CARL

View from afar 13.11.11

Whilst driving north along the minor road from Lambourne 7 Barrows towards the Blowing Stone I looked over to my left towards Rams Hill. I wasn’t planning a visit and just happened to look over to see if I could see anything. I was in luck.

The crops were in and the grass low. The sun was in just the right position in the sky and I could clearly see the contour of a ditch, cast in shadow, running around the eastern slope of Rams Hill. The ditch was about a quarter of the way down the slope from the top of the hill. Had the sun not been in the position it was I probably wouldn’t have been able to see anything. As I say, I was in luck.

Visited 13.11.11

Taking the minor road north off the B4507 you pass through the village of Kingston Lisle and shortly come to a cemetery. Park here.

Opposite the cemetery is Greenfield House (the one with the barking dog).
Walk past the house (north) and you can then easily enough make your way through the bushes into the field. I managed this while carrying Sophie with little problem
I walked around the edge of the field keeping the tall garden hedge to my right.
When the hedge finishes you come to a small wooded area which is ‘protected’ by a barbed wire fence. From this point the Barrow is easily seen amid the trees – totally covered with bushes / brambles etc.

Had I not had Sophie with me I would have hopped over the fence for a closer look but as it was I settled for a view from the field.

On our way back to the car we started a pheasant which flew out of a bush and made myself and Sophie jump. A minute or two later I heard shotgun blasts in the distance. I hope the two events weren’t related!

Visited 13.11.11

I approached the site from the minor road off the A417 to the east of Wantage.
Where the road takes a sharp turn to the left there is just about room to park.
On such a lovely day it was perhaps not surprising to see so many people out and about walking / cycling etc.

I headed west towards Wantage along the narrow tarmac path and soon came to the ‘mound’. The ‘mound’ being right next to the path, the other side of a muddy ditch.
There is not much to see – just a ‘mound’ covered in bushes / trees / brambles etc.
It could be a Barrow (it looks the right shape) but there again what do I know?

In truth there is little to recommend a visit.

‘Drive-by’ visit 13.11.11

Driving north along the minor road past Lambourne 7 Barrows and Lambourne Long Barrow you can see one of the two Barrows marked on the O/S clearly in a field to your right.

From the road it appears to be about 1 metre high and 20 metres across.
The second Barrow to the east is not visible from the road and unfortunately I didn’t have time to stop for a proper look at the Barrows.

Access looked straight forward enough across the fields but there doesn’t appear to be any official public right of way.

English Heritage record the site as Sparsholt Down Barrow Cemetery and use list entry ID – 1018720

‘Drive by’ visit 13.11.11

On an unseasonably warm and sunny November afternoon it was a pleasant drive past the famous Barrows and with the summer vegetation now low the Barrows stood out even more than ever. Yellow / brown islands in a sea of lush green.

It is often the case with Barrows that they are best viewed from afar rather than close up. If I had had time I would have liked to have stopped but with Karen not feeling very well I had to settle for a ‘drive by’ view.

Still, it was a very pleasant sight.

Visited 13.11.11

Finding the church was easy enough (it is signposted off the B449) but the stone itself proved a little more elusive.

As it was Sunday morning a service was being held so we just about managed to park in the church car park. I walked up the path, past the church entrance, through a gate and into the graveyard.

It is a large graveyard with various info boards giving details of the Abbey which once stood there. Unfortunately there is no monition of the standing stone.

I looked through the trees, around the perimeter of the church and along the only hedge I could see. There was a lady tending a grave and I went for a chat to ask her if she knew where the stone was? She said she had never heard of it but seemed quite interested. We walked up and down and then realised the stone was on the other side of the hedge! I had pretty much walked past it when I first entered the graveyard.

The stone is a lot smaller than I was expecting – only about 0.5 metre square and very weather worn. The lady was also pleased to have seen the stone and went back to the grave. Worth a quick look when in the area but not worth travelling far for.

Directions: park in the church car park and take the path to the left of the church entrance. Then immediately turn right and walk to the (locked) metal gate. The stone is easily seen just in front of the hedge.

Visited 13.11.11

This was an interesting place to visit.
I initially walked past the two kerbside stones without spotting them but soon found where they lay.

One stone is about 7 inches across and the other larger stone (the one outside the cottage) is about 12 inches across.

My first reaction was to dismiss the stones but then again it is strange how they have been left amid the obviously different modern kerb stones. Hmmmm……………….

The church looked very pretty but unfortunately I didn’t have time to look around.

Visited 13.11.11

I parked in the large car park used by walkers and the model aircraft club (several of which were flying their planes) and walked across the road for a closer look at this strangely named Barrow. The Barrow is easily seen from the lane.

I jumped over the locked field gate and was soon stood on top of the Barrow. There are indeed splendid views to be had down the valley.
The Barrow is about 25 metres across and 1 metre high.

Right in the middle of the Barrow was a large hole made by some animal or other – perhaps a badger’s sett? I wasn’t going to stick my arm in to find out!

Visited 13.11.11

Wow, what a great little site!
Easy to find and just about room to squeeze a car in on the verge near the stone itself.

Luckily when I opened the box there was one postcard and leaflet next. The postcard is 40p and the leaflet 20p – honesty box.
The leaflet is very informative and even gives instructions on how the ‘blow’ the stone! I didn’t try as I wasn’t sure which hole I should be blowing up!

I liked this stone a lot – glad I visited.

Myself, Karen and Dafydd visited this church 3 years ago whilst on a weeks holiday in sunny Scotland (well, not that sunny actually!)
We called in as it was being used as a tearooms and we (as ever) fancied a cuppa.
Karen sat down with Dafydd while I queued for teas. They had a fine selection of home made cakes and I called over to Karen to ask her what she fancied?
‘I’ll have a Welsh Cake please‘
I won’t tell you what my response was...........!

