CARL

Visited 28.5.12

The minor road leading up to the water works is tarmaced and smooth so no worries about the car exhaust on this visit!

The stone is visible from the water works but a quick hop over a barbed wire fence and you are soon up close and personal to this massive stone.

The stone is about 5 metres tall and 1.5 metres wide – covered in green lichen.
In this lighting it looked like a face could be seen in the stone (well spotted Karen!)

From up here there are tremendous, wide coastal views.
This is definitely one to visit when on Uist.

Visited 28.5.12

Directions:
Near a very rough track just south of the remains of Flora Macdonald’s house, off the A865 – to the east. This track is very rough and I would not advise you driving up it unless you are behind the wheel of a 4x4. (Karen was not happy!)

The tomb is easily visible from the track.
Despite the hot weather the ground from the track to the tomb was very boggy and I imagine in wet weather it would be a wellies job.

The tomb is approximately 15 metres across x 4 metres high. Along the northern edge of the tomb there are 6 large retaining kerb stones. Many of the stones are covered with lichen.

Two birds of prey circled overhead in the dark blue skies.

Visited 28.5.12

The Cairn is only a 5 minute walk from the car park and is visible from the road (A865). There is an info board in the car park giving details of Carinish Crofting Woodland but there is no mention of the Chambered Cairn!

It is a fairly flat walk to the Cairn and there are lovely views of the surrounding hills. The Cairn itself is about 40 metres long x 2 metres high x 10 metres across. A walkers shelter has been built out of stone next to the chamber.

There appears to be the remains of a cist which is 1.5 metres x 1 metre. At one end of the ‘cist’ is a large stone approximately 1 metre square. Several large kerbing stones remain.

The Cairn has been pretty much mangled but access is easy so it is worth a look when on South Uist.

Carinish

Visited 28.5.12

As shacmh states ‘blink and you will miss it’ – in fact, you don’t even have to blink to miss this one!

I parked in the car park, crossed the road and was able to spot 5 stones sticking their heads out of the heather. Nothing else to add really.

Just about worth a quick look when visiting the nearby Chambered Cairn.

Dun Trossary

Visited 28.5.12

Just up the road from Pollachar Standing Stone on the B888.

We parked next to the church and the Chambered Cairn could be seen on the higher ground a couple of fields away. I headed directly for the Cairn and had to climb over 2 barbed wire fences – scaring some sheep in the process. It would be a boggy old walk in wet weather.

The Cairn is very ruined and consists of a large mound of grass covered stones. It is hard to make much sense of the site.
The main leaning stone would be approximately 2 metres high if it was straight. It is about 0.5 metres wide.

This is a fairly easy site to access as long as you are able to negotiate barbed wire fences but in all honesty there isn’t a great deal to see.

On the plus side there are good views to be had.

Visited 28.5.12

The ferry crossing from Oban was a delight. The sea calm, the sky blue and the sun blazing. Sitting outside and watching the islands drift by was stunning – I even saw a couple of seals in the water. After a comfortable night’s sleep in the B+B (although the light night was strange) and a hearty breakfast, it was time to see my first ‘old stone’ on the Outer Hebrides – and what a good one it was!

Although I generally found the Uists to be rather bleak I must say that the southern tip is very pretty. There are lovely views over to the island of Eriskay. No doubt this was helped by having yet another day of glorious (and unexpected) sunshine!

The standing stone is very easy to visit and is right next to the Pollachar Inn so parking isn’t a problem. The stone is about 2 metres high and sits just above a pretty beach – lots of rock pools to explore!

This is a very easy stone to see, set in lovely surroundings and well worth the detour south from the ferry port of Lochboisdale when visiting the islands.

‘Drive by’ 27.5.12

Visible as a small tree covered island from the A815 just north of Cladich chambered cairn.

Canmore states:
‘Investigated in 1972 by a naval sub-aqua team. It is a wholly artificial construction in that it did not incorporate natural glacial mounds, ridges or a natural island surface as a foundation. This was the smallest of the Loch Awe crannogs confirmed by the investigating team, measuring about 13 metres in diameter’.

