Must admit I didn’t notice this when I visited Brane Grave. I didn’t know about this site but it didn’t ‘spring out’ at me. Perhaps I should have been more observant?!
C
CARL
Visited 13.4.10.
What a little cracker this is! Visit, visit, visit!!!
Coming away from Carn Euny, just after you go through Brane farm, the lane takes a sharp left. At this bend there is room to park one car. Next to the public footpath sign is a gate. Go through the gate and follow right hand field hedge down to the bottom of the field. At the bottom right hand corner of the field is another gate – go through gate and turn right. The Grave is approximately 30 metres ahead of you. There is no public access to this site and you should ask for permission at the farm first.
Visited 13.4.10.
From St Just follow the sign posts for Cape Cornwall and then Carn Gloose. Carn Gluze is right next to the road and parking is easy. This site is certainly ‘odd’ and I didn’t expect to have to climb over the stone outer collar to get inside! It is certainly a unique experience walking around between the outer wall and the inner central dome – one I would certainly recommend. There is an E.H. information board next to the site. The views alone make this a ‘must see’ site.
There is a (half size?) replica of Men-An-Tol outside the Tourist Information Centre in St Just.
Visited 13.4.10.
Well sign posted from all the major roads in the area. There is fair sized car park and toilet block.
As ever, I bought a visitor’s guid book which also covered Carn Euny. I usually find English Heritage guide books very good value and a nice little reminder of my visit. Th houses are well preserved although the fogou is still closed for safety reasons – a locked metal entrance bars access. It was a lovely sunny day and I could see Mulfra Quoit sitting proud on the horizon. The lady in the E.H. kiosk stated they had no electricity at the site. When I asked her what she does when it gets dark she said she locks up and goes home!!
Visited 13.4.10.
What a fab site!
I parked at the farm and was happily shown where the fogou is by a helpful and friendly farmer. There was a metal railing covering the entrance (to keep the animals out) which I had to slide to one side. Luckily the weather had been dry for several days so the mud/muck from the cows was all crispy and dry underfoot. On a wet day you would get covered – take your wellies! After moving the railing I crouched down and entered the darkness into the fogou. Inside was reasonably dry and I got to the little square entrance ok. A plank of wood had handily been left on the floor which allowed you to pull yourself through the gap on you belly without getting too muddy. I then followed the passage to the ned and turned my torch off – what an experience. There were several tea lights inside and a large puddle to avoid. Even though it was a warm, sunny day outside, inside the fogou you could see your breath. I considered how similar fogous are to the ‘Earth houses’ I have visited in Scotland. It seems to me (in my non qualified opinion) the fogous were used for storage – seems to make most sense?
I really liked this place. Please try to visit if you can.
Visited 12.4.10.
Quite easy to access. There is a layby you can park in opposite the junction from the B3315 to St Buryan. The stone is not visible from here but all you need to do is go over the stone stile, go into the field and keep to the right hand side hedgerow. When you get to the bottom of the field the stone is visible over the hedge. This is only a 5 minute walk from the layby. When I visited the field in which the stone stands was full of crop so I settled for a view from the hedgerow.
Visited 12.4.10.
These beasts are MASSIVE. Must be at least 12ft high and standing about 100 metres apart in separate fields. Access is easy. Park in entrance to field on the B3315. The first (slightly larger) stone is 50 metres from the entrance into a flat but muddy field. Just before the stone is a gate to your right which gives access to the field in which the other stone stands. As I pondered these two stones a jet flew overhead – I bet these two stones could tell a tale or two?! Definitely worth stopping for a look when visiting the Merry Maidens.
Visited 12.4.10.
This is a really fab place and so easy to visit. There is a layby right outside the field in which the circle stands. There is a very weathered abd battered sign post pointing the way to the site although the circle is easily sen from the B3315. When I visited it was a lovely, sunny Spring day and four people were sunbathing in the centre of the circle which ruined the atmosphere somewhat! This is an excellent site (in my opinion on par with Boskawen-Un circle – but much easier to access) and I would highly recommend a visit if in the area.
