CARL

Visited 30.4.14

The idea for an Easter break in Chesterfield was in order to knock several English Heritage sites off the list (I have now visited just over half of the 400 or so sites). Due to time constraints I hadn’t intended to visit the Wet Withens stone circle but each day I looked at the map the little blue square surrounding it called out to me. In the end it all became too much and I just had to somehow squeeze a visit in.

The chance came one evening as we were heading back to the Travelodge. Although it was still quite early (about 6.30pm) it was already starting to get dark. The sky was filled with black clouds and it was obvious a storm was on the way – confirmed by the weather forecast.

We parked at the point where the road out of Grindleford takes a sharp turn to the south towards Eyam. There is plenty of room to park here. The rest stayed in the car as I tried to work out the best way towards the site. There is a stone stile leading to a path which runs to the north-west and another path which leads north-east. I opted for the north-west which in hindsight was a mistake. The path runs parallel to a drystone wall and after walking for a bit it was obvious I was going way off course and I had to climb over the wall in order to head in an eastern direction towards the circle. It would have been better to have approached via the other path and have avoided the wall altogether.

Despite previous TMA site reports I could find no path which lead to the circle.
All I could see was a sea of knee-high heather. Luckily it had been dry for several days and the dry bracken crunched under my feet. In wet weather I am sure it would be quite bogy. With compass in hand I headed for where I thought the circle should be. I could see nothing but heather. I headed further east but again nothing.

All of a sudden a bolt of forked lightening made me jump as it struck the hilltop opposite. A loud rumble of thunder quickly followed. The sky was black and the storm was clearly heading my way. I looked around – it dawned on me that I was the highest point on this open moorland hilltop. Not the ideal place to be in a lightening storm! Time to get a move on.

To my relief not much later I spotted the tops of several stones sticking out just above the heather. In all honesty the circle was a disappointment. Perhaps it would have looked better had the heather been cleared away? The tops of some stones sticking out of a sea of heather did not seem much of a reward for the effort it took in getting to the circle. Although the views are pretty good to be fair.

The Cairn slightly north of the circle was easier to make out.
I could not spot any of the cairns shown on the map south of Wet Withens.

At this point large raindrops began to fall. Time to get back to the car.
I had been gone for over an hour and the gang were restless by the time I got back.
As we drove down into Eyam the heavens opened. We had to pull over as it was like driving in a power shower. The road turned into a stream and all was black. After about 10 minutes the cloudburst had run its course and things started to dry up.

I was glad I had made the effort to visit the stone circle but in all honesty I thought it was a lot of effort to see not much.
Why this circle appears on a ‘normal’ AA map when many other better (and more accessible) stone circles don’t, I don’t know.
I prefer the AA map to others produced as I find it clearer and easier to use. I do however wonder what criteria they use when deciding which standing stones / circles / hillforts etc to put on the map. You would expect to see the Stonehenge / Avebury type sites but Wet Withens? I would say your average holiday maker would have no chance of finding this site and even if they did, would be very disappointed with what they found.
Perhaps I will E-Mail the AA to ask them?

Visited 2.5.14

Directions:
Follow the track that skirts the edge of Hell Bank Plantation.
Where the track turns sharply to the south-west a ‘path’ continues to the north-west. Here you will find a small wooden sign pointing to Hob Hurst’s House or to Robin Hood’s House. Take the path towards Robin Hood’s House. As the path takes a slight turn to the right come off the path and head to the right (east). Although the circle can’t be seen from the path you shouldn’t have too much difficulty spotting it.

The walk only takes about 15 minutes from where you park the car.

The stone circle is actually quite circular! The circle is about 8m in diameter.
Nearly all of the stones have fallen. One is leaning at an accute angle and only one is upright. This stone is about 1m high.

In the centre of the circle are lots of large stones.
The surroundings are of bleak (in a nice way) open moorland with good views.

I liked this stone circle (much better than Wet Withens!) and would highly recommend a look when visiting the more famous nearby Hob Hurst’s House.

Despite the fact that several cars were parked up I saw no one else at either site.

Visited 2.5.14

Although the moor is covered in knee/waist high heather this Cairn is easy to spot for two reasons.
Firstly it is quite large and secondly it is right next to the track skirting Hell Bank Plantation. This is the track you take when visiting Hob Hurst’s House / Park Gate stone circle.

The Cairn is also covered in heather but its size gives its location away.
I did not spot any of the other nearby Cairns – although to be fair I wasn’t going out of my way to look for them!

Worth a quick look when passing when visiting the other sites

Visited 2.5.14

Following the difficulty I experienced in finding the Wet Withens stone circle I approached the visit to Hob Hurst’s House with a little trepidation. As this is an E.H. site I did not want to fail to find this one! As it turned out there was no need to worry as this site is very much easier to find and to access.

Rather than make directly for Hob Hurst’s House I chose to go via the Park Gate stone circle. I would certainly recommend this route as the walk takes about the same time, has a clear ‘path’ to follow and of course takes in an extra site – two for the price of one!

As before, I suggested the children stay with Karen as I think they are still a bit young for open moorland type walks. In hindsight Dafydd would have been ok for this visit.

I walked along the track which skirts the edge of the cheerfully named Hell Bank Plantation (actually quite pleasant), passing the Beeley Warren Cairn on the way. Where the track turns sharply to the south-west a ‘path’ continues to the north-west. Here you will find a small wooden sign pointing to Hob Hurst’s House (north) or to Robin Hood’s House (north-west along the path). Is Robin Hood’s House another name for Park Gate stone circle?

I carried along the path and shortly came to the stone circle (see other fieldnotes).
From the stone circle there were tyre tracks leading north towards the trees next to Hob Hurst’s House. I followed the tyre tracks and re-joined a ‘path’ near a small wooden walkway over a burn. The path continued north running parallel to the trees, up an incline. When you get to the highest point you will see a tall white metal pole which is painted red on top. Walk to the pole and you will then see Hob Hurst’s House to your right – behind a protective fence. This is crossed via a stile.

Reading previous fieldnotes I wasn’t expecting too much from this site but (probably because my expectation levels were so low) I was pleasantly surprised. The site occupies a prominent position on a ridge affording decent views. Hob’s House isn’t very big but it is in pretty good condition. The bank/ditch has been thankfully kept free of the ever invasive heather. The edges of the site have been marked out with small concrete posts.

