CARL

Three Shire Stones
Visited 17.4.11
After spending a very enjoyable day in the picturesque village of Lacock (well worth a visit) we just had time to visit the 3 Shire Stones on the way home. Despite what I had read about the site I have wanted to pay a visit for a number of years.
We drove past the stones the first time and only spotted them on the second run. If travelling south along the Fosse Way you will pass an airfield on your left and a bit beyond that a long stone wall on your right (one of those stone walls which define the boundary of a country estate). The stones are sited at the corner where the wall turns away from the road.
There is nowhere to park next to the stones but there is a field gate you can pull alongside about a 100 yards further south – on the same side of the road as the stones.
The 3 stones are about 2 metres high and 1 metre across. The capstone is of a similar size although more rectangular in shape. There is also a reconstructed cist in the centre of the stones made up of 4 stones.
There was evidence of quite a lot of graffiti carved into the stones (including the capstone) but I am pleased to report very little litter to be seen.
An odd thing I noticed was what appeared to by 3 ‘steps’ carved into one of the uprights which made climbing on top of the capstone very easy. Prehistoric? – I doubt it!!!

Visited 9.4.11 – SUB
I saw this Barrow marked on the O/S and thought I would have a look after visiting the nearby Meini Hirion standing stone. I couldn’t see a handy field gate so I had to peer through the high hedgerow – a task nigh on impossible if visiting in the summer.
The Barrow itself is no more than a low mound at the far end of the field – next to the hedgerow. I would guess it is approximately 20 metres long by about 1 metre high.
Overall, not much to recommend a visit I’m afraid.

Coflein describes the site as:
A ploughed down earthen mound, c.15-20m in diameter & 1.3m high, thought to be the remains of a round barrow.

Visited 9.4.11
We approached from the east along the minor road, only to be confronted by a scene of mayhem!
A field gate had been left open and a herd of cows were running in all directions being chased by 3 farmers! They had used a tractor to block the road off to stop the cows and a frantic looking farmer said it was ok to park next to the farm house until the cows had been put back in the field. I decided to walk down to the field where the stone is and found it only took 5 minutes. Luckily the muddy field was baked dry; otherwise it would have been a very muddy visit. If it is muddy when you visit the stone can be easily seen from the field gate.
The stone is about 2 metres high and 1 metre wide, covered in pretty white and yellow lichen. One side had grooves running down it. There were two fairly large stones at its base to help keep it erect.
The farmer came over and we had a chat about standing stones and what they could mean etc. He was very friendly and laughed about the cows escaping. I forgot to mention to him that I spotted two hiding in the hedge a bit further down the road!!
I am glad I visited as the stone looked quite lonely and I would imagine it doesn’t get many visitors. Try and stop off when in the area and try not to get trampled by a runaway cow!

Visited 9.4.11
We took the minor road north out of Ferryside and then took a chance and drove up the ‘track’ towards Iscoed Home Farm. This ‘track’ was just about drivable as the weather had been good and the mud hard. In hindsight it would have been more sensible to have walked up from the ‘proper’ minor road.
Anyway, a short way up the track you will see a metal field gate on your left, just after the trees. There is room to pull in here. Over the gate and a 30 second walk up to the brow of the hill will bring you into eye contact with the stone. The stone itself is a couple of minutes walk away. This is a large stone, about 2.5 metres high, with grooves running down one side.
It is worth walking up the hill a bit towards the derelict brick manor house to see the stunning views down towards the coast. No wonder they built a mansion on this spot – pity it has now gone to ruin. Well worth a visit when in the area.

**Don’t make the mistake I made and tried to keep going north along the farm track to get to the other Maen Llwyd standing stone – the track stops in the farmer’s vegetable plot! (I hope we didn’t squash his grow bags when turning around!) There is also no access north from Ferryside along to coast road to Maen Llwyd (Llandyfaelog) – you have to approach from the road to the east.

Visited 9.4.11
If travelling north towards Cloigyn, the field gate you need to access is on the right, just before the (welcome to) ‘Cloigyn’ sign. The small lay by (one car) is a further to the south.
Deciding to take Sophie with me I gingerly walked up the busy road keeping will into the kerb. I then had to clamber over the old rusty rickety metal field gate (with Sophie in my arms) and trudged up hill towards the large twisted tree stump. It is only when you get to the top of the hill that Garreg Fawr becomes visible – and a large beast it is.
The strange thing is that the closer we got to the stone the more Sophie cried. In the end I didn’t hang around long as it was impossible to ‘enjoy’ the visit with all the crying going on. As I walked away from the stone back down the hill Sophie’s crying became less and less – eventually stopping when I got back to the gate.
I wonder if she could ‘sense’ something – more likely she just wanted her bottle of milk!!

