CARL

Visited 13.8.11

An easier site to access than I was expecting.
Just west of the delightful town of Stow On The Wold there is plenty of room to park on the verge (where the trees end). There was a convenient gap in the wall and a 5 minute walk around the side of the field takes you to the Barrow.

The Barrow is covered with trees although I was able to see several largish stones lying scattered on top. The top of the Barrow has a hollow where no doubt someone has dug into it in the past looking for treasure!
The Barrow itself is oval shaped, approximately 1 metre high x 15 metres x 20 metres.

Worth a look when in the area.

Visited 13.8.11

I parked on the minor road to the south and walked up the bank and onto the edge of the field where the Long Barrow lies. Unfortunately the field was still full of crop (wheat) and as I didn’t want to cause any crop damage I viewed from afar.
All I could see was the raised hump of the Long Barrow which was covered in scraggy long grass.

A short distance to the west of the Long Barrow are two Round Barrows (marked on O/S map – SP132263).
I had the same problem regarding the crops, so again I viewed from the edge of the field. The two Barrows were easy enough to spot, covered in trees and bushes.

A post harvest visit is definitely required!

Visited 13.8.11

Another easy site to access.

Park on the minor road to the east and a short walk brings you to the Barrow.
The Barrow has 4 mature trees and 4 saplings growing out of the top of it.
The whole Barrow has nettles growing all over it although I was able to make out a shallow hollow dug into the top and side of the Barrow. No doubt dug into it at some point in the past?

As I said, an easy site to visit although not a huge amount to see.

Visited 10.8.11

Directions: A short distance west of the hamlet of Walford on the A4113.

I saw this on the O/S map marked as ‘tumulus’ and decided to check it out whilst visiting the nearby Hillfort of Brandon Camp.
Parking is very difficult on this stretch of busy road and I couldn’t find anywhere near to where I needed to be. In the end a settled for a slow ‘drive by’ and could make the Barrow out through the hedgerow.
It appeared to be about 1 metre high and 10 metres across – with the top of the Barrow levelled off.
As I say, this wasn’t the best of ways to see the Barrow so my estimations may not be as accurate as they could be.

Spotted this on the O/S map and found a description of the site on Megalithic.
‘Chambered Tomb with badly damaged long mound in Gloucestershire’.

Directions: take the turn off north from the B4077 just before you get to the village of Condicote. Shortly after, pull into the lay by and head through the trees on your left. A ‘path’ was easy to follow through the trees so someone must be walking here?
Once out of the trees you come to a metal field gate and from here the Long Barrow is easy to spot on the brow of the hill in the middle of the field.

I left Karen to take photos of the flora and fauna in the woods and I headed off across the field.
The Barrow is oval shaped about 1 metre high x 30 metres x 20 metres.
Oddly enough a tree has been planted in each ‘corner’ – 3 of the trees still had protective fences around them.

Not much else I can add in all honesty but I am glad I stopped by.

Visited 5.8.11

I spotted this on the O/S map and as I was in the area I thought –why not’?

Directions: Heading west out of the village of Naunton you soon come to a transmitter mast and a lay by where you can park. Walk a little way back along the road and you will see what remains of the Barrow on the other side of a drystone field wall next to the road.
Not much to see, just a long low mound about 1 metre high and 20 metres long.

If you didn’t know it was there you would easily drive right past oblivious to its existence.

Visited10.8.11

The last site of our trip to Shropshire visiting a couple more English Heritage sites.
I missed this site on the way up to Telford but managed to visit it on the way home.
Heading south towards the hamlet of Adforton, there are plenty of field gates you can park in front of just after the A4113 forks with the A4110.
Park on the verge, up and over the gate and basically head up hill.
Warning – this does involve climbing over two barbed wire fences.

As for the Hillfort itself there isn’t a massive amount to see although the ramparts in places are still up to 2 metres high.
The remaining defences consist of a single bank which runs in an arc around the eastern side on the site. The western defences appear to have relied on the steepness of the slope. The bank varies in height from 0.3 metres to a maximum of 2 metres.

The fields are now used for grazing sheep.
Just about worth the effort. No public right of access.