The information board states this site was one of the first monuments to be taken into state care in 1882. I was surprised that such a small and remote site would have been one of the first to be protected.

I sat inside the inner depression (out of the wind) to write my fieldnotes and contemplated for a while. I knew I couldn’t be too long as the others had already been waiting a long time for me. The outer ditch is about 1.5m deep and the inner depression about 0.5m deep. The inner depression is lined with stones.

I headed back the way I had come but once I reached the little wooden footbridge I took the path south back to the car instead of the path west to the stone circle.

It takes about 15 minutes to walk from the car to the stone circle and then another 15 minutes from the circle to Hob Hurst’s House. If you walked direct to Hob Hurst’s House it would take about the same time – 30 minutes each way.

I was very pleased to have knocked this E.H. site off the list as it is one of the most awkward to visit. I think Hob Hurst’s House is well worth the effort.

Directions:
North of the village of Kirton in Lindsey – along the B1400.

We parked near the public footpath sign and I walked up the muddy track which skirts around a small lake. There is no public right of way to the Barrow but it can be seen on the opposite side of the lake from the water’s edge – a grass mound in a field.

E.H. state:
‘The barrow is 1.5m high and 45m in diameter. The barrow has twice been investigated by antiquarians. The first investigation (1867) found a layer of partially cremated bones and two urns in the centre of the mound. The second excavation (1911) found a layer of burnt earth’.

Visited 1.5.14

This was the highlight of the week for me.
I was looking forward to visiting Creswell gorge and I wasn’t disappointed.

We parked in the car park and myself and Dafydd headed for the visitor’s centre. Karen stayed in the car with Sophie who was asleep.

A sign said that there had recently been a fire and some of the exhibits had been temporarily removed. Because of this the entry fee was reduced to a bargain £2 for me and £1 for Dafydd. This caused me some alarm but I needn’t had worried as the bone engravings of the horse and ‘Pin Hole Man’ were still on display.
My face lit up as I was actually able to see these famous engravings in real life!

After spending a fair bit of time looking around the other exhibits we headed out across the meadow towards the caves. The escorted tours only run on the weekend which was disappointing but we were still able to walk around the gorge. We stopped at each information board and looked through the metal bars into the caves. Some of the smaller caves were not barred and Dafydd had great fun ‘exploring’ these little recesses.

It was the only non-sunny day of the holiday. The weather being still but foggy. This only added to the atmosphere.

This is a great place to come and I would heartily recommend a visit if you are ever in the area. I certainly plan to come back one day (on a weekend) when I can have a tour of the caves and see the cave art for myself.

A ‘view from afar’ 4.5.14

Directions:
East along the coastal path from Dunraven Hillfort

I would say that the creation of the coastal path around Wales is one of the best things the Welsh Government has done. It really is a great place to walk although you do have to take care as the path is often very close to the cliff edge and there is very little in the way of protective fences etc.

We passed through two kissing-gates and eventually came to a stone wall, where the path continues down through a gorge and then up to the Cwm Bach site. Dafydd had been moaning most of the way and said he was too tired to walk any further and no doubt he wanted to get onto the beach – which was fair enough. He said that I should go on alone and come back for him. Given that he is only 6 and we were on top of a cliff this was clearly not an option! I would have to admit defeat on this one.

However, on the plus side, the single grass covered curving bank of the enclosure could be clearly seen in the distance. It was difficult to determine the height of the bank from this distance but I would guess at about 1 metre.

One for another day perhaps?

On the way back we walked through the pretty Dunraven walled gardens.

Funnily enough as we reached the beach Dafydd’s legs suddenly got better and he was even able to manage a jog – spade in hand of course!

Visited 4.5.14

Directions:
South of Bridgend off the B4524.
There is a large car park at the entrance to Dunraven Estate £3.00 all day.
There is also a small shop selling ice creams, tea bucket and spades etc.

It has been a few years since I was last year. I had quite forgotten what a nice beach this is – especially on a day like today. There were plenty of people about enjoying the sunshine.

I had taken Dafydd out for the day and we had earlier visited the renovated Galilee Church in Lantwit Major which now houses a fine selection of early Celtic Crosses / stones and graves – well worth a visit if you are in the area.

Although Dafydd was itching to get onto the beach I ‘persuaded’ him that a walk up the headland was required first in order to have a look at the remains of the Cliff Fort.
The double ditch/ramparts were a lot larger than I remembered and are still fairly impressive. The ditches were over head height when standing in them.

Obviously, there were good coastal views to be had.

From here we headed east along the coastal path towards the Cwm Bach Enclosure.

Visited 29.4.14

Directions:
In Gringley on the Hill – on the A631

All I could find was the underground reservoir!

E.H. has nothing to say.

Visited 30.4.14

Directions:
From Holmfirth take the A635 east. Then take the A629 south.
The site is marked as ‘earthwork’ on the O/S map – a short distance west of High Flatts.

Called in for a look after visiting Sid’s Café in Holmfirth (you just have to!)

There is nothing to see.

Go and see Nora’s and Compo’s house instead!

Visited 1.5.14

Directions:
From Bolsover take the A632 east.
When you reach Cuckney take the A616 north.
The Barrow is easily seen from this road on the left (east) just north of the drive to Blue Barn Farm

The fields surrounding the barrow had all been ploughed but thankfully the Barrow itself is surrounded by an old wooden fence to protect it.

The barrow is covered in rough grass and scrub.

Worth a quick look when driving along this road.

E.H.state:
A Bronze Age bowl barrow situated on level ground to the north of the River Poulter. The barrow survives as a 30m diameter circular mound standing up to 1m high’.

Visited 1.5.14

Directions:
From Bolsover take the A632 east.
When you reach Langwith Junction take the loop-road south.
Park outside the Holy Cross Church and walk along the footpath to the side of the church. The cave is amongst trees in the field on the opposite side of the valley.
The footpath does not lead to the cave – you have to cross over a barbed wired locked metal field gate.

Karen and Sophie stayed in the car while myself and Dafydd headed up the muddy path. After crossing a stile we were met by a herd of cows. Sophie doesn’t like cows (bit too big for her) but fortunately Dafydd is made of sterner stuff. The cows were reluctant to move and we had to walk right through the middle of them in order to cross the small wooden ‘bridge’ over the stream. The cows proved to be friendly.

Once we reached the gate I lifted Dafydd over the barbed wire and climbed over myself. Visitors not welcome I assume?