Visited 12.4.10.
How easy to visit a site can it be?
As described elsewhere this is right next to the road and you can park in a layby only 20 metres away. There is an information board set into a wall. Stooping inside I noticed a large metal beam had been inserted to help keep the roof up. There is also what appears to be a heavily cup marked stone at the entrance to the barrow. Crawling out of the barrow I nearly gave a chap a heart attack as he was stood on the roof at the time and didn’t know I was inside!!
Visited 12.4.10.
Very easy to access.
Park in layby directly opposite sign posted lane to Tregiffian Farm. The stone is in the hedgerow behind the layby. Access to field is via a handy stone stile. From Rith Menhir you get a superb view of The Merry Maidens stone circle.
Tried to visit 12.4.10.
The one that got away!
On my week exploring Cornwall I had made a list of sites I wanted to visit. I am pleased to say I hit all targets – except this one.
I thought I would chance my arm and just turn up and ask permission to see the site. However, when I arrived there was no one about and although there looked like there were people at home I got no answer when I knocked on the doors of the holiday homes. I telephoned the number given to ask permission but all I got was the answer phone. The Fogou was not obvious and I couldn’t see it amoungst the trees. As I didn’t fancy getting ‘caught’ trespassing. I decided to leave and telephone the next day. Despite several calls all I got was the answer phone, so I am afraid I never did see the fogou.
Visited 12.4.10.
Take the turning off the A30 signposted Boskawen Farm. This is a very uneven, stoney track and if you drive a ‘posh’ car I would advise you find somewhere to park off the main road! As I don’t drive a posh car I drove up the lane and parked where the lane widens just before you reach the farm. A farmer saw me (and two others) park here and seemed happy enough, smiling and waving as he passed.
All you have to do is follow the path and it will take you straight to the stone circle. Be warned – the path becomes increasingly muddy as you get closer to the circle. Carrying a (lazy!) two year old the walk took me 20 minutes. This is an excellent site and certainly didn’t dissapoint – very atmospheric and seems remote (even though it isn’t). I noticed a few ‘offerings’ left under the leaning central stone. Make the effort to visit this place – well worth it.
Visited 12.4.10.
I saw this stone and thought it was ‘natural’.
There are so many ‘pointy’ stones all over this part of Cornwall I didn’t know which were errected or which were natural?!!
Visited 12.4.10.
Must admit I didn’t see this stone. Perhaps it has been covered with vegitation / brambles etc?
Visited 12.4.10.
There is room to park at the field gate in which the stones stand. Easily seen from the field entrance. I didn’t go any closer as the field was full of crops protected under polythene.
Visited 12.4.10.
This is a HUGE standing stone visible behind the hedge on a bend on the A30. There is a layby opposite you can park in and a stone stile takes you into the field in which the stone stands. The standing stone is about 50 metres into the field from the stile.
Visited 12.4.10. (on way to the lovely Sennen Cove)
The stone is not visible from the road. Park at the ‘First and Last’ pub – next to the church.
Opposite the church is a field with a row of bungalows running alongside it. Walk down the lane which runs in front of the bungalows until you come to a farm gate. Over the gate and follow the very muddy track to the large cow sheds. Just before the cow shed the stone is visible to the left – behind the shed. If you want a closer look you will need to climb over the next gate and walk around to the far side of the cow sheds. The stone appears to be about 7/8ft tall.
There is no public access to this site but as there was no one about I took a chance!
Interestingly, one of the bungalows has errected their very own standing stone in their front garden!
Visited 11.4.10.