Visited 9.8.11

I really don’t know where to start with this site report.
I was completely blown away by this Hillfort
It is simply a wonderful place to visit – fabulous.
In fact I would go as far to say that this was one of the best Hillforts I have ever been to, perhaps second only to the mighty Maiden Castle (this has better views).

Situated just outside the hamlet of Chapel Lawn, access is fairly easy although I did have to climb over two barbed wire fences. (15 minute walk)
You can park at the field gate and follow the rough track uphill. When you come to the next gate you will see the top of the ramparts sticking out on the horizon.
I continued to follow the track straight up towards a small copse of trees and then walked along the top of the hill, requiring the climbing over the fences. Perhaps if I had followed the permissive footpath to the north of the Hillfort and then headed uphill I may have avoided having to do this?

Why did I like this site so much?
Firstly, it is in very good condition. The northern defences consists of 3
Ramparts / ditches – very well preserved. The outer rampart being about 5 metres high from the bottom of the ditch, the middle rampart about 6 metres and the inner rampart a mighty 9 metres high! Amazing they have survived so well.
Secondly, the views – WOW!!
I sat on top of the inner rampart and just admired the scenery in front of me. Fields fading miles into the distance like a green patchwork quilt – the odd field dotted with sheep or cows. The shadows of the clouds slowly making their way up the valley. Birds of prey screeching and hovering overhead. Butterflies dancing across the tall grass and pockets of gorse – idyllic.
I could have happily spent hours here but needless to say that was never possible with Karen and the children waiting patiently for me back in the car. This is one site I will definitely re-visit in the future when I have more time to spend here.
This has to be the best site I have visited this year. Certainly the one which has had the most effect on me. I can’t recommend a visit highly enough. Wonderful.

Visited 9.8.11
I parked at the metal field gate, hopped over and walked back along the field hedgerow towards the mound (2 minute walk).
The mound itself was easy to spot as a raised area covered in scrub. It is about 1.5 metres high and 10 metres across – doughnut shaped.
It looked to me to be some sort of enclosure?
One for the enthusiasts only.

‘Visited’ 9.8.11
No so much a visit, more a ‘view from afar’.
Taking the lane north east out of the hamlet of Norbury (***d lane) you can see the Barrow silhouetted on the brow of the hill.
Parking in the narrow lane is difficult and access would have required finding a way through the hedgerow, crossing a field full of cows and then over a barbed wire fence to climb the hill (there is no public right).
In the end I decided it wasn’t worth it and settled from my view from the lane.

Visited 10.8.11
I was a little frustrated by my visit to Bradley as I was only to find one of the three stones mentioned.
The one I found couldn’t have been easier – right in front of the pub next to the car park entrance. Interestingly, another large stone has now been propped up against the standing stone. To protect it against being hit by a car perhaps?
As for the other two stones I am afraid to say I failed miserably. Despite following the directions given I couldn’t find either. I walked up and down the lanes with Dafydd dawdling behind but had no joy.
There was one largish stone Dafydd spotted but after reading the descriptions given I ruled it out.
So only a partially successful visit.

Visited 10.8.11
Directions: Travelling south west out of Stafford along the A518, just after you drive under the M6, you will see a sign to Derrington on your right. Keep on the A518 but take the immediate next turning right towards Dearnsdale Farm. Park where you can.
There is a public right of way along the farm drive and across the fields north.
The drive actually runs around the western defences of the Hillfort.
There is about a 2 metre drop on the left of the drive which I assume is the remains of the outer rampart? and a smaller 1 metre rampart can be made out amongst the bushes to the right hand side of the drive.
There is a high barbed wire fence running around the site which is further ‘protected’ with chest high nettles. The Hillfort is completely overgrown with trees, bushes, brambles etc and access to its interior would be very difficult.
I peered through the fence from the drive but was unable to make anything else out. There is a small house on the drive appropriately named Berry Ring Cottage.
I can’t recommend a visit as access to the actual Hillfort would be very difficult although the outer rampart is easy enough to see.

Visited 19.7.11

Directions:
Take the B3224 west from the hamlet of Elworthy and then take the first turning on the left. You will see a transmitter sticking out above the tree tops.
There is plenty of room to park near the gate leading to the transmitter.