Visited 27.5.12

Day 2 of the holiday and it was time to make our way north to Oban to catch the ferry over to South Uist. There were a couple of Historic Scotland sites I wanted to knock off the list near Oban but I still had time to sneak in a couple of older sites!

First up was the Cladich chambered cairn. The cairn is easy enough to find; just outside the hamlet of Cladich on the A815 – you can park next to the field gate. Up and over the gate and a short uphill walk and you are there. The cairn can be seen from the field gate if memory serves me right.

I wasn’t expecting much from this visit but how wrong can a person be? This was a cracking place to come although I am sure the weather had a lot to do with me being in the right frame of mind! There wasn’t a cloud in the sky with the sun beating down. Bluebells carpeted the field and the only noise was a cuckoo was singing away in the distance. There are fantastic views to be had overlooking the dark blue waters of Loch Awe and a small patch of snow stubbornly hung on to crevice high up on the mountain opposite – sheer bliss!

As for the cairn itself it is approx 2 metres high x 30 metres long. There are two large stones on top of the cairn (one fallen) which are about 1 metre square. There are lots of stones sticking out of the grass. The central cist is about 1 metre square. I wonder if the fallen stone is in fact the cist cover? It looks about the right size?

This was one of those occasions where the experience of visiting a site was greater than what was actually left to see. (If that makes sense?)
I couldn’t have been happier – life doesn’t get much better than this!

Well worth a look if you happen to be on your way to Oban.

Visited 26.5.12

Ah, Castlerigg. What is left to say that hasn’t already been said about this famous stone circle? I won’t even try.

As we were in the area (Cumbria that is!) the call of Castlerigg proved too much and I just had to visit. Despite the gorgeous weather there weren’t as many people here as I expected and parking was easy enough. I walked through the gate and my pace quickened as I got closer to the stones. This really is a stunning location for a stone circle – easily the best I have ever been to.

Oddly enough though the circle itself was smaller than I remembered. It’s funny how your memory can play tricks on you. The scenery was as good as I remembered!
I noticed several areas where turf has been laid to no doubt counter the foot wear from the very many visitors this site attracts each year. Hope it doesn’t become a big problem?

As Arnie would say – ‘I’ll be back!’

Visited 26.5.12

There are a couple of car parks in Grasmere – the one you want is to the north of the village and called Broadgate Meadow. It is now run by a company who use ‘Parking Eye’ cameras so don’t take a chance of parking without buying a ticket – however short your visit. Someone I know was over their time by 4 minutes in a car park in Cornwall and was hit by a £60 fine in the post a few days later. This company takes no prisoners so cough up the £1.80 1 hour parking or try to find somewhere on the street to park – no easy matter in this ‘tourist trap’ of a village.

Grasmere is a very pretty place to visit and this part of the Lake District is simply beautiful – particularly with weather like this – not a cloud in the sky and scorching hot!

Finding the cup marks is easy enough. Just look out for the large rock outcrop with trees on it right next to the car park, behind a hedge. Climb up to the top and there are many, many cup marks to be found – I counted 35 although I am sure I didn’t see them all. Many of the cup marks had moss growing in them so were easy to spot. Most were of a similar size although there were two significantly larger. A fine old oak tree shelters the cup mark rock like a protective mother and the dappled shade it provided was a welcome relief from the heat.

One thing I did notice was the criss-cross of lines all over the panel with the cup marks. Is this natural or man made? What do the cup marks represent?

All in all this is a great place to see easily accessible cup marks and also the chance to visit a picturesque village in the heart of the Lake District. The surrounding hills are gorgeous on a day like this.

Visit – you know it makes sense!

Visited 26.5.12

As stated by others you don’t actually ‘visit’ this site but admire from the car window as you drive past as slowly as possible allowing for the traffic. You drive so close it feels like you could reach out a hand and touch the cairn. You can’t – but that’s how it feels! When driving up the A591 you really can’t miss it. A large mound of grey stone.

I would estimate that the Cairn is about 2 metres high x 10 metres across?

