CARL

Visited 26.5.13

We parked at the entrance to the farm drive.
The metal gate was closed and I assured Karen that ‘no one would be using it at this time of day’ – famous last words!

Karen stayed in the car with the children whilst I hopped over the gate and along the sign posted pubic right of way.

There was no one about except for me and some strange looking sheep which had square looking faces – no idea what breed they were.

I walked across a field before coming off the public footpath and headed towards the high ground where the Bullstones is. Before long the large square stone block came into view.

The sun was getting low in the sky and the shadows longer.
The sky was deep blue with white fluffy clouds.
Extensive views were had in all directions.

The stone block is about 1 metre square, standing in the middle of a circle of stones about 8 metres across.

This is a fine site and a great way to end the day.

I then turned around at the sound of a tractor coming up the drive.
I retraced my steps back onto the permissive footpath but it was obvious I had been spotted where I shouldn’t have been.
As I got to the drive the tractor stopped and out jumped the farmer.

After initially being subject to the usual questions ‘what are you doing here?’ etc the farmer became friendlier as he realised I wasn’t up to no good. In fact by the end of our ‘chat’ he mentioned a few other local sites I may be interested. I was interested but knew my allocated ‘old stoning’ time for today had run out. Still, it was nice of him to mention them.

He asked me where I was from. When I told him I was up for the weekend from South Wales he was amazed that I had taken the trouble to visit the Bullstones. He said that he went to Builth (Wells) each year to the horticultural show – to go on the p**s!!

He jumped back in his tractor and carried on up the drive onto the main road (Karen had to move) and I closed the gate behind him.
‘Got caught then?’ queried Karen.
‘Yup’ I replied

Time for some food…………….

Visited 25.5.13

This was the only site I visited over the weekend which involved climbing over a barbed wire fence to get to!

Not much to see to be honest – a low grass covered mound.

Just to add to Posties directions it is the first yellow grit bin you come to; not the second a little further up the road.

Visited 25.5.13

I first tried to access the site from the east via the public footpath showing on my O/S map. Unfortunately on the ground there is no sign of the footpath – just a high hedgerow.
Instead we took, what turned out to be the easiest way, the lane to the west.

We parked on the main road and I walked along the lane which was bordered by a small field filled with cute looking lambs (perhaps being Welsh I shouldn’t describe lambs as being cute!) This is a very posh area.

The Barrow is two fields over but easily seen. It is approximately 1.5m high x 20m across.
I settled for a view from the lane.

Visited 13.5.13

Directions:
See details for Y Bwlwarcau.
Keep walking up the hill, past Caer Blaen Y Cwm and Moel Ton-Mawr.
Continue through the fields keeping the trees to your right.
Just before the trees end there is a metal field gate giving access to a track through the trees. Walk along the track a short distance and you will come to a clearing on the right. This is the home of the Danish Camp.
It is about another 10 minutes walk on from Moel Ton-Mawr.

Passed several sheep skulls on the way which was a bit strange.

Very little to see. Faint outline of a bank.
If you weren’t specifically looking for it you wouldn’t have known it was here.
Judging by the ferns if you came in the summer you definitely wouldn’t be able to see anything (except for ferns of course!)

Don’t bother – not worth the effort.

COFLEIN doesn’t have a lot to say either:
‘An oval enclosure, c.45m NE-SW by 36m, defined by a bank and, possibly, a ditch’.
(source Os495card; SS88NW30)

Visited 13.5.13

Directions:
See details for Y Bwlwarcau.
Keep walking up the hill, past Caer Blaen Y Cwm, and stay on the forestry track heading south east – keeping the forestry plantation on your right.
When the plantation turns to the right, hop over barbed wire fence.
Moel Ton-Mawr is directly in front of you.
It is about a 40 minute walk from the car.

Although my O/S map showed forest, a large swathe of the plantation had been cut down and gave the area a feeling of destruction.

The Hillfort covers a couple of fields which was home to lots of sheep and lambs.
This has the advantage of keeping the grass short so the double ditches surrounding the site are easy to spot. The ditches are approximately 1m deep.

A fairly remote spot which requires a bit of leg work to get to.
Although the ditches are well defined I doubt many would consider it worth the effort? This was the best of the four sites I visited on my walk today.

COFLEIN states:
‘On the gently sloping western side of the Moel Ton-Mawr summit plateau are the earthworks of diamond-shaped concentric hillfort, associated with wider-spreading field systems no doubt of Iron Age date.

The complex consists of a subrectangular enclosure 75-80m east-west by 60-65m. It occupies the central southern part of a larger, more irregular enclosure that is roughly 230m east-west by 195m. This may also have been intended to appear rectilinear despite the concave north-eastern facade which rests on a stream channel. Both enclosures are defined by double banks with medial ditches. This suggests that they are broadly contemporary. Both have south-facing entrances, the outer offset by some 20m to the east. These are connected by further banks and ditches, producing a forecourt or approach way’.

Visited 13.5.13

Directions:
See details for Y Bwlwarcau.
Continue uphill until you reach a forestry track. (10 minute walk)
The enclosure is directly to the right (north) of the track.

As with Y Bwlwarcau this is another area of ‘rough, lumpy bumpy’ ground.
The earthworks however are more substantial and easier to spot.

Despite being the middle of May it was fairly bleak up here and the cold wind biting.
The sun was doing its best to break through the grey clouds but it was obvious rain wasn’t far off. Not much in the way of views although the birdsong was nice to hear.

Being a South Wales site it was no surprise to find an empty larger can………..

COFLEIN states:
‘A quadrangular enclosure, c.44m E-W by 40m, defined by double banks with a medial ditch; a c.164m stretch of N-facing bank and ditch, runs ENE-WSW, c.68m to the N: the site is obscured by a N-S trackway.
The bank and ditch to the N, together with less defined E-W linear features, c.52m to the S, have has been considered as the remnants of a large outer enclosure, c.200m square, similar to those at Moel Ton-Mawr’.

Visited 13.5.13

Directions:
From the M4 (Jct 36) take the A4063 towards Maesteg.
A couple of miles outside Maesteg you will see a brown sign to the left directing you to Llangynwyd (Historic Village). Turn here and enter the small but pretty village.
At the crossroads go straight across and keep going down hill, under the pylons, until the narrow road takes a sharp turn to the left. It is opposite a farm drive.
There is plenty of room to park here on the verge; next to a metal field gate.

Although the O/S map shows a public footpath heading up the hill there is nothing to show on the ground. There is however a rough ‘tractor track’ which seemed an obvious route to take. The ‘tractor track’ is made up of the usual lumps of broken masonry, bricks and concrete. What was different was that there were also the remnants of several grave headstones – some of which appeared to be relatively new. How and why these came to be used in such a manner is anyone’s guess although it did seem inappropriate and a waste?

Anyway, 10 minutes later and I am at the site.
Very little to see in all honesty. A ‘rough, lumpy bumpy’ area of ground covered in spiky grass and gorse. You could just about make out a curving bank approximately 0.5m in height. There are decent views over Llangynwyd and Cwmfelin in the distance.

Not one to recommend.

