CARL

Visited 10.9.12

CADW site.

This site was a lot harder to find than it should have been.
The problem is there is a new road lay out and my map showed the old lay out.
Suffice to say we wasted a lot of time driving up and down looking for a road which doesn’t exist any more!!

However, we did eventually find the Tomb and well worth the persistence it was.
The only thing which let the place down was the amount of litter.
Despite being a reasonable distance out of Holyhead (my least favourite place on Anglesey) it seems this is a popular meeting place judging by the amount of empty beer cans and take away containers strewn about the site.
I picked up the litter directly inside/outside the Tomb but I would have been there a few hours if I tried to bag it all up. Looking at some of the items I think it is possible a homeless person either is or was sleeping inside the Tomb?

Anyway, ignoring the litter (and the difficulty in finding the right road!) the site itself is very good and well worth a visit. There is an info board which helps to explain the development of the site. It reminded me a lot of Dyffryn Ardudwy.
If you happen to be up this way make the effort to visit – just bring a rubbish bag with you!

Visited 10.9.12

Of all the CADW sites I have visited, this is without doubt the hardest to get to.
Don’t expect any sign posts or information boards here!
Looking at the O/S map there was nowhere obvious to start from and in the end I decided to approach from the eastern side of Holyhead Mountain.

We drove up a very steep and very narrow road past some houses and parked next to a post box. There is room to park a couple of cars here.

Directions:
To the left of the post box is a footpath. Take this path and head straight up the mountain until you come to a ‘crossroads’ of paths.
Turn left and keep on this path until you come to another path which does a ‘dog leg’ to the right, heading up hill – take this narrow, rough ‘path’.
Stay on this ‘path’ until you near the summit of the mountain.
Look up to your left and you will see the remains of drystone walls – this is it!

The walk from the post box to the Hillfort takes about 30 minutes but it is only suitable for those who are reasonably fit and mobile.

I have been to a few ‘stone wall’ type Hillforts and this is as good as I have seen.
The walls at this point are still approximately 2 metres high x 2 metres wide.
As is usually the case the builders have made use of the naturally occurring boulders to form part of the defences.

The views from the top are fab – you can see for miles all over Anglesey.
At least you would if the weather hadn’t been closing in!)
I did however have great views over Holyhead and along the coast.

It was blowing a gale and starting to rain so my visit was a lot shorted than I would have liked – to be fair Karen and Sophie were waiting for me back in the car.
You could easily spend hours up here on a nice day.

As I said; not easy to get to but well worth the effort for those able to do so.

Visited 10.9.12

Another day – another CADW site.

This is a cracking place to visit.
Much better than I expected and one I would heartily recommend.
Visiting couldn’t be easier either – just across the road from a large free car park!

This site reminded me of the round houses in Cornwall – these are easily as good.
Although the houses are not visible from the car park (due to the bracken) they soon come into view as you make your way along the ‘path’.

They are all nestled together in the hillside and it is easy to imagine how cosy it must have been all those years ago.

If you ever visit Anglesey it would be a shame to not visit this site. Good one.

Visited 9.9.12

Directions:
Take the B5109 east out of Bodedern and then the second left along a minor road.
(The first left takes you to the Presaddfed Dolmen)
The Barrow is well hidden in woodland on you left – good luck!

In short I couldn’t see a thing.
We pulled up alongside where the Barrow is but was met with a wall with barbed wire on top, behind this a barbed wire fence and behind that impenetrable, overgrown woodland.

You would have no chance of accessing this site unless you came armed with a machete and possibly a flame thrower!

COFLEIN state:
‘A much mutilated circular mound 20m in diameter and 1.2m high’.

Visited 9.9.12

This is not the easiest of stones to find.
As a CADW site I would expect things to be better sign posted.

Park at the top of the drive leading to Tregwelydd Farm and walk towards the farm buildings. When you get near the farm there is a sign/map showing you the way through the fields to get to the stone. It may be me but I didn’t find this map easy to follow and sure enough it wasn’t too long before I was roaming around the wrong field!

Eventually I spotted the stone and headed for the correct field.
Unfortunately harvesting was taking place and two combined harvesters (where are the Wurzels when you need them?) were doing their thing around the stone.
This made access to the stone unsafe so I settled for a view (which was easy enough) from the edge of the field,

On my way back down the farm drive to the car I noticed that the stone is actually visible across the fields from the drive – to the right if walking away from the farm. If I had noticed this on my way to the site I would have found the stone a lot easier to find.

At least there is no need for sneak visits anymore!

Visited 9.9.12

Another CADW site.
The Tombs are sign posted and there is a small parking bay.

Walk up the drive, past the lodge on your left and then the cricket pitch on your right.
The Tombs are in the field on your left and access is via a kissing gate

The field was full of sheep and it was amusing to see several of them sheltering out of the wind and rain inside the Tomb still standing – although they soon left when I arrived!

The capstone of the standing Tomb is large – about 2m square and .05m thick. It is held up by 4 standing stones. There was a fair bit of ‘hairy’ lichen on the stones.

Pity the second Tomb has collapsed – perhaps someone will put it back together one day?
This is an easy site to access and well worth a visit.

