CARL

Tried to visit 26.6.10.
Failed on this one. I tried to get near the stone via the lane to the west. However, I was confronted by large closed wooden gates with several ‘Private – Keep Out’ signs!
(I wonder what these type of people are afraid of?) I then tried to get a view from near the newly built houses on the opposite side of the dismantled railway. There is a large field next to the houses which goes right down the railway. The problem is when you get close you come to a 5ft high barbed wire fence and 6ft brambles! There was no chance of getting through that little lot! Judging by the amount of undergrowth I doubt the stone would have been visible anyway?

Visited 29.6.10.
Despite the weather being in the mid 70’s with plenty of sunshine on the coast (I was heading for the beach via a small ‘detour’) it was misty with drizzle up in the mountains!!
Travelling west along the A4107 from the A4061 you come to a road sign which states ‘Welcome to Bridgend District’. Park near the sign on the grass verge and walk up the tractor tyre tracks heading up the hill parallel to the trees. After about 5 minutes the cair comes into view. Luckily I had my wellies in the car otherwise I would have got soaked. The cairn was a lot bigger than I expected and had been dug into. An old car tyre and concrete lump had been dumped in the cairn’s hollow. Despite this, it was very atmospheric – probably due to the weather?
The cairn is NOT visible from the road.

Tried to visit 29.6.10.
Grrrrrrrrr….. not happy!
‘Jobsworth’ on the gate refused me entry and said that the public were not allowed beyond the large locked metal gates. He said he would need permission from his boss to allow me access. I explained that I had come a fair way and could he ring his boss to ask? He wouldn’t!!!!!
Unfortunately I didn’t have Burl’s directions with me so another visit required.

Visited 30.6.10.
There is a wooden field gate next to Mercury Garage on the A478 which gives access to the stone. The stone is easily seen about 100 metres away. I was tempted to go and have a closer look but there was a bloke in the garden opposite who never took his eyes off me so I settled for a view from the gate instead.

Visited 30.6.10.
Right next to the road but nowhere to park.
I had to settle for 2 slow ‘drive bys’!
Luckily someone keeps the hedge cut back where the stone is so easy enough to see from the car.

Visited 30.6.10.
WOW,WOW,WOW – what a great site!!!!!!!!!!
I have been to many dolmens but for views this has to be the best – stunning.
Easy to access, parking next to Longhouse Farm. Luckily it hadn’t rained for several weeks so the mud/much from the ever present cows was not a problem – although I am sure it would be in wet weather. There was a group of artists present when I visited who were painting the dolmen for ever possible angle! The dolmen was a lot bigger than I expected and it was no problem walking underneath. I would put this burial site in my top 3, alongside Pentre Ifan and West Kennett. Did I mention the views???

Visited 30.6.10.
This is a superb site. Very easy to access and a type of site I have never seen before.
Driving along the A487 (towards Newport) you will see a sign for Oakfield Lodge on your right. Keep driving north and in a couple of hundred yards you will see a public footpath sign on your left with a wide grass verge you can park on. This is the closest parking space to the burial chamber. Walk back down the road – take care, this road is very busy with traffic speeding – until you come about opposite Oakfield Lodge. You will see a wooden field gate with a ‘please close the gate’ sign on it. Although there is no public right of way into the field I assume the owners don’t mind judging by the sign on the gate? This is a ‘wow’ place – very unusual. It seems to me that this site should be far better known than it is. Burial chambers with a large flat stone lying 100 paces away at the opposite end of the field – must be to do with the chambers? There is also the treat of great views towards Dinas Head and the coastline. As long as you take care with the road this is a great place to visit.

Visited 30.6.10.
Penlan farm is not signposted from the main road but there is a public footpath sign. Take the turning up the concrete track but DO NOT drive any further up the track when the concrete section ends as the road is extremely rutted – you would need to be driving a 4x4 or tractor (not sure if my little Fiesta has recovered yet?!). Walk up to the field the Dolmen stands in (on your right) which is easy to identify as there are metal steps into the field! The Dolmen is only a little way into the field and has the usual large chunky capstone seen in this area. The capstone is high enough to crouch under. Fairly easy to access although I would suggest leaving your car on the main road and walking all the way if you have a decent car which you don’t want ‘tested’.