Visited 29.10.11

I took the minor road off the A485 and headed towards Pentrefynys Farm. As I approached the farm I was stopped by someone leaving in a 4x4 and I explained that I was hoping to have a look at the stone. The chap was a bit wary and said he knew about the stone but that I would have to ask permission at the farm. I thanked him and continued down the narrow lane.

Before reaching the farmhouse I spotted the stone on my right and decided to ‘go for it’. So far today I had seen several stones but had not got close enough to touch any – I was determined to put that right!

I parked up, jumped over the field gate and ran through the wind, rain and mud to get close to the stone. I guess only TMAers will understand the satisfaction you get from touching a stone as opposed to just looking at it.

I didn’t hang around too long as I was blocking the lane and getting very wet!

p.s. the stone was still covered in bird poo!!

Visited 29.10.11

My last site of the day.
I found this stone to be quite difficult to get anywhere near.

Taking the minor road west through the modern housing estate in Peniel I parked up in the first of two passing places as suggested. So far so good.

Then the difficult bit. I could find no easy way through the trees and had to battle through bushes, brambles and ankle deep mud. In the middle of the trees was a small stream which could be jumped over without too much bother but the whole area was very wet with several large puddles to navigate. Venturing out of the trees I had to climb over a fence before entering a field. I walked a little way through the field and could see the stone – two fields over.

The stone was pointy and reminded me of a witch’s hat. Which in turn reminded me that I had to make sure I was home in time to take Sophie and Dafydd to a Halloween party! With this in mind (plus the pouring rain) I decided not to try to get any closer and settle for a view from afar.

Worth the effort I guess but certainly not the easiest of stones to see.

‘Non-visit’ 29.10.11

After having a look at Crug Bwlch Bychan Cairn I looked at the O/S map and spotted a Barrow in the field to the south. May as well have a look I thought.

Problem was that not only was the rain coming in horizontally but mist had suddenly started to descend. As I made my way across the fields the mist got thicker and visibility poorer. It was now down to about 30 metres and given my track record for getting lost I was starting to worry I wouldn’t be able to find my way back to the car (I hadn’t brought my compass with me). In the end I chickened out and headed back to the car. Despite being the middle of the afternoon full headlights required!

COFLEIN records the site:
‘A circular mound, apparently undisturbed, 28 metres in diameter and 1.1 metres high’.

Visited 29.10.11

Heading south out of Llanpumsaint village I took the very minor road west and
headed towards Penllwynuchel Farm. There is room to park at the junction leading north towards Bwlch Gwyn Farm.

At the junction there is a field gate and directly in front of you is the Cairn.

The field entrance was a quagmire and as the Cairn itself is completely covered in bushes, gorse etc I didn’t see any advantage of gaining a closer look.
The Cairn is quite large, about 20 metres across and about 2 metres high. Although due to the vegetation on top of the Cairn I couldn’t tell where the Cairn ended and the bushes started!

COFLEIN describes the site:
‘A flat topped circular mound 18 metres in diameter and 0.6 metres high. Has been opened generating reports of quartz pebbles’.

Visited 29.10.11

Just a bit further west along the same minor road from Caerau Clyngwyn Hillfort.
I parked at the entrance to the farm opposite and access to the site is easy as there is a permissive footpath leading through the field. Footpath sign present.
The two Barrows are easy to spot – only a 1 minute walk away.

The larger of the two Barrows is the one on the left – being about 1 metre high and 30 metres across. The Barrow to the right is about the same height but slightly smaller – 25 metres across. The field was full of sheep.

COFLEIN gives a brief description:
‘Two Barrows, ploughed but substantial’.

South of the Barrows is an Iron Age enclosure (Garn Fawr Circle – SN39622379) but I didn’t have time to check it out.

Visited 29.10.11

Directions:
Just south of Bronwydd Arms, take the minor road west off the A484.

The Hillfort itself is not much to write home about; not much to see other than a large conical mound – no sign of any ditch or rampart. There are decent views to be had from the top. Not worth the effort of a special visit.

COFLEIN describes the site:
‘A Hillfort defined by natural slopes on two, opposing sides and artificial slopes on the remaining sides’.

Visited 29.10.11

After visiting the nearby Meini Gwyn stones I continued east along the minor road to check out this Hillfort.
I parked on the road at the junction where the drive heads south to Baencwm Farm.

I walked past a couple of houses and was soon at the eastern rampart of the Hillfort.
At this point the rampart is about 3 metres high but totally overgrown with tress / bushes etc. I managed to clamber up the bank and could see the northern section of the rampart curving around – the ramparts here looked about 2 metres high.

This was my last site of the day and by now the raining was falling heavily; I was tired and wet through. There didn’t appear to be any obvious access point to the Hillfort (the centre of which looks like it is used for grazing) and I didn’t fancy battling through the hedge so I decided to head back to the car.

I was about the drive off when a farmer pulled up in his Land Rover. I thought ‘here we go’ but he just asked if I could stay put as his cattle was being herded down the lane. I was happy to oblige. It is odd sitting in a car and having a herd of cows pass either side of you!

COFLEIN describes the site thus:
‘Croes Arthur Hillfort has been described as a promontory fort in the ledge position, the irregular plan of this fort has suggested more than one period of construction. The site name is not recognised locally’.

Visited 29.10.11

I agree 100% with the comments made by Kammer. I can really only add that the stone is still standing – just.

Unless it is re-erected it won’t be long before it falls – which would be a shame.