From Men-An-Tol I took the advise from a couple of ramblers who directed me to the site via the derelict mine/chimney seen on the brow of the hill. This was not an obvious path and it took me 30 minutes to reach the stones. Basically, once you reach the chimney (worth a quick look), follow the path to the left – along the brow of the hill. As I walked along the hill I noticed what I thought was a remote weather station (I saw a small ‘wind turbine’ sticking out above the gorse). As I got closer I realised the ‘wind turbine’ was stuck on top of a camper van and was providing electricity for its inhabitants! How they got the camper van up there I don’t know?!!
I hindsight I would suggest you approach the circle from the other direction – i.e. via the top of the path which runs past Men-An-Tol / Men Scryfa. Despite the effort it takes to visit this site I would certainly recommend it as it is both impressive and very atmospheric. This is certainly a wild, wonderful and ancient landscape.
** About 100 metres further on from the Nine Stones there appears to be another, smaller, circle amongst the gorse. I am certainly no expert and it may very well be something else, but to me it looked like a stone circle – what do you think?**
Visited 11.4.10.
Just a 5 minute walk further up the path from Men-An-Tol, in a field on your left. The inscription is fairly easily made out on the opposite side of the stone as you approach via the handy stone stile into the field. Very easy to access and well worth it when visiting Men-An-Tol.
Visited 11.4.10.
This is such an iconic site I just HAD to visit.
There is a small sign post pointing the way from the car park opposite the house. Park here and it’s an easy 15 minute stroll up the path to the site. You will pass a couple of derelict farm buildings on your left and the stone stile into the field where Men-An-Tol lives is just a bit further – on your right. Men-An-Tol is only about 100 metres from the stile and easily seen. This is a small but wonderful site and I would highly recommend a visit. And yes – I did crawl through the hole – couldn’t resist it!!
By the way, there is a (half?) scale reproduction of Men-An-Tol outside the Tourist Information Centre in St Just!!
Visited 11.4.10.
What a walk to get to this place!!!
Probably the worst ‘path’ I have ever had to follow to get to a site. Firstly, very difficult to park on the B3306 where the ‘path’ starts from – opposite a house. I eventually found a grass verge to pull over on about 100 metres down from the house. First the good news, the start of the path is easily seen. However, from there on things get worse! Follow the ‘path’ up the hill – heading towards the derelict farm buildings on the brow of the hill. The ‘path’ gets narrower and narrower and the bloody gorse gets higher and higher. As you near the farm buildings the path takes a sharp left and the ‘path’ is now about 8 inches wide, with gorse at chest height. No other option but to take a deep breath, hold your arms up out of the way and battle through it!! Painful. Things then improve a bit and you finally reach the quoit, the other side of a crumbling stone field wall. The site itself is clear and despite what I have said, well worth the effort and pain to visit if you are physically able to do so. There are 3 fairly large standing stones next to the quoit and the slant of the capstone is definitely worth seeing! I couldn’t squeeze through the very small gap to get inside the quoit. It took me 25 minutes to walk from the road to the quoit.
Visited 11.4.10.
No public right of way to site and very difficult to park on the road (B3306) from which the tomb is easily seen. I just about managed to park (not very safely) on a grass verge and satisfied myself with a quick look before moving the car not to cause an accident. The site consists of what appears to be a large jumble of stones in the middle of a field. There didn’t appear to be any way you could get close to the site for a ‘sneak’ visit without asking permission from the land owner.
Visited 11.4.10.
Easily seen in the field opposite Porthmeor farm house on the B3306. Every time I passed the field it was full of cows – and the odd chicken! In fact the road which runs through the farm always seemed to have plenty of animals happily wandering across the road – drive slowly!
Visited 11.4.10.
Across the road from Lanyon Quoit – not visible from the road. There is no public right of way to the site so I had to do a ‘sneaky’ to get a look!
As you drive from Lanyon quoit towards Lanyon farm you go through a hairpin bend. On the left in the middle of the bend is a farm gate – park here. I entered the field and walked, half- crouched (not to be seen from farm) following the right hand side field boundry hedge. When you get to the far right hand side corner of the field the quoit is visible to the right – a couple of hundred yards away, across a couple of fields. It is approx 150 metres from the field gate to the corner of the field where the quoit is visible from.