COFLEIN states:
‘Y Bwlwarcau is a enclosure complex, Iron Age or rather later, set on east-facing slopes on a broad spur of Mynydd Margam. It is a complex multiperiod site, but one coherent layout can be identified, as well as obviously later trackways and medieval type house platforms.
The most obvious layout had a strongly defined inner enclosure set within a much larger outer enclosure and linked by an approach way. The 0.3ha inner enclosure is roughly pentagonal measuring some 64m across. It is defined by two to three lines of ramparts and ditches. The entrance faces east where its outer ramparts turn to form a funnelling approach way at the end of which they swing back to enclose the roughly concentric curvilinear 4.3ha outer enclosure. This rests on the steep slopes above Cwm Cerdin to the north and elsewhere it appears to have been defined by two widely spaced ramparts.

A small, generally rectangular enclosure lies between the inner and outer circuits to the south of the approach way and is attached to the ouer rampart. It is about 50m north-south by 38m and is defined by a rampart and a relatively broad ditch. This could be a contemporary feature rather than a later addition‘

Visited 25.4.13

Directions:
From Cheltenham take the A435 south and shortly after passing the A436 junction keep an eye out for a turning to the right (west) for Cockleford / Elkstone. Turn here and follow the minor road south to Elkstone. Just before the road joins the main A417 there is a minor road to the left which bends around the back of the farm The Barrow is about 1km along this road.

This is another substantial Barrow which is easy to access. The Barrow is right next to the road and there isn’t even a fence or hedge you have to negotiate.

The Barrow is covered with several large, mature trees. The Barrow occupies the summit of a relatively high spot in the surrounding rolling countryside. There were many stones scattered on the surface amid the grass.
The top of the Barrow shows clear signs of at one time being dug into – no doubt for treasure!

A chap on a quad bike drove past twice but didn’t stop to ask questions.

As Karen had previously let me collect a bag of cow manure I returned the favour by collecting a bag of pine cones for her to use when making Christmas decorations for people.
One good turn deserves another.......

This is a cracking Barrow and is well worth a visit when in the area.

E.H. state:
‘The monument includes a round barrow set just below the crest of a hill, about 500m to the north of the road to Combend Manor. The barrow mound measures 35m in diameter and is 4m high. The mound is surrounded by a ditch which has been infilled over the years and can no longer be seen at ground level. It will, however, survive as a buried feature about 4m wide. There is no evidence that the barrow has been excavated in the past‘

Visited 24.4.13

Directions:
From Cheltenham take the A435 south and then west along the A436. You will shortly cone to a turning on your left (south) signposted Cowley. Take this turning and about 1.5km along the minor road you will come to a turning on the left. There is room to park next to the field gate opposite. The Long Barrow is visible from the gate and is only a short walk away, along the Gloucestershire Way.

After spending a day visiting what must have been every charity shop in Cheltenham (It’s what Karen wanted to do for her birthday) it was time for a bit of ‘old stoning’.

After my recent near scrapes with farmers it was nice to be able to visit a site that has a public right of way. Well, that isn’t 100% accurate as you do have to enter a field off the Gloucestershire Way – but it is only a matter of a few metres – so I am sure it would be ok.

The sun was shining through the gaps in the clouds. Had it not been for the cold wind it would have been quite warm. The track way from the road was fairly flat and I passed a herd of cows with an ever watchful bull in a field to my left. Fortunately I was more interested in the Long Barrow which was in the empty field opposite.
A handy metal field gate gave easy access.

The Long Barrow has clearly taken a bit of punishment over the years and was now in two sections with a gap through the middle of it. It looks as though the cattle walk through this gap when using the field. There is also evidence of what appears to be at least two ‘excavations’ of the Barrow in years gone by?

For all this, the Long Barrow still stands tall and proud in its position at the head of a valley.
It is approximately 30m long x 3m in height. A large bush/small tree grows in each of the Barrow’s two sections. I could only see one largish stone lying on top of the grass.
There are good views all along the valley and presumably this is why the Barrow was placed here originally?

I sat for a short while on top of the Barrow, looking down the valley and simply watching the world go by. It is these types of moments which make it all worth while.
Well worth the effort when in the area.

Before too long I had to head back to Karen in the car.
‘Do you have a plastic bag I can have?’ I asked.
‘Yes, here’ she replied passing the bag. ‘Why do you need a bag?’
‘I just passed a large cow pat which would be good for the rhubarb’
‘Does it smell much?’ Karen wearily enquired.
‘Not much’ I reassured her!

I know how to treat a girl on her birthday!!

Visited 20.4.13

I finally got to visit the ‘Lang Stone’ – just!

After confirming the position of the ‘Lang Stone’ from COFLEIN I optimistically set off in search of the stone. I could tell from the map that the stone was on private land with no public right of way. There were two possible ways of approach.

The easiest way appeared to be via Underwood Leisure Centre (see notes for Stockwood Barrow). I crossed the field containing the Barrow and headed north towards the trees. It should have then been an easy walk across the next field to the field containing the stone. Problem – the field in question was being ploughed by the farmer and clearly there was no way of getting past him without being spotted.

I retraced my steps back to the Leisure Centre and went for plan B.

Plan B involved taking the minor road south off the A48 (in Langstone) which runs under the motorway and past Langstone Court. As I drove past Langstone Court (posh) things didn’t look promising. Signs stated ‘private’ and ‘warning – guard dogs’ were accompanied by several CCTV cameras. We carried on down the road to the pretty church where there was just enough room to pull in next to the gate.

A public right of way runs through the graveyard and around the back of Langstone Court. Unfortunately this is only part way to where the Lang Stone resides.

Luckily there are high hedges at this point and keeping to the hedgerows as much as possible I headed east across a couple of fallow fields. Again luck was on my side as there were gaps in the hedges giving easy access between the fields. After walking up the brow of a hill (right next to the motorway) I looked through the hedge to my right and spotted the elusive Lang Stone.

The field had recently been ploughed (no doubt by the same farmer I saw earlier) and I quickly walked over to the stone. To be honest it was all a bit of a disappointment. It is now no more than a squarish block of conglomerate stone approximately 1.5m across. Several small stones appeared to be lying underneath it.

At this point my luck ran out. I looked up and saw the farmer I saw earlier, in his tractor, who had stopped and was looking at me. We looked at each other for a couple of minutes and he started his tractor back up. I thought ‘here we go’ and waited for him to drive towards me. To my surprise he turned around and carried on ploughing the next field. Still, best I go I thought.

I quickly headed back the way I came and as I was about to go through I gap between fields I heard the rumble of a tractor. I looked across and saw a different tractor heading towards me. In a flash I backed through the gap and went the only way I could without being seen – through a small boggy area covered in brambles. I battled my way through and managed to get back to the hedgerow just as the tractor slowly made its way the other side. I crouched down as the tractor carried on. The tractor driver was clearly looking for something (me probably!) as it turned and headed back towards me. I scampered along the hedgerow and thankfully got back onto the public footpath without being stopped. Back through the church yard, into the car, and away as quickly as possible.

It probably sounds quite funny now but it was an unpleasant experience at the time.
I should have felt a sense of achievement of seeing the stone but all I felt was relief.

All in all, was it worth it?
I would have to say no. The stone (if it is prehistoric) is not much to look at and given the apparent lack of a ‘warm welcome’ to visitors I wouldn’t recommend a visit.
If you do intend having a look at the stone yourself I would recommend either asking for permission first (not sure how successful that would be?) or approach via Underwood. This would be a more direct route and (as long as no farmers are about) give easier access.

