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Tenantry Farm (Long Barrow) — Fieldnotes

The path to this barrow is signposted 'No access to Tenantry Farm'. Follow the path for about 250yds and a bridleway crosses from one narrow copse to another. Keep straight on and in the field on the left behind a narrow copse the barrow is about 100yrds further on. There is a break in the trees and access to the field. The barrow is all but ploughed out and only barely visible. Crops were growing on the barrow and track marks driven straight over so this barrow is not much longer for this world.

Long Barrow Lane — Fieldnotes

This barrow is well presented now despite its obvious previous mutilation. Parking is tempting in the Martin Social club but unfriendly signs made us park on the verge instead. At the end of the lane next to Long Barrow House the barrow is neatly fenced off and seemingly protected. The damage has already been done though and it now has a strange crescent shape. The roots of some old trees almost give the impression of sarsens and it feels a bit like some of the Dorset stones sites such as Hell Stone or Grey Mare & Her Colts. Weird. Nice situ though with good views.

Duck's Nest (Long Barrow) — Fieldnotes

Visited this site whilst on a quick tour round the Rockbourne/Martin Long Barrows. Its access hasn't improved since jimit's notes. I ended up pushing my way through the brambles/ivy and found the barrow itself very ill defined. There were some very barky dogs on Tenantry Farm but they ran away as we walked passed.

Knap Barrow (Long Barrow) — Fieldnotes

This barrow in Martin is a stones throw from Grans Barrow in Rockbourne and accessible from the same path (opposite Tenantry Farm /Riding School. The edge of the barrow is very much defined by the path and as such doesn't seem as well defined as Grans Barrow that still maintains its own definition between the fields. Both are somewhat spoiled by the proximity of the overhead power cables. Interesting to speculate on the settlement implications for the siting of two barrows so close. Were they two close communities or were they defining their territory at their extremities. The Ducks Nest Barrow is the other way from the road up the bridleway opposite (not into Tenantry Farm)

Lamborough (Long Barrow) — Fieldnotes

Park opposite turn for Hinton Ampner on layby and walk north up Wayfarers Way. Past house at top of metalled path to crossroads of byways. Turn Left /West and Barrow is in field on the right after 200 yrds -

Giant's Grave (Long Barrow) — Fieldnotes

Park at Breamore House Tea Rooms car park and follow woodland trail up past house , through woods, follow path down to the left of the woods with the miz-maze in.

Salt Hill Long Barrow — Fieldnotes

Park at the Sustainability Centre Woodland Trail (Natural Burial Ground) 100yds East of the path that leads North with the old HMS Mercury site to your right. Heading up past Westhers Farm and the two large radio masts the barrow is in a field on the left a further 400yds up that path, opposite where a path joins from the right. Its not much of a bump to be honest but stunning views south.

Hampshire Treasures entry - "Half mile north of South Hants Ridgeway. Normal barrow of Wessex type with flanking ditches, orientated north east to south west. O.S.A. No. SU62 SE12."

Owslebury (Long Barrow) — Fieldnotes

This site isn't easily found. Heading NE out of Owlesbury past the recreation ground on the right, straight on over the crossroads, about a third of a mile up the road the Kings Way emerges both sides of the road. Park in the southerly layby/field entrance and walk across the field following the bridle path. Take a left as you near the end of the copse, not well marked by a small post. Keep to the path following the narrow stretch of trees initially to the right and then crossing nearer to the left of the narrow strip. When the woods broaden around you walk through the trees to the left and Shortlands a square copse is visible on the other side of the field. All appears private but the barrow is just about definable in the hedgerow under the trees. The barrow is badly mutilated by animals, trees and is almost undefinable. It stretched from the front to the back of the copse

Hampshire Treasures - "In trees at southern edge of Shortlands Copse. O.S.A. No. SU 52 SW 13. Last O.S. Inspection 9.7.68. Ref: P.H.F,C., Vol. 14, p. 116."