Visited 9.9.12

Directions:
From Benllech take the B5108 west. Then take the first left along a minor road (just after a phone box)
You will shortly come to two public footpath signs on your left.
Take the SECOND footpath (not Pant-y-Saer Farm sign) – this will eventually lead you to the Burial Chamber.

It is fairly easy to work out where to cross the fields (it must be if I found the way!) although expect things to be rather muddy. I visited as it was starting to get dark and I have never seen so many rabbits running about. The rain had now stopped but it was still windy – although not cold.

This site is well worth the small amount of effort it takes to visit.
A large capstone held aloft by two very large uprights.
Visit if you can – it’s a good one.

Visited 9.9.12

We were based in Benllech for the week so I obviously just had to visit this site!

Directions:
Just as you enter Benllech from the south there is a minor road heading North West.
Take this road, through some trees, until you see a bridleway sign on your left.
There is room to park near the sign and the Burial Chamber can be seen in the field on your left as you squelch up the very muddy track.

The Chamber is now no more than a very low stony patch in the field close to the track. It is about 15m long x 0.3m high. There is little to see to be honest.
Access to the field is quite tricky as you have to get through a hedge, over a stone wall and over a barbed wire fence! Possible – but tricky.

In the field are two small copses of trees. In each copse is a pile of large stones piled up. It doesn’t take much imagination to think that these once formed part of the Burial Chamber?

One for the dedicated only – bring your wellies.
Better off visiting the nearby Pant-y-Saer Burial Chamber.

Visited 8.9.12

My last CADW site of the day – and what a productive day it has been!
There are so many prehistoric sites to visit in this corner of Anglesey it is like ‘old stone’ heaven!

We parked on the verge and Karen stayed in the car while myself and Sophie wandered over to have a look at the Dolmen.

Judging by the way the ground has been churned up around the fencing it is a good job it is there. Clearly the cows would have used the Dolmen for rubbing up against otherwise!

I hopped over the fence for a close up view.
Sophie giggled and ran inside the Dolmen.
There are 5 standing stones although only 3 of them are actually holding the capstone up.
There was lots of ‘hairy’ lichen covering the stones.

This is a cracking Dolmen – possibly the best on Anglesey.
There are great views over to Snowdonia.
All in all a ‘must see’ site.

Visited 8.9.12

I decided to walk across the fields from Bryn-Gwyn stone circle to the Henge as it is only a short walk and it was a nice sunny day. While crossing the farm drive I met the farmer who was busy cutting his grass. I smiled and waved and carried on my way.

All was well until I reached the stile which gives access to the field in which the Henge stands. Between me and the stile was a herd of cows who (for some reason) insisted on standing in front of the stile! Undeterred (after all this is a CADW site) I pushed my way between the cows that stubbornly refused to budge. I was soon over the stile and away from my bovine friends.

The Henge itself is pretty well preserved with the bank still about 1.5m high in places.
Pity about the house virtually in the middle of the Henge!

It’s not too often you get to visit a Henge and this is a good one.

Nice views over to Snowdonia.

Visited 8.9.12

We parked at the former entrance to the now derelict farmhouse and it was an easy enough matter to walk across the field to these two huge standing stones.
Although the stones are not visible from the road you can’t help but see them if you follow the hedge – either side will do.

One stone is approx 4m high x 2m across (thin) while the other is 3m high x 2m across x 1m deep. Both stones are covered in ‘hairy’ lichen

I also spotted a large stone in the hedge which has been used as a gate post.
I don’t know if this stone is part of the stone circle or not?

I found it impossible to imagine these stones as part of a stone circle.

There are great views to be had over to Snowdonia in the distance.

Well worth a visit when in the area.

Visited 8.9.12

Another CADW site – I am certainly knocking them off the list today!

Just up the road from Castell Bryn-Gwyn and well sign posted with a parking area.

Nearly all of the sites I visited on Anglesey I had to myself.
Bizarrely enough this one had a coach load of German tourists!
I assume the coach driver stopped here because of the large parking area and ease of access? There is a kissing gate and information board.

Despite the recent dry weather the ditches surrounding the site were still very boggy and you were guaranteed wet feet when crossing over.

This is a strange site – something out of the norm – which makes it a good one to visit
The banks still stand to a height of approx 1 metre in places.
The single stone block is easy to spot.

Visited 8.9.12

Directions:
Next to the A4080, north of Brynsiencyn, in dense woodland.

We parked at the top of the drive leading to the house opposite the woods.
I jumped over the small stone wall running alongside the road and tried to battle my way through the undergrowth to get a look at what was left of this site.
Unfortunately it was too difficult to progress very far and the woods are so overgrown that I couldn’t make anything out.
Perhaps I should have worn an Indiana Jones hat and carried a machete?

COFLEIN states:
‘A hillfort defined by 3 or more banks representing tumbled stone walls. It occupies the summit of a north-east ridge. The ruined walls enclose an area some 80m x 36m. There is a single entrance in the long south-eastern façade. The A4080 running along the summit of the cliff line has obscured part of the fort’.

Visited 8.9.12

This is obviously one of those ‘must see’ Anglesey sites.