Visited 30.6.10.
This was a lot easier to find than I expected it to be although I have to say I was a little disappointed by the site. I don’t know why but I was expecting it to have more of a ‘wow’ factor. The only thing I can add is that one of the fallen stones built into the wall is under a telegraph pole. May make it a little easier to find?

‘Visited’ 30.6.10.
When I say visited I should say viewed from the top of Garnwnda rock outcrop. There was no obvious or easy access to the stone so I settled for a view from afar. The stone is easily seen.

Visited 30.6.10.
Seen on the horizon when approaching St David’s Head Camp along the costal footpath. However, as you get closer it disappears from sight. Before you get to St David’s Camp there is a very small ‘path’ up the steep bank off to the right. This is near the small cove you pass on your left. Up the ‘path’ to the top and you will see the tomb. An easier but longer way is to walk from St David’s Camp along the headland. However, taking this route you only see the tomb when you are pretty much right on top of it. Lovely costal views to be had and the capstone is tall enough to sit under, although the tomb was not as big as it looked from a distance.

Visited 30.6.10.
I parked at the Whitesands Beach car park (charge) and took a lovely 30 minute walk up to the hillfort. It was a beautiful summer’s morning and was ‘picture postcard’ perfect. The sun was warm, the sand white and the sea crystal clear – wonderful. Makes you feel good to be alive. Be careful when walking along the costal path as it is right next to the cliff edge at places with no fences and a deadly drop! There are stone ramparts remaining in places about 8ft high – collapsed walls to the front. It goes without saying there are great costal views.

‘Visited’ 30.6.10.
Failed to find this one I am afraid to report. Despite walking around and around, climbing up and down, getting stung by nettles and twice getting zapped by an electric animal fence I failed. I can only assume I couldn’t see the burial chamber due to the height of the gorse / brambles? I am sure I was in the right place. Perhaps it is one to visit in the winter months?

Visited 30.6.10.
Really easy to visit. Park by the large car park next to the two stone monuments. There is an interesting plaque next to one of the modern standing stones about how the bluestones from Stonehenge came from the area. Walk north to edge of field and look over the wall – the stones are right in front of you. To get closer you need to hop over the fence and walk through waist high nettles and ‘spikey grass’. One stone is about 6ft high – the other about 5ft. Great views od Carn Meini mountains to the north.

I visited this site about two years ago.
As you drive along the lane which runs next to the stones, there is one stone to be seen amongst the undergrowth. To get to the stone you need to climb over a fence and scramble up the bank. This isn’t too difficult if you are reasonably mobile. If my memory serves me right there is barbed wire on top of the fence. The stone has fallen and I couldn’t see the other stone which is recorded. It is possible it was in the undergrowth somewhere?

Visited 30.6.10.
An easy place to access but a bit of a walk to get to the top – took me 20 minutes from the parking area alongside the road. At the top are 3 huge cairns, the largest of which has been ‘excavated’ by ramblers to make a rather comfortable shelter, with views across to the mountains. Good views all around although there is little to be seen of the hillfort defences.

Visited 30.6.10.
I had no problem at all finding this site – for a change!
Opposite the entrance to Llethr Farm is a metal field gate. From here the Burial Chamber is easily seen in the boundry wall two fields away. To get a closer look all you need to do is go over the metal gate and then over the other gate on the opposite side of the field. Warning – the field would be very boggy when wet. I counted 7 large stones making up the collapsed chamber.

‘Visited’ 30.6.10.
Well dear reader, I can now say I have shed blood for the cause! In the next field to Meini Gwyr stands these pair of stones. Easy enough you may think, a quick look over the hedge and ‘Bob’s your Uncle’. Unfortunately, the hedge in question is about 7ft high (stone wall / brambles) and has a double barbed wire fence in front of it! No chance of seeing the stones from this side of the hedge so the only thing for it was to look from the top of the hedge. Unfortunately I had left my ‘hover boots’ at home and during the climb up cut my left leg open and on my way back down cut my right leg open! Despite the blood I at least saw the stones so I guess it was worthwhile? (The little pointy one reminded me of a witches hat). Luckily I do keep a first aid kit in the car for just such emergencies!! If visiting I would suggest you take a small stool or steps – saves the pain!

