CARL

Just to point out that the stone is in the field on the right, just after going under the motorway road bridge when travelling from Rogiet to Undy on the B4245. Parking bit tricky on side of road.
(I spent quite a while driving up and down to find the right field!)

I visited this site last year during a day out ‘old stoning’ with Dafydd. Dafydd was due a feed and a nappy change so I parek up on the lane near the house. The O/S map doesn’t show public access to the site and as it was cold I decided to view from the road. This was very easy as the stones are on the brow of the hill and easily seen from the road. I would imagine you would need to ask for permission at the house to get a closer look?

Strangely enough this was my favourite part of the Rollright complex. I don’t know why but I find tombs particularly interesting. Part collapsed but still very intriguing. Only a short flat walk from the stone circle and very much worth a look.

Pity about the metal railings but still worth a look. When I visited there were several people there with leyline rods (if that’s what you call them?). A chap said that there are many lines which converge at the stone circle from all directions.

I will probably get a bit of stick for this but I was a little disappointed when I visited. I had read so much about the stones over the years and was really looking forward to my visit. Don’t get me wrong, it is a cracking place to visit and well worth it but I just think I was expecting the ‘wow’ factor – something I never got. Probably me. Will visit again when I get a chance. I bought Burl’s book on the site in the garden centre just down the road – a good little read.

Update:
re-visited 7.8.10.
I had a lot better ‘feel’ for the stones this time. It is funny how different visits to the same sites can leave you with different impressions. The weather was good when myself and Dafydd arrived but it started to rain before too long – sending the several people present scurrying back to their cars. Myself and Dafydd sheltered under the trees and spent a few minutes observing the stones in ‘splendid isolation’. We saw a lovely red/orange butterfly on one of the stones and I found a rolled up message had been left in one of the holes. Dafydd found a small pretty orange polished stone in a hole on a different stone.

I viewed this site when visiting Woodhenge. The remaining banks to be seen indicate the circumfrance was massive and this must have been an amazing place to see when it was at the height of its glory. Definitely worth a look when visiting Woodhenge.

This site really is a puzzle. I read the information boards but still couldn’t work it out! Worth a visit if in the area. When I visited last summer there were flowers left of the grave.

I called into the car park to view the Giant last Autumn but due to the wet summer the chalk lines were not very clear as grass was starting to grow through. There was a sign on the gate in the car park stating that there was a re-chalking process due to start shortly so presumably all will be clear when visiting now? There is a gate from the car park which gives access to a path which leads to the Giant if you want a closer err.. inspection! I will visit again when in the area as Cerne Abbas village also looked very pretty.

One of those sites which is better viewed from a distance rather than up close. Although you just HAVE to have a look when visiting the Hillfort! It was nice to note that people were observing the signs asking for people not to walk on the chalk. A long hot walk finished off with an ice cream in the car park next to the National Trust lorry!!

Walked up the hill after visiting Wayland’s Smithy. Karen decided to give it a miss and went back to the car with Dafydd as it was so hot. It took a lot longer to walk up the hill than I had expected but once on top the view was well worth it. The defence ditches are still well defined and there were sooo many people about enjoying the summer sunshine. It was nice to view the horse from above!

I parked at the main car park near the Uffington White Horse and walked the Ridgeway to Wayland’s Smithy. (There is a lane where you can park closer to the site if you wish). It was a lovely sunny day and the path was dry and dusty. It is nice to be a ble to say I have walked (a little bit) of the Ridgeway although I wish I had taken the pushchair as Dafydd was starting to get heavy in the heat! This is a fantastic site and I loved it. On a sunny day, sheltered by the trees, this was a very relaxing place to be. Lots of people came and went and I had a nice photo taken sat on one of the entrance stones with Dafydd on my knee. Somthing to show him when he is older! This is a great place to visit and very highly recommended – you won’t be dissapointed.

Visited July 2009.
I must admit I was a bit dissapointed when I visited. I’m not sure why, perhaps after the long drive I was a bit tired? Anyway, easy enough to find right next to the road. When I am next in the area I will visit again and see what I think next time.