Butser Hill (Ancient Village / Settlement / Misc. Earthwork) — Fieldnotes

There is a group of Round Barrows on the hill brow looking North towards Petersfield/Langrish. The barrows are marked on the Info boards close to a recommended walk around the crown of the hill. I can't believe there was no IA activity atop Butser. There's clearly no hillfort but it would have been a fine sister to Old Winchester Hill. There was Neolithic activity all around too with Flint Mine (scatters) on nearby Windmill Hill (no not that one) and plenty of axes found around Petersfield.

Arthur's Stone (Dolmen / Quoit / Cromlech) — Fieldnotes

Following the Dorstone road, don't be fooled by the 'first' right. It's into a farm and a bugger to reverse out on quite a steep slope. Look out for the site sign on the left directing you to the next right. There is a layby to park actually at the site. Stunning views down the valley.

We took a short walk down the footpath across the adjoining field and not 50 yards downhill there's what looks like a robbed out /demolished burial chamber. Could I guess be a quarry site but it looked pretty much long barrow shaped with chambers. On the other hand could just have been a dump where the farmer had left some cleared rubble.

Nothing marked on the O.S (Streepmap) might check the SMR

Giant's Grave (Long Barrow) — Fieldnotes

We parked in the Breamore House/Tea Rooms car park and followed the path up past the house through the wood. Exiting the woods and following the path round the edge of a field the next wood is sign-posted by the Estate with a large 'Miz-Maze' pointer. We carried on to the left of Miz-Maze Wood and Giants Grave is in the field behind. For Hampshire its quite a large barrow. Interestingly the 'mutilation' referred to in 'Hampshire Treasures' actually give it a horn-work feel, like a Cotswold Severn a la Belas Knap.

The Countless Stones (Dolmen / Quoit / Cromlech) — Fieldnotes

Stumbled on Little Kits Coty in my third attempt at encircling Kits Coty. Parked as per Pure Joy on the 'demi lay-by', the Track is marked Pratling Street but looks like it loops round and comes out further down by the industrial estate having transformed into a more sensibly sized road. A twenty yard dash back against on-coming traffic was probably safer than walking all the way down from the recommended lay-by at the top of the hill for Kit Coty

Kit's Coty (Dolmen / Quoit / Cromlech) — Fieldnotes

To add to the catalogue of parking difficulties, I drove round and round this site deciding to opt for the large layby in site of the pub at the end of the single track dual carriage way. From there instead of risking the walk back to the path UP the hill, I followed the pavement around and up the hill towards the Kits Coty Estate. After about 400yds (up hill but at least on a pavement) there is then a sign-posted path down some steps to a bridelway that leads down to the dolmen. Such a shame about the railings, bit of a feel of The Wispering Knights at the Rollrights. A passing woman on a horse confirmed that one of my aborted attempts at parking in the Kits Coty estate has got a footpath through to the field with the stones in and may have been nearer.

Coldrum (Long Barrow) — Fieldnotes

Signs from the village and some friendly locals pointed me in the right direction. The walk from the car park isn't far but it had got a bit boggy. Visited on a damp Sunday morning but was all alone having left wifey at Bluewater (less than 30 mins - well worth bearing in mind if you have to assist in the transport for retail pilgrimages, these stones and Kits Coty are do-able in a couple of hours). The view down the Medway Valley isn't spectacular but not unpleasant, you can envisage why the site would inspire its builders. Unusual compared to say West Kennet, Stoney Littleton Waylands Smithey etc of the Cotswold Severn variety that are nicely set but not quite so 'perched' on high.

Trippet Stones (Stone Circle) — Fieldnotes

Tanx to ocifant and excellent directions. These stones are really unassuming and a slight breeze whistling across the moor is enough to drown or a least disguise the distant roar of the A30 and you're deceptively secluded. Spectacular panorama. Not enough time to explore and walk to Stripple Stones/ Henge. Must return.