To be honest there wasn’t a lot to see although I think I could make out some ‘lumps and bumps’ in the trees on the east side of the site. The transmitter has been built on a modern artificial platform.
There is no official public right of way to the fields around the Hillfort and I was running late so I didn’t have too much time for a good mooch.
It appeared the easiest bit of the Hillfort to access would be western end which was more field than wood.
There are stunning views to be had driving back down Brendon Hill – fantastic!

‘Visited’ 19.7.11

Spotted this on the O/S map and thought I would have a quick look when visiting the nearby Elworthy Barrows Hillfort.

I parked at a field gate on the B3224 (south of site) but could see no sign of the Barrow. There were several field heading north towards a wood but I didn’t have time for a proper look through the fields. I couldn’t see anything from the field gate.

Visited 19.7.11

My 700th fieldnote!

Another site marked on the O/S map and mentioned on Megalithic.

Parking on this stretch of the B3224 is very difficult and I had to park rather dodgy on the grass verge.
The Barrow is just to the south of the road but I couldn’t find any access into the field.
I didn’t feel comfortable leaving the car too long where I had parked it and settled for a view of the Barrow through the high hedgerow. Not idea but at least I managed to see it. The Barrow appeared to be approximately 2 metres high x 15 metres across.
The Barrow looked to be in good nick – very similar to the nearby Leather Barrow)

Visited 19.7.11

I nearly missed this site, just spotting it on the map as I was leaving the nearby Huish Champflower Barrow. This is opposite the Ralegh’s Cross Inn.

Directions: heading east along the B3190 from Huish Champflower, there is room to park where the road forks. Opposite the turning is a private lane leading to Tripp Farm. The Barrow is on the right hand side of this lane; a 10 minute walk away.
The Barrow can be seen from the lane as a low mound on the brow of the hill – approximately 1 metre tall x 10 metres across. A small tree is growing out of the side of the Barrow.

The O/S map also shows another Barrow a little further up the lane but I couldn’t see any trace of this on the ground.

Visited 19.7.11
Saw this site marked on the O/S map.

Directions: head west along the B3224 from Wiveliscombe Barrow until you see the turning on the left for Withiel Florey. Park on the junction opposite this turning.

There is a gap in the hedge which takes you through a small copse of trees and into the field in which the Barrow stands. (There is a fence to climb over).
Once in the field head uphill and the Barrow will become apparent.
The Barrow looks to be in good condition and not dug into.
Several large stones are sticking out of the grass on top.
The Barrow is approximately 3 metres high and 10 metres across.

Visited 19.7.11

Spotted this on the O/S map.

Directions: heading east along the B3190 from Huish Champflower, there is room to park where the road forks. This is opposite the Ralegh’s Cross Inn.

The Barrow is in the field directly opposite the pub.
There is no public right of way into the field but the Barrow is easily seen from the road.
It is approximately 1.5 metres high x 20 metres across.

Visited 19.7.11

Saw this site marked on the O/S map and mentioned on Megalithic.
I parked next to the Brendon Hill Methodist Church (just off the B3190).
Then it was a short walk across the road, over the new wooden stile and a flat walk to the Barrow. Access is easy as there is a public right of way to the Barrow.
This was an unusual site which I liked a lot, despite the Barrow being much mangled.
Someone in the past has planted a ring of trees around the Barrow which are now fully matured and whose roots have interlocked with each other. This has formed a sort of low ‘wall’ of roots. (Reminded me of the tree roots you see at the ruins in Jungle Book – where Baloo the bear has his song/dance!!)
Despite being quite close to the road the site feels fairly secluded and quiet.

I would heartily recommend a visit when you happen to be in the area.

Visited 19.7.11

What an odd name for a stone? (which by the way looks nothing like a boy – naked or not!)

This is a very easy stone to visit – you don’t even have to get out of your car if you don’t want to!
Heading east along the B3224, take the first turning on the right after Wiveliscombe Barrow. A little way along this lane you will see the stone on the left.
The stone itself is a large lump of quartz approximately 1.5 metres tall x 1.5 metres wide. The stone was largely covered in moss.

Certainly worth a look when in the area.

Failed Visit 21.7.11

Following a successful visit to the nearby Barrow in Uphill I thought I would check this Barrow out I had spotted on the O/S map.
Unfortunately despite my best efforts I failed to get anywhere near it!