Viewed 14.2.2010.
I had an overnight stay in Aberystwyth but due to an allready full itinerary I didn’t have time to climb to the top. I did however view the hillfort from the top of the opposite headland (the one where the electric train takes you to the top) and a very fine view I had indeed. You could see what appeared to be the remains of ramparts amongst the fields and trees. I will have to find the time the climb the hill next time I visit Aberystwyth and give a proper report.

Another site I visited last year whilst staying in Bala – another CADW site! I had a bit of difficulty finding the cross through the maze of country lanes despite having an O/S map. Eventually I asked a chap out walking his dog who pointed me in the right direction. The only advice I can give is that it is situated in a field at the crossroads of several lanes. It is not visible from the lane but there is a gate and once you get into the field it is easily seen just a short walk away. The carvings are fantastic and although I have seen several such crosses this is easily the most impressive in both size and patterns on all four sides of the cross. (The one near Carew Castle in South Wales is pretty good too).
Well worth the effort to find.

Visited Spring 2009.
During a couple of days visit to Bala I saw this site on the map and called in on the way home. It was a beautiful cloud free day, the sky blue and the sun warm. The site is sign posted off the main road and a minor road leads you to a decent car park. There are information boards and various different walks you can take – depending on how mobile you are or how much time you have. This is a lovely place – really peaceful although there were several beer cans left scattered about which I bagged and took home. I didn’t have too much time but I visited Llyn Brenig 44 which is only a short walk from the car park – through the gate and near the shoreline – easily seen. I sat and watched the fishermen in their boats and relexed and rested in the late afternoon sun – totaly at peace. I don’t know why (although no doubt the weather helped) but this is one of the most relaxing places I have ever visited. Definitely worth a visit.

I vivited this site last year as part of my on-going attempt to visit every CADW site. The mound is just up the road from Valle Crucis Abbey (another CADW site) and can actually be seen from the Abbey. The mound is quite small but in a flat field with a cross on top – so easy to spot.
Probably best to park at the abbey and walk back down the road to the mound as parking is not easy and the road is very busy.

Visited Spring 2009.
Dominating the surrounding area of Llangollen, this is a site that can be seen for miles around. There are well sign posted footpaths from the town to the top BUT it is a long, steep walk. I have walked up quite a few hillforts but this was perhaps the toughest – I was knackered when I got to the top! How on earth they managed to build a castle up here and carry all that stone up I don’t know! The views are wonderful and there are reasonable remains of the castle although I can’t say I noticed anything of any previous Iron Age defences? There is a very good small (free)museum in Llangollen which gives an account of the site over the years with the usual finds etc. Well worth a visit.
One for the fit and enegetic only!!

Visited 15.5.10.
This is very easy to access and a very pretty site.
The village of Faulkland is right on the main road and the village green itself is also next to the main road. There is a small side road which runs around the green. In the middle of the green are the two standing stones and between them the wooden stocks. I am no expert and have no idea how old these stones are. All I would say is that they do look very old. There were a number of people about enjoying the evening sunshine with children playing on the green. A pretty little place which is well worth a quick visit if you are in the area. You can even see the stones driving through the village if you didn’t want to stop!

Visited 15.5.10.
I had quite a bit of difficulty finding this one!
As already stated, park at the Bell Inn carpark and immediately opposite is a public footpath sign and a wooden stile. Climb over the stile and follow the path over the next two wooden stiles. You will then need to cross a field and you will see a barn in the next field over – head for the barn. When you get to the corner of the field there is another wooden stile and next to it a metal gate. I looked over the stile and couldn’t see any obvious path leading to the top of the hill where the stones are. (At this point if you look up at the brow of the hill you will see two small groups of trees – the stones are under the grouping to the left). So instead I climbed over the metal gate and headed diagonally across the field to the top left hand corner. I then followed the hedge until I came to the far group of trees. WARNING – this involves crossing two barbed wire fences and is not a public right of way. Then all you have to do is cross one more barbed wire fence to get into the trees and the stones are right in front of you!
I counted 3 standing and 3 fallen stones. This is a lovely site and the large horsechestnut trees seem to form a protective cannopy over the stones. Very pretty in the late afternoon sunshine. Judging by the amount of nettles and shrubs it didn’t look like anyone had visited this site for quite a while?
It took 20 minutes to walk from the car park to the stones. If you can follow Rhiannon’s directions I would suggest you do – it HAS to be easier than the way I went!! (also more legal)