COFLEIN states:
‘A slightly trapezoidal conglomerate block measuring 1.5m by 1.25m and 0.65m thick. Is located in a slight hollow on a low local summit. If once upright and larger, the rest of it has been removed’.

Visited 20.4.13

Despite my earlier failure to find the Barrow I can now report success!
(Don’t know how I managed to miss it the first time)

The Barrow is easy enough to find.

Directions:
Take the B4245 south off the busy A45 (near Newport) and then turn right into Underwood. This is a modern housing complex and operates a one-way system. Head for the leisure centre (closed) and there is room to park near the locked gates.

Walk past the gate and around the back of the leisure centre towards the children’s play area. The Barrow can be seen as a low, ploughed down ‘mound’.
Unless you were looking for it specifically you probably wouldn’t know it was there.
Still, in this part of the world, the fact it has survived at all is a bonus.

Not really worth the effort of a visit unless you are in the area and desperate for something ‘old’!

Visited 19.4.13

Directions:
From Bromyard take the A44 east and then turn south along the B4220.
Take the turning on the right signposted Stanford Bishop and the church is up a little lane on the left. There is room for a couple of cars to park outside the church gates.

A typical pretty medieval church in a typical rural location – or so I thought.
But there was more to this church than meets the eye.

Firstly it has a possible prehistoric standing stone built into the graveyard wall.
I circled the graveyard twice before discovering I had walked right past the stone!
The stone is immediately to the right of the gate – under the lamp post.
It is hard to spot from the inside as it is covered in ivy but from outside the church yard it is obvious. The stone is about 1m high and has some moss growing on it.

Secondly, in the churchyard next to the path is a large healthy looking yew tree.
The certificate inside the church states the yew is approximately 1,200 years old!

Thirdly, whilst looking around inside the church I noticed a chair in the corner, next to the alter. Not the usual place to find a chair I thought? It had a slightly odd design and looked old so I had a closer look. I then noticed a brass plaque attached to the chair that stated the chair was known as St Augustine’s Chair. The plaque is inscribed: ‘The traditional chair upon which St. Augustine was seated at the historic conference with the British Bishops at the Second Synod AD 603?
WOW, a 1,400 year old chair! I of course just had to sit on in and quietly ponder the meaning of life for a few minutes in the calming silence of the church.
How cool is that? (Well, I thought it was good anyway!)

I enjoy visiting old churches. Not than I am religious but I do like old buildings and admire the workmanship which has passed the test of time. Living in a city as I do, it is easy to get a bit despondent with the world when you see the litter, graffiti and crime which take place. Getting out into the countryside and knowing there are still parts of the country where churches can be left open without fear of vandalism and ‘honesty tables’ can be left outside selling eggs, jams, vegetables etc certainly does restore my faith in humanity.
I know things are not as straight forward as that but you know what I mean.

Needles to say I would strongly recommend a Visit to St James’ if you are ever in the area. Not a typical church at all.

Visited 19.4.13

Directions:
From Bromyard take the B4212 north towards the hamlet of Edwyn Ralph. Just before entering Edwyn Ralph the road forks. Take the minor road to the left and then the first turning on the right. This leads directly to Wall Hills Farm and the associated Hillfort.

We drove up the narrow lane and the Hillfort became immediately apparent on the left.
It is difficult to park but we managed to pull in just before the second cattle grid.
If you walk over the grid there is a metal field gate which gives access to the Hillfort.

There is no public right of way so a degree of trespassing is required.
The impressive defences are clearly visible from the road if you prefer.

If you do decide on a closer look you will be confronted by a well preserved bank and ditch.
I would estimate the rampart to be about 6m high from the outside and about 2m high from the inside.
There is a hedgerow / barbed wire fence which divides the southern section of the Hillfort.

All was quiet and I only had sheep for company.
There are no trees growing on the Hillfort and there are great views to be had in all directions.
This is a fairly flat area and you could see for miles.

In view of the hedge/fence and the fact I wasn’t supposed to be there I didn’t hang around too long.
In hindsight it would have been far better to have asked permission at the farm

Just as we turned around and headed back down the lane a car came the other way heading towards the farm. That was a bit of luck as 5 minutes earlier and I would have been spotted!

This is a cracking Hillfort; the best I have visited for quite a while.
I am surprised that no one else has posted Fieldnotes before this.

I would heartily recommend a visit.
Be sure to ask permission first!

Visited 19.4.13

Directions:
From Leominster take the A4112 north east and then the minor road south towards the hamlet of Whyle. Bach Camp can be found to the west of Whyle. A narrow lane runs along the east of the site – parking is difficult.

As you travel south towards Bach Camp it is clearly visible on the right.
The site is free of trees so the remains of the bank / rampart can be easily seen.
The only remaining ‘defenders’ of the Hillfort are the sheep who seemed to be enjoying the spring grass.

The lane running past the site is very narrow and the closest we could find to pull over was outside the nearby farm. This resulted in several dogs barking loudly the whole time we were there.
A public footpath (signposted) runs along the eastern defences of the site.

Due to the dogs barking and the narrowness of the lane Karen didn’t feel comfortable stopping for long so only a quick visit was possible.

Certainly worth checking out when in the area.

Visited 6.4.13

On the way to Peterborough and Flag Fen I took the opportunity to start our little holiday with a quick ‘look see’ at the Coate stone circle. Access is easy enough as a minor road runs directly past/through the circle.

As has been previously said, 5 stumps of stones are easily visible from the road (as long as the grass is kept short) and I settled for a view from the road side. I saw little benefit in jumping over the rusty barbed wire for a closer look.

What a shame this circle has not survived intact.
Although I doubt the people living in the posh houses opposite would welcome the increased number of visitors that would attract!

Worth a quick detour when travelling along this stretch of the M4.

Visited 6.4.13

Directions:
Visible on the left when travelling along the minor road north from the village of Great Addington to Woodford. A public right of way leads from the road to the Barrows.

There is room to pull in at the metal field gate at the start of the track which runs from the road straight to the 3 Barrows. (No doubt giving the name ‘Three Hills’)

By the time we arrived at the site the sun was starting to set on a beautiful clear day. The cold wind had picked up and was a reminder that it was still only early spring – certainly not warm enough for shorts yet!

Luckily the weather had been dry for a few days and the mud track was easy enough to walk up with just the occasional puddle evident. Within 5 minutes I was at the Barrows which had been left alone despite the surrounding area being cultivated.

The 3 Barrows are within touching distance of each other are all about 2m high x 20m across. All 3 Barrows are covered in scrub with a couple of small trees starting to take hold. There was clear evidence of a lot of rabbits calling the Barrows ‘home’.

All was quiet and there were decent views to be had despite the nearby wind turbines slowly revolving in the evening breeze. The sky was turning to orange and it felt like one of those ‘great to be alive’ moments – wonderful.
For whatever reason I really enjoyed my visit here and would heartily recommend a visit if you happen to be in the area.

Visited 7.4.13

Directions:
Well signposted from the eastern side Peterborough.

It was a long journey but we had finally arrived at our destination – the famous Flag Fen. Probably like many reading this it had been a place I had wanted to visit for a number of years and it did seem slightly surreal to actually be here at last. We parked in the car park and quickly crossed the bridge into the visitor’s centre.