Visited 29.10.11

I took the minor road south west out of Llanpumpsaint village and then the private road leading to Bwlch Yr Onnan Farm. As I approached the farm there was a sign which warned – ‘private – guard dogs on patrol‘

I did think about turning around at this point but by now I had no choice but to keep going as the farm track was barely the width of the car and there was nowhere to turn. I had to continue to the farm in order to turn around. The farm track was in poor condition.

As I turned I spotted the stone the other side of the field fence. It is a fine stone, the biggest I had seen today, approximately 2 metres high x 1 metre square. Given the warning about the dogs

I decided to play safe and view from the safety of my car. I didn’t see any dogs but I wasn’t taking a chance!

Failed visit 29.10.11

I parked outside the school in the village of Nantgaredig on the B4310. I then crossed the road and tried to find an access point to the fields behind the bungalows where the stones stand. I found a field gate between two of the bungalows and thought this would be a simple visit – how wrong I was!

I decided to leave my wellies in the car as it was only drizzling and I thought the ground wouldn’t be too soggy. I jumped over the field gate and immediately sunk ankle deep in mud!

To make matters worse the stones were nowhere to be seen. I walked through to the next field and the field after that. By now the drizzle was getting heavier and the long grass had soaked my supposedly waterproof boots and non waterproof jeans. Still no sign of the stones. I went back onto the main road and followed the road down until I was directly opposite where the O/S map shows the stones to be. Unfortunately between me and the stones was a house! Despite my best efforts I could see no way of access other than knocking on the door and asking to jump over their garden wall – something I decided against!

I assume there must be some way of access via the fields I entered earlier but I couldn’t work out how to get to where I wanted to go.

I squelched back to the car. My first site of the day, failed visit and my feet soaked through – it is going to be a long day!

Visited 29.10.11

Taking the minor road east off the A485 I parked up on the grass verge opposite the field the O/S map showed the stones to be.

I hopped over the (brand new) barbed wire fence and made my way through the field to the back of the house where one of the stones lay.

The large quartz stone was easy to spot from the field, in the middle of the garden, approximately 1 metre x 2 metres.

Visited 19.10.11.

‘Short, sharp showers’ confidently predicted the weather forecaster. For that read ‘mini monsoon mixed with sleet’! Undeterred myself, Karen, Dafydd and Sophie decided to have the afternoon at the Cwmcarn Forest Drive near Newport.

Cwmcarn is a nice place to visit with a visitors centre (shop/café/toilets etc), walks, BBQ facilities, children’s play park and several viewing points. The bit I was most interested in of course was the Hillfort!

There is room to park at the bottom of the hill (car park number 7) and an information board giving details of the Hillfort. It is then a 20 minute steep walk up to the Hillfort – there is no proper footpath, just an obvious ‘path’ over the grass.
Two weeks ago I was complaining it was too hot, now it was like the middle of winter. Storm clouds overhead and a biting cold wind – getting stronger as myself and Dafydd climbed the hill. Karen sensibly deciding to stay in the car with Sophie.

It was a fair old climb, particularly trying to carry Dafydd who decided he was too tired to walk anymore and wanting to go back to the car. ‘I’m freezing and turning blue’ Dafydd informed me – a bit of an exaggeration but I know what he meant.
Eventually we arrived at the single ditch/rampart of the Hillfort which is still about 2 metres deep. We continued the walk up onto the Medieval Motte and Dafydd cwtched into me whilst I admired the fantastic view. Newport, Cardiff, both Severn bridges and across into the West Country. This is quite a spot.

Oddly enough there was a herd of cows also at the Hillfort, many of them sheltering out of the wind in the ditch. Quite why they would want to come all the way up here I don’t know. What was more worrying was a single bull who was staring intently at us.

Due to a combination of the cold / wind / bull / rain we didn’t stay too long at headed back down the hill to the shelter and warmth of the car.

It costs £5 per car to enter the forest drive which is good value. If you would rather avoid this cost there is access to the Hillfort from a minor road to the east. There are also two cairns next to the track if coming from that direction.

Visited 13.10.11.

As a birthday treat I took the day off work and myself, Karen, Dafydd and Sophie went to the Cotswolds area for the day – a lovely part of the world.
On the way to a luchtime meal at the excellent Fleece Inn (N.T. site) I decided a slight detour was in order to check out these Barrows.
My O/S map showed two Barrows although in his ‘Guide to Prehistoric England’ Nicholas Thomas states that there are 6 Bowl Barrows here.

What then can actually be seen?
In two words – not much.

The Barrow right next to the drive leading to the farm has very little left to be seen. No more than 0.5 metres high and about 15 metres across. It looked like the western end of the Barrow has been cut through by th farm drive.

The other Barrow marked on the map which is across the other side of the field has survived a little better. Clearly seen from the drive it is about 1 metre high and 30 metres across.
Normally this wouldn’t be much to write home about but for today’s adventures this turned out to be the highlight!

By the way, the village of Snowshill is well worth having a look at – very pretty. One of the many ‘picture postcard’ villages to be found in the Cotswolds.

Visited 13.10.11

After visiting the excellent Middle Littleton Tithe Barn (N.T. site) I went to have a look for this Barrow.
We parked on the main road and I walked with Sophie up the lane towards the site. (As it turned out we could have driven up the lane). Still, Sophie enjoed the walk, chuckling most of the way, and managing to eat the odd blackberry we found.
As the lane turns sharp to the south a public footpath leads you to the Barrow – sign posted Windmill Hill Nature Reserve.
This is obviousy a popular location for dog walkers judging by the amount of ‘mess’ on the track.
As for the Barrow – well, I can’t say I found it. There was a very slight ‘mound’ which may, or may not, have been the what is left of the Barrow. Either that or it must be an equally small ‘mound’ hidden away amoungst the trees and long grass.
At least the weather was nice.