Visited 15.5.10
A warm sunny day and after a bit of a problem I eventually found my way to the car park on top of the hill. There were a lot of people on top carrying out a wide range of activities – paragliding, playing football, model airplane flying, football etc. Dafydd was particularly impressed that there was also an icecream van – so impressed he had two!!
There are splendid views to be had and the ramparts of the hillfort are only a short walk away. I was surprised by how well preserved some of the ramparts were (Dafydd has now discovered the joy to be had by sliding down said ramparts on his bum – although I doubt his mother will be so impressed when she sees the state of his new trouseres!!). The barrow is quite large and must have been an impressive site when first built. At the far end of the carpark is a standing stone monument to the battle between King Alfred and the Vikings in 878AD.

Visited 15.5.10.
I was pushed for time so I only had a long distance view of this hillfort. I parked at the entrance to the lane which takes you to Withyslade Farm and viewed the tree covered top of the hill – easily seen from the road. The O/S map shows no public right of access to the hillforrt and the lower slopes were open fields so I imagine a ‘sneak’ visit would be tricky. I would suggest asking permission. From the road all you see are a load of trees on top of a hill – like a lot of other sites!

Visited 15.5.10.
Whilst visiting Old Wardour castle (pretty site on the side of a lake) I took the opportunity to have a look at the grotto. There is a car park outside the main gates and a small shop/ticket office on the left. The grotto itself is easily seen on the left as you approach the catle. Facing the grotto, take the small path through the trees to the left and the first thing you see is a fairly large single standing stone – about 5ft high. A little bit further down the path you come to an odd arrangement of stone seat alcoves. Clearly vivble are two much larger standing stones used to help build the seats – very odd. (This is directly behind the shop/ticket office amongst the trees). The E.H. guidebook for the castle states the stones were removed from a circle in nearby Tisbury to help give ‘barbarism’ to the site!!!!!!!!!!!

When I visited Worm’s Head earlier this year it was a bright but cold and very windy day. I viewed the surrounding coastline (with binoculars) and could see no obvious ‘lumps and bumps’. There is a pay-and-display car park, cafe and N.T. shop.

Visited 9.5.10.
Thanks to Gladman’s directions I eventually got to visit this site. One little thing I would add is that the field gate you are looking for is more or less on the junction of the lanes. Park where you can at the junction and the stones are eaily seen the other side of the gate – only about 10 yards into the field. When I visited the gate was wide open with plenty of rubbish around the area but not much actually next to the stones. Plenty of nettles though! There also appeared to be a large bone ‘offering’ left near the top of one of the standing stones.

Passing visit 9.5.10.
Whilst driving from Bonvilston towards Cardiff on the A48, I noticed that for a second or two, the top of the stone can just be seen over the hedge opposite the golf course entrance. The stone can’t be seen when driving in the oposite direction. Very difficult to park on the main road – be careful.

UPDATE: 19.6.10.
Whilst visiting Redland Farm to look at the stones there, the Cottrell Park stone is easily seen behind its wooden fence a couple of fields away. The farmer told me that a previous land owner (many years ago) removed the stone from the centre of the field and placed it in its current position to make farming easier. Bad luck then came to him as he fell down the stairs in his farm and broke his neck!!

Visited 9.5.10
Follow my direction notes for the Cairn Ring.
Once you have parked by the yellow grit/salt bin keep following the field surrounded by a stone wall (on your left) until you reach the SECOND metal field gate. From here you can see the burial chamber up the hill, towards your left.
The site comprises of several large, flat stones with the capstone propped up at the front by the other stones. Under the capstone were many smaller stones.