I went to the Wayside Stores to ask for the key but was told it was now ‘escorted visits’ only.
The lady in the shop (who initially didn’t seem very interested) ‘phoned someone who said there was a group form Glasgow University being shown around the site at 2.00pm and could I join that group?
No problem said I and headed straight to the famous Chambered Cairn – where I was told to meet the party.

I arrived at the Cairn at 1.45pm – it is about a 10 minute walk from the large beach car park. Sophie was asleep so Karen stayed with her in the car whilst I took a wander along the headland. It was a sunny but windy day and I was surprised to see so many brave souls enjoying a ‘refreshing’ dip!

Whilst waiting for my ‘guide’ to arrive I first visited the nearby Round Cairn and then read the information boards. The outer door was open which gave access into the passageway but the inner door was padlocked. I was able to peer into the chamber but could not make out any of the carvings on the stones. No bother thought I, I will have a good look when my ‘guide’ arrives with the University group. It was now 2.00pm.

I looked back along the headland, expecting to see a gaggle of people but saw no one.
I sat down on the Cairn and admired the coastal views and seabirds.

2.15pm – two people turned up and despite my initial excitement soon became obvious they were ‘normal’ visitors who were also disappointed to find the door locked. ‘Don’t worry’ said I, someone with a key will be along soon! (How wrong I was)

2.30pm – still no sign – the couple who were waiting with me decided to give up and head back towards the beach.

2.45pm – I walked back along the headland forlornly hoping to see my ‘guide’ and his ‘posse’.

3.00pm – I gave up and headed back to the car. After all there is only so long you can expect people sat in a car to wait for you. Although this is not a direct fault of CADW it certainly doesn’t show them in a good light. I hope that when/if he ever did eventually show up they all had a nice time. No doubt it would have been a better experience than the one I did.

Hopefully those TMAers visiting will have more luck?

Not happy.

Visited 8.9.12

This Cairn is so close to Barclodiad-y-Gawres it just has to be visited.
It can be found a little to the north of its more famous neighbour.

On top of the grass covered mound I could see the tops of 5 of the cist stones peeping out of the grass. Some of the stones were covered in that ‘hairy’ lichen I had seen so much of when visiting the Scottish Islands.

Obviously good coastal views to be had.
Well worth a look when visiting the Chambered Cairn.

Visited 8.9.12

A CADW prehistoric site – one of many on Anglesey.

Although this site is signposted it is not easy to park but this is a quiet road and we squeezed in on the grass verge.

The Dolmen itself is visible from the road but a short walk (via a stone stile) will bring you up close and personal.
(There is a large stone next to the stile – I wonder if this has anything to do with the Dolmen?)

I noticed around the tomb a series of small concrete stumps.
Are the stumps there to protect the site from farming or to show the original outline of the Dolmen?

The capstone is very large with lichen growing on one side.
As reported it is held up by 3 original standing stones and 2 brick pillars.
The capstone seemed to me to be pointing towards Snowdonia.

There are good views to be had.
This is a good place to visit.

Visited 8.9.12

No more than a rough, grass covered mound – don’t bother

COFLEIN states:
‘A prehistoric round barrow north of Graiglass occupying a hill crest location. The mound is about 9m in diameter and 1m high. Its eastern side is mutilated’.

Visited 8.9.12

No more than a low grass ‘bump’ in a field – don’t bother.

COFLEIN states:
‘A mutilated BA funerary mound excavated in 1909. The barrow is 38m x 31m and rises to about 1m in height. In 1909 it was generally circular and rose up to 2.8m in height’.

Visited 8.9.12

For some strange reason I was unable to spot this stone.
The O/S map shows it right next to a minor road just south of the busy A5.
We drove up and down and parked up while I looked over the hedgerows.

I had a startle when leaning over one hedgerow when a large bird of prey flew up in front of me only about 4ft away – nice to see this beautiful bird up so close but a bit of a shock!

It was a lovely warm, sunny day and there was good views over to Snowdonia in the distance.

Pity I couldn’t find the stone but now it is time to move on to my next target........

Visited 8.9.12

It is impossible to park near the stone although there is room on the grass verge a little way up from Maen Hir House (opposite the stone)

The stone is fairly easily spotted sticking its head up above the dry stone wall.

You can sit on the wall and look over for a close up look.
Maybe it was the light but I couldn’t make out much of the inscription on the stone.

Visited 8.9.12

As previously stated this stone is very easy to visit – right next to the B5109.

You can pull in next to the field gate.

The stone is approximately 7ft tall x 2ft wide – covered in yellow and white lichen.

Good one to visit.

Visited 7.9.12

The stone is easy to visit as long as you are prepared to walk a little way up a private drive. (On the right)
You can easily park for two minutes as the entrance of said drive.

The stone is behind a barbed wire fence but is very easily seen.
I would estimate the stone is 7ft tall x 2ft across

Visited 8.9.12

The first of my Anglesey CADW sites.
This was a bit trickier to find than I was expecting.
Karen stayed in the car and I carried Sophie as I thought this would be easy to walk to.

Directions:
There is room to park near the farm entrance. (The sign for the tomb was covered by an overgrown hedge – I cleared it before we left)
Walk down the farm track (farm derelict?) and over the field gate.
Across a small paddock and over another field gate.
Across a field and over a padlocked, old, rusty gate.
Across another field and through a kissing gate.
Then across a field of thistles before squeezing through an overgrown kissing gate.
You then come to the Chambered Tomb! (In total it is a 15 minute walk)

The signage is poor and you can’t see the tomb until you are through the final kissing gate as the site is obscured by bushes / brambles etc.
The info board is no longer there.

