromlech) — Images

<b>Pentre Ifan</b>Posted by mort

Bryn Cader Faner (Cairn(s)) — Images

<b>Bryn Cader Faner</b>Posted by mort<b>Bryn Cader Faner</b>Posted by mort<b>Bryn Cader Faner</b>Posted by mort

Ystumcegid (Dolmen / Quoit / Cromlech) — Fieldnotes

What a size!!!
Set in a secluded site, I see how Mr Cope had a great journey to get there, very difficult to see until your nearly on top of it. The view looking along the Llyn is impressive, and as I went there on a very cold but sunny day, managed to have some lunch there.
From looking at the OS map, there seems to be many other stones and chambers within a short distance of this site, which I hope to visit soon.
If there are any other gazeteers out there thinking of visiting, do go, its well worth it, the capstone itself is one of the largest pieces I've ever seen in this part of Britain, how they managed to get it up is one of the most unexplained mysteries to which we can still wonder about today.

Dyffryn Ardudwy (Dolmen / Quoit / Cromlech) — Fieldnotes

Could the smallest of the 2 dolmens be a mistake?
From the pictures I've seen it impressed me of the size, if all the stones that covered it have been removed, it must once have been quite impressive an object to look at and be near.
I wonder if the children at the nearby primary school have any clue what exactly lies to the rear, and if so do they apreciate its importance as the people who built it did and do they play there?

Maen Pebyll (Long Barrow) — Fieldnotes

There is certainly remnants of a barrow on this site, though it is in a poor state of decay. There has been a debate whether this is actually the remnants of a standing stone or a barrow, but having visited the site recently am quite sure this was once a covered burial chamber, similar to many in the Conway valley area. All that remains are three large stones, probably way too heavy to remove, as must have been done to the rest of the mound. The floor is littered with fist sized rocks, way too small to be of any use, so is a small enbankment on one side of the mound. the site is in poor condition, and located near a farm track, right at the edge of a field, it is not sign posted, but clearly marked on the outdoor leisure map as a long barrow.
Visit and judge for yourself.

West Kennett (Long Barrow) — Fieldnotes

lovely sunny day when i visited west kennet, which probably explained why a lot of people were lying aroud sleeping on top. excellent view from the top towards silbury hill, shame that some idiots had decided to leave a burning candle in one of the adjoining chambers(take a torch-it wont blacken the stone!)
i'm short and it was a great thing that this was one barrow i did not have to crouch down to get in. it is a must to go see this especially if your visiting avebury henge or silbury hill.

Avebury (Circle henge) — Fieldnotes

great site to visit, take the time to take it all in. shame they had to build the village right in the bloody centre.
take a stroll down the avenue, its only a shame that a great majority of the stones are missing. i understand that a majority of the stones have been used to construct most of the village, and the others were just burned because of superstition by locals a few hundred years ago. must be more impressive than stonehenge itself in terms of area and the mysticism surrounding it.

Glastonbury Tor (Sacred Hill) — Fieldnotes

was i supposed to get some enlightenment at reaching the top? well i didnt, was more amazed at the feat it took to carry all the materials up there to build the thing.
i found solice in an exhibition in the nearby tribunal building, a lake village exhibit with many artifacts, even a canoe, much more interesting than the tor itself for me.

Capel Garmon (Chambered Cairn) — Fieldnotes

Just 1 mile south of Capel Garmon, a chambered long barrow lies in the most breathtaking scenery.
a few hundred metres from Ty'n-y-Coed Farm lies a 90 foot chambered long barrow, sadly open to the harsh elements this area experiences.

A massive 14 foot capstone is the only reminants of the roof that remains, and this covers a false entrance, where in recent times it was used as a stable. A smaller and probably the original entrance lies to the southerly point of the barrow, a number of large stones line the walls of the main burial chamber, with a small chamber, formed by three smaller upright stones, strutting out into the main chamber.

Although not as impressive as Bryn Celli Ddu on Anglesea, this chamber is still well worth a visit.
Map reference SH818543
I'm a wanderer and explorer of all ancient things in this lovely part of Wales I live in. I try my best to convey their beauty, there will be more to follow!

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