We were met by a very helpful chap at reception who provided up with a map and a quick overview of the site. There is also a small shop and café area.

Despite being a lovely sunny day, I was surprised to find that except for a handful of other people we were the only ones there, so pretty much had the place to ourselves.

We visited the reconstructed Bronze Age / Iron Age round houses, the Soay sheep (plus new born lambs which Sophie in particular liked), museum and of course the famous wooden causeway. I had seen the wooden planks both on TV and in books and I must confess in real life it looks just as confusing – little more than a jumble of wood. It does take a fair degree of the ‘eye of faith’ to see it for what it actually is.

It took us about an hour to go all around the site before we headed back for a cuppa and a sit outside on the veranda. It was a very peaceful place to be although I would imagine (hope) it gets a lot busier in the summer? It only cost £8.00 for a family ticket and was well worth the entrance fee.

I am pleased to report that Flag Fen lived up to my expectations and I guess the only disappointment was not seeing Francis Pryor lurking about amongst the reeds!
Although we did see a heron close up and a fox lurking in the undergrowth.

Flag Fen is well worth the effort of a visit – I am sure you won’t be disappointed.

Visited 7.4.13

Directions:
From Peterborough travel north to the village of Newborough (on the B1443)
The enclosure is along a track leading to Moores Farm and farm shop.

In a nutshell, don’t bother – there is nothing to see.

Follow the directions previously given by Kammer but be aware that the mentioned second information board no longer exists. My advice would be to park on the brow of the hill, just before the road descends down towards the stone bridge crossing the river. There is ample parking.

The stones were not visible from the road due to the trees and undergrowth.
I managed to find a gap in the bushes and pushed my way through onto the cultivated field the other side. It then didn’t take long to spot the stones.

They are in a small fenced off area at the edge of the field, amongst the undergrowth.

Now, I don’t claim to be in any way an expert on ‘old stones’ but I have seen a few over the years. And as Chris points out they certainly don’t appear to be prehistoric. At least if they are they look as though they have been subsequently worked as they are too square to be natural?

Each stone is approximately 2.5ft high x 8 inches across and lean towards the south.
Both stones are covered in green/yellow and white lichen.

These stones are not the easiest to find and given their somewhat dubious ‘history’ it is not a site I would recommend unless you are particularly keen.

Visited 7.4.13

It took me ages to find the museum until Karen pointed out that we were parked behind it and had actually walked past the place on the way into the city centre.
I blame the information hoarding which was hiding the stone!

There isn’t a lot you can say about the stone itself.
It is small – approx 1ft high x 2ft across x 2inch wide.
Looks a bit like a small headstone

Had a few strange looks from museum staff out of the window as I was admiring the stone in the middle of their newly mown lawn.

Not much to recommend a visit unless you happened to have parked behind the museum and happen to be walking past the stone…………………..!

Visited 30.3.13

Directions:
Either side of a minor road, south of Chilcompton, off the B3139.

Both Barrows are right next to the road and can be identified as low grass covered mounds. Although you probably wouldn’t know they were there unless you were specifically looking out for them.

Don’t go out of your way to visit.

E.H. have nothing to report.

Redhill Farm visited 30.3.13

Directions:
A short distance west of the B3114 / B3139 junction, North West of Binegar.

A public right of way runs past the Barrow which was easily spotted as a ‘rough grass mound’.

E.H. state:
‘A mound 30m in diameter and 1.8m high with a gently sloping profile. Situated on a south facing slope, immediately below the crest of a hill 205m south east of Redhill Farm’.

Visited 30.3.13

Directions:
Located on the southern side of Radstock, along a minor road off the main A367 / A362 junction in the middle of the town.

Driving south out of Radstock, this Barrow is very noticeable sitting right on top of a prominent hill overlooking the town.

We were on our way to the village of Kilmersdon to see the ‘Jack and Jill Hill’ as in the famous nursery rhyme – which is also well worth a visit.
(Karen thinks I’m mad – perhaps I am?)

The Barrow is now a rough-grass covered mound approximately 1.5m high x 10m across.

Access is over a wooden fence with a single piece of barbed wire on top; from the road to the east of the site

There are fine views to be had from the top of the hill overlooking the town.

Strangely enough E.H. doesn’t appear to have any info on the Barrow although it does show on the O/S map.

Visited 30.3.13

Directions:
South of Farrington Gurney, right next to the A37, just after the junction with the A39. The Barrow is directly opposite Home Farm.

This is a busy road although you can pull in at the farm drive entrance next to the Barrow.

This is a cracker of a Barrow and given its location next to the A37 I am surprised no one has previously made mention to it?

The Barrow is very prominent on the brow of a hill and has a single large tree growing out of the top of it. A couple of sheep seemed to enjoy the view from the top.

A very nice Barrow to visit and well worth the minimal effort required.

E.H. state:
‘A bowl barrow situated 100m east of Home Farm Cottage. The barrow is a flat topped mound 21m in diameter and 2.25m high. There is a slight hollow in the centre of the mound which is probably the result of an unrecorded antiquarian excavation’.

Visited 30.3.13

Directions:
To the west of Binegar, either side of the B3139

I observed both Barrows from the side of the road.

The Barrow immediately to the south of the road is no more than a small grass covered mound. It looked smaller to me that what E.H. state. Either it has since been ploughed out or I was looking at the wrong thing!

E.H. state: ‘A mound 35m in diameter and 2.15m high’.

The Barrow to the north of the road was much easier to spot.
The grass covering this Barrow has been worn away on one side and appeared brown and bare.
E.H. state:
‘A flat topped mound 18m in diameter and 2m high’

Worth a quick look when driving down the road but not much more than that.

Visited 30.3.13

Directions:
To the north of Radstock, next to a minor road off the busy A367.
Access is via a stile next to a wooden field gate.

The start of a day of ‘Barrow hunting’ and what a good one to start with!

The Barrow is an impressive sight approximately 4m high x 30m across
It is covered in trees with a particularly tall tree right in the centre.
The Barrow has a barbed wire topped wooden fence all around it.

Access to the Barrow is easy and given its size is well worth a visit when in the area.

Visited 22.3.13

Directions:
Take the A465 south out of Hereford and then the B4349.
Take the minor road on the right (north) signposted Ruckhall.
The Hillfort lies immediately to the east of the hamlet.

As we headed along the narrow road to Ruckhall we were met by a sign stating that the road ahead was closed ‘at the bridge’. Karen was not keen on driving any further and due to the fact that we had to make sure we were home in time to pick Dafydd up from school suggested we turn around and come back another day. I on the other hand was keen to see the Hillfort being so close. We drove on a little further but were then met by a steep hill and a further warning sign that the road ahead was closed. Karen refused to drive down the hill and reluctantly parked up in a passing place whilst I jogged down the road promising to be back asap in order not to be late for the school run. Karen did not appear to be too happy!

The sleet from earlier on had now turned to heavy rain and the narrow road now resembled a stream. I reached the small stone bridge to find it had been fenced off at each end. I suspect it has been closed for safety reasons due to the swollen river far below? I of course chose to ignore the warning signs and made my way around the obstacles and across the bridge. It is very pretty here.