I planned to walk to the site from the hamlet of Loxton but there were major road works going on and every route I tried had a sign up stating the road was closed. How the good folk of Loxton managed to get home I don’t know?
I then tried to access the Barrow from Bleadon Hill to the north but this time I was met with signs warning of ‘Private Road’.
The closest I could get was the viewpoint car park on Bleadon Hill which would have meant a long walk in the wind and rain.
I decided not to bother!

Visited 21.7.11

Spotted this on the O/S map and couldn’t resist a visit!

Taking the A370 south out of Weston-Super-Mare you come to the suburb of Uphill.
Take the minor road west next to the hospital and look for a shop selling Kayaks – there is a lay by you can park in opposite the shop.
You should then see an information sign pointing you to ‘Uphill Hill nature reserve’.
This involves a short but steep climb up the hill which has the derelict Old St Nicholas Church sitting on the top. Despite being derelict it is in good nick and it was only when I went to go in for a look I discovered it was derelict!
Go through the church yard and head for the ruined wind mill which has been used as a beacon in recent times.
Look ahead to the next rise in the hill and you will see the Barrow. Not much left to see, now only about 1 metre high and 20 metres across.
The wind had picked up by now and I was sheltering from the wind and rain against the wind mill wall. Nothing like the Great British summer is it?
I have to say that the ruined wind mill and church had more to offer than the Barrow!
There were also good views of the marina from the top of the hill to recommend a visit.

Visited 30.7.11

This visit turned out to be a bit ‘problematic’.
I read on the Megalithic site that the Hillfort had been turned into a caravan park, so I therefore assumed access would be easy enough? Wrong!
After visiting the nearby Haughmound Abbey (another EH site ticked off the list1) I drove a bit further along the B5062 and turned left – following the brown camping/caravan site sign.
This lead to the caravan site entrance where the barrier was open so I saw no harm in driving past reception to look for any remains of the Hillfort. I saw a woman looking at me but though no more of it.
The caravan site is on 3 levels so I followed the road round to the highest section – logically assuming that this is where the Hillfort would be.
Just as I arrived and noticed what appeared to be the decent remains of the single bank/ditch of the southern defences (approximately 2 metres from bottom of ditch to top of rampart – in amongst a line of trees) I was flagged down by a man on a bike!
The woman I had seen earlier had reported me and the owner wanted to know what I was doing, suspecting me of wanting to steal a caravan! Despite my little car not having a tow bar (and even if it did being incapable of pulling a caravan!) he took a little convincing. It was only when he saw the children in the car did he accept my story – although he wasn’t too happy.
I offered my apologies and thought it best I leave. As I drove out of the site I discovered that they had dropped the barrier and locked me in. I had to wait for the man to follow behind and let me out!

If you do plan a visit I suggest you ask for permission from the site owners first. Don’t be surprised if your request is refused.

‘Visited’ 30.7.11

Looking at the O/S map (and having Sophie and Dafydd with me) this was never going to be more than a ‘drive by visit’ with a view from afar.
I drove along the minor road between the hamlets of Uffington and Upton Magna (decent road for a change) and parked at a convenient field gate.
Looking up across the fields the sheer cliff which forms the southern defences of the Hillfort is very impressive – no chance of anyone coming that way!
If you want a closer look, there appears to be a forest track leading to the site from the east?

Visited 19.7.11

I saw this site mentioned on an English Heritage Web Site and thought I would have a look whilst in the area.
Taking the minor road west out of Watchet (pretty port) the road climbs steeply uphill. Just before the top there is room to pull in on the right next to a metal field gate. I was surprised to find an English Heritage information board near the gate.
Through the kissing gate and a short walk up to the brow of the hill.
There isn’t much to see of the fort, just some faint remains of earthworks on the western side. There are however cracking coastal views which make a visit well worthwhile.

Visit 17.7.11

My last site of the day and yet another Barrow which is barely visible as a low mound in a field next to a minor road to the north of Llantwit Major. No doubt another Barrow which is not long left for this world. What there is can be seen from the field gate.
Nothing to recommend a visit I am afraid to say.