Visited 26.5.12

The first site on my ‘mega holiday’

When travelling up to Scotland we never go straight there but prefer to come off the motorway and spend the day somewhere – often the beautiful Lake District. This time we chose to stop off at Barrow first which gave me the chance to knock another 3 E.H. sites off the list. It also gave the chance to visit the Druid’s Circle on the way.

Once we had found the right minor road off the A5087 it was easy enough to find the circle. At this time of year the ferns were just starting to poke their heads out of the grass and the circle could be seen from the road. Although in summer when the ferns are at their full height I don’t think this would be possible.

The sun was shinning, not a cloud in the sky and only a gentle warm breeze to be had – ideal conditions for visiting a site. Pity about all the dog’s poo! There are fine views to be had overlooking Bardsea village and church and along the coast.

I was surprised to discover that this was a double circle and counted 12 stones making up the inner circle. Karen was busy trying out her new zoom lens while myself, Sophie and Dafydd had fun playing around the stones. There are plenty of erratics all around so I don’t think building material would have been a problem when constructing the circles.

This was a wonderful site to start the holidays off with and one I would highly recommend a visit. The site is not sign posted although there is plenty of room to park on the grass near the stone circle.

Visited 5.5.12

Saw this on the map and just had to try to check it out.

The Hillfort is in the eastern suburbs of Cheltenham in the Charlton Kings district.

This is another of those Hillfort which is slowly but surely being swallowed up by housing.

Taking the minor road north off the very busy A40 we tried to access the site from the north. However we were met by private housing with various ‘Private Road – no access’ signs. At least the Hillfort is being recognised in some of the road signs – ‘The Camp’ and ‘Battledown’. No way in from this direction.

We then drove around to the south of the site which is more rural and looks a more likely access point. There is no public access across the fields but from the road I could see a row of trees in the distance which I suspect is where you would find what remains of the defences? We were heading home as Karen had to get to work so I didn’t have time to try to cross the field for a closer look – maybe next time?

E.H. has nothing to report on this site.

Visited 5.5.12

Access to Cleeve Hill is very easy and there are many footpaths which lead all over the site – particularly as there is a golf course over most of it!

We parked in the lay by next to the telephone box on the B4632 although there is also a smaller parking area directly opposite.
Much to Karen’s frustration the toilets shown on the O/S map is now closed!

The lower slopes were covered in sheep and lambs and a dog was running around in a ‘playful’ mood. Although it meant no harm it was obviously worrying the sheep. As I walked up through the sheep an irate farmer came over thinking the dog was mine – which wasn’t helped when the dog ran straight over to me as if we were the best of friends! I think the farmer believed me when the dog eventually ran off into the distance!

I carried on to the top of the hill (short but steep) and headed for the obelisk which has one on those metal diagrams on top which points out the various places in the distance. (You have to walk around a golfing green to reach it – hole 13 I think?)

I then had a look at the Dyke before heading for the ‘Ring’.
There were quite a few golfers about and although golf isn’t my thing I have to admit it is a great place to play golf. The views across to Wales are stunning – you can see for miles. (Although I am sure the wind causes havoc with the golf handicap!)

As well as the golf course and its associated bunkers etc an awful lot of quarrying has taken place here in the past. I found the ‘lumps and bumps’ made it difficult to be sure I found the ‘Ring’. I had a photo with me and I know I was in the right area so I am pretty sure I found it but if I did, it isn’t much to write home about. It consists of little more than shallow earthen banks. If you weren’t looking for it specifically you would never know it was here.

Although the ‘Ring’ was a disappointment it was more than made up for by that view – wow!

I was planning to visit the Hillfort but time was against me and I headed back to the car. On the way down the hill I spotted an information board near one of the quarry sites. It gave information on the geological make up of the hill – types of rock to look out for etc.

I can’t comment on the preservation of the Hillfort as I didn’t see it but there isn’t a lot to see of the other sites to be honest. However, the views are so fantastic I would recommend a visit for that alone.
Just one warning – watch out for flying golf balls!

Visited 5.5.12

I was a bit disappointed by this.

I was expecting a sort of Offa’s Dyke type construction but the section I saw was not much more than a shallow ditch.

