CARL

Visited 31.7.10
This site was very easy to access. Heading west towards Ashdown House (N.T) along the B4000 from Lambourn you come to a small parking area which has several public footpaths leading from it (about 1 mile before you reach Ashdown House). Park here.
You will see a footpath running north and south and a path running south east (behind the trees next to the road) – this is the path you need to take. The field on your right is fenced off and the barrow is clearly seen in the corner of the field straight in front of you. (The barrow is actually visible from the parking area). When I visited the grass was high around the barrow but it was easy to spot with a large squarish stone sticking out of the top. There were various other ‘lumps and bumps’ in the field but I don’t know if these were smaller barrows or natural? O/S map only shows one barrow.
There is what looks like a standing stone to the left of the barrow amongst the trees but I assume it is natural as there is nothing showing on the O/S map.
Whilst visiting the site it is well worth continuing along the B4000 towards Ashdown House to see the field full of erratic stones on the left before the turning to the House. It is very reminiscent of the surviving fields of stones found around the Avebury area.

Visited 12.6.10.
Easy to find to the north west of the White Barrow on the road from Tilshead village towards Chitterne.
A little way along this road is a large car park on the right. Park here and the barrow is clearly seen in the field about 100 yards away. There is no public access as it is on MOD land but the barrow is easy to spot on the brow of the hill and worth a look when in the Tilshead area.
The long barrow is marked on the map on Horse Down – next to the road.

Visited 15.7.10.
Easily seen from the lane which runs west from the Adam and Eve stones and past the longbarrow. A bit further down the lane past the longbarrow (on the left) you come to a house called Barrow Grange (on the right).
Although the land is obviously private the barrow is large and easily seen over the wooden fence from the entrance to Barrow Grange.
What a great thing to have in your garden!!!

I visited this site about two years ago whilst visiting nearby Tintern Abbey (CADW).
The site is easy enough to find – take the first turning on the left driving north through Woodcroft. The lane is quite narrow but there are places to park on the left with good views across the river Wye. The lane runs right next to the western edge of the hillfort and there is a fence surrounding the field. When I visited sheep were grazing in the centre of the Hillfort. I had the baby with me at the time so I settled for a view from the lane. To be honest there wasn’t much to see – the centre is a flat grass field and the other 3 sides of the Hillfort are covered with trees.

Visited 24.7.10.
This is an easy one to visit. Take the minor road south east off the B4235 out of Usk. In a short while you will see a bungalow on your left and the entrance to Great House farm on your right. I parked by the entrance and walked over the cattle grid and about 10 yards up the drive. You will then see a public footpath sign – turn right into the grass field. (Full of sheep when I visited but no fence to cross) The Hillfort is now on your left through the trees. There are two ditches/ramparts to be seen – the inner one being the larger of the two. Quite well preserved and about head hight when standing at the bottom of the ditch. The centre of the Hillfort is fenced off by a barbed wire fence and is used for sheep grazing – at least it was when I ws there.
All in all worth a visit when in the area.

Visited 24.7.10.
This was definitely not an easy visit!
Taking minor roads north out of Usk (O/S map required) I parked in a small passing place on the north side of the Hillfort. This was near the entrance to the private track which leads to the farm. I scrambled up the very steep bank – hands and knees job – and then made my way up the steep bank through the trees. (On my way back down I noticed that I had crossed over a collapsed wire fence without realising it) About half way up a crossed a track which ran aound the side of the hill (doesn’t show on the O/S map) and eventually arrived at the top. I then had to cross a barbed wire fence and at last I was at the single ditch/rampart. This was well preserved and larger than I expected. When stood in the ditch the top of the bank was above head height. The centre of the Hillfort was covered in low grass which I assume is kept short by sheep? – none present when I was there. It was then a dodgy walk back down the way I came with the help of a large branch I had found for support in the loose soil. When reaching the car I noticed a sign at the entrance to the private track which stated ‘Private – no public access. Strictly by appointment only’ – oops!

Visited 21.7.10.
These are the barrows in the fields adjacent to the car park below Knap Hill / Adam’s grave. There were cows in the field when I visited although the barrows could be easily seen – quite large.

Thanks to ‘thesweetcheat’ for posting this. I thought I noticed this barrow when I visited the area earlier in the year but as nothing was showing on the map I thought it was just my imagination!

I visited Llyswen earlier this year on my way home from a day looking at ‘old stones’ around the Hay On Wye area. There is a public right of way running to the west of the site but not directly to it. I didn’t have time to walk up to the site and hoped to grab a view from Llyswen. Unfortunately the whole hilltop is covered with trees and there was little to see. In fact from Llyswen itself I couldn’t even see the hilltop due to all the trees in the village. There is however a pretty church in the village which could be worth a look?