Visited 11.4.10.
Very easy to access. There is a small layby about 10 metres from the stone stile which gives access to the field in which the quoit sits. The quoit is only about 30 metres into the field – and a cracking thing it is too!!
Visited 11.4.10.
I visited Chun quoit via Chun Castle (see Chun Castle notes for directions). This is one of the most complete dolmens I have ever visited with stones close together on all four sides. I just about managed to squeeze inside through the small gap. When sat inside, out of the ever present wind, you could easily be in another place – in another time. Magical. The quoit is visible from quite a distance in the surrounding area. Well worth a visit.
I then headed for Boswens Menhir which is visible from the quoit (if you know where to look) and from the B3318. If you want to get closer, park at the junction of the two farm tracks just off the B3318. Walk up the track until it ends (5 minutes) and the menhir is in the field on your left. However, between you and the stone are two double barbed wire fences and a sea of the dreaded gorse. I chose to view from the track!!
Visited 11.4.10.
Follow signs for Great Bosullow / Chun Castle – off the Laynon Quoit road. This is a narrow lane which leads you to Trehyllys farm. There is a small sign post near the farm directing you to the Castle and Quoit. Park near to the farm and it is a 20 minute hike up the hill through the dreaded gorse and brambles. There is a ‘path’ that can be followed where other people have walked up. The site itself is well preserved – the outer wall is clearly seen and in some places still stands about 6ft tall. Once into the Castle the cup marked stone is on the left and the well is directly in front of you on the far side of the hillfort. If you walk across the site to the far side you will see the two standing stones which form the ‘gateway’ (it feels very cool to walk through!) and beyond that the Quoit is clearly seen 5 minutes walk away. This site is definitely worth visiting!
Visited 11.4.10.
Visible from miles and miles around. I parked near the sea front (does anywhere in Cornwall know the meaning of ‘free parking’?) and took a gentle stroll across the causeway to the island. Had a cuppa, bought an interesting little book on Cornish prehistoric sites and strolled back – very nice!
Visited 10.4.10.
Visible from Trencrom Hillfort. As I wanted a closer look I took the turning signposted ‘Little Trevarrack Touring Park’ and followed the road until I came to the entrance of Beersheeba farm. I say farm but this looked more like a ranch! I parked at the entrance and took an uncomfortable walk down the drive towards the stone which is in the field on your left. I didn’t try to get into the field where the stone stands and was happy to view from the drive. At this point I had the ‘evil eye’ from a farmer and someone driving past me heading to the farm house/ranch. I took this as a ‘time to go signal’. The stone itself is about 10ft high.
visited 10.4.10.
I loved this stone. I had no idea it was here until I happened to pass it in the car and nearly crashed! Only a qurater mile from Trencrom Hillfort, right next to road. There is a layby 10 metres from the stone (same side of road) and an information plaque giving folklore details. This is a lovely place – a small stream running behind the stone and primroses to the front – wonderful. Next to the stone is Bowl Rock cottage and across the road is Bowl Rock Chapel. Passed it may times during the week and couldn’t resist having a quick peek evey time!
Visited 10.4.10. This hillfort is very easy to access – only 5 minutes up from the car park with cracking views all around – although the path is quite steep and rocky. There are massive boulders all over this hill – including a huge square shaped one just before the ‘gateway’ stones. I returned to this site the following evening to watch the sun go down – beautiful.
Directions: Take the lane south of hillfort. Not far past Flax cottage (on the left) you will find the National Trust car park on your right. Through the gate directly in front of you, then follow the obvious path through the trees and up to the hillfort.
Just to add to the posts below. As you turn into the lane heading towards the farm there is a place to park on the left – rough, rubble ground. When I visited the fields had just been ploughed and I was covered in mud – lucky I have my wellies! As I got back to the car I was given the ‘evil eye’ by a farmer but he didn’t say anything. I was surprised how big the barrow was and how much there was to see. Worth a vistit although the public right of way doesn’t actually pass the barrow so a little bit of trespassing is required.