I think my expectation levels were a bit high!
(At least I didn’t get hit by a golf ball)

Visited 5.5.12

Access to the site is very easy (for a Hillfort!).
Just north of Woodmancote via a minor road off the B4632.
There is a free parking area a short walk to the south of the Hillfort and a public access track takes you right through the middle of the site.
However, when I visited this track was extremely muddy so be warned.

Karen Stayed in the car park with the sleeping Sophie while myself and Dafydd walked up the track. Dafydd was doing his usual ‘faffing’ so I walked on ahead.
I soon reached the ditch and bank at the southern end of the Hillfort and was pleasantly surprised to see the ramparts still standing to a height of about 2.5m.
This section of the Hillfort is covered in trees although the interior is open grass.

At this point I heard the cry ‘Dad – help!’
I looked around to see Dafydd stood in the middle of the track up to his ankles in mud.
‘Come on’ said I – ‘I can’t’ said Dafydd.
‘Why not?’ I asked? – ‘I can’t move, I’m stuck!’ came the reply.
I walked back down the track and luckily had his plastic sword I had just bought.
I was able to reach over and pull him out without getting covered in mud myself!

This is a good place to visit but unless we are in a drought – bring your wellies!

Visited 20.4.12

The information board near the car park states that the wall is not prehistoric.
I think it said it was mediaeval but I can’t be sure.
I tried to write the information down but it was raining so my paper got wet and I couldn’t write on it!

The walls in question are easy enough to spot around the stones – in fact you need to climb over one section to get closer to some of the rocks.

Visited 20.4.12

As I have said in previous field notes I am ‘drawn’ to natural rock outcrops so on my last full day in Cornwall I wanted to make time to visit one.

This would be my last visit of the day on our way back to the caravan and despite the rain was determined to have a look around.

Although Helman Tor can be seen for miles around we had difficulty finding the car park and had to rely on a very helpful local to show us the way. The lady started to give directions but in the end said ‘follow me’ and guided us right there (throwing her recently poured cup of tea away in the process!) – thank you!

The rain was falling and Karen and Sophie stayed in the car while myself and Dafydd headed through the gate up to the rocks. We then spotted a couple of rock climbers all kitted out in their gear and helmets. We on the other hand just clambered up and over the stones and Dafydd enjoyed his own version on ‘rock climbing’.

This would be a cracking spot for a picnic in nice weather – but not today!
I really enjoyed myself here despite the rain and on a clear day you would be able to see for miles. The stone carved with a small cross was easy enough to find.

In the end the weather got the better of us and we had to return too soon to the car.
By the way, the Logan stone doesn’t move!
A rainbow came out to bid us farewell.

Well worth a visit.

Visited 20.4.12

Two Barrows are shown on the O/S map a short distance south of the Trippet Stones; to the west of the lane leading to the main road.

The terrain here is very ‘lump bumby’ (technical term!) and the Barrows are not obvious – in fact I couldn’t find them!

E.H. has nothing to say on the matter.

Visited 20.4.12

The lane running south of the burial chamber is very narrow and parking is difficult.
However, we did manage to park at the turning which leads to the transmitter.

The rain was falling and everyone opted to stay in the car while I walked back down the lane to try to spot the burial chamber. This was not easy as the bank is high and topped with a hedge. Coupled with the wet grass I slipped on several occasions before finding the right spot to see the stones.

There are 3 large stones remaining but there was no way through the hedge to get into the field for a closer look. One of the stones was holding the largest up on an angle. Unfortunately I didn’t read pure joy’s notes before visiting so didn’t realise access was via a gate opposite the sub-power station.

When I returned to the car I realised I had dropped my notes and had to walk back along the lane (in the now pouring rain) to retrieve them!

Visited 20.4.12

Now here’s a problem you don’t encounter very often trying to visit an ‘old stone’ site (particularly in Cornwall) – a Highland cow!!!