I walked up into Ruckhall and made my way along the sign posted public footpath past the appropriately named ‘Hill Fort House’. The footpath was little more than a quagmire, deep mud and no other option but to squelch my way through it. I wasn’t about to turn back now. Several bedraggled sheep looked at me with a look of curiosity and pity I was waded on through the mud.

I then came to a set of wooded steps on the left which gave access to one of the fields inside the Hillfort. The field was surrounded by hedges and overlooked by several houses so I didn’t venture too far into the field. In the next field appeared to be a raised bank about 1.5m high but I have no idea if this is part of the Hillfort construction or a natural feature? The rain got heavier and my hands got colder. I went back down the steps and carried on a little further along the footpath.

The path became even muddier and I slipped and slid down my way down. It then dawned on me that this footpath ran along the Hillfort’s eastern defences – about half way up the steep slope. I would say it was about 3m up to the top of the rampart and another 3m down to the bottom field. The footpath carried on around the northern section of the Hillfort but my time was up.

I battled my way back up the muddy path, down the road, across the bridge and up the steep hill back to the patiently waiting Karen. By the time I got back in the car I was pretty well drenched although to be fair my coat and boots did a good job of keeping most of the moisture out.

‘Will we be back in time to pick Dafydd up?’ quizzed Karen.
‘Of course’ said I with a worried glance at my watch. I knew it would be tight.
‘You know I hate to be late’ warned Karen. ‘Yes’ I meekly replied.
(If we are late I can forget any idea of any nookie this year) I thought to myself (just a fair bit of nagging)

The site is worth a visit when in the area but don’t expect to see too much and pick a dry day!
On the plus side the footpath around the Hillfort gives easy access.
I am surprised I am the first person to post Fieldnotes on this site given this ease of access.

p.s. luckily we hit minimal traffic and I arrived at the school with less than 5 minutes to spare.

p.p.s still waiting for the nookie though…………………!!!

Visited 22.3.13

Directions:
Take the A49 north, out of Hereford, and then the minor road on the right signposts Moreton On Lugg then Sutton St Nicholas. When you enter the village of Sutton St Nicholas turn right (south) at the cross roads. Shortly after crossing the bridge the stone is easily visible in a field to your left.

It has been a long time since I ‘hugged a stone’ and I was looking forward to visiting this site.
Unfortunately I had to settle for a view from the road.
Between the road and the stone is a ditch which presumably is there to assist with field drainage? Due to the wet weather the ditch was now a small stream – too deep to wade through / too wide to jump across.

However, the stone is easily seen from road and has a small metal fence surrounding it to protect it from farm machinery etc. Which I guess is something to be applauded.

Pity I couldn’t get to touch it though……………..

Visited 22.3.13

Directions:
Take the A49 north, out of Hereford, and then the minor road on the right signposts Moreton On Lugg then Sutton St Nicholas. You will come to a posh house on your right called Pool House and a yellow grit box. The track leading to the Hillfort is directly opposite – between two houses. There is a public right of way up the track although no sign indicating this.
I passed a dead badger on the verge – no doubt knocked over by a car? This was the third dead badger I had seen next to a road today.

The track is well made which makes walking up it easy. There is a locked gate you walk past to prevent vehicles being driven up the track. It is only a 5 minutes walk to the Hillfort from the main road.

As you approach the very large defensive rampart the track becomes less well maintained and increasingly muddy. The track cuts right through the rampart and you get a good appreciation of how substantial it is. It is at least 3m high – possibly 4m. The whole of the rampart is covered in trees and bushes.

Once inside the Hillfort it is difficult to get an idea of the layout due to the entire interior being overgrown with trees, bushes, brambles etc. Although it is obvious that this is a very large site. ‘Paths’ criss/cross the interior of the Hillfort. Whilst walking up the track the rain had turned to hail and now sleet – it was a bit nippy and unsurprisingly I had the site to myself. Only TMAers would be daft enough to visit in this weather!

Due to the trees surmounting the rampart and the low clouds, rain/hail/sleet it wasn’t possible to appreciate the view although it was clear that the Hillfort occupies a very prominent position in the surrounding flat landscape and would have made an ideal location.

In his ‘Guide to Prehistoric England’ (page 150/151) Nicholas Thomas states that the Hillfort encompasses an area of 29 acres. Adding that the ‘massive’ single ditch rampart has two original entrances (E+W) and that the (N+S) entrances are modern. Interestingly Mr Thomas adds that shortly before the Roman invasion the defences were strengthened although this did no good as the site was attacked in AD48 and a slaughter followed with 24 defenders being thrown in the ditch suffering from battle injuries / decapitation. The site continued to be used throughout the Romano-British period and a large iron anvil was found which is now in the Hereford Museum. Apparently this is one of the largest Pre-Roman cast iron objects ever found in Britain.

All in all this site is well worth a visit when in the area although other than the formidable rampart don’t expect to make much else out due to the vegetation.

Visited 9.3.13

Due to family commitments it was not possible to get away this weekend for a spot of ‘old stoning’ so a local re-visit was in order.

Although I have visited this Hillfort a couple of times previously I was keen to have another visit after watching the recent Time team episode filmed there.
I was hoping to see where they had put the trenches in.

Dafydd was out with his sister so this was a rare opportunity for a trip out with just Sophie – who duly obliged by falling asleep in the car! This resulted in a rather problematic scramble up the steep hillside mention in my previous fieldnotes whilst trying to carry a sleeping 2 year old! Somehow I managed to get to the top but it wasn’t long before the cold biting wind woke Sophie up – she was not impressed!

We walked up and over the medieval ditches and past the ruined church – still overgrown and showing the signs of recent visits from the locals – empty vodka bottles etc.

We soon arrived at the field behind the church with is the centre of the Hillfort – today occupied by 5 horses – which Sophie insisted in calling cows and shouting ‘moo’ to them! Needless to say the horses ignored us.

We climbed over the fence and walked around the perimeter of the Hillfort.
It was very muddy and I wished I had worn the wellies I had left in the car.
There was little left to see in terms of defences although there were the remains of a rampart in places – approx 1m high. This is one of those Hillforts where they must have relied heavily on the steepness of the sides to act as the main deterrent.

At the far (western) end of the field appeared to be the original entrance to the site which had banks still standing around 2m in height. However, I couldn’t investigate any further as the ‘entrance’ was more like a swamp with standing water at least 1ft deep. Again, I wished I had worn my wellies.

Looking around the field I could see no trace of the Time Team trenches. Either they were backfilled very carefully or the trenches were the other side of the ‘entrance’? The only thing I could make out were two very faint curving ‘ditches’ crossing the site. I have no idea if these are prehistoric or not or even if they are natural? The whole site is surrounded by trees and bushes.

By now it was getting very cold and Sophie was getting very restless. It had also started to rain. We headed back across the site, past the church and back down the hill – which was even harder than trying to get up it. We slipped and slithered down and I managed to pull a muscle in my arm as I grabbed onto a branch to avoid falling – which Sophie found amusing!
By the time we got back to the car we were muddy, cold and wet – I was also in a lot of pain.

Time to go home…………………

Visited 6.3.13

Directions:
There are several minor roads which run across Minchinhampton Common.
One of the roads runs right through The Bulwarks Dyke.

I have only ever visited a couple of Dykes in the past but this is probably the second most impressive I have seen (after a superb section of Offa’s Dyke near Knighton).