We quickly walked over to the trees (out of sight) and immediately saw the cave.
It was much larger than I expected, approximately 3m high x 7m across. Walking inside was easy – at least it would have been had it not been for the rubble dumped inside – why do people do this?

This is a pretty spot and a visit to the cave is well worth the effort – as long as you are ok with climbing over gates with barbed wire on top!

On the way back up the path (and once more through the cows) we met a chap coming the other way.

‘Been to see the cave?’ he enquired
‘Yes’ I replied.

Clearly other people do visit this site – despite the barbed wire / padlocked gate.

Visited 24.4.14

When visiting the stone circle this is an obvious ‘must-see’. Fortunately, as per the stone circle, I had the place to myself.

This was the clearest day I had visited the King Stone and the views over Long Compton were lovely.

I was looking forward to seeing the ‘wooden witch’ statue but unfortunately it has now been reduced to a pile of wood; still tied together by various bits of wire.

Despite having previously visited this site I didn’t realise (until reading the information boards) that a Bronze Age Barrow was discovered very near the stone.
I am not sure if the information boards are new or I hadn’t previously read them properly!

Visited 24.4.14

It was Karen’s birthday.
‘Where would you like to go’ I asked?
‘The Cotswolds’ she replied.
This came as no surprise as Karen loves the Cotswolds – who doesn’t?

After spending the morning in the delightful Stow-On-The-Wold we ended up in Long Compton for a birthday lunchtime meal.

Obviously, given the close proximity of the Rollrights, a visit to the stone circle was a ‘no brainer’ as the awful American saying goes. Particularly as I had recently been reading about this site in Burl’s book – Great Stone circles.

There were several cars parked in the lay-by (no surprise) but what did surprise me was that when I reached the circle I had the place to myself! I could see in the distance that the other visitors were all at the Whispering Knights – result!

The weather was lovely and I walked around the circle in my usual anti-clockwise direction. Why I do this I do not know, but it always ‘feels’ the right way to walk?
It really was great to have the place to myself on such a nice day.

Whilst walking around the circle I noticed that many of the holes in the stones had coins placed inside them. The information board stated that some of the lichen on the stones was between 500 and 800 years old – that is something to ponder.

The only other thing to add is that there is now a locked, metal honesty box as you go through the gate to the circle. £1 for adults, 50p for children – free after dusk!

Visited 24.4.14

Directions:
From Stow-On-The-Wold take the A424 south. Take the turning left for Idbury.
The camp can be found in the field on your left at the junction.

Unlike Ginger tt I couldn’t get very enthused about this site. There is little to see other than slight undulations in the ground. The site covers a fairly large area and occupies a local high point.

Each unto their own I guess but (for me) there isn’t a lot to recommend a visit – other than the ease of access.

Visited 24.4.14

Directions:
From the lovely village of Stow-On-The-Wold take the A424 south. Then take the minor road south towards the ‘picture postcard’ hamlet of Wyck. The Barrow is very easy to spot at the junction where you turn right towards Wyck. There is a trig point at one end of the Barrow.

You can park outside a ‘garage-type’ place next to the Barrow. The Oxfordshire Way public footpath runs right alongside the field where the Barrow lives but there is no public access t o the actual field.

The field was in crop and surrounded by a barbed wire fence. I therefore settled for a view from the footpath and this was fine as the Barrow is very close to the fence. It is large, for this part of the world, approximately 2m high x 10m across. In addition to the trig point it also has 3 large trees growing out of the top of it.

This is another easy site to visit and, like the Salperton Park Barrow, I am surprised that I am the first TMAer to write any field notes on it?

Anyway, this is a very nice Barrow to see and well worth checking out if you happen to be visiting the tourist hot-spot of Stow-On-The-Wold.

Visited 24.4.14

Directions:
From Cheltenham take the A436 east and then the minor road south towards the village of Hazelton. Take the first turning right (west) and the Barrow can be found in the trees, next to the road, on your right – near the junction.

The Barrow is easy to spot in the trees and quite a large one it is too. I would say it is about 1.8m high x 10m across. It is quite overgrown with the usual bushes / brambles etc. At least there are no large trees growing out of it!

On a day like today this was a very peaceful place to be. The sky was blue, the sun shining, not a breeze and the only sound to be heard was birdsong. Some of the trees appear to be very old and the floor was carpeted with patches of bluebells. This was indeed a good place to be.

This is an easy Barrow to find / see and quite substantial for this part of the world. I would certainly recommend a visit if you happen to be in the area.

Oddly enough E.H. has nothing to say about the Barrow

The O/S map shows an enclosure opposite the Barrow but again, I can’t find anything on E.H. to say what period the enclosure is from etc.

Visited 18.4.14

Being such an iconic site, Paviland Cave is a place I have been desperate to visit for a number of years. My ‘close but no cigar’ visit of last year had only made me even more determined to finally gain access to the cave.

The opportunity for a re-visit was both unexpected and very welcome.

It was a beautiful spring day but I had been earmarked for painting duties! Sophie was out for the day and before long Karen could see I had itchy-feet and was less than happy at the thought of being stuck inside on such a lovely day. Karen then asked if there was anywhere I fancied going for the afternoon? I checked the tide times and found that low tide on the Gower was approximately 3pm. Now was my chance.

Karen knew about my previous failed visit and also knew how much I wanted to visit the cave. By 12.30 we had all piled into the car (Owen came with us in Sophie’s absence) and we were soon on our way – I was so excited!

I was a bit concerned about the traffic we would hit on a sunny bank holiday and sure enough the first bottle-neck was at (the less than delightful) Port Talbot. Once through that we again ground to a halt in Swansea. Clearly we weren’t the only people intending to visit the Swansea area today. The shop car parks we passed were full to over flowing – haven’t people got better things to do on a beautiful bank holiday than go shopping? It seems not.

I kept checking my watch and remembered how I had misjudged the tide last time. But what can you do when stuck in a traffic jam? After what seemed like an age we got through Swansea and onto the quieter roads of the Gower itself. To be fair to Karen she drove a quickly as she could (within speed limits of course) and we eventually arrived at Pilton Green.

Myself and Owen jumped out of the car (Dafydd wanted to come with us but I didn’t think it would be safe for him – given the sharp rocks I knew we had to cross) so Karen and Dafydd drove on to the car park / café / shop in Rhossili.