Yes, as odd as it sounds it is true.
Making our way to the Trippet Stones we approached the hamlet of Bradford. As we turned a corner, there in the middle of the lane, completely blocking it was a Highland cow! Luckily Karen wasn’t driving fast and immediately opened the window and got her camera out. At this point Hannah stated to scream to close the window.
‘What are you expecting it to do?’ I asked her ‘climb in?’!!
We stared at the cow – the cow stared at us.
Eventually the cow started to move towards us and tried to squeeze past the car.
I was concerned his/her long horns would take out a window but luckily the cow leaned in towards the drystone wall and took a couple of stones out!
Phew…. (try explaining that to Auto Glass!)

We continued onto the stones and parked on the grass at the junction of the cross-moor roads a little to the east of the circle. What did we then see? A small heard of 5/6 Highland cows! Karen jumped out of the car, camera in hand, whilst myself and Dafydd headed off towards the stone circle. (Hannah decided to stay ‘safe’ in the car)

As we walked along the track towards the circle (and Hawk’s Tor Farm) we were approached by the farmer on his quad bike but he passed by without saying anything.

The circle itself is wonderful – a great setting – very atmospheric.
We took turns touching/counting the stones to see if we came up with the same figure – we didn’t!
The Trippet Stones are easy to access and well worth a visit.

Unfortunately our visit was cut short when my phone rang and Karen asked if we could come back to the car asap as a man needed help.
When we arrived it turned out a chap was lost and despite having an O/S map wasn’t sure where he was. I was happy to help but slightly miffed as we had left the circle a lot sooner than I would have liked – but there you go.

Karen and Hannah were very excited as the chap was a photographer for a fashion designer label (I can’t remember the name but needless to say meant nothing to me!)
and that he was looking for photo shoot locations. I did suggest the standing stones but he said he was looking for something with ferns!!

Visited 20.4.12

Directions:
Although looking at the map it appears the minor lane next to the Barrow joins the main A30 it doesn’t, it is fenced off, so the only way to the Barrow is via the lanes from the west as described in the previous field notes. O/S map required!

Access to the Barrow is no more than a quick hop over a locked metal field gate and a very short walk. The gorse covered Barrow is easily seen from the lane if climbing over gates isn’t your thing!
The Barrow is approx 2.5m high x 20m across. As I say, the Barrow is covered in gorse so close inspection is not possible.

A Barrow visit for the dedicated only.

Visited 20.4.12

A very easy site to access as described by pure joy. The lay by to park in is the second one you come to when travelling north along the minor road to the west of the Hillfort.

The sun was shining, the wind was blowing and the only sound was birdsong.
Black clouds were gathering on the horizon so I knew rain was a’ coming.

Although the site is easy to access in truth there isn’t much to see; although the bank on the south western side is a good 3m high.

Visited 19.4.12

Directions:
A short distance to the east of Piran’s Round; to the north of the busy B3285.

I managed to park at the junction of the track opposite the Barrows and tried to see over the hedge to see if I could spot the Barrows – I couldn’t.

I later discovered that E.H. record the Barrows as being only 0.2m and 0.5m high so perhaps it wasn’t surprising! For a more detailed search you would need to ask permission at the farm.

E.H. state:
‘A group of three bowl barrows situated 150m east of Rosehill Farm. Two of the group survive as visible mounds, 20m apart. The easternmost barrow mound is 15m in diameter and 0.2m in height. The mound of the central barrow is 23m in diameter and 0.5m in height’.

Visited 19.4.12

My 900th field note! – that’s a lot of writing (and walking!)

Parking is available right next to the site.
The pink house mentioned in previous field notes is now beige!
The information board is interesting and has good photos.

I know this is listed as a ‘Hillfort’ but it gives a good idea of how Henges must have looked in their prime.
For some reason it reminded me of a mini version of the Roman amphitheatre in Caerleon.

The surrounding ditch is about 1m deep and the bank about 3m high.

I really liked this place and would heartily recommend a visit when in the area.
Watch the B3285 though – it’s a busy one!

Visited 19.4.12

As per pure joy – I couldn’t see anything obvious either although this isn’t helped by the high hedgerows and the fiarly bust road running through the site!

I doubt there is anything to see other than maybe a ‘bumpy’ field.