The Plague Market At Merrivale (Multiple Stone Rows / Avenue) — Fieldnotes

After a failed attempt a couple of years ago to find the Stone rows at Merrivale (although we did get a good close up view of the TV mast - wrong hill) it was particularly pleasing to be happening across Dartmoor again and have another go. Field notes from purejoy particularly useful, past the pub in Merrivale travelling east and next layby on right. There are loads of laybys and car parks so specific direction was useful. Wifey Deb was satisfied with just being at the rows and lay in the warm September sun with her feet in the stream, and yes when you first arrive at the stream from the climb up the hill it does appear to be flowing uphill ! Explored the rows, the cracked open cist, and not forgetting the circle and Longstone. All in all a great place. A bit crowded (2 or 3 other groups) but all appreciative.

Arbor Low (Circle henge) — Fieldnotes

Relatively speaking, Arbor Low is quite close to Alton Towers, so went my reasoning on convincing the family we should visit before spending the next day on processing in our pilgrimage in the queues at Alton. They seemed convinced until it started raining and they realised it was an additional 100 mile round trip back to the Stafford Travelodge , all after driving up from Portsmouth. Anyway I still think it was worth it. What a site. We did get a bit lost trying to come in from Youlgreave to the East on minor roads, JC's directions from the West and the fork on the A515 are far easier to follow.

I'll go with the 'designed to be recumbent' theory and from pictures I'd seen I hadn't realised just how impressive the henge itself was.

No barking dog, just very wet.

Kingston Russell (Stone Circle) — Fieldnotes

Yeah, it's all kind of flat really. But great setting, the circle was overgrown so the stones were all but invisible other than when stood on top of each. The overgrown form however stands out in the otherwise kempt field. Didn't notice any sign of previously mentioned outer bank/ditch. I actually counted 19 stones but lets not get into one of those debates.

Hope the directions below help (also for Grey Mare & Her Colts that have been particularly illusive to me)

On the road to Abbotsbury from the A35 at Winterbourne Abbas, after a signpost right for Littlebredy and before you get to Portesham (see parking notes for Hell Stone) , there is a left turn signposted for the Hardy Monument. At this junction take the (very)minor road to the right (west). After about a mile the road bends sharply to the left and follows the valley round. At that point there is a layby to park. Return back up the road to the footpath that head NW up the hill. Shortly up this path you are faced with a 3-way split. The Public Footpath heads through a Private Farm. Take the Bridleway that heads straight on and hug the hedge to your left. After about 400yds there's a footpath through the hedge on the left. Follow this for about a hundred yards and the barrow is over another hedge.
Return to bridelway and follow for another 3/4 mile and just before the large clump of trees Kingston Russell Stone Circle is in a field on the left through a gated gap in the hedge.

The Grey Mare & Her Colts (Long Barrow) — Fieldnotes

Oh Joy, over 80 miles from home, it's taken 3 aborted attempts to find this site over the last 3 years. But today we made it, armed with an O.S map and determined heart. Well worth the wait though, it is a kind of tumbled-down West Kennet. Hope the following will help. On the road to Abbotsbury from the A35 at Winterbourne Abbas, after a signpost right for Littlebredy and before you get to Portesham (see parking notes for Hell Stone, there is a left turn signposted for the Hardy Monument. At this junction take the (very)minor road to the right (west). After about a mile the road bends sharply to the left and follows the valley round. At that point there is a layby to park. Return back up the road to the footpath that head NW up the hill. Shortly up this path you are faced with a 3-way split. The Public Footpath heads through a Private Farm. Take the Bridleway that heads straight on and hug the hedge to your left. After about 400yds there's a footpath through the hedge on the left. Follow this for about a hundred yards and the barrow is over another hedge.
Return to bridelway and follow for another 3/4 mile and just before the large clump of trees Kingston Russell Stone Circle is in a field on the left.

The Goldstone (Natural Rock Feature) — Fieldnotes

Came across the Goldstone 'circle' having taken the wrong road out of Brighton heading back to Pompey. The stones are of a strange concretian re-erected in a modern circle and surrounded by a fence in a park rather similar to some stones in a park in St. Helens, Jersey which have had the park built around their natual situ (one of the ones with unfathomably long french names). The Goldstone plaque does explain their modern interpretation laying blame on the farmer who buried the stones as he was getting fed up with tourists. Should have built a hut and sold postcards, they didn't embrace diversification even then. Despite being completely out of context some satisfaction can still be gleaned from being in their presence.