We jogged through the fields and down towards the rocky gorge. With great relief I saw that the tide was still out – hurrah!

We slowly and carefully made our way across the sharp rocks down onto the flatter part of the beach. I looked back to realise that the last time I visited and sat on the rocks (and was tempted to try to wade out to the cave) the depth of water would have been way over my head – so I am glad I didn’t try it!
We walked around to the right and there it was, up in the cliff face – Paviland Cave!

From the beach the cave didn’t look as big as I was expecting and we wasted no time in clambering up the rocks to get to the cave entrance. Outside the cave the sun shone in a dark blue cloudless sky and it felt like summer. Inside the cave it was much cooler which was welcomed after our jog and clamber.

I went straight to the back of the cave to take in the famous view of the teardrop shaped cave entrance looking out onto the (for today anyway) clam blue sea. I looked all around the cave and was appalled to see that someone had scoured the words ‘Myke and Christie’ onto the cave wall – I hope they are very proud of themselves? :(

I then tried to climb up to the high ‘upper chamber’ on the right. I was in two minds about attempting this as the cave wall is vertical and I didn’t want to fall and injure myself in here! However, there were very tempting natural hand-holes so I went for it! I managed to get up to the edge of the cave but I couldn’t find a final place to hold to get up into it. I did however get high enough to see that the cave sloped upwards to the left and that there was light coming in from the end of the cave – another entrance perhaps?

I then spotted the sanded over section towards the front of the main cave, presumably where the skeleton was found? The sand covered a Hessian sheet which I assume is to protect an archaeological dig?

We sat and pondered and I was explaining to Owen the importance of this cave and why I wanted to visit it so much. I also explained how the view out of the cave would have been very different to what we saw today! He found this fascinating – as did I.

At this point another family arrived, two adults and a boy of about 11. We said ‘hello’ and I had a quick chat to the lady. It was clear that she was the main reason they were visiting today! Myself and Owen went outside to explore the many rock pools and sea anemones and to leave the family have their turn alone in the cave.

The tide began to turn and we all made our way back up the rocks to the safety of the gorge. It wasn’t long before flat part of the beach became submerged and the cave once again cut off. I felt both elated and relived to have completed my ‘pilgrimage’.

We walked back up to the road (about 1 mile) and I ‘phoned Karen to pick us up.
One problem – there was no signal in Rhossili.
Only one thing for it – a 4 mile walk along narrow country lanes, in the blazing sun, to Rhossili. To say that Owen was unimpressed would be putting it mildly!

It goes without saying that this is a ‘must see’ site for all those able to do so.

A few tips when planning your visit to Paviland:

1. Despite my initial reservations it appears to be ok to park alongside the farm track opposite the public footpath sign in Pilton Green. There were several cars parked there and as long as it isn’t too muddy you should be ok.

2. The walk from the road to the cave is easy, through a couple of fields / kissing gates. However, once you get to the gorge the rocks are very sharp and quite difficult to cross safely. It is only suitable for those who are mobile and fairly agile. The rocks from the beach to the cave present the same problems.

3. There is no ‘phone signal in the area around the cave and I would advise you take someone with you. I would dread to think of the consequences if you had a fall and injured yourself / knocked yourself out when the tide turned.

4. It is obviously vital you check the tide times and make sure you don’t get cut off.

Visited 15.4.14

Directions:
From Narberth take the B4313 north. The site is close the road on the eastern side, a little way past Pont-shan. It is just about visible from the road.

There is a newly laid tarmac track which leads from the metal field gate towards the site. I hopped over and strolled up the track – only a short distance. The first thing you notice is the old quarrying into the side of the slope which is now home to several storage containers. The path then continues around to the left and onto the actual enclosure, which was home to a herd of cows.

Unfortunately, there was a farmer in a tractor in the next field so I felt uncomfortable exploring the site as much as I would have wished. There is no public right of way to the site. I had to settle for a view from the edge of the storage area (which kept me out of sight of the farmer). I could just make out a low grass single bank – about 0.5m high.

Not a lot to see here although the views are pretty good.

COFLEIN states:
‘The earthworks of an oval enclosure at Faenor Gaer, Llawhaden, are defined by generally concentric banked and ditched circuits, about 95m and 126m north-east to south-west by 65m and 100m respectively. It is set on the butt of a south facing ridge, or spur, having a north-east facing entrance. Indications of occupation have been observed in the interior, where ‘burnt earth and daub’ were observed after ploughing in 1960’.

Visited 15.4.14

Directions:
To the north-east of Narberth on the A40, take the A478 north. Then take the first turning on the right. The Barrow is next to the house on the right about 1.5 miles along this lane. You can’t miss it – it’s the only house!

Not much to report – a long grass ‘bump’ in a field.

Not one to recommend.

COFLEIN states:
‘A ploughed-down round barrow 34m in diameter and 0.9m high’

Visited 15.4.14

Directions:
Take the minor road north out of Whitland. Drive through Cwmfelin Boeth and then take the first turning on the left. Continue straight on at the junction. At the point the tarmac road turns to gravel is a house on the right – park here.
Opposite the house is a gated entrance to a dilapidated church. Walk down the overgrown path and just before you reach the graveyard St Canna’s Stone can be seen on the other side of a barbed wire fence on your left.

Karen didn’t feel comfortable parking outside the house but I assured her it would be ok. I undid the rope tying the gate closed and looked around for the stone. After an initial unsuccessful search around the graveyard I spotted the stone in the field next to the church. It is just the other side of a barbed wire fence; keeping in a flock of sheep and their lambs.

The stone is small (not much of a chair!) and it appears to have been turned around since the photo was taken. It was a bright, sunny day and I was unable to make out the engraved name on the stone. It really isn’t much to look at.

At this point I noticed a lady coming out of the house and going over to Karen who was still sat in the car. I headed back in case there was any ‘bother’. There was no need for concern as the lady was very pleasant and it turned out that she owned the field where the stone / sheep / lambs were. She informed me that she knew about the stone and that many lambs had been born next to it as it is in a sheltered spot. She said that she originally came from Maenclochog to the north. I told her that I had been there whilst visiting the nearby Gors Fawr stone circle. She seemed impressed!