Visited 9.4.11.
Found it!!! In the same field as Y Garreg Goch standing stone.
Follow directions for Y Garreg Goch. When you enter the field look to your left and you will see the top of a roof and chimney of a house over the field hedge. Scan across to the right, along the hedge row and you will see a single large tree. Just to the right of the tree, in the hedgerow (behind the barbed wire fence) completely covered in ivy is Pistyll Gwyn. It would have been impossible to have spotted this stone in the summer. I only just noticed it because its silhouette stood out through the hedge. Even then I had to peel some of the ivy off to confirm it was a standing stone underneath and not an old tree stump! Felt very pleased with myself!
The stone is about the same size as Y Garreg Goch.

Visited 9.4.11
I parked near Clos Teg farm house and took a surprisingly muddy path up to the field in which the stone stands. I would dread to think what this ‘path’ would be like in wet weather!
A five minute squelch and you are there. A large stone which is well worth a visit but make sure you take your wellies if not visiting during a heat wave.
It was a pity I didn’t have my camera with me as I would have had a cracking picture of Dafydd alone in a large green field, picking dandelions for his mother under a blue sky; with a standing stone behind.
Ah well, as least I have my memories.

Visited 9.4.11
Taking the main road north out of Kidwelly you shortly come to a narrow turning on the left sign posted for Bryn Glas / Penlan Uchaf farm. Take this turning and head uphill until the road takes a sharp turn to the right – there is just enough room to park at this point on the left in front of a field gate. Go through the wooden field gate, down the slope and through another wooden field gate on your right. You then step over a small stream and walk up the hill. As you approach the top the stone comes into full view.
The stone is about 6 ft high x 4 ft x 2ft covered in yellow, white and green lichen.
The coastal views to the south are cracking – a great place for standing a stone.
This is an easy site to visit although technically there isn’t any public access to the stone.
Well worth a visit when in the area.

Visited 31.3.11
This was perhaps my most surreal visit to a prehistoric site ever!
Picture the scene:
A race course with a golf course in the middle of it and 4 prehistoric burial mounds amid the golf course. Not only that but a surprisingly bust B4635 road running through the middle of the lot of it!
We turned onto the B4635 and drove towards the race course – only to discover that a race meeting was on! Still, the road looked clear so we slowly headed north and just the other side of the railway line, in a field on the right; I spotted the first Barrow – now no more than a small lump. Had I not been looking for it I would have driven past none the wiser?
We were now in the middle of the race course / golf course and I spotted Barrow number two – just to the right of the road. Little more than a low mound – again easy to drive straight past.
Barrow number three was much most impressive and easy to spot. Again to the right of the road and a tree growing out of the top of it. There was room to park on the golf course ‘rough’ to get a closer look.
Finally, we took the minor road to the North West to seek out Barrow number 4. At first I couldn’t see it amongst the trees but then there it was – it’s HUGE! Silhouetted on the horizon surrounded by trees.
I was going to have a closer look but then the fun started. Barriers were placed across the road, thick mats unrolled across the road and all traffic coming to a halt. The next thing I knew a horse race was about to start! There in front of me was about 20 jockeys on their steeds waiting for the starter orders. Soon enough, the race started and myself, Karen and Dafydd had a guess as to which horse was going to win. Luckily none of us ‘backed’ horse 7 who came hopelessly last (although he did better than the jockey who fell off after about 20 yards!!)
So there we were; stood next to a Bronze Age Barrow, in a golf course, watching a horse race from inside the track. As I said – all very surreal!!!

If you do plan a visit I suggest you pick a ‘non-race’ day. All four Barrows are easy to spot and 3 of them easy to access. Oh by the way, better keep an eye out for stray golf balls!

Visited 29.3.11
What a cracking place to visit this is!
A bit of a maze of country lanes to traverse but when you get close it is sign posted.
A large free car park and an easy short walk past an information board takes you to the Hillfort. Dafydd decided to stay in the car with Karen which meant that Sophie visited her first site properly – at the ripe old age of 4 months! (Previously she has sat in the car with her mother)
You can walk right around the site in 15 minutes and there are good views to be had. The ramparts/ditches are fairly well preserved – particularly the section near the trees which has several banks of defences. The centre of the Hillfort is fairly flat and is easy to cross – no fences for a change. This would make a good place to come for a picnic on a nice day.
All in all definitely worth a visit when in the area.
(I think Sophie enjoyed it??)

‘Visited’ 30.3.11
There doesn’t appear to be any easy public access to this site so I tool the easy option and viewed from afar! This ‘mound’ is massive. If it is man made it can’t be much smaller than Silbury Hill. Easily seen from the roundabout off Junction 7 of the M5. Well worth a look.
(Best if someone else is driving when having a look!!)