In saying all this don’t be put off as persistence will prevail and the site is worth the effort. If you get lost – head for the ‘rocky hill’ – the site is in front of it.

There are two large remaining stones.
One is approx 6ft square and the other is about 4ft high x 7ft across.

Visited 7.9.12

Saw the dotted red symbol for the Cliff Fort on my AA road atlas so just had to visit!
This is a very easy Cliff Fort to access and is well worth the minimal effort required.

We parked in the large car park near the sea wall with adjacent shop /café and toilets.
Karen and Sophie stayed in the car while I went through the gate and up the footpath provided. This is a N.T. site so there are no problems with access.
A short but fairly steep walk will soon take you to the northern defences.

On the way up you pass a Second World War defence emplacement which is also worth a look.

The information board states that 1/3 of the site has been lost to coastal erosion.
What is left is a single ditch / rampart with extra defences on the eastern side.
The ditch/rampart is still in pretty good condition –particularly given its location.
From the inside the rampart is a much as 3 metres high in places.
From the bottom of the ditch on the outside is as high as 8 metres!

As well as the great coastal views you would expect to see there are also good views over to the mountains in the distance.
It takes about 10 minutes to walk right around the Fort.

This is a very good site to visit which I would heartily recommend.

(You can also get a cuppa when you get back to the car park!)

Visited 7.9.12

Directions:
On the side of the B4518 – just north of the junction with the side road which leads to the nearby Pen-y-Gaer Hillfort. There is room to pull over on the verge just after the road cuttings on your right – the Hillfort is directly above these cuttings.
Be careful as although this is only a B road it is very busy.

I jumped over the gate and headed up through the field of sheep. At the top of the field was a second gate to jump over. This then leads you into the western side of the Hillfort. Much of the southern/eastern part of the site is covered in gorse and bracken.

To be honest there is not a great deal to see other than the banks and ditches on the western side – although this is more than made up for by the great views.

The Pen-y-Gaer Hillfort is easier (and safer) to access and has better remains so would be my suggestion if you only have time to visit one of these Hillforts.

Visited 7.9.12

Thanks to Postie for bringing this site to light – otherwise I may have missed it!

This is a cracker of a Hillfort to visit with absolutely stunning views – they really are!

We parked at the viewpoint car park and Karen had a coffee from the Red Kite Kiosk while Sophie had an ice cream. I on the other hand decided to check out the Hillfort.

I walked up the small road behind the café and over the cattle grid (you could park here to avoid the walk if you so wished).
I then climbed over the metal field gate and made my way up to the Hillfort – a short but steep walk.

The tumbled stone walls are easy to see and it doesn’t take long to walk the full circumference of the site – whilst enjoying the views.
The Hillfort overlooks Bryn Tail lead mine (CADW site) also worth a look if you like that sort of thing?
By the way, I couldn’t spot the Cairn either!

All was quiet atop the Hillfort, except for the occasional screech of a bird of prey circling in the distance – a Red Kite perhaps?

It was a hot sunny day with only a light breeze.
Wind turbines were slowly revolving in the distance but it is the view over the reservoir which continues to capture your attention – it is splendid.

On the way back to the car I stopped to pick blackberries – what a great hobby this is!

This is definitely one to visit when in the area.

Visited 7.9.12

Now, I do like a pretty church setting for a standing stone and this is a good example of just that.

Parking on the main road (A496) you walk under the ornate wooden church grounds entrance and down the gravel path to the church.

The stone is easily found to the left of the church entrance.
The stone is approximately 4ft high x 2ft across.
As previously stated the stone is very smooth and had yellow lichen growing down one side.

I wanted to have a look around inside the church but unfortunately it was locked.
The church is in a lovely setting with mountains in the distance and a nice, slightly overgrown graveyard to investigate – if I only had the time!

Good place to visit this.

Visited 7.9.12

Directions:
In a field on the left of a minor road midway between the A499 and Dinas Dinlle.
There is room to park in front of the house which is opposite a metal field gate.
(Karen would like to point out that she thinks this is part of the lawn as it had just been mown – I on the other hand reckon this is not part of the property!)
NOTE – the standing stone is not visible from the road.

Hop over the gate and walk across the flat but muddy field (5 min walk)
The stone can be found in the second field on the left.

It is approximately 1.5 metre tall x 0.5 metre wide.
The stone has a great mountain backdrop.

Worth a quick look when in the area.

Visited 11.9.12

My penultimate CADW site.
Well sign posted; large car park and a level, information boards and a gravelled path leading direct to the site.
Nice and easy for a change!

Karen stayed in the car while Sophie and myself made the longer than expected walk (10 minutes) to the tomb.
As with nearly every site I visited on Anglesey this week we had the place to ourselves.

When seeing Bryn Celli Ddu for the first time it is an impressive sight – like a mini Maes Howe – without the need to pre-book a visit!