I said that it was a shame that the old church had been neglected (I tried to have a look around inside but it was locked) She said that someone had bought it in 2000 to turn into a home but has never visited it since! She added that now only one old lady visited the church to tend the grave of a relative. I found it sad that such a fine church / graveyard could be neglected in such a way. It would make a fine home and afford good views. The Preseli Mountains could be seen in the distance.

I am glad I visited this site although in all honesty the stone isn’t much to look at.
Perhaps if you happen to be in the area and have some spare time it may be worth a look?

Visited 15.4.14

Directions:
From Haverfordwest take the B4341 west. After a couple of miles the stone can be found next to the road on the left. It is just before a house called Lamber Forge.

Although it being mid week and on a B road, the road was very busy and parking difficult. Karen parked outside the large wooden gate, opposite a house, and I carefully made my way back along the road towards the stone.

The stone is a little less than 1m high. It looks old. It is covered in moss and patches of white lichen. Ivy is starting to grow over the top of it.

I have doubts about the folklore regarding the ‘hanging by sheep’ as I have visited another stone in the Gloucestershire/Oxfordshire area (I can’t remember the name) with exactly the same story attached to it. Bit of a coincidence I think!

Worth a quick look if you happen to be in the area but take care with the speeding cars.

Visited 1.4.14

Directions:
From Blaenavon take the B4246 north towards Abergavenny. When you reach the top of the mountain you will see a lake and car park on your right. Directly opposite there is a road to the left – turn here. Drive down the road and after about 1 mile you will see a pub on your right (Lamb and Fox) and a rough car park opposite – park here. From the car park walk up the track until it splits into several ‘tracks’. The track leading to the highest ground (above the workings) and the stone can be seen in the distance to your right. The walk only takes about 15 minutes.

It was a quiet day in work and the chance was to be had for an early finish.
I would have been a ‘fool’ not to take advantage of the opportunity!

It was a warm, sunny day as I drove up through the World Heritage Site of Blaenavon and out onto the open mountainside. There were a couple of ‘likely lads’ hanging around the car park so I made sure the car was locked as I headed out onto the hillside. Judging by the amount of fresh lorry tyre tracks I saw this area is still being used for some reason or other?

Now, I often refer to these moorland sites as bleak. But there are two types of bleak; bleak in a nice way i.e. the Brecon Beacons or bleak in a horrible way i.e. old industrial area (South Wales Valleys). Unfortunately this site falls into the latter category – unless industrial history happens to be your thing of course.

Carreg Maen Taro is about 1 metre tall and the ‘M’ + ‘B’ markings are obvious. The stone is covered in lichen of various shades of green. There are many large stones scattered around the base of the stone.

I then walked over to the nearby fallen stone which made a handy place to sit and write these notes. Oddly enough this stone was covered in white lichen.

All was quiet here except for birdsong – which is always nice. The only company I had were a few scraggy sheep and a lone horse in the distance. The sun was warm with only a slight breeze. The views would have been very good had it not been for the haze, although the Sugar Loaf and the Blorenge were easy to make out. I sat a while and was well with the world. It was certainly better than being in work!

On the way back to the car I managed to collect a bag of horse manure for the vegetable patch – always a bonus!

This is an easy site to visit and worth the effort if you happen to be in Blaenavon visiting the famous iron works.

Visited 19.3.14

Directions:
North east of the Barrow at Crosshands – about 1 mile away.

The O/S map shows three Barrows at the crossroads.

Two of which are shown at the back of farm buildings – which I couldn’t see.
The third is in a field on the other side of the lane – seen as a grass ‘bump’.

COFLEIN states:
‘One of four barrows laid out along the summit of an east-west ridge. A circular mound about 22m in diameter and 0.4m high. Excavation produced evidence for a primary, uncontained cremation deposit and a secondary inurned cremation’.

Visited 19.3.14

Directions:
On the western side of the crossroads at Crosshands.

Two Barrows marked on the map – both no more than grass covered ‘bumps’.

COFLEIN has these named as the southern and northern tumuli.

COFLEIN states:
Southern – ‘A mutilated round barrow, 17m in diameter by 0.5m high, bisected by a garden hedge. When excavated two BA inurned cremations were recorded’.
Northern – ‘A ploughed down round barrow, 16m in diameter by .05m high. A central inurned cremation, set within a small cist-structure was recorded in excavations’.

Failed visit 19.3.14

Directions:
On the eastern side of the crossroads at Crosshands.
You will need an O/S map to find this place!

I parked up on the grass verge at the back of the house and tried to spot the stones – I couldn’t.

I then decided to hop over the metal gate giving access to the field at the back of the house for a closer look. At this point 2 or 3 dogs came running out of the house and barked noisily at me. Although I doubt they could have got out of the garden they were making so much noise that it was only a matter of time before someone came to see what was happening.

I don’t know who the field belonged to but as there is no public access I decided it was not worth it. One for next time perhaps?

Visited 19.3.14

Directions:
South-East of the hamlet of Glandwr – through unsignposted country lanes.
O/S map required.

A grass ‘bump’ in a field.

Not worth the effort of finding it.

COFLEIN states:
‘A sub-circular mound, 18m in diameter and 1.2m high, truncated by a current road on the NE’.

Visited 19.3.14

Directions:
From the A40 take the A478 north towards Cardigan. The hamlet of Glandwr can be found a short distance to the east about half way to Cardigan. Signposted.

I was starting to run out of time and I was sorely tempted to re-visit the Gors Fawr stone circle but I knew I didn’t have time to do both. In the end I decided that it was better to go somewhere new rather than somewhere I had already been – this being my usual maxim in life.

I like an old attractive church – this isn’t one – far too modern for my taste. Not that I had come this far to specifically look at the church anyway of course.

The stone is not next to the church but next to
(I think) the church hall- to the right of the gate into the church yard – can’t miss it.

The stone is about 1.5m high and the Ogham markings can be seen but are not very clear. In all honesty if I didn’t know they were there I would have probably missed them.
Perhaps it wasn’t the best light to see them in.

The stone itself is quite ordinary but of course it’s not very often you get the chance to see Ogham so for that reason alone it is worth the trip.

Visited 19.3.14

Directions:
The minor road running south from the main A40 to the village of Llangynog passes right past this site (on the left). You can park at the entrance to Pen Lan Farm and a metal field gate directly opposite gives access.

There is little to see; other than obvious undulations under the grass.

There is another enclosure a little to the south east which I didn’t look at.