Failed visit 13.10.11

After spending an enjoyable hour in the pretty village of Chipping Campden I decided to have a look for the Kiftsgate Stone.
Taking the minor road west out of Chipping Campden I soon came to a convienient lay by near to where the stone is said to be.
So far so good.
The trouble was I couldn’t find the stone!
The area where the stone stands is wooded and very overgrown. I searched up and down but couldn’t see it. If the stone is quite small it could have easily been hidden by the brambles.

Visited 1.10.11

It may be October but myself and Dafydd were sweltering in the afternoon heat as we walked down the hill from WKLB towards Swallowhead Springs. The walk took longer than expected due to Dafydd insisting on stopping to pick flowers for his mother who no doubt was also sweltering back at the car looking after Sophie.

I had wanted to visit this site for the past few years and was very glad that I managed at last to get around to it. The cooling shade of the trees was most welcome.

As we approached the site the first thing we noticed was the amount of branches covered with ribbons, strips of cloth, feathers etc. The fallen tree which formed an arch was particularly impressive and prompted Dafydd to exclaim – ‘look its magic!‘
I must admit that his summery of the place was hard to disagree with. It certainly has a ‘feel’ about it – as well as being very pretty. There were ‘offerings’ all over the place – candles, berries, acorns, apples – even an egg.

At this point we noticed a chap who was quietly laying in the shade reading his book. At least it was quiet until we arrived with Dafydd asking no end of questions! The spring was bone dry although we still enjoyed hopping over the stepping stones.

I really liked this place and would highly recommend a visit to anyone already in the area visiting the more famous Avebury locations. Although the nearby WKLB was by now swarming with people we were able to leave the chap in quiet solitude enjoying his book.

Rather than come the way we did the easiest access is directly from the car lay by.
Go through the kissing gate and instead of following the path to WKLB head diagonally across the field towards the far right hand side corner – near the trees.
There is a wooden stile over the fence and you are there – it’s as easy as that.

Another visit – 1.10.11

The main reason for visiting the area was for Silbaby and Swallowhead Springs but how could I possibly resist a walk up the hill to visit the famous WKLB?

If a reason was needed to visit (which it wasn’t!) I am currently reading the excellent ‘Prehistoric Wiltshire’ by Bob Clarke which refers to a stone in the chamber which has axe polishing marks on it (photo on page 39).

I must admit that even with this knowledge I still couldn’t tell what was natural and what was polished! Still, no visit to WKLB can ever be described as a wasted journey.

There were lots of people about but luckily myself and Dafydd had a short time alone inside. On the way up the hill I noticed that the oak tree was once again festooned with ribbons, feathers etc

On getting the first glimpse of the Long Barrow Dafydd asked me ‘where the hole was’? What hole? I replied, ‘the hole to get in?’ said Dafydd – I then worked out he meant the entrance!
As soon as I pointed to it he was like a rat up a drainpipe, running ahead and disappearing inside – not bad for a 3 year old!

Inside the chamber there were lots of ‘offerings’ on the floor – berries, apples, acorns etc. There were also lots of tea lights all around the sides of the main chamber – many of them still alight.

Coming back out Dafydd excitedly pointed towards Silbury Hill – ‘wow, look at that mountain’!

‘Visited’ 1.10.11

I parked in the WKLB parking bay and walked along the busy A4 towards Silbaby.

When I got to the trees I was confronted by waist high nettles and a barbed wire fence. As I was in shorts I was going no further!
I peered through the trees but to be honest I couldn’t make a lot out so I trudged back to the car.

On the way back I spotted 2 people who had climbed to the top of Silbury Hill. Although I have never done so myself I must admit it is tempting to do so.

Walking up the hill towards WKLB I discovered that this was the best place to view Silbaby from all along!

Visited 1.10.11

I had been meaning to visit this site for quite a while and am glad I finally managed it.

The stone is easily found next to the end of the church and is about 2.5 metres long x 1.5 metres wide. The grass around the stone was well trimmed and the stone has a fair bit of lichen covering it.

Phew – it’s a scorcher today.

Failed visit 1.10.11

I arrived at the village of Winterbourne Bassett and quickly found the path with a ‘Byway’ sign (not far from the church). However, despite my best efforts I could not locate the stones – not helped by the fact that they didn’t show on my O/S map!
Perhaps I was walking up the wrong byway?

On a more positive note I did spot a very large stone right next to the road north west of the village. It looked about 2.5 metres high and 1.5 metres across. A ‘new’ or ‘old’ stone? It’s a big ‘un whichever it is.

Visited 27.9.11

Whilst running a Lifesaving course at the adjacent Craig-Y-Parc School I couldn’t help but check out this site during a lunch break. There is a path which runs from the School entrance and through the woods directly to the enclosure – 5 minute walk. You will however have to ignore the several ‘Private property. Trespassers will be prosecuted’ signs. As I was on ‘official business’ at the school it was nice not to have to worry about such things – for a change!

The enclosure itself is surprisingly not at the top of the hill and all that remains of it now is a shallow bank / ditch – about 0.5 metre high. In the centre of the enclosure (which is heavily wooded) are two convenient picnic benches.
There is little to recommend a visit other than it being a nice stroll through the woods.

COFLEIN lists the site as being possibly Iron Age, stating:
‘the oval platform measures 45m x 38m, protected on the NE end by a hood bank with outer ditch and elsewhere by a outward facing scarps averaging 0.8 metres high. No evidence of habitation’.