Visited 19.4.12

Directions:
Follow the minor roads north out of the village of Cubert onto the common.
An O/S map would be a big help as some of these roads are very minor.
One stretch of road was so narrow that both car wing mirrors were catching the hedge – and I only drive a little Fiesta!!

There is room to park right next to Barrow – through a wooden field gate.

The Barrow is large – approx 3m high x 20m across – grass covered.

There are nice views to be had out towards the coast.
It was a sunny but windy day and you could see the large waves breaking in the distance.

All in all, one to recommend.

Visited 19.4.12

Directions:
Built into the church wall in the middle of Cubert village – south of Newquay.

There is a large car park outside the church and the church itself is worth a look around.

The lettering on the stone was barely visible and if I wasn’t specifically looking for it I would never have known it was there.

But I did know about it; I was specifically looking for it; so I found it!

Visited 18.4.12

My last visit of the day – and what a good one to finish on.

The Hillfort can be found on a minor road just to the east of the village of Tywaerdreath. There is room to park a little way up the road from the site in a lay by.
To access the site you need to jump over the field gate at the top of the drive leading to Lawhibbet Farm.
If you want to do this legally you probably need to ask for permission from the farm?

Once you are across the flat field and inside the outer rampart you can relax a bit as the ramparts height (about 3m) keeps you out of sight!

The outer ditch is now only about 0.5m deep although no doubt it would have been far deeper when the site was constructed.
The second inner rampart is again about 3m high with its ditch a bit deeper – about 1m.

There were cows around but I thought the site was in good condition – better than most Hillforts I have visited.

This is a really easy site to access as long as you are prepared to either:
A – ask permission or B – sneak over the gate access is easy enough.

Visited 18.4.12

This was an interesting place to visit and despite the rain well worth it.

Directions: Take the B3274 south into St Austell. As mentioned in goffik’s notes the turning you need to make to the right is extremely sharp. So sharp in fact that a 3-point turn would be required and this is a busy road. It is much safer to continue past the turning (not sign posted and narrow) into St Austell and approach from the south. That way the turning becomes easy.

Follow the narrow lane to the small car park near the chair, overlooking the stream.
There was a chap standing near the chair and I thought for the first time this week there would actually be someone else at a site I was visiting. As I got closer I noticed the several cans of Stella he had with him so I don’t think he was there to look at the chair!!

The chair itself is cute and I would have loved to have sat in it but the puddle put me off!

At this point Dafydd spotted the Well across the other side of the stream, nestled amongst the trees.
‘Look, a little house!’ he shouted excitedly.
I must admit, it did look like the type of ‘house’ you see in fairy tales.

We crossed over the small bridge and entered the well house for a look around.

It was really atmospheric with virtually the entire stonework covered in moss with small ferns growing in the damp and shade. Water was dripping outside and there was plenty of water in the well.

On the way back over the bridge we stopped for a quick game of ‘Pooh sticks’
Dafydd insisted he won but I am sure I did!

This is a very, very pretty little place and comes highly recommended.

We headed back up the lane leaving the man alone with his thoughts – and his Stella!

Visited 18.4.12

After spending a couple of hours looking around the shops in St Austell with Karen and the children it was time for a bit of ‘old stoning’.

We found the school easy enough and the footpath was also easy to spot.
Karen and the children stayed in the car and I headed up the path in the pouring rain.

In this instance the rain was a good thing as there was no one about and these days you have to be careful being seen hovering in trees near a school – even if it is on a public footpath!

I was surprised by how big this stone is – it’s massive!

It goes without saying that getting a close up of the stone would be impossible without prior permission from the school.

Visited 18.4.12

Whilst on my way to Fowey to visit St Catherine’s Castle (another E.H. site off the list!) I took the opportunity to have a look at the Tristan Stone.

Very easy to see spot as it is right on the B3415.

**As an aside, in order to visit the castle you have to cross a lovely little beach / cove below the castle. This would make a great place for a day at the beach in nice weather. I found a set of car keys on my return trip and had to wait for nearly an hour for the worried owner to return to the beach to reclaim them. He was happy – so was Dafydd – he had extra ‘play time’ on the beach!