I visited this site last week whilst spending the afternoon at Margam Park with the family. Margam Park is free to enter but you are charged for parking (£3.50). Behind the stately home there is a cafe / shop. Running alongside the cafe is a path heading north. Follow this path and you will shortly come to a gate. Go through the gate and follow the path straight ahead (not the path to the right). You then come to two large trees – one each side of the path. Come off the path here and make your way up the hill through the trees and bushes. It is a steep climb with no paths but it does take you to top of the hillfort. There is not much of a view due to the trees and the only obvious remains I could see was a single ditch/rampart along the south west side. There is also a large modern squarish ‘building’ in the middle of the hillfort which must be to do with Margam Park House? The hillfort gets a mention in the visitors guide you can buy. This is a good place to spend a few hours and will also give you the chance to nip of for a quick hillfort visit!

Visited 14.7.10.
When parking by the pond (which by the way was dried up when I visited as it hadn’t rained for several weeks – amazingly enough for this part of the world!) walk around the pond to the left. More or less opposite you will see the stone not far from the edge of the pond. I also noticed several other stones nearby which were sticking out of the ground. I have no idea if these are natural or part of the site. As the pond had dried up I also noticed the top of a couple of stones which would normally be under water.
Strangely enough someone had left a cross with a poppy attached in one of the hollows on top of the stone.

Visited 14.7.10.
Easily seen alongside road opposite entrance to Blaengwrthyd Farm. Larger than I expected and I am pleased to say that the ferns had been cut back from around the stone.

Visited 14.7.10.
Directions: Drive S/W down the single track road from the Mountain Centre 1 stone. As road bends slightly to the right, a stone is easily visible close to the track on the left. It is half buried and covered in moss/lichen. Nearby is another stone just sticking out above the grass. The ferns have been cleared away from around the stone so spotting it is now a lot easier.

Visited 15.7.10.
After knackering myself carrying Dafydd up Knap Hill in the strong winds, I left him with Karen in the car as I walked up to Adam’s Grave alone. Although it looks quite far I reached the top in only 15 minutes. Access is easy via a path through the fields opposite the car park. I was surprised by how large and clear the ditch/bank around the long barrow was. I can’t think of any other site I have been to which has anything anywhere near as large as this? This must have been a very special site in the distant past. The wind on top of Adam’s Grave was even stronger than nearby Knap Hill and I took refuge in one of the ditches near the top. It was surprising how much shelter could be had and I happily spent a few minutes lying on my back watching the clouds fly by. I had the whole hill to myself and there were good views to be had in all directions. I had been meaning to visit this place for a number of years – now I have achieved that little ambition. It goes without saying that this is well worth a visit.

Visited 15.7.10.
It was a bright and sunny day but very windy. Karen chose to stay in the car whilst I walked/carried Dafydd up the hill from the large car park. Access was easy through a gate but the higher we got, the windier it got. By the time we reached the top if felt like the winds were gale force and I had to shelter Dafydd to stop him being blown over! There were a couple of military looking helicopters flying around and I presume they were practicing flying in string winds?! Adams Grave is easily seen just a short distance away. We didn’t stay too long on the top and quickly made our way back down the hill to the relative shelter of the valley floor. It was only a 10 minute walk from the car park to the top.

Visited 11.7.10.
This is a great place to visit. It should be towards the top of everyone’s ‘wish list’. It took me an 8 hour round trip to drive up here and cost me £50 in petrol. Was it worth it? – you bet it was!!!
This has to be one of the wonder ancient sites of Britain. Easily found as well sign posted once you enter Llandudno. The facilities are good with a decent museum / shop and a really good system where you ‘self-tour’ the mines. I can’t really describe the mines here to give them justice; only to say that they are truly awe inspiring. All I would say is that at one point during the walk underground you come to a HUGE chamber which is very well lit – jaw dropping – I couldn’t believe what I was seeing! Th think this was all dug out by hand, with bones and stones – unbelievable!!!
I was later informed by someone working at the site that another 8 of these had been found!!!!
Please try to visit this site, I promise you won’t be dissapointed.

Attempted visit 11.7.10.
Driving back through Llandudno after visiting the Great Orme mines I thought I would check out this hillfort. Unfortunately (sort of) it was a beautiful sunny day so Llandudno was packed. There was absoultely no where to park. I was tempted to park on the yellows but an eager traffic warden was in the area happily booking people so I though better of it. The Hillfort is near the pier and I noticed a modern Gorsedd stone circle errected on the grass near the pier. It looked like the easiest access point would have been past the stone circle and over the wooden fence near the trees? Llandudno looks a nice place and one I would like to visit in the future – another chance of a look at the hillfort then?