Uffington White Horse (Hill Figure) — Fieldnotes

After 25 miles cycle ride (ok so we walked up the hill to Uffington) and still 15 miles from Avebury, what a great place to get a puncture and discover your wheel nuts are rusted solid, rendering puncture repair kit and spare tube useless. An hour of shearing slices of steel off the nuts with a useless spanner sat in the blazing sun within the confines of Uffington Castle, I momentarily lost interest in things Ancient. Returned following day in car, far more sensible and yes this is an awesome place. I don't know why but I had always assumed the horse was on a South facing slope . Weird.

The Trundle (Causewayed Enclosure) — Fieldnotes

Better known as a local picnic site with good views over Goodwood, the downs and Chichester. The iron-age hillfort dominates the hill profile but there is an internal Neolithic Causewayed enclosure and pits which were excavated in the 20's.

Hampton Down (Stone Circle) — Fieldnotes

Ok I'll bow to the majority and admit this is probably called the Hampton Down Stone Circle..who is this Burl chap anyway, what does he know about Stones Circles. But I think my notes below were added before any reference to Hampton Down on this web site. (No mention of Hampton Down on the O.S)

I found this site having given up looking for the Grey Mare & Her Colts (I was on the wrong Abbotsbury Road). If you stop on the Portesham Hill Road where TMA recommends you stop for The Hell Stone, on the opposite side of the road, take the path through the farm, heading west. The stones are at the top of the hill over to your left, just over a gate marked by an Ancient Monument sign. The circle itself is no more than 6yrds across but spectacular setting. Fine views over the valley to the Hell Stone to the east and St. Catherines Hill to the west. I think the path carries on and crosses the Abbotsbury-Martinsdown Road across which the Grey Mare resides with her Colts.

The Valley of Stones (Natural Rock Feature) — Fieldnotes

It's kind of a Valley with Stones in. Unambiguous or what. Got lost looking for the Grey Mare but found some long barrows at the northern easterly end of the Black Down enclosure. Fine view down the valley.

Dorset Cursus (South to Thickthorn Down) — Fieldnotes

Walking North from the B3081 (easy parking) along Ackling Dyke to Oakley Down Barrow cemetery, the line of the Cursus is just distinguishable across the fields to the east. At Oakley Down there's a huge saucer barrow and many fine bowl barrows with Wor Barrow visible on the westerly skyline. Didn't have time to head South along the dyke to where it crosses the cursus so must return soon. The shadow of the cursus is however visible as crop marks looking south across to Gussage Hill.

Maen Ceti (Dolmen / Quoit / Cromlech) — Fieldnotes

Working in Swansea, I took the team out to Arthurs Stone to show them what real entertainment was. The parked camper hid the stone so we headed for the triangulation point before we saw it and then headed across the bog. OK so they sank a bit. It didn't warrant all that moaning. Anyway this was a great site. It's one big stone. The views are stunning and the sun was about an hour off setting between the two hills to west. Couldn't convince team to stay and watch. The lure of pubs and expenses was too strong. I'll have to come back another night

Samson's Jack (Standing Stone / Menhir) — Fieldnotes

Majestic against the setting sun over the Gower hills, we got to this stone having missed it when we previously visited Arthurs Stone (Maen Cetty). Samson's Jack is on farm land just over a hedge/gate which we chose not to cross as we were being 'buzzed' by a local farmer in his van, he was probably friendly but we didn't get a chance to say hello.

Bevis's Thumb (Long Barrow) — Fieldnotes

In the midst of Hampshire and West Sussex's South Downs Iron Age fest, there are plenty of bronze age barrows but very few of the earlier elongated variety. Compton is South of Petersfield off the B2146 heading towards Emsworth/Chichester. From Compton follow the signs for the Mardens. When the road bends sharply to the right and climbs a hill the barrow is behind a hedge at the brow. It's all very clinically kempt to the point where the family were convinced the farmer had built it recently. Situated at the foot of Telegraph hill and just to the west of many other walks in and around the downs which will take you past innumerable bronze age barrows and earthworks.