Visited 30.6.10.
O/S map is a good idea in order to navigate the labyrinth of unsignposted lanes. Once you arrive at the small car park the path up to the hillfort is easy to follow and only took me about 10 minutes to get to the top. There are great views to be had along the coastline. The collapsed remains of the stone ramparts circle the site and there is a long farmer’s field stone wall which cuts right through the hilfort – no prizes for guessing where the stone cam from!! With an O/S map this site was a lot easier to visit than I expected. Well worth a visit for the remaining stonework and the views.

Visited 30.6.10.
Tried to find this site when visiting the nearby standing stone. As with Kammer I couldn’t see it either. There are loads of large boulders about so perhaps it has been destroyed or burried beneath field clearance stones?

Visited 30.6.10.
Easily seen from minor lane west of Fishguard. The stone is only about 20 metres into the field. There is a metal gate leading into the field and a 30 second walk later you are there – up close and personal. Luckily it hadn’t rained for several weeks so the field was nice and dry but in wet weather it would be very boggy. The stone was covered in dry litchen and looked quite pretty.

Visited 30.6.10.
Follow Postman’s directions – they worked for me!
It is worth the effort to see the marvellous rocky outcrop alone. The chambered tomb is a little cracker – close to the outcrop – big enough to crouch under. It took me 15 minutes to walk up through the fields and I had to climb over two barbed wire fences to get to the site. But it was definitely worth it. The views are good but I am sure the rocky outcrop was what drew the ancients to this place originally. Well worth the effort but not the easiest place to find or access. There is a public footpath sign on the road near the farm but no obvious footpath thereafter.

Visited 30.6.10.
This is a really lovely place to visit – very atmospheric. A 2 minute walk from the layby, opposite a bungalow. There is a nice new slate sign which states the circle was errected between 2,300 – 1,200 BC. When visiting don’t forget to look out for the two standing stones a short distance from the circle to your right. One is about 6ft high, the other about 5ft ish. Please try to visit this site is you are able. Well worth a visit.

Visited 30.6.10.
Access is very easy. There is a layby to park in right next to the field in which the stones stand. A weathered but informative board gives details of the site. The two stones are a short walk into the field which had a lot of cows in it. If you don’t like cows, the stones are easily seen from the layby. There appeared to be a raised platform still visible around the stones. Are cows the dullest animals? I am sure they are worse than sheep? At least sheep leave you alone, cows tend to follow you around!!

Visited 30.6.10.
Easy to find this one. As you drive north up the lane with the farm on your right, you come to two metal field gates opposite each other (couple of hundred yards past the farm). Look over the left hand gate and over to the field on your left – this large standing stone is easily seen. I couldn’t see any obvious access to the stone and the field was full of cows so I settled for a view from the gate.

Visited 30.6.10.
As part of my day long adventure in Pembrokeshire, this site happened to be one of my earlier destinations. As it was only 8.00am I didn’t want to knock the door to ask for permission and I also didn’t want to rummage around someone’s garden uninvited, so I chose to observe the large stone from the lane which runs alongside the house. I would have liked to have got a closer look but time and tide............

Visited 30.6.10.
This was my first site on a planned all day adventure around Pembrokeshire. As I ledt home at 4.45am I was here by 7.00am on a still, sunny, beautiful summer morning. I have never been to this part of Wales before – what a stunning area -really beautiful. Reminded me a bit of Cornwall. I walked from the car park next to the retreat, down the path to St Non’s Chapel. Lovely views along the coast. In the field behind the chapel are 5 large stones – 2 standing in field, 2 in hedge and one recumbent. Prehistoric? No idea. To be honest I don’t really care as the scenery alone makes the trip here worthwile. Highly recommended.

Visited 3.7.10
Very easy to visit. Opposite Danefield school on the B3191 is a large layby (presumably for parents to park whilst doing the school run?). Next to the parking area is a metal field gate. The barrow can be seen easily from this gate. Quite a large diameter (10 metres?) but only about 1 metre high. The grass in the field was waist high with plenty of nettles. I couldn’t see any other barrows in the surrounding fields – possibly due to the height of the grass? The O/S map only shows one barrow. There is a sign on the gate stating ‘no public access – nature reserve’.