Visited 30.3.11
I found a place to park next to a field gate on the surprisingly busy B4197. From here a public footpath takes you across a field up to the edge of the trees which encompass Woodbury Hill.
The public footpath then runs along the bottom of the hill although of course what I was after lay at the top! The trees, brambles and wild undergrowth of the hill looked a formidable challenge and I feared I would have no chance of getting to the top.
(No wonder Owain Glyndwr in 1405 chose this site as a base and no wonder the English decided not to attack him!)
Luckily I came across a 4x4 track which zig zagged its way up and I gratefully took this route. (This track is not noted on my O/S map)
After a stiff climb I eventually reached the top and came across a pheasant pen (hence the track leading up the hill). The views would have been wonderful but for the trees.
As I was conscious of Karen being sat in the car with the children and it taking a lot longer than I was expecting to climb to the top, I decided to only investigate the southern most defences. These consisted of little more than a single shallow bank/ditch. The O/S map suggests the defences to the north of the site are more pronounced?
Needless to say I managed to get lost going down the hill (there are several 4x4 tracks which criss-cross each other) and ended up battling through the brambles/bushes/trees down the steep slope. Luckily I came out at the top of the field I was after and after a dodgy leap over a barbed wired fence I returned to the car.
It took 30 minutes to walk from the road to the top of the hill and in all honesty I would say it is one for the dedicated only. I have an interest in Owain Glyndwr so for me it was worth the effort.

Visited 30.3.11
There was room to pull over on the grass verge at the turning to Broom Hill, just south of the Village of Drayton. There before me stood Barrow Hill – one of the largest Barrows I have ever seen. So far so good.
Then the problem. The Barrow is on private land and it is clear the owner wants to keep it private. Although a bridleway runs to the south of the Barrow, the field in which it stands is surrounded by tall hedges and a barbed wire fence. Normally I would hop over this fairly easily but it was in a poor state and rocking from side to side – making it impossible to cross.
I therefore had to content myself with a view from the road.
As I said, this Barrow is huge and is covered with mature trees.
Worth a look when in the area.

‘Visited’ 31.3.11
On my way home after a couple of days in the Midlands knocking another couple of English Heritage sites off my list I thought I would stop off and try to spot this Barrow.
Unfortunately I failed.
I tried to access the field where the Barrow is said to be from the minor road to the south but this takes you straight into (I think) a gypsy site.
I then tried to see if I could spot the Barrow from the busy A49 and the minor roads to the north and west. The road to the north is slightly elevated so gave a decent view of the field in which the Barrow stands. Nothing to be seen.
Either I was looking in the wrong field or more likely it has been ploughed down to a small lump?

Visited 26.3.11
Just north along a minor road out of the small village of Barnsley you come to this Barrow, easily seen on your left, next to the road. There is room to park on the grass verge and a quick up and over the drystone wall brings you right up to the Barrow.
The Barrow is approximately 20 metres x 30 metres x 3 metres high.
Covered in brambles and evidently dug into at some point in the past.
Well worth checking out when in the area.

Visited 26.3.11.
I parked on the main road just past the farm entrance and walked up the mud track which leads into the trees. Luckily it has been a dry month or otherwise it would have been a very muddy walk indeed!
I would have asked permission to visit but there was no one about.
As you approach the wire fence on your left you will see a blue plastic water tank near the fence. Turn right here and in no time you will at the Long Barrow.
The Barrow has been clearly dug into in several places and was looking a bit sorry for itself. Although very large it was covered in brambles and bushes, making access quite difficult. I wouldn’t fancy trying to explore in the height of summer!

This site is recorded on my large AA map (the type you can but in petrol stations etc). I wonder what criteria they use when deciding which sites to include on their map? There doesn’t seem to be any rhyme or reason? You would expect to see the ‘main’ sites (Avebury, Stonehenge etc) but why select only a few of these ‘minor’ types of site. Afterall, parking is not great and there is no public access to the site. Even when you do get there access is difficult. Just a thought.

I couldn’t see any trace of a second Long Barrow although to be fair the whole area was so overgrown with brambles / bushes etc it would have been easy to miss I guess?

‘Visited’ 26.3.11
Marked on the map as Rawbarrow Camp.
Well, what can I say?
Visited the site today and could see no trace of a Hillfort.
Perhaps it now only remains in name only?

Not really a Fieldnote I guess but just to say that I tried to view the Long Barrow with the aid of my trust binoculars from the surrounding roads. Unfortunately I could see no eveidence of it.
There is no public right of way to the site.

Visited 26.3.11
Very easy site to access.
Park in the car park for Lodge Park (N.T. House) and go through the metal kissing gate into the field on the right. Walk straight ahead, keeping the trees to your left, and you will soon spot the remains of the Barrow. The field was full of sheep when I visited. I suspect this Barrow would have been quite prominent in the landscape when first built.
There is also a nice little woodland walk you can take through the trees direct from the car park.
The Barrow is clearly visible from the top end of the woods.
In the middle of the trees is what appears to be a square(ish) enclosure of some sort?

Visited 26.3.11
As time was short I drove up the farm drive towards Ladbarrow Farm. Just before you reach the overhead electricity cables there is a field entrance (no gate) on your left. The Barrow is easily spotted in the middle of the field from this point as a low raised mound. The field was in crop so I saw no point in walking over to the Barrow. It was also easy to turn the car around at this point. The Barrow itself was covered with fairly long grass.