Visited this site March 2009. O/S map shows no public right of way to the hillfort although there is access around the base of the hill. When I visited I took the turning off the A4119 along the A473 – when approaching Llantrisiant from the south. At the Cross Inn roundabout take the right turn into the lane which runs past Tor-Y-Coed farm. I parked just before the farm (out of eye sight!!) and headed up through the fields to the Hillfort. I only viewed the southern defences which to be honest wasn’t much to look at. However, it appears that this was the least defined section of the Hillfort and I should have viewed the other sides. I was conscious of being ‘spotted’ so I didn’t want to hang around too long.
I spent a frustrating hour or so looking for these stones last year – to no avail. They are not marked on an O/S map as far as I can see. Can anyone give detailed directions? Thanks in advance.
Visited 4.4.10.
There is room to park in front of the field gate opposite Pipton farm house. I am lucky as Karen usually stays in the car with the baby so is able to move the car if needed while I am away, looking at ‘old stones’!
Directions: Follow public right of way path along the riverbank until you come to a derelict farm house. Next to the house is a wire field boundary fence. Follow this fence up hill (NOT public right of way!) until you reach a gate. You will then join a rough mud track used by tractors. Follow this track up hill, through the next field / gate and the cairn can be seen as a low mound further up hill to the right. The mound is approximately 40 paces long and I counted four large stones, two still standing. It is a 20 minute walk from the car to the cairn.
The views over towards the Brecon Beacons are lovely and when I visited the tops of the mountains were still covered in snow.
Visited 4.4.10.
Although the O/S map shows a public right of way up through the fields (although NOT through the field in which the stone stands) there are no signs / stile etc to show this. I asked for permission at the farm house and it was readily given – with directions to the stone. When pointed out, the top of the stone is actually visible from the lane next to the farm house.
Directions: Over the fence next to the farm house and up through the field heading towards the gate directly ahead. Through this gate, turn right and head towards the gate directly ahead. Through this gate and the stone is up hill to your right – under the overhead cables, near a telegraph pole. The walk from the lane to the stone takes about 10 minutes. Nice views down the valley.
Visited 4.4.10. As you approach the chevrons there is a small parking area on your right (same side of road as stone) where there is room to park. The stone is about 20 metres ahead, towards the chevrons. Easily seen this time of year from the roadside; through the brambles and bushes.
Visited 4.4.10. Park up just as you turn into the entrance driveway to the hotel. The stone is in the field slightly to your right – easily seen. The field had just been ploughed so I was happy enough to view from the roadside.
Visited 4.4.10.
Just to add to Elderford’s directions:
As you drive up the lane towards the farm house (on your right), there is a gate about 50 metres before the gate which gives you access to the field via a public right of way. The barrow is only about 20 metres from this first gate – directly in front of you. If you don’t want to trespass / ask permission, the barrow is easily seen from this gate. As an aside I noticed lots of mistletoe growing from the hawthorn trees – must come back at Christmas!
Visited 27.3.10. Despite the hail stones I braved the elements and made the short walk up the path to the church – the barrow is covered with trees to the left. I climbed to the top and it looked like the site may have been dug into at some point in the past as it had a large depression in it. Access to the church is via keys – details given on church door. I forgot to check out the disputed standing stone – ah well, it gives me an excuse to visit again on my to Avebury!
Visited 27.3.10. Follow the signposted road south off the A4 into the hamlet of Chisbury. Drive straight through the hamlet and out the other side. Here the road rises and you are soon dirving up through the northern defences of the hillfort – easily seen from the road. At the top of the hill is Manor Farm. If you wish to visit Chisbury Chapel (English Heritage) it can be found behind Manor Farms large barns. Note – the Chapel cannot be seen from the road. I parked near the farm and the farm worker was happy enough for me to visit the chapel. If you continue on the road you will again eaily see the southern defences of the hillfort as you go down the hill.