Visited 18.4.12

From the main road you can’t see the stone as it is hidden behind conifer trees. The trees are now a lot taller than shown in the photos.

However, once you are around the other side the stone is easy enough to spot but I would say in another few years it will be completely swamped.

The stone is about 3ft wide at the base, tapering to about 6 inches at the top.

Needless to say curtains were twitching whilst I was looking at the stone!

Visited 18.4.12

This is a superb place to visit and very easy to access.
You can’t miss it – just south of the village of Roche.

I have a ‘thing’ about rock outcrops and have always been drawn to them.
This may sound strange to most people but I guess those reading this will know what I mean?
Obviously in this part of the world there is no shortage to choose from.

There is a lay by to park in, small information sign and then a short walk through the gate onto the rock.

The rock is even more dramatic and impressive than the photos suggest.
(I had a big grin on my face whilst walking to the rock despite the wind and rain)

I must say it is an impressive achievement building the church here.
You can but only admire the skills and effort in achieving this feat.

I made my way up to the base of the rock to have a good look at the masonry and admire the views – which weren’t that great due to the weather!

I really liked this place and would love to come back on a nicer day.
I can thoroughly recommend a visit but you would need to be mobile to get up close to the rock. Disabled visitors can have a great view of the rock from the lay by.

Visit, visit, visit!!!

Failed visit 18.4.12

Before setting out on my little trip to Cornwall this was one site that I really wanted to visit.
Looking at the photo and the name it was a ‘must see’. Childish I know but there you are!

As we drove around the maze of country lanes trying to find said stone Dafydd became very excited when i showed him the photo and said we were looking for a stone which looked like a large bum! (see, it’s a male thing!)

We both eagerly looked out the windows whilst Karen did the sensible thing and did the driving along the windy, narrow lanes. Every now and then we would stop and I would clamber up a bank to peer into likely looking fields.

Unfortunately we couldn’t find the stone. I am sure we were close as we passed several fields which had masses of large boulders scattered around and a few of them could easily have been taken for fallen Dolmens. There certainly wouldn’t have been a shortage of material for tomb building in ancient times in this area.

Despite our best efforts we failed to find the Arse Stones. What a bummer.............................!

(This must have made an impression on Dafydd as he continued his ‘search’ for the stone for the rest of the holiday!!)

Visited 16.4.12

The only place to park is at the drive to the farm building immediately south of the Barrow.

The Barrow is clearly visible from the road as a grass covered mound.

E.H. state:
‘Two prehistoric round barrows situated on top of a ridge north of St Columb Major. They are associated with other barrows beyond this scheduling. The western barrow measures 22m across and 1.3m high. It is considered to have been smoothed by ploughing. The barrow to the east is approx 20m across and 0.3m high and is again reduced by ploughing’.

Visited 16.4.12

E.H. state there is nine Round Barrows in this group although I was only able to make out the Barrow closest to the road on the eastern side of the B3274. The O/S map shows the other barrows to be on the western side of the road.

Parking is difficult on this road although there is a lay by 200 metres further along from the Barrow you can use. After carefully walking back along the road I discovered the field in question was in crop although the Barrow could be made out due to the ‘bulge’ in the crop. E.H. record this Barrow as being 15m across and 0.5m high.

There are good views to be had from here.

Visited 16.4.12

Directions:
Pretty much opposite Bogee Barrow A.

My O/S map shows two Barrows here but I could only just about make out a slight ‘bump’ in the field which is the Barrow nearest the road.

Visited 16.4.12

The B3274 is certainly a busy road and has several Barrows running either side of it.

There is just about room to pull over at the field gate where this particular Barrow is.
The gate is right next to the Barrow.

Unfortunately like Bogee Barrow A I forgot to record how big the Barrow was – double doh!

Visited 16.4.12

I was unable to get access into the field from the surprising busy B3274 so had to settle for a view from the roadside. The Barrow can be seen under some telegraph lines.

Looking at my notes I forgot to make a note of how big the Barrow is – doh!