To the south on the O/S map is marked Dean Camp although I didn’t have time to go and have a look at it. I have no information about this site. Prehistoric?

Visited 26.3.11
The last time a visited this site it was the middle of summer (pouring down with rain of course) and it was difficult to see the Barrow properly due to the high grass. As I was passing I thought I may as well have another visit now the grass is shorter.
Unfortunately all the short grass was able to do was show up even more than before how much this Barrow has been mangled. Sad to see although at least it is now protected – bit late unfortunately.

Visited 5.3.11
Directions: Take the B4282 east out of Cwmafan you soon come to Pen Y Castell farm on your right.. Don’t try to park at the farm drive as it is very posh and you will soon be spotted! Instead there is a turning on the right just before the farm (leading to an ‘executive’ housing development) where parking is easy. Park on the side of the road and you will see a nice new wooden field gate. Over the gate and take the short but steep walk up the hill. When you get to the top you will see the remains of the enclosure behind a wire fence. For a change there was no barbed wire on top so jumping over was easy! It takes 10 minutes to walk from the car to the enclosure.
The remains are well preserved with a single bank / ditch – about 0.5 metres high from the inside but well over head height when standing in the ditch. The site is not big but it was obviously well defended when in use. The site is well postioned for viewing down the various valleys.
All in all well worth a look when in the area. There doesn’t appear to be any official access to the site.

Coflein describes the site:
An oval enclosure, c.72m E-W by 32m, occupying the summit of a steep sided hill, defined by two concentric banks, or scarps, c.10m apart and having an E facing entrance.

‘Visited’ 20.3.11
Whilst visiting the nearby Giant’s Cave Long Barrow I took the opportunity to try to spot this site, which I first saw mentioned on Megalithic. I pulled up on the grass verge and spent a little while trying to spot anything obvious. There were two possibilities – one in a ploughed field and the other in a grassed field next door. Both were little more than slight ‘mounds’ in the field. These could equally have been perfectly natural? Nothing else to report I’m afraid.

Visited 5.3.11
Directions: From Buarth Y Gaer Hillfort head down hill, keeping the trees to your right. In a large field, home to many sheep, there are the remains of this defended ‘enclosure’. At least that is what the o/s map shows but I couldn’t see a thing! Not a sausage! There are two long low ‘mounds’ which run across the field but these looked natural to me. Perhaps these were the remains?
Half of the enclosure is under the trees, the other side of a barbed wire fence, so maybe the remains are better preserved there?
All I managed to get out of this visit was a pair of muddy trainers!

Coflein describes the site:
Gaer Fawr is an oval enclosure, c.50m E-W by 38m, defined by double banks and ditches, has complex outer works, roughly concentric to it, with further banks & ditches & a W-facing approach way, c.164-210m overall diameter.

Visited 12.3.11
I spotted this site on the O/S map as being not far from Coity Burial Chamber.
Taking the very minor roads east then south from Coity you come to a farm entrance on your left. There is just about room to squeeze one car against the hedgerow here – there is a public footpath sign opposite.
Go through the gate and head off to your right, into the next field and aim for the rocky tree covered outcrop.
Although the surrounding fields were well managed, the site of Coed Y Gaer seemed quite ‘wild’ and unkempt.
There is a small rock cliff to climb up and the whole of the site is overgrown with brambles, bushes and trees. There are several barbed wire fences crossing the site and to make matters worse it has partly been used as a rubbish dump. Amid all this it was difficult to make any sense of the site and I didn’t hang around too long. All in all not a place I can recommend.
There is no public access to the site.

Go visit Coity Burial Chamber instead!

Visited 5.3.11
Directions: Take the very minor road north midway between Baglan and Cwmafan and eventually you come to a bridle way on the right; which presumably gives access to the transmitters on top of the hill? (Foel Fynyddau) Park here. Opposite you will see a metal field gate. Hop over the gate and head up the steep hill. You will have to cross two barbed wire fences and towards the top of the hill you will see a ruined stone field wall. Once over the wall, look for a rust metal field gate, ahead, to your right. Once you get to the gate the remains of Buarth-Y-Gaer Hillfort are easily seen in the next field. Unfortunately you have to climb over yet another barbed wire fence!
It is a steep, uphill 15 minute walk to get to the site from the car.
The enclosure is quite large and the single rampart is pretty well preserved, standing acout 0.5 metres high from the inside and between 1.5 and 2 metres high when standing in the ditch. The inside of the enclosure is quite ‘lumpy bumby’.
Due to the steepness of the climb and the number of fences to climb over I would suggest that this is a site for the dedicated and those fairly fit and agile!