The Dyke is very obvious and snakes across the Common.
The banks still stand to around 2m in height – from the base of the ditch

Well worth a look when visiting the nearby Whitfields Tump Long Barrow.

***
In the excellent book Prehistoric England by Nicholas Thomas (page 131) there is a nice photo of a section of the Dyke being excavated. You can see how well constructed it was. In the book it is referred to as Minchinhampton Enclosure and is said to be over 1 mile long enclosing an area of 600 acres. The excavation found the original ditch to have been 6ft deep and 12ft wide. Interestingly the book states the Dyke may have been built by Caratacus following his defeat by the Romans. (Don’t think it would have stopped the Romans for very long!)

Visited 6.3.13

Directions:
There are several minor roads which run across Minchinhampton Common.
Two of the roads run either side of the Long Barrow.

I like visiting sites on Commons.
Firstly, you can walk about wherever you like without any problems and
Secondly it is usually very easy to park.
As is the case here, although you do have to keep an eye out for low flying golf balls!

It took a few minutes to spot the Barrow as it blends in with the various golf bunkers.
In fact, if you didn’t know what it was you would think it was a bunker!

The Barrow is well mangled and sits right next to one of the greens.
It is approx 1m high x 30m long x 10m across.
The centre has been dug out and it now resembles a horse shoe in shape.
There were several stones sticking out of the grass in the centre of the depression.

As I said, I like visiting Commons but it was by now getting dark and we were well late in getting home to pick the children up. Time to go……….

Visited 6.3.13

Directions:
Taking the A432 north out of Bristol, take the turning left along Cuckoo Lane shortly after crossing over the M4. Turn left into Bury Hill Road and then right into Mill Road.
On your right you will see an access lane to a house signposted ‘private’ and shortly after that a public footpath sign also on the right. There is room to pull in next to the footpath sign.
All you then need to do is walk up the handily provided stone steps leading to the site.

Although the directions given sound fairly straightforward it took quite a while to locate the Hillfort despite being armed with an O/S map. However, the effort was well worth while.

Oddly enough I see that Xseawitch has recently posted a fieldnote about this site but my findings were much more successful.

The walk up the steps through the trees is a very pretty climb. It would have been a difficult walk without the steps as it is very steep. At the top you arrive at the garden wall (of said ‘private’ lane fame) and then you can enjoy walking pretty much through their ‘private’ garden as there is a public right of way! Access to the field/Hillfort is via a gate.

There were two horses grazing in the field who chose to ignore me.
The western side of the Hillfort showed few remaining signs of defences except for one stretch of banking which still stood to about 1m in height. It seems the builders were quite happy for the steep hillside to act as the main deterrent.
The eastern defences, where the ground is flat, provided the greater defences.
There is a single ditch / bank which still stands to an impressive height of about 2 metres (from the bottom of ditch). Much of this is now overgrown by trees and bushes.
The centre of the Hillfort seems to have lots of ‘lumps and bumps’ – I wonder what they are?

All in all this is a decent site to visit when in the area, requiring little walking other that the steep climb up the steps.

Visited 11.2.13

Directions:
Take the A272 west out of Petersfield and take the turning right for Froxfield Green and then High Cross. Drive through the hamlet (past the church) and the Barrows are in a field on your left – opposite Wyke Green Farm.

My O/S map shows one and a ‘half’ Barrows in the field.
The reason for the ‘half’ is that its southern half has been cut through by the road.

I looked for the Barrows over the hedge but couldn’t make them out for sure.
The ‘half’ Barrow was probably hidden by the hedge (if it is still there) and I think I saw the other Barrow covered in trees and undergrowth.
I cannot for sure say this was the Barrow and perhaps it was ‘natural’?
If it wasn’t the Barrow then I couldn’t spot that one either.

E.H. has nothing to say about these Barrows.

Visited 11.2.13

Directions:
See directions for Wyke Green Farm Barrows.
This Barrow is a little north of High Cross.

This is a nice Barrow and worth the effort of a visit.

It is approximately 2m high x 15m across and covered in trees.
It has clearly been dug into at some point.
The Barrow is right next to the road and there is a handy gap in the hedge so you can easily see it.

Yet another visit 11.2.13

The light was starting to fail as we headed home via the (slight detour) of Avebury (as you do!)
I had fully planned to just have a quick ‘drive by’ of WKLB, Silbury Hill and of course the standing stones. At least that was the plan until we approached the deserted parking place for WKLB.
‘Mind if I have a quick visit as the children are asleep?’ I enquired
‘I thought you would say that!’ came the reply.
5 minutes later I was squelching my way up the hill through the mud.

They had clearly had a lot of rain here recently and the little stream you cross before the climb up was the highest I have ever seen it – just short of bursting its banks.

On the way up I was surprised to see four ladies also making their way up – I expected to have the place to myself at this time of the day. The ladies all wore different brightly coloured wellies and therefore weren’t as concerned about the mud as I was.

I strode on ahead of them in order to get some time to myself in the tomb.
The wind was biting and in the distance the hills were covered in snow.
It was also nice to be able to see the ‘Silbury moat’ for myself – I had recently seen the pictures posted on this site. Silbury never fails to impress.

Once inside the chamber and out of the wind all was silent except for the drip, drip of water falling off the stones.
I hadn’t brought a torch and in the gloom my eyes were finding it difficult to adjust.
A faint smell of incense filled the chambers – not overly strong and quite pleasant.
Nothing had changed since my last visit but there is of course no question that this is a very special place.

I heard the ladies arrive outside and to be fair to them they waited outside to allow me ‘my time’.
As I exited they came in – torch in hand.
‘I didn’t bring a torch’ I explained ‘as I wasn’t planning on stopping – but felt I had to’
‘A lot of people say that’ the one holding the torch replied ‘it’s like paying your respects’.
Quite……..

By the time I got back to the car it was seriously dark and I was only just about able to make out some of the standing stones as we drove through the stone circle and home.

Visited 14.2.13

Directions:
From Gloucester take the B4063 north.
Take the turning right signposted Churchdown and then the first right.
Follow the narrow minor road up hill signposted church/burial ground.
At the top of the hill is a fairly large car park.

Valentine’s Day – what to do?
Well, after the obligatory flowers, chocolates, card etc we planned a ‘romantic’ day out without the children.
As Karen has to put up with my places to visit most of the time, I gave her the choice of where to go.
Karen opted for a visit to Gloucester (lots of charity shops!) followed by a meal in a nice old timber-framed pub (can’t remember the name).
I of course couldn’t help but sneak at least one ‘old stone’ site as it seemed only fair. After all, Valentine’s Day is for both of us – isn’t it?
It just so happened that my choice of place to visit included a cemetery!!

After parking in the car park I followed the footpath around the perimeter of the undercover reservoir? The ‘reservoir’ had a sign which also gave the site its alternative name of ‘Chosen Hill’ which perhaps accounts for why the church was built up here – not an obvious place to build a church that’s for sure.

This is clearly a popular walk judging by how muddy the path was – really ‘bog like’.
I slipped and slithered my way around and at one stage slipped onto my side.
The hillside was steep and I could see, through the trees, what appeared to be a rampart/ditch? running half way down the slope. (natural?)

Churchdown/Chosen Hill is very prominent within the landscape and would make an obvious choice to build some sort of defended enclosure.