Visited 11.7.10.
Directions: After visiting the Great Orme Mine, take the first turning right coming back down the steep hill (Cromlech Road). There is room to park near the houses and there are convienient wooden steps into the field. A sign states that there is public access to the Burial Chamber only.
When I visited there were 3 donkeys in the field and thankfully no sign of the dogs. The donkeys were quite funny as one came over for me to make a fuss of and then the other two did the same not to miss out! I noticed that the wooden fence surrounding the chamber had been mostly chewed away by the donkeys – or is that the dogs?!! Still, worth a visit when seeing the nearby mines as it is so close and easy to get to.

Visited 11.7.10
Take the turning north out of the village, sign posted Axton Lane. You will shortly come to a public footpath sign – park here. The barrows are easily seen from the gate or a 1 minute walk will get you up close. The barrows are right next to each other but are now only low mounds. Worth a quick look when in the area. Good views.

Visited 11.7.10.
Easy to visit when walking up to the Gop Cairn (see directions for the cairn). I took a torch with me and once you bend down to get into the cave it is big enough to stand up straight in. There were lots of tea lights about and a fair amount of rubbish. Definitely worth a look when visiting the famous Gop cairn above it.

Visited 11.7.10.
Taking the minor road south through Gwaenysgor there is just about room to squeeze in a car in at the junction where the private track to the farm starts. Over the gate and take the tractor tyre ‘path’ to your left – NOT up the private track to the farm. You will then come to a metal field gate on the right. Over the gate and a 20 minute, fairly steep walk takes you up to the Gop (behind farm buildings – including an odd ‘tower like’ structure). It’s a hard slog up the hill but someone has kindly put up a bench where you can admire the views, just at the point where the cairn starts. The cairn is HUGE. It takes a bit of working out to establish where the hill stops and the cairn starts! Good views in all directions. Worth the effort but one for the fairly fit only.

Visited 15.7.10.
I found the church easy enough and that funny wooden turnstile is still in place. When I entered the church I discovered a meeting was taking place. I looked around for the trap door but at first couldn’t see it. Then I spotted that the church organ had been placed on top of it. I was in two minds to ask someone from the meeting to give me a hand moving the organ – but thought better of it. I also noticed there was a lock on the trap door – don’t know if it was locked or not? One to visit again when no one else is there!

Visited 15.7.10.
Nice and easy to find this one. Right in the middle of the village at the cross roads. The stone is about 1 metre high and the hole is large enough to put your arm through. The plaque is still there but is now appearing a little weathered. Worth a quick stop off when in the area.

‘Visited’ 15.7.10.
I took the small lane running west out of Woodborough and parked next to the field in which the stone stands. Unfortunately the crops (corn?) were the height of my head and I couldn’t find the stone! I did however carefully make my way to the middle of the field where the trees are with the large stones scattered around the trunks. Definitely one to visit after the harvest!!!

Visited 15.7.10.
I quite liked this site! Easily found and accessed on the side of the lane running east from Woodborough. There is an interesting information sign on the ‘modern’ stone next to the ‘old’ stone. Signs states that this was the spot where King Alfred met up with his brother and his troops before heading off to fight the Danes in 871AD. Worth a look when in the area.

‘Visited’ 15.7.10
Not much to report. I viewed the hill from the lane to the south near Cocklebury Farm. Despite not being very high it is quite prominent in the flat countryside. There does not appear to be any public right of way to the hilltop.

‘Visited’ 11.7.10.
I took the road south through Dyserth which runs to the west of the Hillfort. There is no public access to the site and the hill was a lot higher and steeper than I expected. It would be a fair old hike to the top of this site! Respect to those who have done it. Despite using binoculars there were no obvious signs of defences other than the natural rock faces. I wouldn’t fancy trying to attack this place!!

Visited 15.7.10.
Easily seen from lane which runs west from the Adam and Eve stones (over hedge on left). Couldn’t see any obvious access points through the hedge into the field so had to settle for view from lane. The barrow was covered in long grass. The trees have been removed.

Visited 15.7.10.
Hoorah! after driving past on many occasions, I actually got to have a proper visit at last. Easy to access (first left after the A4361/A361/A4 roundabout) and you can park very close to the stones. There is a wire fence to climb through but it is easy and 30 seconds later you are at the stones. Although they look big from a distance, they are HUGE when you get up close – much bigger than I expected. Definitely one to visit.

