Another fallen tree in the peat layer.
Image credit: A. Brookes (10.9.2019)
thesweetcheat
Tree trunk protruding from the ancient peat layer at the base of the Low Hauxley dunes.
Image credit: A. Brookes (10.9.2019)
The reconstructed cairn next to the wildlife reserve visitor centre.
Image credit: A. Brookes (10.9.2019)
The relocated cist and semi-reconstructed cairn.
Image credit: A. Brookes (10.9.2019)
Brief Statement on Rescue Recording of an Eroding InterTidal Peat Bed Containing Prehistoric Worked Timber and Human and Animal Footprints
February 2011
Staff from Archaeological Research Services Ltd undertook recording of an inter-tidal peat deposit at Low Hauxley, Northumberland, between the 21st and 23rd December 2010. The work comprised the cleaning (using hand tools) and planning of an area of footprints of both animal and human origin, along with extensive digital photography of the deposit and its context.
From the footpath to the east.
Image credit: A. Brookes (23.8.2019)
Surrounded by summer gorse and heather.
Image credit: A. Brookes (23.8.2019)
The hill topped with wispy cloud is Cronk ny Arrey Laa, with another Bronze Age cairn.
Image credit: A. Brookes (23.8.2019)
Looking southwest, with the Calf of Man to the left.
Image credit: A. Brookes (23.8.2019)
Looking southeast. Note the fine kerb at the base of the cairn.
Image credit: A. Brookes (23.8.2019)
Looking up the coast towards Peel Hill (far left).
Image credit: A. Brookes (23.8.2019)
The prominent cairn seen across the heath on the way to Bradda Hill.
Image credit: A. Brookes (23.8.2019)
Looking towards the Calf of Man, with Meayll Hill and its wonderful circular chambered tomb on the left.
Image credit: A. Brookes (23.8.2019)
With Port Erin on the left and Meayll Hill behind.
Image credit: A. Brookes (23.8.2019)
Looking down on the triple ramparts, with the Calf of Man beyond.
Image credit: A. Brookes (23.8.2019)
Information from the board on-site:
Named “The Parade” because it is said to have been used as a training ground for soldiers garrisoned at Castletown, the area in front of you has had a varied past.
This was a prehistoric settlement located for safety on a promontory. Naturally protected on three sides by cliffs and by the fast flowing waters of the Sound, only the approach from land was vulnerable. To block off that neck of land, the people who lived here dug ditches and mounded the earth up into ramparts. These formed protective and defensive banks of earth, some of which were faced with stone.
Three banks were constructed with a narrow entrance route through the middle. Over the centuries the banks have collapsed and the ditches have begun to fill up leaving the rounded earthworks you see here.
When a cafe was built here over a hundred years ago, it cut into the ramparts and caused considerable damage to the archaeological site. The cafe was demolished and following investigation by archaeologists, the banks have been carefully restored to their 19th century appearance.
The area has long been a place for recreation. During the early 20th century, the Parade was used by local residents for egg rolling races at Easter. These eggs were hard boiled in water with gorse flowers to give them a rich yellow or yellow-brown colour.
Boot to highlight the size of the cups/basins.
Image credit: A. Brookes (23.8.2019)
Looking towards The Sound visitor centre. The grassy headland to the left is occupied by The Parade, another Iron Age site.
Image credit: A. Brookes (23.8.2019)
One of the biggest cups/basins inside the fort, with a smaller one below it in the foreground. Looking towards the Calf of Man.
Image credit: A. Brookes (23.8.2019)
Looking southeast towards Spanish Head from inside the fort.
Image credit: A. Brookes (23.8.2019)
The fine fort on its headland setting, seen from the northwest.
Image credit: A. Brookes (23.8.2019)
This is a substantial barrow, but very overgrown.
Image credit: A. Brookes (22.8.2019)
Clagh Ouyr is the hill on the right of centre, with North Barrule beyond. The 1:25000 map shows three cairns in antiquity script, one at the col near Black Hut and two on the summit ridge of Clagh Ouyr. On the coast to the right of Clagh Ouyr you can just see Maughold Head, where we were the day before this.
Image credit: A. Brookes (20.8.2019)