Visited 25.9.11

After the disappointment of my visit to the Cefn Cross stones it was nice to finish the day on a high!

Directions: From the B4280 take the road to the village of Brynna and then the minor road north towards Rhiwceiliog. From here a very minor road north across the common. Just past the cattle grid is a place to park on the left next to a yellow grit bin – opposite Tyr Mynydd house. Walk along the track which runs up behind the house and then uphill through the ferns towards the Hillfort.

It is a 10 minute walk to the site up a fairly steep ‘path’. Although this is common land so access is not a problem the Hillfort itself is completely fenced off. However, if you are the sort that doesn’t mind hopping over barbed wire fences access is easy enough.

I was pleasantly surprised by how well preserved this site is. The single bank goes all the way around although it varies in height from nothing up to 2 metres. The outside ditch is also well preserved. A hedgerow cuts the site in half although to looks like it is in the process of being removed – which seems a shame to me. If it wasn’t for the mist and drizzle there would be a cracking view to be had; only spoilt by the large factory of some sort.

All in all well worth a visit although you will need to cross the barbed wire fence to get the most out of your trip.

‘Visited’ 25.9.11

Where do I start? This is a nightmare of a site to visit despite being fairly close to the B4281.
Firstly, the two public footpaths shown on the O/S map don’t exist on the ground – despite a sign telling you they do.
Secondly, the ground varies from being boggy to almost swamp like – I kid you not!
Thirdly, the whole area is overgrown with large areas of head height bushes, brambles and nettles – very difficult to see get about or to see anything.

Ok, they are the negatives, so what about the positives?
Well to be honest I can’t think of any. Luckily I had my wellies on and despite this I still got soaked in the long wet grass. On several occasions I got stuck in the mud and nearly fell over. I was also being constantly stung by the unforgiving nettles. There were also various lengths of barbed wire hiding amidst the bushes ready to trip the unwary visitor. To add to my woes is had started to rain!

I traipsed up and down, from field to field but could see no sign of the stone. I did come across several ‘outcrops’ of large stones (one of which looked the right shape for a standing stone) but I don’t know if these were leftovers from some earlier field clearance or were naturally lying there?

Is the stone still here? I can’t say. Although I could see no sign of it, it is entirely possible that it was been completely covered over by one of the many large bramble bushes. I hope it is hiding somewhere waiting to be ‘rediscovered’ in the future.
If you are planning a visit to find the stone one word of advice – bring your wellies!

Visited 25.9.11

Directions: There is room to park opposite ‘Shed Centre Wales’ on the B4281. Walk west down the road and just before the Cefn Cribwr sign you will see the green public footpath sign on your left. Don’t be fooled – the footpath doesn’t exist! Over the wooden stile and across the boggy but flat and narrow field. You then come to the next footpath sign which leads directly to 10 foot high bushes and brambles! Get through this as best you can and when out the other side the stone can be seen on your left.

Since my last visit I am pleased to say that most of the rubbish has been removed and the stone now stands in a grass field as opposed to a rubble wasteland. The stone is about 1.7 metres high and slightly leaning. The stone seems neglected and unloved – except for occasional TMA visitors of course!

Worth a visit when in the area but although fairly close to the road it is not the easiest to get to due to the unkempt manner of the footpath. Bring your wellies – the ground is very boggy. Of the 3 stones recorded at this site this was the only one I could find.

Visited 17.9.11

I had been meaning to visit this site all year as it is relatively close to where I live but as you know, it is often the sites close to home you end up visiting last!

To get to this site you really need an O/S map to navigate the maze of minor roads east of Risca (near Newport)
Basically you need the narrow lane which runs North West from the school (I didn’t catch the school’s name)
As you head up the lane there is a small passing area you can pull into on the left – near the brow of the hill – park here.
Then it’s a case of jumping over the fence, wading through waist high brambles and nettles until you reach the open grassy area behind the modern houses.

The Barrow itself (marked cairn on O/S map) is not much to write home about. Now just a raised mound covered in brambles and bracken. In fact you would easily walk right past it if you weren’t looking for it specifically. Disappointing but still there.
I could not make out any of the stone details mentioned by COFLEIN due to the overgrown nature of the site – other than the oak sapling which is now a large bush!

There are reasonable views to the south. Twmbarlwm stands proud to the north.

I can’t really recommend a visit but if you are desperate I suggest tie it in with a visit to the nearby Twmbarlwm Hillfort (which is well worth a visit).
In fact if you keep heading north along the lane it takes you to the base of Twmbarwm.

COFLEIN describes the site:
‘The mound is more overgrown than it was 10 years previously and appears to have spread. It is now a stony mound measuring 14m x 13 m with a height of 0.75 m on the NE and 0.4 m on the SW. A small boulder lies atop the mound, off-centre to the NE. In addition to bracken and grasses the mound now supports an oak sapling’.
D Leighton 7 Dec 1999.

Visited 11.9.11

I couldn’t resist taking a look at this Hillfort after visiting the nearby Bones Caves.

Parking is difficult along the busy A368 although we did manage to pull over in front of a wooden gate which was padlocked. A sign on a tree stated ‘Private – No Access’.
(The O/S map shows there is no public right of access to the Hillfort)

If you are the sort to ignore such signs (hypothetically speaking of course!) this is what you will find:
Up and over the gate and head straight up the steep side of the hill. The whole side of the hill is covered in trees / bushes / brambles etc. It is certainly tough going. When you get near the top of the hill there is evidence of tumbled stone walls – I do not know if these are the remains of stone ramparts or some later building? There is then a levelled area of about 20 metres before more tumbled stones can be seen.
You then come to the largely eroded ditch with its inner rampart – standing about 2 metres high from the bottom of the ditch. Through more trees and you come to another wooden field gate leading to the centre of the Hillfort. This consists of a large grassed area which is conical not flat – no crops or animals in evidence. (I have no idea why this gate is here as it doesn’t lead anywhere!)