COFLEIN states:
‘Bwlch-y-Seiri is an oval enclosure, about 56m east-west by 44m, defined by a bank, ditch and counterscarp, having a circular ditched mound, about 30m in diameter immediately adjacent on the west, the whole occupying the nub of a west facing spur’.

Visited 19.3.14

Directions:
A sort distance west of Meini Llwydion (Llangynog) standing stones at SN31201402.
In a field opposite the turning to the right (north).

The O/S map shows a footpath opposite the turning leading right to the stone.
In reality the footpath doesn’t exist and you are actually confronted by a double barbed wire fence and hedge.

I managed to get over the fence/hedge (not easy) and started to head south to the stone. It soon became apparent that the field is little more than a bog with no chance of crossing unless you were wearing wellies – which I wasn’t! No wonder there were no animals or crops in these fields, just lots of ‘spiky’ grass.

I retraced my steps and headed back to the road.

I thought I was going to miss out on this stone but I was able to view it, from afar, from the edge of the field housing the nearby Meini Llwydion stones. Look across the fields, under the power cables, for a large ‘boulder type’ stone lying near a hedgerow.

I don’t think I missed much.

COFLEIN doesn’t have much to say either:
‘The O/S 1st edition 1’’ map depicts two stones; there remains only one, suggesting a stone pair’

Visited 19.3.14

Directions:
A short distance east of the village of Llanybri, north of the B4312.

I am pleased to report that I managed to find the stone, although it is easy to see how such a large stone can be missed.

At the crossroads is a small triangular area of rough ground – parking easy. Walk across (west) to the high hedgerow. Follow this hedgerow until you see the stone. At this time of year it was fairly easy but in the summer it would be tricky. You certainly wouldn’t see it if you weren’t specifically looking for it.

The stone is large – about 7 feet high by 3 feet across. The stone is covered in moss and the top section is also covered in ivy. It sits right in the middle of the hedgerow and is next to a tree.
It does a very good job of hiding itself!

I don’t know why this stone is called Maen Melyn (yellow stone) when it looked to me to me to be made of red sandstone?!

This is a cracking stone to seek out and access to it is very easy. Spotting it is the tricky thing!

Well worth the effort.

Visited 19.3.14

Directions:
To the east of the Meini Llwydion (Llangynog) standing stones.
From the stones take the lane south-east. At the crossroads turn left up a steep hill.
The enclosure is easy to spot on the right. You can park on the grass verge.

A gate gives access to the site and a sign requests that visitors stick to the path – although there is actually no path so see. I therefore headed directly to the enclosure.

This is a pretty good place to visit. The single ditch / rampart is about 1.5m high.
The banks are covered in brambles and gorse but at this time of year it wasn’t too bad. A trig point sits on top of the bank. What appears to be the entrance is at the north-east. There are good views to be had out towards the estuary.

The wind was cold with drizzle in the air. A complete contrast to the weather last week when I was in the area. Perhaps spring hasn’t sprung after all?

This is an easy site to visit and worth the effort when in the area.

COFLEIN states:
‘A sub-oval enclosure about 86m north-east to south-west by 76m, defined by a double banks and ditches, set upon a prominent ridge-top knoll and resting on steep slopes to the east. On the gentler slopes to the west a possible outer line of ramparts may define an enclosure roughly 128m across. Two circular structures within the enclosure produced some ceramic material thought to be later prehistoric in date’.

Visited 19.3.14

Directions:
South-East from Crug Bach – along a narrow country lane.
O/S map recommended.

I large grass covered mound the other side of the bank/hedgerow.
You can’t see it from the road but you can from the top of the bank.
It’s western side has been cut through by the hedge / road.

One for the keen only.

COFLEIN states:
‘A round barrow truncated by a lane, 70’ in diameter and 5’ 6’’ high. Two cremations have been found , the first represented by ashes covered by two quartz stones, the second, thought to be primary, being inurned but cist-less’.

Visited 19.3.14

Directions:
As described by Postie.
There is room to park on the road (where it widens) a bit up the hill from the start of the footpath; which is next to a house and is signposted.

I walked down the hill to the house and headed east through the fields trying to find/follow the permissive footpath. I don’t know how successful I was as it was hard to tell which was the ‘path’!
The important thing is that before too long I spotted the stones near a hedgerow / trees.

The information board is still there but it has been pulled out of the ground and is now propped up against a gate.

Two nice stones although it is a great pity that the rest of the burial chamber has been removed at some point in antiquity.

Worth the short but muddy walk when in the area

Visited 19.3.14

Directions:
The road running past the Dolmen is very busy with no parking spots. The best thing to do is leave the car where you parked it for Myrddins Quoit and walk to the site. Walk up the hill to the main road, turn right and look for the first metal field gate on the left. Over the gate and walk directly across the field – look for a concrete water trough with a gate next to it. Over the trough and the stones are easily seen ahead of you.

Have you ever been to a site where you seem to be ‘drawn’ to it?
From the road you can’t see the stones and I didn’t know which way to go. But for some reason it ‘felt’ like the stones were the way I went and sure enough they were!
I can’t offer any logical explanation for this but that’s how it was.

The information board is still there although very weathered and worn.

Three standing stones remain – all leaning. Two smaller boulders lay next to the stone leaning the most – don’t know how long it will be before it falls down?

The stones are made up of the same material as the nearby Myrddins Quoit stones – ‘pudding stone’?

It’s a pity the capstone is missing. I sat a while to write these notes and thought about all the changes which have occurred since the Dolmen was first constructed. Although the cold wind was starting to bite it was a peaceful spot with birdsong in the distance.

This is a good place to come and well worth a ‘double visit’ with Myrddins Quoit.

Visited 19.3.14

Directions:
West of the village of Llanybri, along narrow country lanes.
O/S map recommended.

I parked on the grass verge by the field gate and quickly climbed over. The stones are not visible from the road but soon come into view as you walk across the bogy field.

The stones were a lot bigger than I expected and a lot easier to find.

Well worth a look if you happen to be out this way.

If you come when it is wet – bring your wellies!

Visited 19.3.14

Directions:
Drive south through the village of Llangynog and you will come to a recycling area on your right. This is a large concreted area with several recycling bins for glass, clothes etc. There is plenty of room to park next to the bins. Follow the stepped path down towards the water works but bear right towards the bridge. From the bridge (at this time of year) you can see the Dolmen in the trees to your right – 3 minute easy walk.