Visited (again) 9.5.10.
Back again – as I forgot to look at the burial chamber on my last visit! – and I didn’t manage to take Dafydd to Dan-Y-Ogof as promised as we both fell into the steam when visiting Cerrig Doun and the Maen Mawr!!! So, whilst in the area a chance for a repeat visit. As per my previous notes, there is an easier way to find the site. Once you have parked, keep following the field surrounded by a stone wall (on your left) until you reach the SECOND metal field gate. From here, if you look uphill, you can just about see the top of a couple of stones sticking out above the spikey grass – only a 5 minute walk uphill.
Since my last visit floral ‘offerings’ had been placed in the central cist.

As Jane states, about 100 metres further along the path past Parc Le Broes on the right hand side in the trees on the bank. It can be a little tricky to find but just look for the ‘path’ made by people through the undergrowth and you will soon see it – about half way up the valley side. Unfortunately when I visited I didn’t take a torch with me so I didn’t go too far into the cave. From what Jane ssasy it sounds like it goes backa fair bit. One to re-visit – with a torch!!

I visited this site last summer when spending a day ‘old stoning’ on the Gower. Signposted off the surrounding main roads with a large free parking area in the parkland. The site is visible from the carpark and only requires an easy, flat walk along a path down the valley. This is a lovely place to visit, amongst the trees, particularly on a warm, sunny day. Well worth it.

I visited this site last summer whilst staying in Bala for a few days. I parked just off the main road in a (school?) car park. This was just to the left of the path which takes you from the main road to the site. It is only a small walk and has chippings on the floor so you don’t get muddy. It was a lot larger than I expected and it it quite tricky walking over the loose stones to get right up close to the chambers. In fact I nearly broke my ankle here as little Dafydd first insisted on sitting on top of the higher capstone and then decided to throw himself off without any warning! This involved me catching him mid-air but then stumbling backwards over the stones. Thankfully, my ankle was sore but not broken. A very good site to visit with easy access.

Visited this site last summer whilst spending a few days in Bala. This is a lovely place to visit on a warm summers day. The chamber itself was larger than I expected and in better condition. It was a nice experience to sit under the capstone and admire the dry stone walling. While we were there the local farmer was using two sheep dogs to round his flock up – something we all enjoyed watching.

Visited this site last summer and although it involves a fair hike uphill it is easy enough to get to. Heading North along the A479 towards Talgarth you pass a pub on your right (can’t remember name). There is a parking area next to the pub with information boards. All you have to do is follow the fairly obvious path up hill. At the top are the scant remains of a castle which is said to be the highest castle in Britain – cracking views. From what I remember it took me about 20 minutes to reach the top.

I visited this site last summer with Dafydd. I parked in the parking area which lies between the two summits and it is a short walk up the hill to the left. There isn’t much to see although it is worth the effort to see the views looking down on Llangorse Lake.

I visited this site last year although to be honest there is nothing to see – very shallow ‘lumps and bumps’ in a large grassed field. When I visited there was a very weather-worn hand painted wooden sign near the gate leading into the field where the enclosure is. But by now it has probably fallen down! Not really worth the effort in my opinion.

When I visited the Garth it was in the Winter and the whole site was swirlling in fog – very atmospheric – although you couldn’t see very far!!
As a life long resident of Cardiff I have given serious thought to having my ashes buried up here when the time comes – hopefully not for a long time! (on the quiet of course!)

The easiest way to access this site is via Porthkerry Caravan Park. As you enter the caravan park follow the road through the site to your left. You will shortly see a gap between the caravans and a small metal sign which gives information about the Bulwark. Access is then along a short path through the trees into the grassed Bulwark. As you walk through the trees you can see the remains of the defences in the undergrowth. You can also access the site via the beach but this involes a steep walk up a very muddy path.