Due to the fact that I wasn’t supposed to be here in the first place and more importantly, I had left Karen and the children in the car which was rather dodgy parked on the verge near a bend, I didn’t want to hang around and explore any further. I therefore can’t comment on how well preserved (or not) the rest of the Hillfort is.
I slip/slided down the hill and was soon back at the car.

There wasn’t a lot to see in all honesty although those tumbled stone walls were certainly interesting. I didn’t see any sign of a cross cut into the bedrock.

One for the dedicated only I would say.

‘Visited’ 11.9.11

I parked near the entrance to Yarberry Farm and decided to walk down the public footpath to see if I could see the stone rather than asking for permission at the farm house. Karen stayed with the children in the car.

There were warning notices stating that this was private property and that walkers must stay on the footpath. I walked along the track, through a field gate and into a flat but muddy field. Half way through the field I looked to my left and could see the stone two fields over.

The stone appeared to be about 6ft high and 2 ft across. The top half of the stone was visible above the hedgerow. The stone looked weathered and gnarled – similar to the large blocks of stone which were around the grass verge near the farm entrance.

If you wanted to get up close to the stone you would need to ask permission at the farm house as the stone is in the field directly behind the barns.

I managed to pick a decent amount of blackberries on my way back to the car – which Sophie and Dafydd enjoyed very much!

Visited 11.9.11

We really enjoyed our time here. The site is only open to the public a couple of weekends per year and I would certainly recommend a visit if you are able.

The surrounding roads were well sign posted (off Well Lane) and the parking area was in a field near the caves. Admission was free.

There are two caves (the stalagmite cave is not open) a ‘druids temple’, folly tower and a couple of other quirky buildings in the process of being re-built. There are also nice woodland walks and refreshments were available from the main house – lovely views to be had from the patio area.

The Bone Caves themselves is obviously the highlight of the day. The cave being much bigger than I expected. Access is via a set of steep slipper steps. Lit by candles in jam jars – no electricity here!

Once in the cave there were many nooks and crannies also lit by candle which gave the place a nice atmosphere despite lots of people being present. There are several information boards and guides at hand to ask questions. It is odd to see so many bones still stacked up in piles around the cave. Of particular interest were the whale ribs you walk through when descending the steps – it’s not every day you do that!

A guide book is available to buy at £5.00 which looked a bit steep although all proceeds go towards the upkeep and development of the site.
All in all a great way to spend a few hours and a place I would heartily recommend visiting.

The site will be open in 2012 on the following dates:
Sunday 27th May – 10.30am to 4.30pm
Saturday and Sunday 8th and 9th September – 10.30am to 4.30pm

***
I forgot to mention the ‘mock’ ancient stones also found at the caves. The path through the woods towards the tower has pairs of standing stones about 30 metres apart – now largely covered in ivy. Also, the mound on which the tower stands has a row of standing stones all around its base. Looks like a recreated ring cairn?
Interesting to see, the stone blocks are very large and must have taken a bit of shifting!

Enjoy!

As Dick Dastardly would say ‘drat, drat and double drat!’.
Crops not harvested so still no sign of stone.
I will return................

‘Visited’ 3.9.11

Situated to the south of Leominster, off a minor road from the B4361

This was a bit of a strange one!
What looked like a straightforward visit to a Hillfort turned out to be nothing of the sort.
We drove north through the hamlet of Upper Hill and then turned right along the (private?) road leading to Gattertop Farm. There was then a turning on the left leading up towards the Hillfort. This was when the fun began.

The lane was little more than the width of the car and we soon approached a formidable large double gate which was clearly sending out the message of ‘keep away – private’. This was confirmed by a number of ‘private property’ / ‘no parking’ / ‘access only to paths by foot or horseback’ signs along the road!

Unfortunately there was nowhere to turn around so I contemplated having to reverse all the way back down the hill. At this point Karen got ‘twitchy’ and pointed to what looked like a camera pointed at us. Then the gates suddenly opened – it was a sensor not a camera. I thought ‘sod it’ and decided to chance my arm to carried on driving forward – Karen was not impressed.

We drove up through the western defences and a ditch/ramparts approximately 3 metres high was clearly visible either side of the road. Once we arrived near the very posh house we were in the centre of the Hillfort. Now, I am sure that most of us have visited a Hillfort where the centre of the site is a large grass field. In this case it was a large ‘bowling green’ type lawn – complete with golf buggies to get around!!

The bank of the Hillfort surrounded the ‘lawn’ and the whole circumference was covered in trees. Fancy living inside a Hillfort – how cool is that?!!

I must admit that at this point I started to get ‘twitchy’ as well and decided that discretion was the better part of valour and turned around and headed back down the hill. Then we approached the now closed gates! I had visions of having to walk up the house to ask to be let out – and all the explaining that would involve. Luckily the sensor worked this side as well and the gates swung open – phew!

We were soon back on a public road and could at last relax.

Looking at the O/S map the safest way to visit would be via the public footpath from Ivington Park. This looks as though you would be able to see the western defences although everything else looks to be private. Good luck!

Visited 3.9.11

I was really looking forward to visiting this stone and was not disappointed.
When I arrived it was pouring with rain and I was pleased to find that the church was open.
As you go through the door the stone is immediately in front of you. It stands about 7 ft high and has a large cross carved on both sides of the stone – the entire length. One of the crosses is fairly plain whilst the other is ornate. Very impressive.
A small information board stands next to the stone. It states that the stone weighs 3.5 tonnes.