The rusty gate at the end of the bridge which should give you access to the wood/Dolmen was padlocked shut. You are therefore left with the option of either climbing over a small barbed wire fence or over the wooden hand rail of the bridge. Neither of which are difficult to do.

I walked over to the Dolmen and sat quietly.
It is a very peaceful place at 8.30am with just the sound of the nearby stream and bird song for company. The Dolmen, surrounding tree trunks and boulders are all covered in a thick layer of moss – dry and soft to the touch – very tactile.

Although the Dolmen is quite small it is in good condition and the capstone is surprisingly thick, supported by 2 upright stones. One large and several small pieces of quartz had been placed under the capstone. More strange were (what appeared to be) the animal teeth which I assume were left as ‘offerings’?

It had been an early start and a 2 hour drive to get here. Was it worth it – absolutely!
I sat quietly, admiring the location and contemplated how wonderful it was that this place had survived the millennia.

Peace was shattered bang on 9.00am when the roar of vehicles could be heard from the adjacent quarry (thankfully not visible from the Dolmen due to the trees).
Time to go……………

If you ever happen to be in this part of the world, please make the effort to visit this site. It is easy to access and well worth it. I am sure you won’t be disappointed. This is one of those places that allow you to re-charge the soul.

Visited 12.3.14

Directions:
From Haverfordwest take the B4329 north. After about two miles you will drive past/through Poyston Cross. The Barrows are about one mile further along the road on your left hand side.

This is a busy road although it is possible to pull in at the metal gate which gives access to the field where the Barrows reside. There was livestock in the field so I settled for a view from the gate. It is no more than a long, low grass covered mound – you know the type I mean!

COFLEIN states:
‘One of two barrows known collectively as ‘the tumps’, 26m in diameter and 1.2m high, this barrow shows signs of having been dug into and is clipped to the NE. The other barrow is 112m to the west. It is 29m in diameter and 1m high. It has also been dug into’.

Visited 12.3.14

Directions:
From Parc y Garreg standing stone continue along the road east. The Barrows are in a field on the left immediately after the turning. You can park at the entrance to the farm drive opposite.

The Barrow is visible from the field gate as a low garss covered ‘bump’.

COFLEIN states:
‘One of three Barrows 30m in diameter and 1.4m high’.

Visited 12.3.14

Directions:
From Narbeth take the B4314 south-east. Continue south towards Ludchurch but take the turning left (east) at the crossroads just before you get to Ludchurch. The standing stone is about 1 mile along this minor road on your left. As with most other sites in this part of the world the stobe can’t be seen from the road due to the high bank/hedgerow. It can be seen from the top of the bank.

Since the previous TMAers visits there has been some serious changes to the site. There is currently a road being built right through the field in a north-south direction before turning parallel to the road (other side of hedgerow). There is a lot of construction work being undertaken.

I therefore had to settle for a view from the top of the bank.

On a more positive note the road isn’t right next to the stone so (other than spoiling the setting) shouldn’t pose any threat.

The stone looked pretty bathed in the evening sunlight.

Visited 12.3.14

Directions:
From Garn Turne Burial Chamber head back the way you came (east) to the crossroads and turn right (south). Take the first right (west) and you will shortly see bridleway signs pointing either side of the road. You can pull in (just) next to the bridleway sign on the left. Follow this bridleway (south) and you will soon spot Parc y Llyn on the far side of the field on your left.

The bridleway was extremely muddy and my boots sank deep into the mire. It is only a short walk (via a metal gate) and then a not-quite-so-muddy walk across the field.

The capstone has collapsed down into the chamber although it appears most of the main stones are still present? The rear of the chamber backs onto a hedgerow.
I thought the stones forming the back of the chamber were (although small) well preserved and quite impressive.

Although this is probably the least impressive of the trilogy of Burial Chambers I have visited today it certainly warrants a visit when in the area. After all, the tombs are so close together (within a radius of about 1 mile) it makes perfect sense to visit all three at the same time.

Pembrokeshire is a wonderful part of the world and brimming with prehistoric sites of all description.
I shall have to make the effort to come here more often.

Visited 12.3.14

Directions:
From The Altar Burial Chamber continue along the minor road south and turn left at the crossroads. Despite the high hedgerows you will soon spot Garn Turne Rocks on your right. There is just about room to pull over in a passing place. It is only about one mile south of The Altar Burial Chamber.

There was no obvious, convenient entry point into the field but given the time of year I was just about able to squeeze through the hedge – not recommended! Garn Turne Rocks and associated Burial Chamber are only a short walk away up an incline.

This is one of those sites where it is pretty obvious to see why the location was selected for building a chamber. Garn Turne Rocks dominate the surrounding area and (presumably) this would have been a special place in times past?
On a day like today you can see for miles in every direction.

The Burial Chamber has totally collapsed and there are several large stones scattered about. The capstone is massive, one of the biggest I have seen.

The farmer who had seen me earlier at The Altar Burial chamber was now muck spreading in the field opposite (what are the chances?) so I decided against climbing on top of the Garn Turne outcrop. After all, there is (technically) no public right of way to the site/rocks. In hindsight I wish I had gone with my gut instinct and ignored him – something I intend to correct in a future re-visit.

This was site two in my trilogy visit of Burial Chambers for today and (despite the collapse) they don’t come much better than this.

Well worth a visit but try to find a more sensible point of access.
Perhaps via the drive leading to the farm?

Visited 12.3.14

Directions:
From Wolf’s Castle on the main A40 follow the signs east for Little Newcastle. After stopping to look at the memorial stone on the village green to ‘Black Bart’ the famous pirate who was born here, take the minor road south. You will shortly pass a church on your right and cross over a river. As the road starts to climb you will see the drive to Whitehall Farm on your right. There is room to squeeze in here. Opposite is a metal field gate. Over the gate and follow the bank/hedgerow up the hill. The Burial Chamber will soon come into view; although largely hidden by the hedge.

It was a beautiful spring day. Not a cloud in the sky, no wind and warm sunshine.
The scenery as we drove across the bridge was one of the best I have seen. The woodland was carpeted in snow drops; an old, moss covered stone bridge spanned the babbling river – it really was a beautiful sight. Pity Karen had left her camera at home!

As regards to the Burial Chamber (I am sure of more interest to you) it was a muddy walk up the edge of the field. Although the bank/hedge/road appears to have cut the chamber in half it doesn’t overly spoil the site. A reasonably chunky capstone is supported by (I think) three uprights. Two at the front and a smaller one at the back.