Visited 15.7.10.
There was waist high grass all around and although I did notice a slight rise to the south east of the Adam and Eve stones I don’t know if it was the barrow or just a natural bump in the ground?

Visited 16.7.10.
I don’t normaly visit these type of sites as it usually involves a bit of a hike with little to be seen at the end of it. However, this is different and well worth a visit. There is a large car park opposite the path leading to the site which is sign posted Hendre’r Mynydd (Forestry Commission Wales). Walking down the path out onto the fields there is a cracking waterfall to be seen in the distance to your right (worth stopping off just to see that) and within 5 minutes you have reached the ‘village’. There are the remains of collapsed walls for several buildings – some very large – and towards the bottom end what looked to me to be a collapsed long perimeter wall? On the down side there was evidence of recent fires and a fair amount of litter which I picked up and took home. Well worth a visit on a dry day – wouldn’t be much fun in the middle of winter as it is quite exposed.

Visited 17.7.10.
The road leading to Farmington goes straight through the Hillfort. As you approach from the west there is a house to your right and a stone on the left which is engraved Farmington MM. This is where the western ‘defences’ are. All that can be seen is a slightly raised mound leading off into the field. At the eastern end of the ‘defences’ can be seen a low raised bank where the field boundary hedge now is.
There is in truth very little to see and is hardly worth making a special visit for.

Visited 17.7.10.
The tree has now been cut down from the top of the barrow and it is easily seen from the wooden gate leading into the field. To make things a little easier when finding the site, there is a telegraph pole to the left of the barrow.

Visited 17.7.10.
A very slight rise can be seen in the middle of a field if you look hard enough!
There is very little to see and only worth a look when visiting Farmington Hillfort.

Visited 17.7.10.
Another site I ‘visited’ today where I couldn’t see a thing due to tall crops in the field. However, I did previously see a good reconstruction of the site in the Corinium Museum in Cirencester – excellent place to visit – highly recommended.

Visited 17.7.10.
Although no public access to the barrow it is easily seen from the A436. The trees have now been cut down and the barrow is clearly visible rising above the field. Not very big but still a reasonable height – covered in long grass and shrubs.

Visited 17.7.10.
Taking the A433 East – just past the turning to Rodmarton – you will come to a turning to the left which has very large, very posh locked gates. This is obviously a private drive although it was the only place to park on this busy road! Despite the field being in crop, the barrow was easily seen from the gates in the field to your left. A large, low mound – must have been quite a size in its day?

‘Visited’ 17.7.10.
Couldn’t see a thing! Crops up to your chest. One to visit in the Winter I suggest!!

Visited 17.7.10.
Taking the minor road west out of Northleach you come to a junction where the road joins another road to your left. At this point there is a large parking area on the left – park here. Walk around the road to the left and you will see two metal gates and a wooden stepped stile on your right. Over the stile and follow the lane (radio mast in trees to right) until you see a public footpath sign. The stone is next to the wall on your left hand side – on the bend in the wall. The stone is approximately 2 metres long and about 1 metre high with an unusual ‘key hole’ type hole in it – quite large. An unusual stone and worth a visit to have a look when in the area. Access is easy although the metal gates were padlocked when I visited.

I visited this site early on in the year. I was one of those winter days where it was cold and crispy but with a beautiful blue sky. Anyway, we followed the narrow lane (east side of Hillfort) up the steep hill and parked in a passing place just before the house on the left. Karen (who doesn’t like heights) wasn’t too impressed with the sheer drop to the right but I enjoyed the views! I walked up through the trees and came across what I thought was a surprisingly flat grass area. I happily carried on walking before noticing some garden furniture and realised I was walking across someone’s lawn!!! It looks like at least the northern part of the site belongs to the household? Regardless, I carried on (It was just as quick to get off the lawn by continuing to head the way I was going) to see if I could spot any obvious remains of the ramparts / enclosure. Unfortunately I can’t say I did. I did however find a track running to the south of the Hillfort which gives a less ‘obvious’ access to the general area – none of which appears to have a public right of way. Not much to recommend a visit i’m afraid.

Visited 17.7.10.
My last site to visit of the day and what a site to finish on!
Easy to get to – well sign posted from the surrounding major roads and a large free car park with toilet facilities etc. There are plenty of visitor information boards around and the path to the Hillfort was easy enough to find. A very informative information board was at the entrance to the Hillfort giving time periods, site development and archaeological digs information. The ramparts are fairly well preserved and there were a series of different coloured concrete circles in the ground which I assume show the position of buildings? Unfortunately these were not mentioned on the boards. The main thing about the site has to be the view – simply stunning across into Wales. WOW!
Worth the visit for the view alone – you can see for miles and miles and miles….