Coflein describes the site:
Buarth-y-Gaer is an oval enclosure, c.140m E-W by 104m, set about the summit of Mynydd-y-Gaer, defined by a bank and ditch, with a W facing entrance. A cairn (Nprn307229) crowns the highest point of the interior.

Visited 5.3.11
Directions: Take the very minor road north midway between Baglan and Cwmafan and eventually you come to a bridle way on the right; which presumably gives access to the transmitters on top of the hill? (Foel Fynyddau) Park here. Opposite you will see a metal field gate. Hop over the gate and head up the steep hill. You will have to cross two barbed wire fences and towards the top of the hill you will see a ruined stone field wall. Once over the wall, look for a rust metal field gate, ahead, to your right. Once you get to the gate the remains of Buarth-Y-Gaer Hillfort are easily seen in the next field. Unfortunately you have to climb over yet another barbed wire fence!
It is a steep, uphill 15 minute walk to get to the site from the car.
The Cairn itself is easily seen within the earthworks. It is 20 paces x 15 paces in size and the centre has been dug into. There are large stones next to the ‘hollow’ which I assume are from the cairns centre?
There are decent views to be had to the north.
Due to the steepness of the climb and the number of fences to climb over I would suggest that this is a site for the dedicated and those fairly fit and agile!

Coflein describes the site:
A mutilated circular mound, 13.1m in diameter and 0.9m high, set upon the highest point of Mynydd-y-Gaer, within the ramparts of Buarth-y-Gaer (Nprn301301).

Visited 20.3.11
My last site of the day – and a pretty good one it was as well!
After initially having difficulty finding the right country lane to access the site I eventually parked up near the correct field gate / public footpath sign.
The Barrow is easily seen from the field gate and a 5 minute walk takes you up close and personal. This was the only site I visited today which involved walking through mud.
As I approached the Barrow pheasants went scurrying across the field and a group of crows were making quite a racket in the woods to my left.
The Barrow has two tall uprights remaining and a large half fallen capstone. There is a large shrub/tree of some sort growing out from under the capstone which looks as though it has been growing there for quite a number of years. The Barrow must have been quite prominent when first built in this flat landscape.
The field had been ploughed and crops were already showing. Small wooden stakes painted red were pegged in the ground around the Barrow to signify the extent of the ‘protected’ area.
Well worth a visit when in the area and fairly close the picturesque village of Castle Combe.

‘Visited’ 20.3.11
After visiting Castle Combe (self proclaimed ‘the prettiest village in England’ – a statement hard to argue with) I thought I would seek out Green Farm Long Barrow.
Although I couldn’t find any trace of it, it didn’t seem to matter as I enjoyed a lovely stroll along a country lane with the sun on my back, the sky blue and butterflies and primroses in abundance. All the while feeding Sophie her bottle and peaking through hedgerows looking for a Barrow!

Visited 20.3.11
What a little cracker of a site this was!
Directions given by Monoman are spot on although it would be very easy to miss the field entrance / public footpath sign on the busy A420. Luckily as it was a Sunday the road wasn’t too busy and I was able to drive slow enough to give me time to spot the entrance and pull over onto the grass. If I was going at any speed I would have missed it.
Over the wooden stile and the Long Barrow is immediately in view to your right – and a big one it is too! I would guess about 40m x 10m x 3 m high.
The best bit of course is the chamber itself – on the far side of the Barrow as you step over the stile. Next to the chamber is an old metal post which looked like it may have held an information board at some time in the past?
The chamber has been restored with 5 metal bars holding the capstone up and a bit of dry stone walling can be seen (assuming this is not original of course!) The chamber is plenty big to stoop into, being about 1.5m x 1.5m x 3m long. There is a (blocking?) stone at the front of the entrance.
Against the far wall was what appeared to be some sort of ‘shrine’ someone had built using flat stones to form a base and a ‘phallic’ looking stone placed on top – very odd!
Sat in the cool chamber, looking out to the bright sunshine and the field beyond was a very peaceful experience.
I would highly recommend a visit to this site – top notch!

Visited 20.3.11
I liked this site a lot.
Easily spotted from the road and very easy to access via a metal field gate.
Three sides of the cist survive along with two large flat stones standing next to each other.
The pile of stones mentioned in a previous post has now grown to 15.
Perhaps someone is trying to ‘grow’ a Long Barrow?!!
This site is well worth stopping off for when in the area.

Visited 12.3.11
As I was in the area visiting Coity Castle (CADW site – free entry) I thought I would pop along to revisit Coity Chambered Tomb.
When I lat visited I was still new to all this and when I saw the locked gate with the ‘private property’ notice across it I settled for a view from the hedge.
Being a bit more experienced, I ignored the sign, hopped over the gate and stepped over the stone stile immediately after the gate on the left. This gives easy access to the field and a two minute walk takes you to the chamber.
The capstone is about 5ft square and 1ft thick. Several large stones are underneath and another which seems to have been built into the field wall.
It was a lovely sunny day and the first time this year I have been able to walk across a dry field!
There were primroses in abundance – very pretty.