Carn Llechart (Cairn circle) — Fieldnotes

Situated high above Pontardawe, visited this site in lunch time from Swansea Enterprise Park (beats a sandwich and a coffee). Views are spectacular, the cairn is situated just over the brow of the hill.. The road up zig-zags but the u-bends have plenty of space to have a couple of goes at getting round. The central cist/chamber is only couple of yards square and there appears to be another collapsed chamber although it could just be some re-arranged dry-stone wall rubble. Sadly had to get back to work. Another to re-visit.

Tinkinswood (Burial Chamber) — Fieldnotes

From St. Nicholas at the lights follow the signs for Dyffryn Gardens and about a half a mile down that road park under the powerlines. The site is sign-posted from the pull-in. The cap stone IS one huge mother and yet again has me scrabbling to understand the unfeasible mechanics and all from around 4000 BC. In it's completeness it reminded me of some of the dolmens on Jersey. It's all the more saddening when you see what places like Devils Den, Lanyon Quoit and Spinsters rock etc would have been like pre-agricultural clearance. There was plenty of debris around the surrounding fields but didn't really have time to explore.

Parc Le Breos (Long Cairn) — Fieldnotes

The path/road leads away from the Watermill/Heritage Centre car park and ford. It says it's Private for access to B&B but some locals said just to say you're going to the camp site at the end which is a Forestry Commission/Scout site. The cairn is in a field to the right of the top car park surrounded by trees. It's kind of a naked Belas Knapp. Took some low level photos but thought better of emulating Julians aerial shot from the tree. Reasonable food and ale from the Gower Inn just up the road on the way back to Swansea

Cerrig Duon and The Maen Mawr (Stone Circle) — Fieldnotes

Headed off into the Beacons on first night working in Swansea. Almost got fooled by millenium stones in show caves on way. By the time we got to the stones it was lashing it down and quite misty. John couldn't risk the slippy rocks with his bad knee and Nicky wimped out with floppy shoes. Charles got to the stones and was very impressed, they don't have these sort of places in Taiwan. Ben enjoyed it too but then it was his birthday, he was up for anything. Good meal in the 'Ancient Briton' but no real ale on ,probably because of creeping threat of F&M and lack of visitors. V. Friendly though considering we're townies. Those stones are quite small aren't they. Maen Mawr though has a certain majesty and the setting is awsome. Had a bit of a feel of Castlerigg from a setting point of view.

The Longstone Cove (Standing Stones) — Fieldnotes

Well would you Adam and Eve it (v. poor), we're in spitting distance of Avebury and we've got the stones all to our selves. Easy access and and well worth stopping off post Avebury.

Carn Euny Fogou & Village — Fieldnotes

This is a marvellous site, didn't have long enough to work out the overall layout and 'what was what' but definately got a village feel. The passage way and domed 'room' were awsome. Some nesting birds cacked Deb who momentarilty thought they were bats. Two possible routes are given, one long one short, both are easily accessible compared to most (ie no hill or bracken).

The Hurlers (Stone Circle) — Fieldnotes

A bleak day in Cornwall, was revived as the clouds cleared momentarily as we walked to the stones. The site is well sign-posted from the Minnions and only a short walk. It was getting late and still windy and bleak, more importantly, beer and food were needed so didn't stay long.

Men-An-Tol (Holed Stone) — Fieldnotes

Joe Strummer's inspiration for the 101' ers ? Did he ever squat here ? Well sign-posted and certainly worth the short walk. We all scrambled through, inspired by an earlier visit to the seal sanctuary, Laura did her impression of a stranded seal with 'Guy-Fawking' of the legs and needed dragging through. Served her right though the muddy puddle was not avoided.
Should have done more homework, couldn't find the scribed stone, the bracken was too thick and the possible stones too numerous.