COFLEIN describes site thus:
‘A barrow, 23m in diameter and 0.3m high’.

Visited 17.7.11

One for the dedicated this!
I parked by the electricity sub power station in the pretty village of Llanblethian and took the sign posted footpath south west. (You know you are on the right footpath as the house on the right at the start of the path has a swimming pool in the back garden!) This is a lovely walk up through trees which form a sort of tunnel. Once you are clear of the trees and on the brow of the hill the remains of the Barrow can be seen in a field on your right – the walk takes about 20 minutes each way. It is hard to be more descriptive with directions as you have to cross a couple of fields and a few stiles.
The Barrow itself is barely 0.3 metres high and about 10metres across.

COFLEIN describes site:
‘A ploughed-down round barrow, 36m in diameter and 0.9m high’.

Only the pleasant walk made the effort worthwhile.

Visited 17.7.11

Directions: from the town of Cowbridge take the B4270 south west and the Barrows can be found on the right shortly before the junction with the B4268.
Originally there were 5 Barrows here although I could only (just about) see the remains of two of them. I doubt these two will be with us much longer.
I parked by the bus stop (south of the site) and walked back up the road before hopping over a metal field gate.
Although there was very little to see (two slight mounds in the middle of a field), it turned out that these were the best preserved Barrows I was going to see today!
All in all very little to recommend a visit.

COFLEIN has this to say:
‘One of a group of five barrows, c.46m in diameter and 0.8m high, spread and mutilated.
(source Os495card; SS97SE47)
Associated with:
Barrow I (Nprn307598)
Barrow II (Nprn307599)
Barrow IV (Nprn307601)

Visited 6.8.11

I cut across field from the minor road leading to the village of Chastleton although in hindsight I should have taken the public footpath from near Hill Farm – I am sure it would have been a lot easier!
The site itself is in pretty good condition. A single bank surrounds a near perfect circle. From the inside the bank is about 1.5 metres high / 3 metres from the outside.
The entire bank is fairly overgrown with trees / bushes and nettles.
It appears the site is now used as a stable. There were a couple of beautiful brown horses present – who chose to ignore me!
Worth a look when in the area.

Failed Visit 6.8.11.

I first looked for the stone from the minor road from the north but it clearly wasn’t there. I then went to have a look from the road to the south but the field was full of crop so again, no sign of it – I imagine it was hidden away under the crop.

One to visit after the harvest me thinks?

Visited 6.8.11

The Whittlestone can be found on the green between the bus stop and the appropriately named Whittlestone Close, next to the village hall?
The stone is about 1 ft high and 3 ft across.
The information plaque states that the stone originally stood 200 yards from the church before being moved to its current position.
Not much to see but worth a look when passing through.

Visited 6.8.11

I actually (for a change) found this site quite easily.

There is nowhere ‘proper’ to park but there is room to just about pull into at the field entrance. Look over to the right and you will see a small copse of trees a little way into the field. This is where the remains of the Dolmen lay.

Getting into the copse is another matter! Completely surrounded by bushes and chest high nettles. I walked right the way around the copse and luckily spotted some large stones through the nettles/bushes on the eastern side. I carefully made my way towards the stones by trampling the nettles down one at a time (I was wearing shorts!).

Eventually I got to the several large, moss covered, stones. On the left was a stone which looked as though it could have been the cap stone – a large old tree had fallen across the top of it. Access further into the copse would have been very difficult so I didn’t even try.

Well worth a look when in the area.
Tip – either bring some shears or don’t wear shorts!

Visited 6.8.11.

Despite Karen’s horror that we were driving down a private road (and choosing to ignore the warning signs) I decided a ‘drive by’ visit just had to be done! Taking the said private road from west to east, the several stones I saw were all on the left – very easy to spot in the recently cut grass.
Needless to say we didn’t hang around although I am glad I took the chance for a sneak visit.

Visited 6.8.11

A lot easier to find than I was expecting.
From the A436 take the minor road north towards Chastleton. Just past the entrance to a farm (on the right) there is a lay by you can pull into on the left. From here walk west through the trees and you come out into a large field. Keep wallking east a short while and you will see the Long Barrow.

The Barrow itself is now a scrub covered mound approximately 1.5 metres high x 20 metres x 30 metres. Amid the scrub are several large stones laying about.