Visited 24.2.11
As part of my on-going ambition to visit all 401 English Heritage sites I called in on Beeston Castle. I had no idea about its prehistoric founding but was pleasantly surprised when reading the guide book which has 3 pages on this (pages 19, 20, 21). This includes photos of flint arrowheads and bronze axe heads found at the site.
It is a bit of a steep climb up to the top of the castle (well it is when you are carrying a 3 year old!) but the view makes it well worth the effort.
The views really are stunning.
All in all a nice place to visit. Entrance fee applies.

Visited 27.2.11

After having a rather nice lunch in the pretty market town of Cowbridge, I managed to pursuade Karen that a slight detour on the way home would do no harm! Travelling west out of Cowbridge, take the turning south signposted Colwinston. Immediately after the turuning park as best you can near Twmpath house. The Barrow is in the trees to the left of the drive.
Covered in brambles, nettles, ivy and trees the Barrow is not that easy to spot but appears to be about 0.5 metres high and about 10 metres across.
Not worth making a special journey for but wortha quick look if in the area.

Coflein describes the site:
A much disturbed and mutilated round barrow, about 27m north-east to south-west by 20m and 1.4m high: excavations through the 19th century demonstrated that the mound, originally about 17.7m in diameter and 1.5m high, contained 13 in-urned cremations placed in a central drystone-walled enclosure; there were also five secondary burials.

I have ‘visited’ this site a couple of times in the past but have never been able to spot anything. In saying that, it has tended to be summer visits. Perhaps these Barrows may be able to be seen in the winter months?

Coflein describes as site as:
One of a pair of round barrows (its neighbour NPRN 91939 is not scheduled) lies in a pasture field immediately N of the A48.
Clearly spread by ploughing it now measures about 35m in overall diameter but its profile suggests an original diameter of nearer 25m. Nowhere does its height exceed 0.75m.
On top of the mound is a concrete plinth measuring 6m by 4m which supports a feeding trough.

‘Visited’ 18.2.11
An ‘ad hoc’ visit on my home from work. There was no rush for me to get home, the nights are starting to draw out a bit and I happened to have my O/S map in the car – reason enough to visit a new site!
It took me a lot longer than expected to find the right place to stop along the maze of country lanes to the north east or Cardiff. The lanes are narrow, have few parking places and have hedges both sides which must be about 10ft high! At this time of year it was just possible to see through the leafless hedges – you would have no chance in the summer. I eventually parked in a small passing place near the entrance to Cefn Porth Farm (on Graig Llywn road). When I walked to the entrance of the farm (which looked to be the only way to get access to the site) I was stopped by a padlocked gate which had signs on it stating ‘Private’ and ‘Warning – loose dogs’. Looking at the O/S map what remains there are of the ‘fort’ appear to be at the northern end of the field. I couldn’t see anything of note at the southern end nearest the lane.
By now it was getting dark and starting to rain. To be honest I didn’t fancy climbing over the gate and possibly being bit on the bum by a ‘loose dog’.
I decided to go home and have my tea instead!

I visited this site a few years ago – this is what I can remember:
Directions – Head north towards Penmark off the B4265 / A4226 roundabout near Cardiff Airport. Before reaching the village take the turning on the right and head towards Llancarfan. Before you reach Llancarfan take the turning on the right signposted Moulton. This road runs along the southern defences of the Hillfort.
The lane is narrow and due to a hedge there was no obvious access to the site. In the end I parked at the farm and knocked on the door to ask for permission. There was no answer although it looked as though there was someone in. I took the opportunity for a quick look.
Access is easy from the farm (I seem to remember they had their own little path up to the site?) The inner Hillfort is fenced off and there were sheep grazing when I visited. There didn’t appear to be much left of the defences although the middle of the site was pretty flat. I was conscious of being ‘spotted’ so I didn’t climb over the fence and didn’t stay too long.
I have since discovered that there is a public footpath which runs along the northern edge of the site but not into the Hillfort itself. Perhaps the defences are better preserved on the northern side?

Visited 20.2.11
This was an ‘ad hoc’ visit as the main reason I was in the area was to have a family meal in the attractive Captain’s Wife pub which overlooks Sully Island. The pub is signposted off the main road (brown sign) and there is a fairly large free car park
Following the meal I was pleasantly surprised to find the tide was still out and as luck would have it my wellies were in the boot!
It is only a 15 minute stroll across the beach to the island and you pass the rotting remains of an old ship sunk into the sand. The wellies came in handy as parts of the walk were very muddy with that grey type sludge you sometimes find at the beach.
The island is not very big and the remains of the ditches / banks can be found on the highest part of the island – left hand side when viewing from the beach. I spotted two definite banks/ditches, the first about 6ft high and the second about 5ft high. There was also a smaller bank on the outer edge but I do not know if this was man made or natural? Other than nice views over to Flat Holm and Steep Holme there is not much else I can add about my visit. Not very often I do an island field note!
Coflein records the possibility of a Barrow on the highest point but I couldn’t see any trace of it. Perhaps it has been worn away over the years?