Lanyon Quoit (Dolmen / Quoit / Cromlech) — Fieldnotes

Driving north from Penzance the quoite became visible on the skyline to the left after a number of bends we parked and had to ask an American for directions. It was over the fence on the right hand side of the road about 30 yards away. Took the postcard photos and on to Men-an-Tol

Boscawen-Un (Stone Circle) — Fieldnotes

Having opted for the A30/obscure style route, the bracken was overgrown, it was about 600yds (fork left for the stones). Family not impressed, though I don't know why, at least it wasn't up another bloody hill ! I suppose sodden feet and lacerated ankles might have had something to with it.

The Spinsters' Rock (Dolmen / Quoit / Cromlech) — Fieldnotes

Passing on our return from Cornwall to Hampshire with memories of wet and bleak trecks to various sites this was a sunny site and happy place. Most importantly for anyone with flagging family dragging along behind, this is one of those that fall into the category of easy to find; park; and it's behind the first fence over one style. Family friendly neolithics !

Chapel Hill (Sacred Hill) — Fieldnotes

Stunnings views from Chapel Hill, and great sandwiches from the village, cheap baggettes, someone should tell them what they are charging in the city !

There was a couple having a right barney up top who negotiated around the summit, avoiding us and each other with arms crossed and pouty stares out to sea. Hope they made it up. We have happy memories they'll probably never go anyhere near Abbotsbury or Dorset again (she wanted to go home regardless of how they'd paid for the Hotel - earwigging's great)

Knowlton Henges — Fieldnotes

Learnt a lesson not to follow directions from TMA that refer to smell i.e. we missed the big smelly farm because it wasn't smelly on the day we went. We'll rely on more visible landmarks in future . Any way only took one wrong turn. Also saw no sign of angry canine, still best to be prepared.

Nice site, sort of small and compact. Left quickly as locals appeared to be meeting for large group picnic, not sure of country code or etiquette so left them to it. They had a kid that stared at us in a funny way.

Devil's Den (Chambered Tomb) — Fieldnotes

Parking was a pain but verges are great. I always feel guilty about 'quick stopping' these sites but we stopped off on the way back from Avebury. The walk was muddy even in July (I'm catching up on my reviews). So much so that my mum and daughter dropped out to go and sit in the car. Wifey, Son and I carried on (3 generation family stone outing) , it kind of added to the pilgrimage feel. By the time we got to the stones, Deb and Tommy were content to view from the gate. I carried on and got some great pics. I'll scan them in one day and post them. The flax was out and the field looked like a lake. Dead cool.

Belas Knap (Long Barrow) — Fieldnotes

Got here at the end of a day away from the kids doin' the village thang. The TMA filled us with trepidation but road-signs were pretty good. The walk up the hill wasn't too bad either but then it was the middle of August; almost summer. It's well worth the trip, the views on the way up are cool, but who planted those bloody trees to obscure the eastern view from the barrow ?!

Best views enjoyed again on the way down in the field. Where did all those walkers go ? They weren't at the site. Do people do things in the country other than explore ancient sites ?
Live in Pompey so only get to sites in passing. Consequently we tend to travel far for days out and picnics so we just happen to pass ancient sites. Kids are totally megalithed-out wife doesn't mind so long as walk is short and site contains some stones. Long walks to barrows don't go down well.

Have 'done' lot of sites in Cornwall, Dorset, Wilts including obviously Stonehenge & Avebury environs. Favourite site is probably Devils Den for its solitude but loved Castlerigg for its spectacular setting and always love stopping off at the Rollrights...and Stanton Drew....not forgetting Belas Knap....oh and Nine Ladies of Winterbourne Abbas.....and the Hell Stone

Also spent some time working in Swansea so did the Vale of Glam. /Brecon sites. Tinkinswood, Parc Le Breos etc

Heard Julian on Johnnie Walker launching the book yonks ago whilst stuck in the queue on the A3 at Hindhead doing the commuting thing and haven't looked back. Still ticking the sites off

I'd like to be excarnated and remains placed in a chamber/tomb in someway (preferably after death), so any offers of experimental archaeology projects welcomed.

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