Just visited WKLB – again! (27.3.10) Quite a few people about and the path up the hill was surprisingly muddy. I noticed that the tree at the bottom of the hill which the ‘offerings’ are tied to has had most of its lower branches cut off which overhang the fance – to stop things being tied? Inside the barrow itself it was very wet with plenty of puddles and mud. A few ‘offerings’ were placed on nooks and crannies in the barrow. I never tire of visiting Avebury, the whole area is magical. Silbury Hill is out of this world, looking at it from the barrow is a wonderful experience.
Visited 27.3.10. Parked next to the locked gate at the start of the path which leads north from the A4. There is a sign on the gate which states that any unattended cars parked by the gates will be removed. With this in mind, Karen stayed in the car with little Dafydd who by now was asleep in his car seat. Through the gate and a flat, if very muddy, 15 minute walk up the path, past the barn and straight to Devil’s Den . It looks like new wooden gates have been installed to give access to the field when the Den sits. Very easy to access and no crops. On the walk up the path I saw several pheasants, 3 hares doing their ‘mad March hare boxing thing’ and best of all, 3 Roe deer staning on the path by the barn. I am amazed there are still wild deer to be found in Britain – magic. To the east of the Den, just the other side of the fence, are the large stones Julian states are part of the original chambered tomb. These are easy to spot. The Den itself is very pretty – well worth a visit and I had the whole place to myself. A very happy stroll back to the car and onto the next site of the day!
When I visited the Crannog Centre last July all the tours were full so I had to content myself with viewing the crannog from the loch side. If you are travelling from afar (as I was) I would suggest you ring and book on a tour before setting out to avoid dissapointment.
After you clear the trees I suggest you carry on walking along the Sarn Helen road a little until you come alongside the stone – you will see it easily on your left next to the fance. If you go through the gate before the stone the ground is very wet and marshy – at least it was when I visited.
I’m no expert but it didn’t look prehistoric to me. More like a rubbing stone.
Park somewhere near the large red brick pumping house (you can’t miss it) and walk down the narrow lane which runs alongside it. (Don’t try to drive down the lane – too narrow). When you come around the other side of the building you will see a path which takes you straight into the cliff fort. This is the only prehistoric site I have been to with a football pitch / goals in the middle of it!! Great views of the Severn Bridge.
Really easy this one. Drive down the road which runs alongside the field where the stone stands. Park next to the gate which leads into the field and you will see the stone directly in front of you. You don’t even have to get out of the car if you don’t want to!
Easily see when driving east along the M4 – drive carefully though!!!
The most amazing thing I have ever seen was at Glastonbury Tor. Myself and my partner visited in early December and found the countryside was thick with fog – a real ‘pea souper’ – you could only see about 20 yards in any direction. Despite this I insisted on climbing the Tor as this was something I had never done. As we climbed (visability now pretty much zero) we feared it would be a wasted trip. However, as we reached the summit we literally walked up out of the fog, into brilliant sunshine – dark blue sky with not a cloud in sight. (The fog ended about 10 feet lower than the top). All you could see in any direction was the top of the ‘cloud like’ fog – as far as the eye could see. There was complete silence and a lone dove sat on top of the church tower. A truly memorable moment in my life. I only wish I hadn’t left the camera in the car as we assumed it would be fog all the way up.
We later drove to Bristol airport where we had booked a flight to see the Northern Lights over northern Scotland. What a day!!!
This is one of those sites which I found to be ‘jaw dropping’. I had of course seen many photos before visiting and had read many articles on the site. However, this did not prepare me for the sheer size of the place and the unbelievably large and deep ramparts – they are MASSIVE!!!!
The defenders of this hillfort must have felt very confident when they saw the Romans approaching......................... Allow as long as possible when visiting this site, It will certainly take a time to walk around the outside edge!