We first walked right around the Burial Chamber before entering from the far side.
During this walk I noticed a large stone in the next field – anything to do with the tomb?
Sophie was a little apprehensive at first but thought it was fun when I put her head light on. (This wasn’t really needed as it was fairly light inside)

The thing I was most interested in having a look at was the supposed ‘fossilised tree’ standing stone inside the chamber.
At first glance it just looked like a normal standing stone but the more I looked at it the more ‘tree-like’ it became.
The stone is very ‘trunk like’ – rounded like a pillar (or tree trunk!) and the side facing you does have ‘bark-like’ markings although the opposite side shows no such markings.
It would be fascinating to know if this is in fact a fossilised tree or not?

Either way, there was something I had never seen before in a Burial Chamber next to the standing stone – a Weegie Board!
On top of which as an ‘offering’ of a bunch of lavender (I think).
I wonder if they got a response?

It goes without saying that this is a ‘must see’ site.
Probably the best prehistoric site on Anglesey.

Visited 6.9.12

What a difference a visit makes.
Last time I was here I was chased by a herd of cows – this time all I had to avoid was the nearby portable loos!
Perhaps I should explain?

For a few years now myself and Karen had talked about visiting a sheep dog trials (as you do). We saw this event advertised in the local paper so thought we would have a look. I then realised that the event also just so happens to be held in a field with a Neolithic Burial Chamber and a Standing Stone. That’s what I call a win-win!

We paid our money and parked in the field.
It turned out that this was no ordinary event – it was the International Grand Finals.
While Karen was nosing at Princess Ann (we wondered who was in the helicopter?) I searched around for the burial chamber – it’s all a matter of importance of course!

There it was; near the toilets, hidden from general view by a trade stall.
I wonder how many, if any, of the people attending this 3 day event will have any idea what they are walking past? Very few I suspect.
It was as I remembered it – still surrounded by nettles.

I did however have a better appreciation of the slight ‘mound’ the chamber sits on.
It is approx 10m long x 5m wide – no doubt the remains of the covering material?
The capstone is about 3m long x 1.5m wide x 1m thick.
There are also 3 large stones and many smaller ones near / under the capstone.

This tomb is in a reasonably prominent position in the undulating farm land.
With Tinkinswood and St Lythams Burial Chambers not too far away this has obviously always been a good farming area.

Worth a visit but normally you will need to ask permission at the farm first.

Standing Stone

Visited 6.9.12

The field in which the stone stands (in undergrowth right next to the road) had been turned into a car park for the day so it was a great chance to have a proper close-up viewing of the stone.
The stone is the other side of a barbed wire fence.

Sophie and myself walked down the field, through the recently harvested crop, to the stone while Karen and Dafydd stayed at the car.

The first thing to strike me was the size of the thing.
It’s a lot bigger up close than it looks from afar – it wouldn’t look out of place at Avebury.
I would say it is approximately 3 metres x 2 metres.
Although I know the stone has been moved to this spot at some time in the past I can’t imagine it has been moved very far due to the sheer size of it.

The stone is just about visible from the road but you need to be this side of the undergrowth to be able to have a proper look and appreciate its size.

As with the Burial Chamber permission to visit will need to be made at the farm.
Worth a visit.

I visited this site several years ago after seeing it featured in a Time Team episode.

You can drive right to the sea wall and parking is easy.

I wasn’t expecting to see anything – and i didn’t as the tide was in! – but it was nice to just visit the place and think of the people who once roamed here.

Visited 23.8.12

Directions:
Drive north along the B4255 through Trelewis and turn left at the sign for Trelewis Park. Stay on this road until you reach Tirlan Farm and the sign which states ‘Private Road – permission only’ – park here.

The O/S map shows two Cairns south of the farm, two north of the farm and a further two further north. Although the road is private it appears to be a public right of way if walking?

Time was against me so I settled for a look at the two Cairns south of the farm.

Walking a short distance up the ‘private road’ the Cairns can be quite easily seen over the drystone wall on your right.
The most southerly cairn is about 0.5m high x 3m across and quite well defined.
The Cairn a short distance away is in less good condition and has a fence running across it and a couple of trees growing in/around it. It is approximately 0.5m high x 8m across.

Visited 23.8.12

Directions:
Take the minor road north out of Treharris which is sign posted Merthyr Vale.
(This road is tricky to find but you need to turn left at the church up a very steep and poor quality road)
Keep going past Tir Cook farm and the Cairn is on the right.

The Cairn is now little more than a rough grass area.
Not worth the effort.

COFLEIN states:

‘A cairn formerly 7m in diameter and 0.4m high in 1956 has all but been ploughed out, surviving as a patch of undulations 7m across’.

Visited 23.8.12

Directions:
From Abertridwr take the minor roads west until you come to a cross roads and you see a church to your left. Best place to park is at the church as the lanes here are very narrow. From the church walk back to the cross roads and head straight up the rough track. It takes about 20 minutes to reach the Barrow.

This is a fairly remote spot yet there was so much dumped rubbish around it beggared belief – sofas, armchairs, mattresses, shelving, litter, bottles, cans etc – all on the way up to the Barrow. Why do people take so much trouble to dump stuff in these places rather than take the junk to the council tip? They really should be ashamed of themselves although I doubt they give anything (other than themselves) any thought at all. Rant over.