If in the area I can highly recommend a visit to the Skirrid Fawr Inn. This very old pub is supposed to be the most haunted in Wales and has lots of information boards inside (they used to hang people here!). The Inn also gives good views over the hill.

As a small aside to the notes given by Hamish, if you don’t want to enter the field without permission, the tomb is just visible from the gate if you look to your right along the hedgerow.

Visited 1.5.10.
See other postings for directions – spot on.
I parked just over the small bridge and you could see a ‘path’ through the grass on the other side of the stream where other people had visited. Although you can’t actually see the Maen Mawr from this point you will have already seen it on your left when driving up the road. So far, so good. Then almost disaster struck! As I carried little Dafydd across the stream my foot slipped and we both fell onto the stones and into the water. Luckily, my arm protected Dafydd from injury although we were both completely soaked! His dummy and my notes disappeared downstream!! As we had come this far (and it was quite warm) I decided to push on and see the site. A 10 minute walk and we were there. This is a lovely, lovely place with wonderful views and the Maen Mawr clearly pointing down the valley. I noticed some floral ‘offerings’ had been left at the base of the Maen Mawr. Due to circumstances (Dafydd was now starting to show signs of getting seriously cold) I didn’t stay as long as I would have liked and we squelched our way back to the car and had an uncomfortable hour’s drive home before being able to change!
Seriously, we were fortunate not to hurt ourselves. The steam is easy enough to cross when there has been little rain in the previous few days but I imagine it would be very difficult to cross in the Winter or following havy rain. Please take care and I would strongly suggest you take wellies for this one.

Visited 1.5.10.
The stone is visible from the road in both directions although easier to see if driving south. For directions to the stone:
Follow road north of Cerrig Duon stone circle. As the road rises to the brow of a hill you will see parking spaces on your left. Park here and opposite you will see a small wooden stile. The top of the stone is just visible from this stile. Into the field and follow the wire fence up hill untill you reach the stone. Only a 5 minute walk but quite steep and the ground is very boggy!

Visited 1.5.10.
First, directions which I hope will be helpful:
As you drive north through Rhyd-Y-Fro village you will see a pub on your right called the Traveller’s Well. Immediately after the pub there is a small turning to your left – take this lane. Follow this lane north and you will eventually go over a cattle grid. Just after the cattle grid is a sharp turning to the left. Take this turning and follow the lane uphill (very sharp turns so take it slow) until you come to a yellow salt grit box – park here. Follow the stone field wall around (to the right) until you reach the metal field gate. From here head out across the moorland aiming slightly to the left of the highest point. As you near the peak you should see the top of the stones peeking out above the ‘spikey’ grass. The walk will onle take about 10 minutes – NO gorse!!
I really enjoyed this site – better than expected – with wonderful views. Dafydd particularly seemed to enjoy himself playing amongst the stones and was very reluctant to leave. Despite the forecasted rain the weather was dry, with some sunshine and no wind. A lovely place to visit but I am sure the walk would be very boggy after rain.
The cist in the centre of the circle is about 5ft x 3ft and has 3 of its stone sides still remaining.

This is a cracking place to visit. Visible from the main road (just). Well sign posted with a decent car park and visitor’s centre / shop. The walk to the village from the car park is lovely through the trees and is an easy 10 minute stroll. When I visited myself, Karen and Dafydd were the only ones there and had free roam of the village. Dafydd loved running in an out of the round houses which were furnished with beds, hides, hearths etc. There are old breeds of goats / sheep in the paddocks around the site and it is easy to imagine you are back in the Iron Age. It feels like the inhabitants have just ‘nipped out’ and are due back at any time! Excellent place to visit – well worth the long drive.

Visited 17.4.10.
There is a layby you can park in shortly beyond the B3274 / A39 junction (layby is on A39). Once parked, walk back towards the junction (about 150 metres) and you can enter the field in which the stone row stands via a gate. The stone row is visible from the gate – about 100 metres away. I counted 7 upright stones, 1 half-fallen and at least 2 fallen. Be warned, the ground is very boggt near the field gate but does dry out the nearer you get to the stones. I touched them all for luck!
Once you get back to the layby, if you walk 300 metres in the opposite direction there is a metal gate. In this field (visible from gate) is ‘The Fiddler standing stone. If you walk up the farm track the stone is on your left but in the next field.
The stone is a small, squarish stump of a stone – not much to write home about. I assume it is connected with the the Nine Maidens as it is shown on the O/S map as The Fiddler.