The church itself is pretty and worth a look around. It boasts a pre-Norman font which is certainly worth a look. I was able to pick up a leaflet and post card of the church and put the money in the honesty box. I do like honesty boxes, gives me hope that there are still good people about and nice places to live. An honesty box wouldn’t last very long where I live!

On the way back to the car I noticed one of the houses facing the church was having its garden landscaped. What has been put up in the middle of the garden? Yup – a standing stone! This brought a smile to my face as I pointed it out to Karen. I am in the process of putting one up in my garden – I told her there were other ‘like minded’ people about!

Ancient or not, this is a stone definitely worth a visit. Access needless to say is very easy.

Visited 3.9.11

Directions: Take the A49 south of Hereford and then the B4399 Holme Lacey road. Follow the signs to Dinedor and as you get closed to the site the signs will start to show Dinedor Camp. Keep on the road and you will eventually reaching the small parking area at the top of the hill. It seems to take ages from the main road but keep the faith and you will get there!

There are steps from the car park up to the Hillfort and an information board. I carried Sophie whilst Dafydd trooped behind, investigating all around him. Karen decided to stay near the car and pick blackberries.

This is clearly a popular site with locals judging by the remains of fires I saw. There is not a lot I could make out in terns of banks/ditches etc – it is basically a tree covered hill with a small grassy area in the middle. Not much in the way of views either because of the trees.

An easy site to access although not much to recommend a visit.

Visited 27.8.11

Following a pleasant couple of hours in the picturesque town of Broadway we headed south to a nearby Hillfort I had spotted on the O/S map. Taking a minor road towards the Buckland Hotel (posh) we continued along a narrow lane as far as Burhill Farm. We decided to play safe and park here as we didn’t know how good (or bad) the lane would become? As it happens the lane was fine and we could have driven all the way to the top of the hill where there is room to park in front of a field gate. It was only a 10 minute walk.
Once at the top of the hill, the lane goes sharp to the right but I headed to the left along the Cotswold Way – well marked. Upon arriving at the site I was disappointed to find there was not a lot to see. All I could make out was one ‘rampart type’ mound approximately 10 metres long x 1 metre high. I cannot say for certain if this was all that is left of the otherwise ploughed out defences or something natural?

Although the site is easy to access there is little to recommend a visit, there wasn’t even much of a view to be had! Time to move on…….

Visited 27.8.11

Spotted this on the map when visiting the nearby Willersey Camp and Long Barrow.

I parked near the church in the village of Saintbury and followed the footpath through the churchyard and out the other side through the wooden gate. From here the path continued uphill, through a small wood and out into an open field.

Once in the field the Barrow is easily identifiable as a low grass covered mound approximately 0.5 metres high and 8 metres across.

The Barrow isn’t right on top of the hill, but near the top on the north facing slope. When visiting sites up and down the country I always try to think as to why a site was chosen. Sometimes it is obvious – often not. There is no doubt why this particular spot was chosen as the last resting place for someone no doubt important – the views to the north are simply wonderful. This is one of those sites which make what we do so worthwhile; I could feel all my cares fade away as I sat atop the Barrow and admired the vista in front of me. I could have stayed for a long time here but as ever I needed to head back to Karen and the children sat waiting patiently for me in the car.

I really enjoyed my visit here and felt ‘recharged’ by the experience. A site I would certainly recommend and access is easy as long as you are able to walk up a steep, muddy path through the woods. Top place.

Visited 27.8.11

This proved to be far more productive to look for than the older Long Barrow which (just about) survives in its centre – along with the golf course!
There is plenty of room to park in the golf club overflow car park which is handy.

Just north of the club house the road on the western side is wooded – this is where you need to be.

Make your way through the trees and you will see the very large ditch/rampart of the Hillfort – approximately 5 metres deep (the golf course is on the inner side. The area is heavily wooded and overgrown with brambles / bushes etc (plus a fair bit of litter) but it is certainly still impressive.

Due to the proximity of the golf course this was the only side of the Hillfort I investigated.

Walking back to the car I had a look at the other side of the road. There is a huge ditch on this side – perhaps 8 metres deep and very wide. I wonder if this is a further ditch/rampart or a result of road building?
If it is part of the Hillfort’s defences then that would mean the road runs on top of the outer rampart.

Visited 27.8.11

Parking is easy for this site – just park in the golf club car park!
(Karen wanted to park in the overflow car park so we weren’t so obvious!)

According to the O/S map the Long Barrow sits in the middle of the golf course just to the west of the club house. I didn’t want to risk being refused permission to visit so instead of asking at the club house I hopped over the small stone wall next to the road. It was then a case of walking with confidence past the golfers to the spot where the Long Barrow was supposed to be!

Unfortunately when I arrived at the spot there was nothing to see which was obviously a Long Barrow. As you would expect on a golf course there was plenty of ‘lumps and bumps’ but as I said, nothing which stood out. There were a couple of possible suspects amid the greens.

I didn’t want to chance my arm too much by hanging around and retraced my steps back to the road. It was then, from the road, that a largish, very low ‘mound’ could be made out just where the O/S map indicated. It is one of those sites where you actually see more from a distance rather than being up close.

All in all there is little to warrant a visit – unless you fancy a round of golf!

Visited 29.8.11

Directions: Just to the south east of the village of Fownhope, not far from Cherry Hill Camp Hillfort. Heading down the B4224 you will see a sign for Caplor Farm farmshop. Take this turning and there is plenty of room to park in the car park. (unfortunately the shop was closed when we arrived which was a shame as myself and Karen quite fancied a cuppa!)