Despite the off-putting rubbish I carried on up the path to be met by a farmer on his quad bike and sheepdog rounding up some stray sheep who had escaped from their field. We smiled and went on our way.

When I reached the point where the Barrow is I couldn’t find it!
This is a rough, lump-bumpy, area of land with much spiky grass about.
There were several possibilities for the Barrow but I can’t say for sure I spotted it?

Hopefully when you visit you will have more luck than me and that the rubbish has been cleared?

COFLEIN states:
‘A much denuded round cairn located close to field walls is represented as a stony area about 18m in diameter with a height of up to 0.4m at the edges’.

Visited 23.8.12

Directions:
Take the A465 west out of Merthyr Tydfil and when you come to the junction with the B4276 there is a hotel on your right. There is room to park next to the hotel – park here. The Cairns are North West of the hotel.

This site has been on ‘hit list’ for a while and at last I was here.
That’s pretty much as far as the good news went!

The O/S map shows a public footpath running from the side of the hotel straight past the cairns – what could be easier? Problem is the footpath doesn’t exist in reality!

The area is completely overgrown with head height grasses, nettles and brambles.
Not only that but the ground is completely waterlogged – a bit like a bog.
I battled my way through all this for about 50 metres in the hope that things would improve but alas id didn’t. In addition it looked like a fence was blocking the way a bit further on. It really was pretty grim.

In the end I gave up and went back to the car.
Perhaps a winter visit would make progress a bit easier?
If you do decide to come in the winter – make sure you bring your wellies!

COFLEIN states:
‘A group of small cairns and possible vestigial enclosures located on a ridge just North of A465. Nine mounds were noted, none more than 3m across and 0.3m high’.

Visited 22.8.12

To be honest I don’t know if I found this Cairn?
There are several patches of stones hidden amongst the ferns and they all looked pretty much the same.
Was one of these the Cairn? – I honestly don’t know.

Perhaps a winter visit would be best?

On the plus side there are decent views down the valley to be had.

Visited 22.8.12

This took a bit of effort to reach.

Directions:
Head north along the A4061 towards Treorchy.
Just before the B4223 junction there is a place to park on the right in front of a locked forestry commission? access road. There is room to park without blocking the gate.
Head along the access road which zigzags up the hill until you are amongst the trees.
(When you come to the fork in the road go left)
When you come to a stone lined drainage ditch (about 1 metre wide) you have to jump across it and scramble up a steep bank. At the top of the bank is a barbed wire fence you need to negotiate. You then come out onto the Hillfort which is clear of trees.
No doubt there is an easier way to get to the Hillfort but I always seem to find the hard way!

It is a steep old climb and takes about 30 minutes. Given the obstacles it is one for the fairly fit and mobile only I would say. I was pretty knackered when I got to the top!

There is not too much to add about the Hillfort. It is fairly flat and mostly covered in ferns. There are also lots of groups of stones and rough grass covering the site.
An oval bank about 1 metre high is the most discernable part of the Hillfort.

One for the enthusiast only.

Visited 22.8.12

Didn’t think I would find this one but for a change I did!

Directions:
At the junction of the A4107 / A4061 there is a view point with a large car park.
Park here. (If you are lucky there is sometimes a burger van parked there)
Looking down the valley there is a ‘path’ running along the hillside to the right.
This is the ‘path’ which runs close to the Cairn. You cross a small stream on the way.

Looking at my notes and the terrain in front of me I didn’t expect to find this Cairn but thought I would try anyway.

It takes about 15 minutes to walk to the site and the Cairn is quite difficult to spot.
It is in amongst ‘spiky’ grass and consists of a small mound of stones.
Despite being a pretty bleak place to visit there are decent views to be had.
One best to visit on a nice day – if they ever have nice days up here?

Visited 27.8.12

Saw this on the map (tumulus) so thought I would check it out despite E.H. having nothing to report on the site.

Directions:
Taking the A363 south we turned north following the signs for Monkton Farleigh.
Drive north through the village and past the manor house.
Take the first left and you will shortly come to the public footpath signs pointing north and south. You can park at the southern path but take the northern path to the Barrow.

You walk along the edge of a field which was full of crop – wheat.
When you reach the second field you will just about be able to make out the much ploughed out remains of the Barrow.
It is now a slight mound about 0.5m high x 20m across.

So not much to see but this is such a pleasant part of the world that a walk in the countryside here makes the visit (just about) worthwhile.

On the way back to the car the sound of not too distant shotguns could be heard.

Visited 27.8.12

Directions:
We came off the A363 and followed the signs for Ashley. We then went through a maze of lanes until we found the road which winds through Warleigh Wood. An O/S map is required.

Once we arrived at approximately the right place we just about managed to find a passing place to squeeze into. Parking is difficult along this minor road. I looked over the barbed wire fence into deep woodland and doubted I would be able to find the Cairn despite the O/S map showing it to be close to the road. I found a suitable place to hop over the fence (always a bit dodgy in shorts!) and roamed amongst trees.

I was about to give up and when I spotted it! It is not easy to find.
This much mangled Cairn is low and covered in ferns, brambles, several small trees and huge amounts of moss.