*** WARNING ***
You do need to be careful of the tides when planning a visit. In this part of the world they come in very quickly and each year several people get caught out and the inshore lifeboat has to be called upon. Unfortunately people do occasionally drown when caught in an in-coming tide. It is perfectly safe to visit the island as long as you are sensible with tide times. If you happen to visit when it is not possible to walk out onto the island the larger ditch is easily seen from the beach.

I ‘visited’ this site two years ago when visiting Lydney Park Gardens (very nice)
The gardens are not open all year round so you see to check for opening details before planning a visit.
Parking is on a grass field at the bottom of a small valley.
Directly in front of you is the hill on which the remains of the Hillfort sit. A path to the left takes you up the steep incline to the remains of the Roman Temple which lies within the Hillfort. I know the Romans are not everyone’s cup of tea who use this site but the ruins are worth checking out – temple / bath house etc.
Unfortunately I wasn’t aware of the Hillfort when I visited so didn’t make a special effort to look for clues to its remains. The centre of the Hillfort is pretty flat and has been largely kept clear of trees etc to protect the Roman remains.
There is a pretty good museum in Lydney House although I don’t remember seeing any prehistoric items.

Visited 13.2.11.
The first of 5 local sites I visited on a grey and wet Sunday morning.
Listed on Megalithic and marked on O/S map as Tumulus.
Directions:
Situated on the western outskirts of Cardiff, take the steep road up Leckwith Hill – not far from The Cardiff City Stadium. At the top of the hill take the right turning by the phone box. Then take the next right and park near the padlocked metal field gate which has a sign on it stating ‘farm entrance / keep clear / keep out’.
Should you be so inclined to ignore said sign, this is how you locate the Barrow:
Over the gate and head for the next field gate in the top right hand corner. Go through the gate and the Barrow is next to you on the right hand side. The field hedge cuts through one side of the Barrow. The Barrow itself is about 10 metres in diameter and 0.5 metres high – basically a grass covered low mound.
Clearly visitors are not encouraged and the walk was very muddy with little to see at the end of it. One for the enthusiasts only.

Visited 13.2.11
Marked on the O/S map as Tumulus, I first saw this site mentioned on Megalithic.
Coming off the very busy and very large Culverhouse Cross roundabout, take the A4050 south and then take the minor road south west off the first small roundabout you come to. Follow this road until you come to a house called Coed Rhosyn – you can park on the grass verge without too much difficulty.
Walk up the lane which goes to the house (public right of way) and when you arrive at the house you will see a wooden stile taking you into the field. Follow the ‘path’ and what is left of the barrow is in the second field you come to. The first field was used for grazing although the second field had been completely ploughed. All that is left of the poor Barrow is a low mound in the middle of the field.
Although it is an easy 10 minute walk from the road to the Barrow I wouldn’t bother as there is very little to see. Go to St Lythams and Tinkinswood burial chambers instead!

Visited 13.2.11
Marked on the O/S map as Tumulus, I saw this site mentioned on Megalithic.
Not far from the St Fagans Museum of Welsh Life which is an excellent place – well worth a visit (free entry) and has a replica Iron Age village and wooden circle/henge – amongst many other fine buildings.
Directions:
Take the minor road west out of St Fagans to St Brides Super Ely. Just before entering the village take the turning on the right signposted Parc Coed Machen Country Cottages (brown sign). Follow the narrow lane uphill and park near Pen Onn / Sant Y Nyll houses. Opposite the houses is a public foot path which leads to a pretty ruined windmill (5 minute walk) – easily seen across the field. Once you get to the windmill, go through the field gate below it (near the trees and other ruined building) and go into the next field. The Barrow is on the high point to your left.
The Barrow itself is 20 paces across and 0.5 metres in height.
It is strange how on the one side of the Barrow was a tranquil ivy covered ruined windmill and on the other a busy, noisy main road (A4232). I prefer the windmill side!
Easy site to access but very muddy walk in places.

‘Visited’ 13.2.11
I first became aware of this site after seeing it mentioned on Megalithic.
I think I viewed the Barrow across the fields between the houses although there was no chance of a closer look due to the area being fenced off. It appeared no more than a low mound – virtually ploughed out. Not worth the effort in all honesty. On the plus side it is very close to both St Lythams and Tinkinswood burial chambers which are most definitely worth a visit!

I visited this site a couple of years ago. Although there are two stones marked on the O/S map I could only find one. The O/S map shows two public footpaths through the field in which the stones stand although they are not there in reality! (At least not when I visited!).
After battling through brambles and bushes I arrived in the field next to the house which appeared to be used as some sort of ‘waste ground’. There was dumped material all around!
From what I remember the stone I found was about 5ft high and looking a little sorry for itself amongst the rubbish.
Directions: Take the B4281 west out of Bridgend and park where you can near the Cefn Cross junction. Careful, this is a busy little road.
I plan another visit as soon as I can to try to locate the other nearby stones. I will report back!