There are tremendous views to be had to the west. A great spot for a Long Barrow.

Visited this site about two years ago when on my way to the Thunder Stone. As reported elsewhere, not much to see just a grass covered mound in a field. Easy to spot from the road so worth a look when in the area.

‘Visited’ 30.7.11
A relaxing day out with the children in sunny Shropshire, visiting a couple of EH sites while giving Karen the chance for a quiet day at home. Well, that was the plan!
The traffic was busy all the way up through the Marches but around Bayston Hill it was horrendous due to road works. We sat in a hot car for what seemed like ages as we inched our way towards the site. At this point Sophie awoke and wanted her bottle! Unfortunately I couldn’t do anything as I was stuck in traffic with nowhere to pull over.
Then disaster – I missed the turn off and had to crawl all the way to the main A49/A5 junction and come back up the road – which was equally busy the other way.
Sophie was not impressed! As any parent will tell you, there is nothing more frustrating or distracting than a screaming child in the back of a car!
Eventually I turned into a cul-de-sac which I thought would give me access to the site – wrong! The whole area was surrounded by houses so no access although it did give me chance to feed Sophie.
I looked at the map again and realised the only other option was to take the road leading to a quarry. Unfortunately this meant going back into the road works. By now I was seriously thinking of giving it up as a bad job but knew I would later regret it if I did.
At last I found the right road and was immediately confronted with several warning signs stating ‘Private road – access to official quarry site traffic only – keep out’ – or words to that effect.
By now I had had enough and thought ‘sod it’ and drove down the road anyway.
Despite getting looks from a lorry driver coming the opposite was I found a field entrance I could squeeze the car next to.
Up to my right, on the brow of the hill, was the unmistakable sight of a single ditch / rampart. From this distance it looked to be pretty well preserved. By now I realised there was no chance of me getting any closer as firstly I didn’t feel comfortable leaving the car where it was, secondly there was a bull in the field and thirdly both children had now fallen asleep!!
All things considered I was grateful to have at least a view of part of the Hillfort.
If visiting this site I would suggest finding somewhere to park on the main road and walking the rest of the way.
Access to the Hillfort looked easy enough from the field although there is no official public right of way to the site.

Visited 19.7.11
One of those sites where I pulled up and realised I had been here before!
This time however the grass was low so it was easier to see the Barrow marked on the O/S map. The Barrow is visible from the field gate next to the large lay by.
It is approximately 1 metre high x 20 metres wide.
I disturbed a rabbit whilst walking across the field.

The site no longer appears to be a ‘nature reserve’.

‘Visited’ 19.7.11
More to the point – failed to visit.

I first tried to access the site from the minor road to the north which leads to Doniford.
It was easy enough to park but despite walking through a couple of fields I couldn’t get anywhere near the Barrow due to the overgrown hedges and fences.
I then attempted an approach from the south but again there was no way through the hedgerow. Perhaps there is access from the west near Rydon Farm?

Visited 19.7.11

The chap I asked about St Luke’s Well also knew where the Devil’s Stone was – how lucky was that!

Directions: Follow the track to the left of ‘The Old Chapel House’. You will then come to West Mill House and go through the wooden gate on the right. Follow the path through the field (stream on your left) and through the next wooden gate. You are now in the Devil’s Stone field. 15 minute walk.
The stone is a good ‘un. I large lump of quartz in the middle of the field; on the brow of a hill – lovely surroundings. I find it difficult to believe that this stone ‘just happens’ to be here.
I think it much more likely that it was placed in this location.
The stone itself is 1.5 metres tall x 2 metres wide.
A lovely place to sit awhile.

As for St Luke’s Well:
Apparently it had dried up and was filled in back in the 1980’s. I was actually parked next to where it once stood – now just a plain old grass field. Shame.

Visited 21.7.11
After my last failed visit it is nice to report success!

Directions: Take the sea front road past the new pier and head north towards the old derelict pier. When you get to the pier take the road opposite and head uphill until you reach St Joseph’s Catholic Church – park here. Facing the church, walk down the dead end to your left. When you get to the end you will see an old, faded sign pointing you to ‘the old British encampment’. 173 steps later and you are there!