From here the well signed public footpath leads you straight to the Hillfort. Once through a field of sheep it is a case of trudging up the steep muddy path leading through the trees up to the top. This is greatly helped by the 66 steps kindly provided.
Once at the top of the steps you will see an old barn. Turn right and you are there!

The Hillfort itself is not very big and has a sort of large ‘hole’ in it on the northern side – looks like a bit of quarrying at some point? There is no need for defences on the northern side due to the very steep incline. A fence runs all along this side of the site.
The bank surrounding the rest of the site is clear to see and it bears the trace of lots of feet walking along the top of the ramparts – a nice enough little walk.

This is definitely a place to visit at Christmas time as there was plenty of holly with berries in evidence as well as a large clump of mistletoe.
When arriving back at the car I tried to use the mistletoe’s ‘magic’ on Karen who quickly informed me that the ‘magic’ only worked at Christmas time!!

Visited 29.8.11

Taking the minor roads west from the village of Much Marcle (off the A449) you eventually arrive at the lane which runs immediately to the east of the Hillfort. (Passing a Cider Mill en route) There is room to park outside the field gates.

On the gates were signs stating ‘Danger – keep out’. Although quite what the ‘danger’ was I don’t know as all that was there was a grass field.
Up and over the gate and a quick reccie to see what could be seen of the Hillfort?

Initially it looked like not a lot, but then I spotted the tell-tale signs of an earthen bank to the north. It was only when I arrived at the small bank that I noticed that the field I was standing in was considerably higher than the surrounding fields. In fact it was the same height as the hedgerows! This left a drop on the other side of nearly 2 metres.
Looking around the rest of the field I could then see another raised bank to the west, near the trees.

Walking back to the car I also noticed that once again, the field was the same height at the hedgerow. It looked clear to me that the lane I was parked in runs along what were once the eastern defences. A nice little ‘discovery’.

Not a lot to see although access is very easy as long as you are prepared to risk the ‘danger’!

Visited 29.8.11

Boy, did I take the hard way to access this site!

Directions: Take the B4224 north through the village of Fownhope and take the minor road on the right, at the junction, opposite the pub. A short way along this road you will see a public footpath sign on your left. This footpath takes you through the middle of the Hillfort.

Unfortunately I missed the sign post and ended up parking where the trees end to the east of the site. I figured, incorrectly, that all I would need to do is walk up the field and cut across, uphill, to the Hillfort. Sounds good in theory – not in practice!

Firstly, the fence between the field and the trees was head height and triple barbed wire! There would have been no way over this but luckily a tree had fallen and lay across the top of the fence. I clambered up onto the tree and (Tarzan like) balanced my way along the trunk, trying not to fall into the head height brambles either side of me!
Secondly, I was confronted by the near vertical side of the tree covered slope. This was not going to be easy. I literally had to clamber on all fours, pulling myself up from tree root to tree root. You would have to be mad to approach the Hillfort from this direction (say nothing’s best!)

I disturbed a bird of prey on the way up and watched it glide off into the distance – a wonderful sight.

Eventually I somehow managed to reach the top of the hill and was greeted by a woodland scene with little visible signs of any ‘lumps or bumps’. The whole of the site being covered in trees / bushes etc.
I then spotted the path running through the Hillfort and decided to follow it south, back towards the way I should have come in the first place!

When I reached the southern defences I was able to make out quite easily the single ditch/rampart running around the site. From the bottom of the ditch the bank was about 3 metres high – fairly well preserved. I was too knackered to check on the defences to the west and north. There was clearly no need for eastern defences!!
It was then a simple task of following the path down the hill, through the wooden ‘gate’ and out onto the road.

This site is actually easy to access as long as:
A – you are physically able to follow a steep muddy path
B – you don’t try to come the way I did!

Visited 21.8.11

My second and last site of the day.
This site proved to be the most difficult to access that I have experienced in quite a long time.

I headed west along some very minor roads from where I had parked when visiting the near by Pen-Twyn Camp (Crucorney). This leads up hill to the north of the Hillfort (through trees). There is a space to pull over opposite an old rusty field gate. You can actually see the Hillfort from the gate – up above the tree line.

Up and over the gate, across a field full of sheep and over a barbed wire fence on the opposite side – so far so good. Then the ‘fun’ began!
I then came to what appeared to be some sort of overgrown ‘orchard’ – although I have no idea what the red berries hanging from the trees are? When I say overgrown – I mean overgrown: bushes, brambles, ferns and (I kid you not) head height nettles!
It took quite a while to carefully make my way through the trees/nettles and eventually came out the other side. I was then confronted by my next ‘challenge’ – head height ferns! Although not as bad as head height nettles they were still tricky to walk through, particularly whilst going uphill. This really was hard going.
I then came out onto a path running north to south through the ferns which didn’t show on my O/S map. It could have all been so much easier!
It was then a case of the last leg up to the hilltop summit which was so steep I had to go on all fours to get to the top.

Finally, I reached the top, knackered and out of breath. Just as I was thinking ‘I must be mad’ I looked up and saw the view. In an instant it all became worthwhile – simply stunning.
The single rock cut ditch/rampart of the Hillfort was easy to spot, being about 2 metres high. The whole of the site was covered in ferns and the dreaded gorse.

All I had to do now is make my way back to the car………oh joy!

Despite the access problems I had, if you were able to come via the ‘path’ through the ferns it shouldn’t be too bad. It is worth the effort for the views alone although the Hillfort defences were pretty impressive.

Best to follow TSC’s directions for an easier life!