Visited 16.4.12

Taking the minor road west off the B3274 I parked at a field gate opposite Mowhay Barn. The gate was heavily barbed wired and the field full of sheep and lambs. Some of the sheep were using the stone to rub up against.

Given this (and the fact the field is overlooked by the house opposite) I settled for a view from the gate. The stone is a whopper, approx 3m high x 1.5m across, and is easily seen from the gate. The stone looks to be square at the bottom and goes to a point.

The sun was shining, the nearby stream bubbling away and the stone was a lovely sight to see.
All in all well worth a visit when in the area.

Visited 16.4.12

Directions:
From Men Gurta take the minor road south. Drive past the two farm buildings on the left and pull in at the next track on the left. From here it is a muddy walk up the track to the field gate leading to the Barrows. The top of the nearest Barrow is just visible on the far side of the field.

Unfortunately when I visited the field was full of cows with their calves, which came running over to the gate when they saw me. Any thoughts I had of jumping over the gate for a closer look at the Barrows were soon dispelled by the constant mooing and the ‘don’t even think of coming any closer to by baby’ stare from the suspicious mums!

All E.H. has to say on the matter is:
‘Two round barrows 500 yards S/E of Higher Tregolls’.

Visited 16.4.12

Very easy to spot when making your way to Men Gurta – between the road and the wind turbines. The other side of a barbed wire fence.

The field was full of sheep/lambs so I saw little point in climbing over the fence to get closer to the stone.

Visited 16.4.12

Very easy to spot when making your way to Men Gurta – between the road and the wind turbines. The other side of a barbed wire fence.

I would say it is approximately 1.5m high x 10m across.

Visited 16.4.12

This Dolmen is very close to Men Gurta but you can’t actually see it from the stone.
The reason for that is that it is hidden behind large gorse/bramble bushes.

To find the Dolmen all you have to do is face away from Men Gurta and make your way through the gorse to the right of the lane leading to a farm. As soon as you get in among the gorse you will easily see these large slabs of stone.

I nearly stepped on a dead rabbit hidden in the gorse – nice (not!)

Well worth looking for when visiting the more famous standing stone.

Visited 16.4.12

Aha, another E.H. site to knock off the list!
Although unusually for E.H. this site is not sign posted from any of the minor roads so finding it would be tricky without an O/S map.

Once you do find the stone access is very easy. You can park virtually next to the stone and it was nice to see that the area around the stone had been kept clear of the dreaded gorse. An information panel stands in front of the stone.

Despite the near by wind turbines there are good views to be had.

Visited 16.4.12

In the booklet ‘A guide to the ancient parish church of St Eval’ (£2.00) I picked up in the church I came across the following extracts:

In 1917 St Eval was described as ‘one of the roughest and most ungetable places in the county!’

‘There must have been an earlier pagan site here as the churchyard and boundary is built in a ‘round’ – indicating an earlier settlement’.

‘There is a Bronze and Iron Age settlement at Trevisher, one mile to the east, and there were at least 6 sets of Barrows around the church which were destroyed with the building of the airfield’

‘Lady Chapel screen (built around 1540) shows a winged dragon eating a bone – Basilisk?’ (The carvings on this screen are excellent)

The church is well worth a look around and has lots of RAF related items. A lot older are the 7 Green Man ceiling bosses, high in the rafters.
I thought I counted 8 but the booklet states there are 7. No doubt the booklet is correct!

Visited 17.4.12

Directions:
From Carland Cross junction (A30 / A 39) take the minor road east.
You will pass a transmitter on your left and then come to a concrete track on your right (heading to Hendra Farm) – park here.

Head south along the track (public right of way) and look across the field to your right. You will easily see a large Barrow in the middle of the field. It is large – approx 2.5m high x 30m across. The Barrow isn’t visible from the road; only from the track.

Keeping walking down the path and you will come to the other Barrows on your left – in amongst the trees/bushes – not that easy to spot.

Although the O/S map shows 3 Barrows I was only able to spot 2. One was approx 3m high x 15m across and the other was 3m high x 20 m across

There are several Barrow groups in the area and these appear to be the easiest to visit.