Visited 1.2.11
Another site I have only just become aware of (thanks to Megalithic)
Marked on the O/S map as Tumulus and situated in the middle of a residential area.
We were heading home from the ‘delights’ of Barry Island and I persuaded the lovely Karen that we should have a quick look to see if we could spot the Barrow.
Well, credit to her, we turned into the large residential area and like a homing pigeon she drove us straight there!
The Barrow can be found at the junction of Trem Mapgoll and Heol Fioled.
It was surprisingly well preserved, being about 10 metres in diameter and 0.5 metres high – appeared to be a near perfect circle. The Barrow is in a grassed area which has a small railing around it. Presumably the house builders were not allowed to build on this little patch of ground! If it wasn’t for the houses there would be a reasonable view over the Bristol Channel.

Visited 1.2.11
I recently became aware of this site after seeing it mentioned on Megalithic. (Listed at Barry Island Cairns but I think that sounds a bit ‘tacky’)
As it was Dafydd’s birthday and we were treating him to a day at Barry Island it was an ideal opportunity to have a quick look. I have walked out to Friar’s Point many times over the years and have never noticed anything ‘prehistoric’ before – although to be fair I was never looking!
Luckily the weather was very mild for the time of year and the wind was light. Karen stayed in a café with Sophie enjoying a cuppa whilst myself and Dafydd headed across the beach towards Friar’s Point. Although I find the ‘Pleasure Park’ awful, there is no denying the quality of Whitmore Bay beach.
Once you walk past the lifeguard station there is a path which takes you from the beach up to the rocky headland (there is a path which runs behind the lifeguard if you don’t want to get your shoes full of sand!).
The O/S map shows two cairns:
The first I spotted (I think) behind the 2nd single bench you come to overlooking the sea on your left. It was about 10 metres in diameter and 0.3 metres high. I assume this was the cairn as it was in the right spot but the ground is very undulating so it is difficult to be sure 100%. It would be very hard to spot in the summer when the grass is high.
The second cairn is further along the headland, to the right where the path forks. It is smaller, about 5 metres wide and 0.5 metres high and appeared to have had the centre dug into at some point in the past.
The cairns are not much to look at but it is a pleasant walk out to Friar’s Point on a nice day. It only takes about 10 minutes from the beach.

Visited 5.2.11
Painswick Beacon is signposted from both the B4073 and the A46 heading north out of Painswick. Take the relevant turning and you will soon come to a large parking area at the top of the hill. Park here and take one of the many paths which lead up to the Hillfort.
I was surprised to find that a golf course has covered most of the site (I hadn’t read the previous fieldnotes) but don’t let that put you off visiting.
The ramparts of the Hillfort are easily seen and well preserved. I found this a complicated site to work out as there are between 2 and 4 ditches / ramparts on various sides of the Hillfort. The ramparts are high – easily above head height when standing in the ditch. It is a 10 minute walk to circumnavigate the interior of the site and only a 5 minute walk from the car park.
There is a Trig point on the highest rampart, with one of those signs on top showing you what you can see in the distance. Unfortunately the weather was closing in so viewing was limited although you would be able to see for miles on a clear day.
Speaking of the weather, it was near gale force winds on top and (believe it or not) I had to hold on to the trig point to stop myself getting blown off my feet! In fact, I was blown off the ramparts into the ditch on the way back to the car!
(Karen has the sense to stay in the car with the children)
Well worth a visit when in the area – particularly if the weather is nice!

Visited 5.2.11
What a pretty village Painswick is – well worth a visit in its own right.
The church deserves a visit with its 99 yew trees in the church yard!
(Dafydd insisted we visit the church – he has a ‘thing’ for old churches – good lad!)
Anyway, down to business:
Heading north through the centre of Painswick, turn right at the church (Victorian Square) and follow the narrow lanes to Tibbiwell Lane. As you head down the steep, narrow lane you will see a white garden gate on your left with a sign on it showing ‘Tabitha’s Well’. The well itself is on the lane, by the steps which lead up the garden gate. Parking is best achieved at the bottom of the hill – only a short walk.
The well is small, with water coming out of a stone spout into a ‘basin’ about 2 feet square. The water looked very clean although I didn’t risk a taste.

I visited this site a couple of years ago on the way home, in the pouring rain as I remember. I parked at the field gate on the minor road to the south of the Hillfort and took the short uphill walk through the field (not public right of way).
I remember the whole site being heavily wooded.
However, the main thing I remember is when coming down back to the car, jogging as you do to try to stay on your feet on the wet grass, my foot got caught in a piece of wire sticking out of the ground. How I managed to stay on my feet I don’t know! I think a re-visit is in order – on a dry day!