After squelching my way back to the car I headed for the pretty church of St Bartholomew, and it’s surrounding grave yard.
Unfortunately the church was locked up but the views of the surrounding area and out over Gloucester were very impressive and worth the trip alone.

All in all a decent ‘return’ for having to suffer a few hours shopping.
Happy Valentine’s day Karen!!

Visited 11.2.13

Directions:
Driving west out of Petersfield you will eventually come to the junction with the A32. Turn right (north) and pull in at the 3rd turning on the left. The Barrows are in the trees immediately to your left, next to the main road. Easy to spot.

These two Barrows are right next to the busy A32 and appear to be in reasonable condition despite the close proximity of the road and being covered in trees/bushes etc.
Worth a quick look when in the area.

EH state:
‘Two bowl barrows, west of the junction of the A32 and Fawley Lane. Known locally at The Jumps or The Devil’s Jumps. They form part of a probable Bronze Age barrow cemetery’

Visited 11.2.13

Directions:
From Petersfield take the A272 west. Drive through Lanrish and park at the junction to the third turning on the right. The Barrows are in the field opposite.

Unlike the Barrows at Lower Bordean Farm (just down the road) these are fine examples and very easy to spot. The two barrows are right next to each other and in a small copse. Both Barrows are covered in trees but otherwise look to be in good condition.

E.H. state:
‘The two most substantial barrows lie in the centre of a group and are joined near the base, possibly having been constructed together as a twin barrow. Both barrows are circular and steep sided, 25m to 27m in diameter and 2.5m to 2.7m high. They have flattened or slightly hollowed tops

My O/S map showed a third Barrow to the south east in a field.
All I could identify was a tiny ‘bump’ in the grass.

Visited 11.2.13

Directions:
From Petersfield take the A272 west. Shortly after driving through Lanrish you will come to Lower Bordean. There is a track on the left where you can pull in off the busy A272. The two Barrows are either side of the road.

Bordean ‘A’ is the Barrow to the south of the road.
I could see no trace of it despite it being right next to the road.

E.H. state:
‘A bowl barrow 100m se of Lower Bordean Farm. The barrow has been disturbed by ploughing at its southern end and truncated at its northern end by the construction of the road. The surviving portion consists of a low spread ovoid mound measuring 27m x 24m and a max height of 2m in height situated against the northern boundary of a field’.

I tried to spot Bordean ‘B’ from the road but couldn’t see it.
(No public access to field and within close proximity to the farm so a ‘sneak visit’ not an option!)

E.H. state:
‘The Barrow is a sub-circular flat-topped mound 18m in diameter and up to 2.5m in height’.

Visited 11.2.13

This is a super fab place to visit!
If you are ever in the vicinity of Petersfield (an attractive market town in its own right) make sure you visit the Heath and its many Barrows.

We arrived at Petersfield Heath and it was snowing hard – bit fluffy flakes.
The ducks didn’t seem too impressed – first time I have seen snow on a duck’s head!

We parked in the large car park and I did a circular walk to take in the Barrows around the lake. A handy free information leaflet issued by the ‘Friends of Petersfield Heath’ was available from one of those clear plastic boxes.
This gave a history of the heath (reporting 21 Barrows) and a handy map showing where the Barrows could be found.

Finding the Barrows turned out to be no trouble at all as most were large and hard to miss. Most were in very good condition with little sign of damage.
They ranged in height from about 1m to 3m and in diameter from about 3m to 15m.
Some were grass covered whilst others were covered by trees and bushes etc.
The only Barrow I saw which had clearly been dug into was the largest one near the lake. This Barrow unfortunately also had signs of fires being lit upon it – but this was certainly the exception to the Barrows sited here.

On a nice summers day this would be a cracking place for a picnic and to feed the ducks. Today it was also a great day to visit with the snow falling heavily.
There is something ‘special’ about visiting a site in the snow – must be the old romantic in me!

Before long I had to head back to the car and we drove past the Barrows nearest the cricket pitch. These again were very easy to spot and looked to be even larger than the ones around the lake. Unfortunately I didn’t have time for a closer look.

All in all, this is a great place to visit and one I would heartily recommend.
If I ever get the chance I will most certainly come back again – in particular to get a closer look at the Barrows near the cricket pitch.

Visited 9.2.13

Directions:
Come off the M27 at junction 7, then the A334, then the A27 north.
Turn right along the B3035 then the minor road on the left just before the hospital.
You will then see Monarch Way on your left – park here. (opposite school)
Walk down the road through the housing estate and you will shortly arrive at the Barrow.

This Barrow is a whopper!
It is about 2m high x 25m long x 10m wide – covered in trees.
I like it when these Barrows have been saved despite development.
No doubt that wouldn’t have been the case not so many years ago!

The strange thing is E.H. has a record of the nearby (and virtually disappeared) Moorgreen House Barrow but has nothing to report on this fine Barrow.
I wonder why?

This Barrow is well worth seeking out.

Visited 9.2.13

Directions:
Come off the M27 at junction 7, then the A334, then the A27 north.
Turn right along the B3035 then the minor road on the left just before the hospital.
You will then see Monarch Way on your left – park here.
The Barrow is in the patch of grass next to the road.

There is virtually nothing to see here, just a very slight ‘mound’ in the middle of the grass. If you didn’t know it was there you certainly wouldn’t spot it.

Not one to recommend.

Visited 9.2.13

Directions:
From the pretty town of Arundel take the minor roads north east to the delightful village of Burpham. Park next to the church and take the footpath opposite which leads past the George and Dragon pub and the village hall. Follow the obvious (but muddy) path on past the small play ground and out onto the Promontory Fort.

Fortunately the snow and rain we encountered on our way south had relented and all was dry if overcast. Karen and the children opted to stay in the car while I headed out alone.

Although there is little/nothing to be seen of the fort it is still a lovely place to visit.
It was a very quiet spot except for the shotguns going off in the distance. I startled several rabbits and pheasants on my approach. There are decent views to be had all around.

As for the Fort itself there was nothing I could see in the way of defences.
Although not raised very high above the surrounding area the natural steepness of the banks seem to have been the main defence? I could see no sign of ant extra ditches/ramparts etc.

Worth a visit for the surroundings more so than for any archaeological remains.

Visited 2.2.13

Directions:
From the centre of Crickhowell (a favourite place of mine) heading south, take the first minor road left and then the first left again. Go up the hill until you see a metal field gate on your right – park as close to here as you can. Hop over the gate and the standing stone will be visible near some trees on your right.

The first thing to strike me was the sheer size of the stone – it’s a whopper! – much to big to be just a boundary stone.
Well over head height and covered in white and green lichen.

As I stood there admiring this fine stone I was startled by the ‘crack’ of an air rifle being fired. I looked over and saw a man in full camouflage laying on the ground taking pot shots at targets further up the field. Talk about being surprised! I hadn’t seen him and he obviously hadn’t seen me.
I assume he was allowed to be there? Although I could hardly complain as I clearly wasn’t!
I decided it was perhaps not best to hang around too long!

This stone is well worth a visit when in the area. It certainly looks like an ‘old stone’ to me. Just watch out for men in camouflage!

Visited 26.1.13

Directions:
From Usk take the B4598 north. Shortly after driving through Llanfair Kilgeddin you come to a left hand turn – park here. Look across the field to your right (crop field) and you will see the long, low mound of the largely ploughed out Barrow.