The steps take you onto a very pleasant woodland walk, high above Weston – Super -Mare. The west, north and south sides of the Hillfort are defended by sheer drops – no wonder I couldn’t get here last time from the west!
The east end of the Hillfort is where the entrance would have been and this is where the defences can still be found – and very impressive they are.
As you walk east through the trees you will notice lots of stones scattered all about. The other thing I noticed was several large ‘pit like’ holes either side of the path. These seemed to be stone lined – something to do with the Hillfort?
As you come out of the trees you come across the remains of the three ramparts / ditches. The ramparts consist of the substantial remains of collapsed stone walls.
The outer rampart is about 2 metres high, the middle one about 2.5 metres high and the inner defence 3 metres high. These must have been impressive in their heyday.

I would highly recommend a visit as it is a lovely woodland walk although there wasn’t much of a view due to the trees. You also need to be fairly mobile to climb all those steps! I am glad I finally accessed this site.

Visited 22.7.11

Apparently this stone is 4ft in height.
Unfortunately the crop was 6ft in height!
Needless to say I couldn’t see anything; despite climbing to the top of the field gate.

One to re-visit once the crops have been harvested me-thinks!

Visited 19.7.11
I drove along the well maintained minor road north of the village of Shurton (Not signposted Hinkley Point power station – merely: Dead End)
Fortunately the first security barrier was open with no guard on duty. This allowed me to (somewhat nervously) drive through and the Barrow could be easily seen on the right of the road – behind the high security fencing).
I continued to drive forward to look for somewhere to turn around and saw a second barrier which was manned. Luckily there was a place to turn around and I drove slowly back out of the power station.
As I say, the Barrow is easy enough to see and looked to be about 2 metres high and 20 metres across. Two small trees were growing out of its side. Not a place to hang around too long.
A nuclear power station next to a Bronze Age Barrow – how is that for a clash of cultures!

Visited 9.7.11

The second, and final, site of the day took us for a re-visit of the excellent Harold’s Stones.
We again parked in the free public car park next to the church hall and took the footpath through the field (opposite Court Farm) which leads to the field in which the stones stand.
(Be careful crossing the road as it can be surprisingly busy).
I had to carry both Dafydd and Sophie as they were still asleep and that was no mean feat – particularly as I had to wade through nettles and brambles!
When we got to the stones (10 minutes walk) it brought a smile to my face.
I have been to a lot of sites since my last visit and that has only helped confirm that this is a special place. The stones are substantial yet slender and elegant (for a stone!)
Why here?, why in a line?, pointing / leading to what? – so many questions.
When visiting this wonderful site you are sure to leave with more questions than answers.
If you get the chance please visit – you won’t be disappointed.

Visited 9.7.11

Karen wasn’t feeling too well this weekend so I agreed to take the children out for a few hours to give her a break. The question was of course – where to take them? Somewhere not too far, easy to access and something of interest for all of us?
I read about an English Civil War re-enactment at Caldicot Castle, which would also give me the chance to re-visit two prehistoric sites in the vicinity – sorted!
After a couple of enjoyable hours at the castle (re-enactments certainly help to bring a site to life) we headed north to Gaer Llwyd.
Now, every time I had previously visited/passed by this site there has always been Shetland ponies in the field so I though the children would like to see them. Unfortunately on this occasion the field was empty. Which is probably just as well as the children were both fast asleep! I didn’t fancy waking them up to get up close to the tomb so I settled for a good view from the field fence. The tomb was bathed in sunlight and looked quite contented next to the hedge, despite its capstone fallen.
This is a very easy site to access and well worth a look when in the area.

Visited 2.7.11

How this huge stone hasn’t been recorded on TMA before know I don’t know?