‘Visited’ 17.7.10.
The only place I could find to park along the busy A429 which runs to the east of the barrow was in the BP petrol station. Opposite the petrol station is a ‘path’ through the trees. There is a sign in the woods which states walkers are welcome but no camping / fires. At the other side of the trees is a barbed wire fence which I didn’t bother to try to cross as the field in which the barrow stands was full of head high crop – no chance of seeing anything. Definitely one to visit after the harvest or in the Winter / Spring.

Visited 27.6.10.
Very easy to find. Take the left hand turn off from the A4110 at Bush Bank (pub on the corner of turning). About 60 yards down the lane the stone is clearly visible in the verge on your left opposite the drive to Merriedown House. It is about 3ft high, next to a telegrath pole. Whilst I was looking at the stone a chap came along who said he was a local archaeologist. He said that he kept the grass cut around the stone (top man!) and that there were quite a few people who came to visit. He then showed me what he thought was a ridge cut into the stone (about a third of the way from the top) and that he had a theory that it was possibly once the bottom part of a stone cross. He also stated the the stone had been removed from a local field and placed in its current position in the 1930’s.
Worth a look if you happen to be in the area.

Visited 27.6.10.
This was a bit odd. I drove up the country lane towards the site only to see a sign which stated the road was private – access only to houses along the lane. I looked again at the O/S map which shows it to be a normal lane. Anyway I continued my journey up the lane past Butthouse towards King’s Pyon. I did get a stare from a woman doing the gardening in one of the very posh houses but nothing was said. (as an aside you drive past a small detached black and white medieval looking building on your left – pretty).
The barrow itself has a fence around it with large trees growing on the top. There doesn’t appear to be any public access to the barrow although access to the field would be via a metal gate. I chose to view from the lane as even if you did go in the field you would still have to climb over the fence surrounding the barrow.

‘Visited’ 27.6.10.
Not really a visit but an attempted observance from afar! I took the small lane which runs to the north of the hillfort off the main road. Unfortunately the entire hill is covered in trees and there is no public right of way to the site.
I had a quick look for any easy access points for a ‘sneak’ visit but I couldn’t see any. I had Dafydd with me so I didn’t fancy a battle through the trees. Nothing much else I can say!

Visited 28.6.10.
Parking is quite difficult and the nearest place I could find was near Ivy Cottage a couple of hundred yards down thel ane from the public footpath. You need to climb up a short but very steep bank off the lane, over the stile and then it’s becomes an easier walk up through the field to the hillfort. It only takes 5 minutes. The best preserved section of the ramparts are those directly in front of you although they do continue to the left into the next field and to the right into the trees. Great views, including the Severn Bridges away in the distance.

Visited 26.6.10
As previously described parking is easy and the walk up the hill is pretty much straight forward. When I visited it was a scorcher of a day and the cows and sheep in the fields were all sat down in the shade trying to keep cool. I of course was carrying Dafydd up the hillfort whilst sweating like a pig!! Although there is a lot of bracken about there is a clear path all the way up (30 minute walk). The ramparts are in pretty good condition and the views are obviously good. Nearby Slwch Tump hillfort is easily visible.

Visited 27.6.10.
There is a small sign post off the A488 – near a bend so easy to miss. Follow the lane and up the rough track to the small car park. It’s only a 10 minute walk over the cattle grid and across the moor land to the stone circle. The stones are not visible from the car park but just walk straight ahead and you can’t miss them. There is a ‘remote’ feel about this site and lovely views to be had. There are a number of stones outside the circle which would easily fool me into thinking that they were more than ‘natural’. However, I know little about these things and I accept they are! An E.H. information board gives some interesting reading. The stone circle isn’t massively impressive but the location certainly is. There were ‘offerings’ placed around the top of the tallest stone in the circle – ribbons / leaves / flowers etc. Well worth a visit.
*** Before you turn right onto the track which leads to the car park there is a large cairn to be seen on your left. I have not been able to find any information about this cairn but it is worth a quick look when visiting the stone circle ***

Visited 26.6.10
I parked by the house near the stone. The stone is easily seen from the lane; sited next to a wire fence and telegraph pole. The stone stood tall and proud in the brilliant summer sunshine whilst the people living in the house enjoyed a BBQ.

‘Visited’ 26.6.10.
I couldn’t see any easy access leading to the top (no public right of way) and I didn’t fancy a ‘sneak’ visit through the open fields. I couldn’t make out a great deal from the lane despite the binoculars. One tor two possible earthworks near the summit.