Despite this I liked the atmosphere of the place but would say this is one for the dedicated only given the difficulty in access / finding the Cairn.

Visited 27.8.12

My last stop on the way home after a pleasant Bank Holiday visit to Devizes.

We drove north through Cherhill and stopped where the road forks and a sign states ‘no access – private road – footpath only’ or words to that affect.

Despite being dry all day it was now pouring down and I needed to put my waterproofs on.
Karen and Sophie stayed in the car as I donned my wellies and headed up the road.

After passing a barn full of cows (all sheltering from the rain and looking at me as if I am daft being out in this weather) you come to a house on the right. Just before the house is a footpath sign on the right and after jumping over a shiny new metal field gate you can walk along the edge of a field / the side of the house’s garden. Be careful as this field has an electric fence running all around it. Again, cows were in the field sheltering out of the rain under some trees and looking at me as equally strangely as the ones in the barn did!

After crossing the field you come to an old rusty gate. Immediately after this are woods on the left with a sign nailed to a tree stating ‘private – no access’. Obviously I ignored the sign and carefully stepped over the barbed wire fence into the trees.

It took a few minutes wandering around to spot the Barrow but it isn’t difficult to find. It is approximately 3 metres high x 15 metres across. The Barrow is covered in mature trees and nettles. The top of the Barrow has a small hollow in it – presumably as a result of digging?
Due to the trees there are no views to be had although I suspect there would be decent views without them?

Time to get out of the rain and squelch back to the car.
Worth a visit when in the area.

The Werfa

Visited 22.8.12

Despite being warm and sunny in Cardiff, you don’t have to travel too far into the valleys before encountering the expected wind and rain – at one point I could even see my breath!
It really is a different world up here – at least it is every time I visit!

I parked on the grass verge near the locked metal gate, hopped over and headed up the concrete road. Once you come off the main concrete road it becomes a rough track which is easy enough to follow although well worn. Both the road and in particular the track were under water in places and I had to squelch through the grass / mud to detour around the puddles. The rain was falling and in places the track was little more than a glorified stream!
It takes 20 minutes to walk from the road to the Barrow.

As Gladman states, there isn’t much to see of the Barrow which is approximately 0.3m high x 15m across: a rough grass covered mound.
Although there are pretty decent views to be had I wouldn’t really recommend a visit.
If in the area you would be better off visiting the nearby Grug Yr Afan which is easier to get to and there is more to see.

Visited 27.8.12

These four Barrows can be found to the right of the drive leading to Baltic Farm. You can pull in at the entrance to the farm although the Barrows are also easy to spot from the busy A361.

There is no public right of way into the field where the Barrows are so I settled for a view from the farm drive. (I didn’t have time to ask permission from the farm)

E.H. state:
‘The monument includes a pair of bell barrows and a pair of bowl barrows which, along with a further bell barrow to the north east, form a round barrow cemetery at Baltic Farm on North Down. This cemetery is one of a number of barrow cemeteries located on the Downs. The barrows are aligned broadly north east to south west. The bell barrow at the western end of the group has a mound 19m in diameter which stands up to 3m high. It is surrounded by a 4.5m wide berm around which lies a quarry ditch from which material was obtained during the construction of the mound. This ditch is no longer visible at ground level but survives as a buried feature c.5.5m wide. The barrow was partially excavated by Colt-Hoare who found a cremation burial near the centre of the mound. Immediately to the east and between the two bell barrows lies a bowl barrow, the mound of which measures c.8m in diameter and 0.9m high. There is no evidence that this barrow was ever surrounded by a ditch and it appears to have been deliberately placed between the two bell barrows at a slightly later date. When partly excavated by Cunnington this barrow was found to contain a cremation burial accompanied by a shale or jet ornament and a bone pin. The barrow may also have been excavated by Colt-Hoare who found a further cremation just to the north. The eastern bell barrow mound measures 17m in diameter and stands up to 2.4m high. Although no longer visible, its outer berm is known to measure c.4m across and is surrounded by a 5m wide quarry ditch. Both Cunnington and Colt-Hoare carried out partial excavations on this mound. At the eastern end of the monument is a second bowl barrow. This has a mound which measures 13m in diameter and 0.9m high. Although no longer visible at ground level, it is surrounded by a 2m wide quarry ditch which can be seen on aerial photographs.‘

Visited 24.8.12

Directions:
Next to the minor road north out of Ponthir – near Caerleon.

The road is narrow and despite the hedgerows being high the site can just about be seen from the road. Access to the site can be made via a field gate near the farm drive.

There is not a lot to see although the field has clearly been levelled off and this can best be seen on the eastern side.
This site does not strike me as being a Hillfort – more of an enclosure of some sort.
But there again, what do I know?
Not much to recommend a visit I’m afraid.

COFLEIN states:
‘A defended low hillock defined by traces of internal scarping on the N, berming on the N,S and E, and counterscarping on the S and W. The enclosed area measures about 100m (N-S) by 75m. The scarp edge which defines the interior rises to a max of 4m above the surrounding slope. The N end berm has been turned over by grazing horses’.

Directions:
See directions for Twyn Cae-Hugh Barrow.
These two Barrows are a lot closer to the cattle grid and only require a short walk.