The country lanes around Carmarthanshire are particularly narrow and parking is more of a problem than usual. Looking at the O/S map it appeared that I would need to ask permission at the farm house as there is no public right of access and the location of the stone seemed to make a ‘sneak’ visit unlikely. So we duely parked at the farm and politely asked if it was ok to visit the stone.
Despite the farmer looking slightly bemused (it’s a West Wales thing) he was friendly enough and pointed me in the right direction. Dafydd and myself headed across the fields behind the farm house while Sophie and Karen stayed in the car.
We crossed the first field and upon climbing over the next field gate we instantly saw this fine stone – it is huge. Approximately 12ft high x 4ft wide x 1.5ft thick. Even Dafydd was impressed by its size!
There are lovely views from here and perhaps that is why the stone was errected in this spot in the first place?
The sun was shinning, grasshoppers chirped, butterflies fluttered all around and birds sang in the distance. Dafydd played happily in the field, fully at home in the countryside – something I am very glad to see. A beautiful summers day; the type of summers day we all seem to remember we used to have when we were young. Hopefully Dafydd will have the same memories.
This is a cracker of a stone and highly recommended.
If visiting, I suggest asking permission from the farm as it would make a visit far easier.

COFLEIN describes the site thus:
‘A standing stone, 3.5m high, 1.1m wide and 0.4m thick, whose form is suggestive of facing’.

Visited 2.7.11

I am amazed that this mighty stone has not previously been recorded on TMA!

Directions: Head west along the M4 until it ends at junction 49 (Pont Abraham). Take the A483 north and then take the turning right onto the B4297. There is just enough room to park up at the second turning on the left, which leads to Bryn-y-Rhyd Farm.
Karen and Sophie sat in the car whilst myself and Dafydd walked along the concrete farm drive towards the stone.
It is only a short 5 minute walk and the stone is very easy to spot being on the left of the drive. Entrance to the field is through a wooden field gate.
The stone is approx 9ft high x 6ft wide x 1ft deep. The stone had ‘texture’ which reminded me a bit of bark on a tree.
In the field next to the stone was a pen full of calves. Dafydd enjoyed these more than the stone! I preferred the stone although the calves were cute.
At this point I had a text from Karen saying that a woman had come out of the house where we had parked next to (plenty of room) and that we were not allowed to park there! The woman said it was her son’s house and that we would need his permission. Karen gave the woman as good as she got and recommended she go get her son then. Needless to say he never appeared! Nice one Karen.
Don’t be put off by this (there is always ‘one’ everywhere you go), the stone is a cracker, easy to access and well worth a visit.

COFLEIN describes the stone thus:
‘A massive, unshaped erect monolith, c2.4m high and 1.9m wide’.

Visited 2.7.11
Easy enough to access once you know which field gate to go through!
The one you need is at the junction on the minor road immediately to the south of the stone – under the electricity pylon cables. There is room to squeeze a car in at the gate opposite.
The stone itself is quite large; approx 6ft high x 2.5ft wide x 1.5 ft thick.
The stone is dark in colour and square(ish) in shape
Well worth a visit when in the area.

‘Visited’ 2.7.11
My O/S map shows that there are 4 standing stone here but I could only see 3.
This was my last site of the day and we were already running very late.
We continued down the minor road south west from the Gwempa Standing Stone and pulled over by a field gate. From here the stones could be easily seen across the valley and with the help of my trusty binoculars I had a very good view of the stones.
There is a single triangular shaped stone on its own and a short distance away the other two stones. One was also triangular (looked about twice as big as the first stone) and the other was more of a traditional ‘standing stone’ shape.
It looked as if access to the stone would be easy enough although you would need to ask permission at the nearby farm. It would only be a short, flat walk from the farm
Unfortunately I only had time for a ‘distance view’ as we had to start the journey home. This wasn’t helped when I discovered I had left my sun glasses on the gate post and we had to turn around to get them.
Karen wasn’t impressed……………………

Visited 2.7.11
I failed to spot the stone from the road and it took a little searching through the fields before I eventually found it.

Directions: On the minor road to the south east there is a house and just up the road a little a dilapidated shed/barn. Next to said shed/barn is a metal field gate where you can just about squeeze next to. Up and over the gate, go directly across the field and through the gap in the hedge on the far side. Once through the gap, go into the field on your right and you will see the stone on a small rise.
(Somehow I managed to get lost in the field going back to the car – it’s surprising how fields can all look the same!)
The stone itself is very large – approximately 10ft x 3ft x 2ft deep. There doesn’t appear to be much of a view although this could be blocked by the surrounding high field hedgerows?
There is no public right of way to the stone and I have no idea who you should ask?

Well worth a look when in the area.