I was a bit worried about seeing anything with all the snow we have had lately but it wasn’t a problem as most of it had been washed away with the overnight rain.

I think if you visited when the field was in crop you wouldn’t see anything.
Go visit the nearby Coed-Y-Bwnydd Hillfort instead – much better!

Visited 26.1.13

Directions:
From Monmouth take the B4233 through Rockfield. Keep on the road until you drive through The Hendre and then take the first left immediately after the entrance to the golf club. You will then shortly come to a fork in the road with a passing place – park here. You are now parked immediately next to the Barrow; the other side of the hedge.

This is a fairly large Barrow and easy to spot.
I didn’t bother to battle my way through the hedge as there seemed little point.
Not really worth the effort of visiting unless you happened to be in the area.

Visited 21.1.13

Directions:
From Porthcawl town centre follow the signs for Rest Bay. There is a large Pay and Display car park opposite the Lifeguard station.
From the lifeguard station take the coastal footpath north (sea on left) until you come to another footpath which leads inland on your right.
At this point you will need to cross a barbed wire fence and follow the field boundary wall until the Barrow comes into view on your right
**Please note that the Barrow in not visible from either footpath. You will need to negotiate the fence and do a little bit of ‘trespassing’ to get a view**

Well, you can’t say the weather forecasters got it wrong. ‘Snow on Friday from 5.00am’ they said and sure enough at 4.45am it started to snow. By 8.00am it was clear that there was no work for me today. Therefore sledging, snowball fights and snowman building was the order of the day with the children and Karen. Saturday was pretty much the same with the snow showing no sign of thawing and cars not moving.
By Sunday we were going a bit ‘stir crazy’ and decided it was time to get our for a couple of hours.

The question was, of course, where to go given the weather?
There was no chance of driving along any country lanes due to the snow so I needed somewhere where access would be a lot easier? ‘I know’ says I ‘the beach!’
After the initial shock everyone came around to my way of thinking and the children quickly grabbed their coats and buckets and spades. Porthcawl here we come!
Before hitting the beach of course I had a little bit of ‘old stoning’ to do.

Karen stayed in the car with the children as I walked down the beach and along the coastal path. About 20 intrepid surfers braved the cold – hardy bunch those surfers.
The path starts off as a concrete track but soon becomes a wooden walkway. A barrier had been placed across the walkway with a sign informing me that due to sea erosion this section of the path was closed to the public pending repairs.
Obviously, I ignored the sign and walked around the barrier. That was easy enough although walking along the walkway itself proved more difficult. The wooden slats were covered in snow / ice and it was far too slippery to walk on. Instead I chose to walk along the edge of the path, keeping to the pebbles.

Snow flurries started up as I reached the point where the second path appears on the right. I stood on the wall but could not spot the Barrow due to the undulating fields. The only way to get closer was to hop over the double barbed wired fence (more difficult because of the snow) and walk along the field wall. This I did and before too long I reached the Barrow. The remains of Sker House loomed in the background.
I was concerned I wouldn’t be able to see it due to the snow but I needn’t have worried as the top was clear of snow and three sheep were taking advantage to eat away at the only available grass in the field.

COFLEIN gives the following details:
‘This is a round barrow, 11m in diameter and 0.8m high. It is likely to be a prehistoric funerary monument’.

Before long it was time to head back to the car and go and build some sand/snow castles!
It is a 30 minute walk from the car park to the Barrow.

***
After returning home and doing a bit more research it turns out that there are another 3 Barrows in the same field which I was unaware of (my O/S map only showed the one Barrow). I didn’t see anything obvious although the field was covered in snow and I wasn’t specifically looking for any more. One to keep an eye out for if visiting the site.

Visited 13.1.13

Directions:
From Brecon take the A470 south and immediately after the A4215 turning (on the right) take the minor road on the left. It has a N.T. signpost for somewhere or other.
Follow the road until you come to a white house (TY Canol) and take the turning left.
(Straight on takes you to the N.T. place).
Continue along this very narrow rough ‘road’ until you come to the first metal field gate on your left. (There is a passing place opposite the gate where you can briefly park).
Hop over the gate and head across the field, towards the trees, where you will find the Hillfort.

It had been a lovely sunny day on the Brecon Beacons with not a breath of wind (probably the first time I have ever experienced that up here!) There were plenty of people out and about but unsurprising there was no one about at this place. Just as well given that there was nowhere to park and the ‘road’ is not much wider than the car. Karen, Sophie and Dafydd stayed in the car as I went out exploring – although I was on a tight time limit as Karen wanted to catch the burger van on top of the Beacons for a cuppa before it closed!

Now, it’s not very often you walk downhill to a Hillfort but that’s exactly what you do here.
The field slopes gently down towards the wood and is a pleasant if boggy walk. To add to the occasion it started to snow which was nice!

At first I mistook the curving gulley of a stream as part of the Hillfort’s defences before realising my mistake and spotting the real thing in amongst the trees.
I was surprised how well defined the defences were. I spotted three lines of defences.
The outer ditch/bank was about 1.5m high, the inner two a more impressive 2.5m high.
The whole site is covered in trees although it was still easy to make out the ramparts.

As previously stated I didn’t have time to explore the whole site and all too soon it was time to squelch back to the car.
This is a good place to visit although be warned that the road is narrow and rough and the ONLY place to park is in the passing place – so a driving ‘assistant’ is handy!

COFLEIN states:
‘A promontory fort/defended enclosure, resting on steep slopes above the Afon Tarell to the North and tributary defiles to the East and West, whilst the approach from the South is barred by a multivallate façade, of two to four ramparts. The interior is divided into two natural spurs’.

Visited 13.1.13

Directions:
Follow the directions given for Cwm Henwen Standing Stone
From the parking area take the overgrown steps up the grass bank opposite and head towards the equally overgrown picnic table to the right. Hop over the barbed wire fence, through the open field gate to the right and over the next barbed wire fence.
The stone becomes visible when you reach the brow of the hill.

Dafydd and Sophie decided they wanted to join me on this little adventure (Karen was happy to sit in the car overlooking the reservoir and read her book in peace and quiet!)

Dafydd wanted to take ‘the lead’ and headed up to the overgrown picnic area. Sophie let it be known that she had no intention of walking and so I carried her in Dafydd’s wake.
When we reached the barbed wire fences I carefully lifted the children over before hopping over myself. Sheep scattered as we walked up through the fields.

‘Are we allowed in this field Dad?’ enquired Dafydd
‘Erm..... not exactly’ I honestly replied!
Sophie was more intent on watching the fleeing sheep to be bothered about trespass laws!

The stone itself is a whopper and well worth the effort of a visit.
It is a dark red/purple colour – the same type of stone as Maen Llia (probably my favourite standing stone) and the nearby Cwm Henwen standing stone.
The stone is almost pyramid in shape and the top half of it is covered in a thick matting of moss – almost as if protecting the stone from the worst of the Brecon Beacons weather.
Several large grooves run down the side of the stone – adding even more character.
Two largish stones lay flat on the ground at its base – packing stones?

There are several large field clearance stones you pass propped up against the fence when walking up to this fine standing stone.

Before long we all waved goodbye to the stone and headed back to the car.

Certainly a site to recommend.