Visited 16.4.10.
Easy to find. Take the turning signposted Trelowarren Estate (off B3293) and follow the lane over the bridge and up through the trees to the top of the hill. There is a small car park on the right with an E.H. information sign. Follow the path from the car park up the hill and the fogou is on your right – WOW!! This has to be the best of the fogous I visited in my week in Cornwall. This is FANTASTIC. Prepare to get wet, muddy and most of all astounded by this amazing place. Don’t forget to take a torch – the bigger the better. The light from my small torch seemed to be ‘absorbed’ by the darkness and until my eyes started to adjust I couldn’t see a thing!
Site is open Easter to 30th September.
Please, please try to visit this place – simply wonderful.

Visited 14.4.10.
I parked in the car park outside the ruined Carn Galva Mine (N.T. site) and walked up to the top of Carn Galva along the obvious path. It was surprisingly quick to get to the top and only took me about 15 minutes. The views from the top are fantastic. You can see for miles along the rugged Cornish Coast and see Pendeen lighthouse in the distance. If you are physically able try to make the climb – you won’t be dissapointed.

Visited 14.4.10.
Following the lanes through Tregeseal the circle is signposted near a farm. I parked at the sign and followed the path pretty much straight to the stone circle. You could drive further up the lane but the track becomes very bumpy and is possibly only suitable for 4X4s. The last section of the path, just as you approach the circle, is very muddy. It took me 15 minutes to walk from the sign to the circle. Despite the pressence of a couple of farm buildings in the distance this site feels very desolate and remote. I lioked this circle a lot. There is a certain ‘satifcation’ when you have to put in a bit of ‘leg work’ to get to a site. There is a handy horizontal stone on a bank next to the circle from which you can get a good ‘birds eye’ view. This stone circle is well worth the effort.

Visited 14.4.10.
One of the many strange natural rock formations found all over this part of Cornwall. Overlooking Tregeseal stone circle proved too much – I had to climb it! Walking directly from the stone circle, a wide path had been cut in the gorse/heather. However, shortly afterwards the path goes to the left. I noticed that on the O/S map this path then goes around the back of Carn Kenidjack and approaches from the rear. I was pushed for time so I decided to wade directly through the gorse. BIG mistake!!! There then follwed 15 minutes of pain as I was cut to pieces by the gorse which by now was waist high. By the time I reached Carn Kenidjack and returned to the stone circle my legs were cut to pieces. My advice would be to follow the ‘path’ around the back and approach from there. It may take a bit longer but it is a lot less painful. At least I can say I have stood on top. In hindsight I should have just viewed from the stone circle!!!

Visited 14.4.10.
Situated on the left of the lane running from Praze-An-Beeble to Troon off the B3303. Very easy to access. Park in front of field gate. There is a large information board giving details of the Quoit and I noticed that someone had built a D.I.Y. model of the quoit on the grass behind the information board. The quoit is still a jumble of stones although the capstone is clearly evident. The stones are visible from the field gate although it is only an easy 2 minute stroll if you want to get up close and personal.

visited 14.4.10.
What a whoppa! Situated at the entrance of (Leazby?) farm. The stone is a good 10ft tall and unmissable from the B3297. When I visited I parked at the farm entrance (next to a Tesco lorry which had broken down!) and observed the stone from the fence. The small field which the stone stands in is clearly private and was full of sheep at the time.

Visited 14.4.10.
Easily seen from the B3280. Park at the field gate and access is a straight 2 minute walk through 2 field gates / 2 fields. The site consists of a large mound of stones. There is no public right of way to the field in which the cairn stands so you need to either seek permission or do what I did – make a dash for it!