Visited 4.7.10.
Easy one this. Take the road north from Caerleon heading for Llanhennock. Take the narrow lane north again out of Llanhennock. You will come to a house on your left with a parking space just beyond. Park here. There is a metal field gate next to the parking space and the earthworks of the hillfort can be easily seen not far into the field. The earthworks are not very big and have a large area in the middle which have been dug into. There are now large trees growing out of the depression. Decent views to be had to the east.

‘Visited’ 4.7.10.
When I say visited, tried to visit would be more accurate! I took the narrow concrete lane east of Llangybi which runs to the rather smelly sewage works. When you reach the gates of the sewage works there is a metal gate leading to a track which states ‘Private – No Access’. Looking at the O/S map the stone should be south west of this point. Unfortunately the area is overgrown with large bushes and trees and sight of the fields is very restricted. I saw in the distance what could be the stone along a fence line but the weather was misty with rain and even with binoculars it was not clear. There was no way of access into the fields for a better look as a field drainage ditch runs alongside the lane and there are nettles about 5 foot high and 10 foot across either side of the water filled ditch! Oh, not forgetting a barbed wire fence!

I ‘visited’ this site last year when I was in the Chepstow area. Surrounded by the River Wye on two sides and Chepstow Racecouse on the other, there appears to be no public right of way to this tree covered hillfort. I drove up the small track off the B4228 north of Broadrock which runs alongside another small hillfort (not much to see – pretty much just a field). There are several parking places along the track which afford good views across the river. Unfortunately the only thing you will see is trees!

I visited this site last year. I parked as close as I could to the top of the hill and then started the long walk up. It was a hot day and by the time I reached the top I was knackered! Easy to find – just head for the large arial. Good views when on top.

I tried to visit this site two years ago with little success. I was in the area to look at the Walterstone Motte and Baily castle and thought while I was in the area I would check the hillfort out – as you do! I followed the narrow lane up to Grove Farm to ask for permission but was told the land belonged to a house on th eopposite side of the hillfort. I drove round to the house identified only to be told the land belonged to Grove Farm and I would have to ask there! In the end I gave up!!

Visited 20.6.10.
Driving along the A48, past Caerwent Roman Town (great place to visit), the barrow is on your left in a field just before the railway bridge. Parking is difficult although there is a bus stop you can park in on the opposite side of the road. Be careful crossing as this is a busy road – even on a Sunday. In the field were various ‘shacks’ and a couple of horses. There was waist high grass / vegetation all along the side of the railway embankment and I couldn’t make out anything obvious. No doubt this would be easier to spot in the Winter months?

‘Visited’ 20.6.10.
Not much to report I’m afraid. I took the lane north through Rhiwderin off the A468. There is no public right of way to the fort and visibility was difficult due to the very high hedgerows. I parked near the water treatment works and all I could see was a typical tree covered hilltop.

Visited 20.6.10.
A lovely sunny day and an easy site to visit. Follow the lane north through Lower Machen village off the A468. Turn right along the Sirhowy Valley Walk and the barrow is easily seen on your right hand side about 20 metres away on the brow of the hill. A quick hop over a barbed wire fence and you are there! The barrow is about 1.5 metres high / 5 metres long and about 3 metres wide. The barrow has clearly been dug into at some point in the past. Small stones protrude above the grass at various points. The views down the valley are lovely and make the trip worthwhile alone. A nice place to visit.

Visited 20.6.10.
Unlike thesweatcheat I failed to spot these barrows under the trees and vegetation. On the plus side you can drive down the forrestry track if you want – once you have navigated the maze of unsignposted country lanes to find the site! I had a good look around for the barrows but the going was difficult in the dense undergrowth and Dafydd wasn’t too keen and wanted to go back to the car. Perhaps I saw them and didn’t realise?

Visited 20.6.10.
For ease of finding, this site is located between Lewis Road and Fountain Way, just off Junction 2 of the M48. On a green surrounded by houses and surmounted by a large oak tree.