Someone had left a small ‘offering’ of sea shells under the capstone. There are decent views to the east. It’s a great pity that the farmer decided that one of the supporting uprights would make a good place to wrap his barbed wire around when fencing in the field. Why he/she thought that in addition to the large bank/hedge a barbed wire fence was also required I don’t know. It is a common feature in this part of the world.

As others have said, the chamber is not visible from the road so you will have to walk into the field to have a look. The bush in front of one of the photos is thankfully no longer there.
A small amount of effort which is well rewarded.

I was spotted by a farmer driving a tractor jumping back over the gate but he didn’t stop or say anything!

Well worth a visit when in the area.

Visited 6.3.14

This is one of those sites that I have wanted to re-visit for a number of years. The last time I came here it was one of the first sites that myself and Karen visited together. She was new to driving down the narrow country lanes that we all know and love and it was terrible day weather wise. The rain was pouring and the road resembled a river as the water poured down the hill. In fact, part of the road was completely flooded. To be fair to Karen she stuck at it (and has done ever since!) and here we are, years later, for another visit.

This time the weather was much more kind. Warm, no wind although hill mist had descended on the peaks opposite. Unsurprisingly there was no-one else at the burial chamber and it was pretty much as I remembered it. One thing I had forgotten was how large the capstone is – it’s massive – despite being broken in two. I peered underneath it and noticed that someone had put a blue ribbon around one of the supporting stones.

The last time I visited, due to the weather, I wasn’t able to appreciate the tomb’s location. This time I was able to stand and admire the view out across the valley. It really is splendid. It is no surprise they built their burial chamber here – wonderful.

This is a site that I am sure I will return to again one day. Hopefully next time I will have more time to sit and contemplate. Unfortunately on this occasion the children were due to finish school so it was time to head home…………

If you every get the chance to visit this E.H. site please do.
You won’t be disappointed.

Visited 6.3.14

Directions:
The tiny Llanveynoe isn’t even on my AA map so it is a lot easier to find if you have an O/S map! The best advice I can give is to follow the signs for Longtown (home of a pretty ruined castle – E.H. site) then take the minor road north. Llanveynoe is about 2 miles along this road; the church is easily seen on the left of the road.

For Christmas I was given the book ‘The Early Medieval Church in Wales’ by David Petts. Not the sort of book I would have bought myself but as it was a present I eventually got around to looking through it. One picture that jumped out at me was of the ‘Crucifix Stone’, embedded into the inside wall of the church.

David Petts states that the inscribed figure of Christ is on the flat surface of a stone which also has prehistoric cup and ring marks on it. Other sources state that the cup and ring marks are in fact natural and not man made. I wanted to see for myself.

The church is very pretty and sits on the side of a valley. The views along the valley are wonderful and that alone made the trek here worthwhile. I was very pleased to find that the church was unlocked and I let myself in. The inscribed stone has been built into the wall on the right and is easy to spot, as were the possible cup and ring marks – there are about a dozen of them.

I am no rock art expert and certainly no cup and ring expert but I have seen my fair share over the years. To my untrained eye they appeared natural although they do certainly look like small cup and ring marks. However, if they are natural I wonder why this stone was used to carve the figure on? Why not use and ‘unblemished’ stone? Was this stone specifically used because of the ‘cup and ring’ marks?

I picked up a leaflet in the church which gives a brief history of the church. I found this bit particularly interesting:
‘The church is believed to have been founded by St Beuno (c600AD). The remains of the ‘llan’ below the west wall of the churchyard may have been where the original church stood. Two ancient stones, including the ‘Crucifix Stone,’ were found on the slope west of the church in 1860 and 1888’.

Although not religious, I love old churches in picturesque settings. If they have any prehistoric connections all the better. It was therefore no hardship for me to visit Llanveynoe (although Karen may disagree as she was driving!) I would certainly recommend a visit if you happen to be this way. Have a look at the stone, draw your own conclusions – man made or natural?

Visited 6.3.14

The ‘road’ leading to Glibes Farm is very rough and the car’s suspension had a good workout. The tall standing stone was easy enough to spot in a field on the left.

The sign asking you to keep the gate closed due to livestock (fair enough) is still there and there is now a second sign requesting that trekkers stay to the track (also fair enough). I slid the gate bolt open, squelched through the mud and was soon at the stone.

This is a fine stone with pretty coloured lichen on its surface. There are decent views to be had. Well worth a visit when in the area.

Visited 6.3.14

Directions:
If driving north-west along the B4348 out of Dorstone, the stone is next to a metal field gate on the left. It is just about possible to squeeze in next to the field gate but be careful as this road is very busy and the locals don’t hang about!

At this time of year the stone was easy to access although it was covered by a thick coating of moss. (a lot of growth since Baza’s photo)

Although I couldn’t see any obvious cup mark I felt through the moss and am pretty sure I felt it near to the ground on the side of the stone facing the road.

Due to the proximity of the fast passing cars I didn’t hang around long.

Directions:
From Pendaryn take the minor road east sign posted Cwm Cadlam You will shortly come to a house on the left with a fence surrounding the field at its front. The Cairn is easily spotted the other side of the fence.

I didn’t see any advantage of going to the house to ask permission to visit the Cairn as it is easily seen from the road. The Cairn is a large mound of grey stones (very similar to the other Barrows/Cairns along this road further east).

The one difference on this site is that there is a large stone is standing on top of the Cairn. I wonder if this is the capstone referred to in the COFLEIN report?

Well worth a view when visiting the other sites along the quiet road.

COFLEIN states:
‘In a uniformly south-sloping field lies a large turfed-over cairn extensively damaged by excavation. It measures about 15m in diameter and 1.5m high and is composed mainly of sandstone medium-sized rubble and small boulders. The cairn is surrounded by a roughly 17.5m diameter kerb of mostly quartz conglomerate boulders measuring up to 1.2m long and 0.7m high.
The cairn was excavated in 1959-60 and found to have affinities with a nearby cairn (nprn 84641) which was also excavated.
A D-shaped enclosure, set within a massive kerb, contained a rectangular pit covered by a capstone but without significant deposit. Beaker sherds, secondary cremations with sherds of Overhanging Rim urns, food vessel sherds and flint implements were also recovered’