Twyn-Yr-Oerfel (A)
This is the first of the two Barrows you come to.
This is a great spot for a Barrow and the views are excellent.
The Barrow is grass covered with a small amount of gorse and ferns.
Several stones stick out of the grass within the central depression.

COFLEIN states:
’11m in diameter and 1.5m high. At the centre is an excavation hollow 3m across and 0.5m deep’.

Twyn-Yr-Oerfel (B)
A little further along the track from Barrow (A)
This Barrow is in a sorry state.
There are clear tyre tracks right over the Barrow and a great deal of damage is being caused.
Already a large depression has been made and many of the stones constructing the Barrow have been revealed and dislodged.
This area is clearly used by ‘off road’ bikes etc and I am afraid to say this Barrow is bearing the brunt if it.
I will be looking to see who I can report this destruction to and hopefully prevent further damage? It is sad that a prehistoric monument is being treated this way.

COFLEIN states:
‘Constructed on a small rocky outcrop, cairn 16m in diameter and 2m high. Central disturbance indicates its slab construction’.

Failed visit 24.8.12

Directions:
North West of Twyn Cae-Hugh Barrow – on open moorland.

I couldn’t spot this cairn as the terrain in undulating moorland which has large areas covered in ferns.
There were several possibilities for the cairn but they all turned out to be natural as I could find no trace of the cist.
No doubt a winter visit would make things easier?

COFLEIN states:
‘A turf covered stony mound measuring 15m in diameter and 0.8m high. A cist has been exposed at its centre. The capstone lies a few metres to the north’.

Visited 24.8.12

Directions:
Travelling east along the A468, as you go down the hill into Machen, take the first turning on the left. You then go under two railway arches and up a VERY steep hill. Keep on this narrow road (hoping that nothing is coming the other way) until you go over a cattle grid and onto Mynydd Y Grug common – park here. You pass Penlan farm on the right shortly before the cattle grid.

First impression I am afraid are not good as there is plenty of rubbish strewn around near the cattle grid. All the usual suspects can be found – take away cartons, cans of alcohol etc.
Why do people make the effort to come to this fairly remote place only to despoil it?
I can probably half answer my question as the views over Cwmfelinfach to the north are splendid. Would someone able to appreciate the location be the same type of person to drop litter?

Don’t let this first impression put you off and follow the track north west to the fine Twyn Cae-Hugh Barrow. The walk from the cattle grid takes about 25 minutes and you pass the two Twyn-Yr-Oerfel Barrows along the way as a bonus.
The Barrow is easy to spot on the right of the path just after you come out of the other side of the trees. It is fenced off but a gate gives easy access. Judging by the amount of scrambler motorbike tyre tracks around it is just as well it is protected by the fence.

The Barrow itself is large and covered in brambles, ferns and foxgloves.
The top of the Barrow has been dug into.
The views are not too good – particularly when compared with the smaller nearby Twyn-Yr-Oerfel Barrows.

Well worth a visit.

COLEIN states:
‘A large round cairn on the edge of a forestry plantation measures 25m in diameter and 2.5m high. A central depression measures 4m across and 1.3m deep. There is now no trace of the surrounding ditch’.

Visited 28.7.12

A visit to St Lythans when visiting Tinkinswood is pretty much a given.

This time the audio post was in place and working fine.
You turn the dial to the required setting and give the handle a quick crank.
You then have a few minutes talk giving details of the site.
I have to say I thought this was rather good and would be of benefit to most people visiting this site – it certainly gives a better appreciation of the tomb and its surroundings.
The audio post is near the road so well away from the tomb itself.

As with Tinkinswood I had the place to myself.
In fact I have never seen anyone else here which is a shame as it is a good place to visit and easy to access.

Visited 28.7.12

After reading an article in the latest CADW magazine I was inspired to make another trip to Tinkinswood.
This was no hardship as A – it was a lovely sunny day, B – it’s only 30 minutes away and C – it’s a fab place to visit!

I parked in the small parking area and made my way across the field to the burial chamber.
As ever, I had the place to myself although on this occasion the chamber didn’t have its near permanent puddle, just a few inches of soft mud.
Which at least made stooping through the entrance a bit less messy than normal.

The sun was warm, the grass dry (also for a change) and I sat a while in the forecourt and tried to imagine the ceremonies which may have taken place here and all the people who had been here over 5,000 years or so. It was a very relaxing experience.

I then headed over to the ‘quarry’ area to have a look at the place where a Bronze Age Barrow had recently been discovered.

The CADW article states that this was a ‘modest barrow, about 5m in diameter. It covered two pits cut into the bedrock but, presumably due to the acidic soil, no traces remained of the burials’. In the upper levels, a lot of cremated bones and a Roman coin was found.

Looking at the Barrow site a very slight raise can be seen if you use the ‘eye of faith’.
It did make me think mind why the large slabs of stone were piled on top of it?
Was this deliberate or coincidence? I guess we will never know.
These stones used to be thought as a possible collapsed burial chamber but it has been shown that this is not the case – even if it looks like one!

I then went to have a go at the new audio post which CADW have installed to tell the site’s story. Unfortunately it has already been removed! I did hear that it had stopped working after only 2 weeks so hopefully it has been taken to be repaired and not as an act of vandalism.