Visited 20.6.10
Take the road north off the A48 which runs through Parc-Seymour. (A bit further down the A48 is Penhow Castle which is now closed to the public but can be seen from the main road). Take the lane north out of the village and park in the small layby next to a new wooden gate leading to the public footpath (signposted Arcade Road). Follow the footpath up the hill for a few minutes and then try to make your own way to the top through the bushes on your left (the footpath runs around the base of the Hillfort. I only got so far up as I was carrying Dafydd and the bushes / brambles / ferns were waist high. However, I did make our what appeared to be ramparts through the undergrowth. Probably one of those sites best visited in the Spring / Autumn?

‘Visited’ 20.6.10.
I drove along the B4293 which runs to the north of the Hillfort. The whole area is covered by trees and despite a public footpath being marked on the O/S map I didn’t spot any obvious paths running up the hill. As I had Dafydd with me and I didn’t fancy trekking through the trees in the hope of finding ‘something’ I decided to give this one a miss. Marked as ‘earthwork’ on O/S map.

‘Visited’ 20.6.10.
I drove past this site on the way to Runston Chapel (CADW site). Driving along the lane to the south, the small conical hill is easily seen. Time was against me and it looked like one of those sites which are best viewed from a distance anyway, so I decided not to walk up the hill and settled for a view from the road.

Visited 19.6.10.
There is a small lane running off the A4226 which leads directly to Redland Farm. I parked up by the farmhouse to ask for permission but there was no one in. I then heard a tractor and I soon had the ‘what are you doing here stare’ by the farmer. When I explained he was very friendly and pointed me in the right direction for the stones. There is a track which runs behind the large barn and at the end of the track is a metal gate into a field on the left. (the last gate). The stones are in the centre of the field – 2 minute walk. There are 5 stones here, grouped together. The farmer stated that this was the remains of a burial chamber although it is listed as a standing stone. The field was full of sheep and cattle – who got a bit frisky as they thought I had come to feed them! There was a sheep stood on top of the largest stone when I arrived – no doubt admiring the view! The nearby Cottrell stones are eaily seen from the farm a couple of fields away. Good one to visit but make sure you ask for permission first.

Simply wonderful. Kilmartin really is an exceptional place. Vist, visit, visit!!!

This is something obviously seen on every visit to Avebury. The one time that sticks in the mind for me was when I was on a guided tour of the site and someone was meditating or something next to the stones. He wasn’t doing any harm but the guide quickly moved us along!!

I visited this site a couple of years ago and what a cracking place it is to. Easy to find in the village of Lockeridge. Parking is possible near the gate which leads into the stone covered field. When I visited it was a sunny winter’s day and ice had formed on the small pockets of water on top of many of the stones. It was early evening and I had the place to myself – very peaceful. It does give you a good idea of how the land in this area must have looked thousands of years ago. A highly recommended place to visit.

What can possibly be added to what has already been said? Only to reiterate that this is a MUST SEE site to anyone who is able to make the trip to Avebury – an incredible place. Perhaps best viewed from West Kennet Long Barrow? Enjoy!

As Eternal states, this would have been an amazing place at its prime – and before the road! When I first visited it took a while to find the place as a big lorry had parked in front of the site and I couldn’t see it from the car park!! I must admit I couldn’t make head or tail of the concrete posts but I am sure that was me being a bit thick! Nevertheless, an important site which is easy to access although the road can be busy when trying to cross.

Very easy to spot when visiting the Sanctuary. Barrows are often better seen from a distance against the skyline rather than close up. Although it is good to visit a few barrows up close and personal to better appreciate what you are looking at from a distance – or am I talking rubbish again?

Due to the weather I viewed this site from the safety of the car. These horse figures cut into the hillside are cracking things to see in real life. The one at Uffington is the best of course – although it is not that easy to see properly. The Cerne Abbas giant is another story!!!

I visited the site from the lane which runs to the west of the hillfort; near the race track. There was no-one about from this side and I walked up the steep hill trying not to slip on the ice. It was a beautiful winters day – the type of day when the ground ih hard with frost, the grass white but a cloudless, dark blue sky which you could see your breath against – wonderful! I was a bit pushed for time so didn’t get chance to walk right apund the ramparts and settled for a ‘mini walk’ whilst admiring the views, peace and solitude.