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Long Meg & Her Daughters

One of those sites you drive right up next to – in this case, even through it! Easy to park and obviously easy access. The circle is huge and Long Meg itself is very impressive. This is one of the best stone circles I have visited. Highly recommended.

Pentre Ifan

With the aid of an O/S map I found this site easy enough. Park in the layby and it’s only a short walk to the stones. This is the ‘perfect looking’ tomb – stunning – with great views all around. I would highly recommend a visit if at all possible.

Carreg Coetan Arthur

Park on the main road and take the short walk up a ‘resident’s only’ small walk. The site is on your right hand side behind the houses on the main raod. A lovely little place despite being in the middle of a residential area. Still, I imagine the stones will be here longer than the houses?!

Tredegar Fort

Drive up Gaer Road (road on left off main road into Newport from the Tredegar House junction of the M4 – next to a traffic lights). Drive to the top of the hill and park in any of the side streets on the left. Most of these small side streets have a kissing gate at the end which gives access to the site. There is a grass walkway around the site which looks as though it is kept mown by the council. Good views on a nice day.

The Cove

Where else can you get a drink and a meal sat right next to a prehistoric site? (Avebury is another place) At least you could when the pub was open!

Kinnell of Killin

Park in the car park in the village of Killin and walk over the old stone bridge (above the waterfalls) and turn left heading towards Kinnell House. Walk up the private road, through the trees, and as you approach the house the stone circle is in the field on your right. Easy to access although I imagine you should ask for permission first. A Nice little stone circle – worth a visit.

Fortingall

Easy to get to. After visiting the ancient yew, turn left down the road (church behind you) and in about 100 yards look in the field on your right. Access is through a gate and a gentle walk will get you to the stones.

Sunkenkirk

Visited this site on the way to Castlerigg. Park at the start of the (private?) road which leads up hill to the farm. A bit of a walk but on a nice day lovely views to be had looking down the valley. The circle is right next to the farm track and access can be gained via a gate. I really, really liked this place and actually prefered the circle itself to Castlerigg. Make the effort to visit this site – you won’t be dissapointed.

Castlerigg

My favourite stone circle. The views are simply stunning. I had a ‘jaw dropping’ moment the first time I visited this site. I had read a lot about it before visiting and I am pleased to say that it not only met, but exceeded my expectations. The circle itself is a joy to behold, but the setting is something else.

Mayburgh Henge

I much preferred this site to Arthur’s Round Table. Probably due to the still standing high sides of the henge plus the standing sone in the middle. Very pretty place and easily accessed. I am amazed that it has survived so well over all these years. Will visit again one day.
Although a bit off topic, whilst in the area, I would recommend a visit to St Andrew’s church in Penrith. In the grave yard, to the right of the church main doors, is a Viking ‘Hog Back’ grave. I ‘discovered’ this by pure accident – what a happy bunny I was!!

Ringsbury

Very easy access via the appropriately named Mud Lane! About a 10 minute walk over flat land from where you park the car. Nice place to visit.

Stonehenge

Needless to say, a unique and fantastic place. However, at the risk of sounding snobby – a bit too commercialised for me. It is certainly worth visiting – a ‘must see’ site – but I must admit I prefer Avebury.

UPDATE:
Visited this site on 12.6.10 – the first time for nearly 4 years. It was a lot busier this time with coaches and tourists from all over the world – plenty of Americans and Australians. There was also security guards at the car park which I don’t remember last time. Near the ticket office was a lone ‘Druid’ protesting about people visiting the site – or something like that. He had some pretty colourful banners hanging from the railings and was selling handbooks on King Arthur I think? I have read about the changes planned for visiting the site (new visitor’s centre etc) so I wanted to visit again before things get changed. I plan another visit once the changes have taken place to compare if things are for the better?

Avebury

There is not much that can be added to what is already posted. All I would say is if you have never been here – visit. This is an incredible place to visit – the circle is massive – the stones huge. I have been to many famous prehistoric sites on mainland Britain but for me, Avebury is the best. Not just the circle but Silbury Hill, WKLB, Windmill Hill etc. Visit as often as you can – stay as long as you can. You will not be dissapointed.

Windmill Hill

If, like me, you like to keep walking to a minimum, you can follow the lane about half way up the hill before parking at a suitable point. When I say suitable I mean a slightly wider bit of track! Be careful not to try to drive too far up as the track becomes increasingly narrower, rutted and unless you are driving a tractor undrivable. I tried to warn an American tourist about this as he drove past me. Needless to say he knew better...... Once you get to the top, over a gate and a flat walk to the several barrows to be seen.

West Kennett Avenue

If you are able I would highly recommend you walk the Avenue. You do feel (at least I did) that you are following in the footsteps of the ancestors – like you are taking part in some sort of procession. A lovely, easy walk on a nice day.

Notgrove

Most dissapointing English Heritage site I have ever been to. Only plus side it is easy to get to – right next to road.

The Fish Stone

I found this hard to find. I couldn’t see it through the trees at the top of the (steep) bank and so I decided to climb down to the flat area next to the river. It was then a simple case of following the river until I located the stone. The hard bit then was climbing back up the slope!! Take care.

Carreg Cennen

When you pay to go into the castle, ask for a torch (small fee) – or bring your own torch. Once you enter the castle, look for the tower in the bottom left corner – this is where you will find the entrance to the cave. Initially there are steps down but this then changes to a concrete slope and then you are onto wet, natural stone – slippery. The cave ends with what appears to be a blocked up well?

Carn Goch Hill Fort

Drive through the village of Bethleham, up the hill, over the cattle grid and there is a parking place on the left. It is then an easy walk up the hillfort. Be careful though as the collapsed stone walls are very loose underfoot. The countryside here is beautiful. When I visited there wasn’t a cloud in the sky and red kites were gliding silently overhead – bliss.

Maen Llia

A lovely looking stone and a lovely colour only 30 yards from the road (small layby). If it has been raining take your wellies as the ground around the stone is very wet.

Gwernvale

Crickhowell is a lovely little town and is surrounded by prehistoric sites. These range from very easy sites to visit such as Gwernvale and the Growing Stone to harder sites such as the Fishstone. I have visited Crickhowell on many occasions and always manage to find a new site to visit.

Wilcrick Hill

Park next to the houses and there is a footpath which runs past the houses. This leads you into the start of the trees and then it’s make your own path up through the trees to the summit. The whole hill is covered by ivy (I have never seen so much) and I only noticed faint traces of defences. No view to be seen from the top due to all the trees. To be honest not much to recommend a visit. Just as well to view it from the M4!!

Nash Point

A fairly short but steep climb up the steps from the car park up to the headland. I couldn’t see any signs of banks/ditches but there was a lot of bushes about so perhaps they are there but hidden?

Sweyne Howes (north)

Park in the car park at Rhossili point (near the National Trust shop) and it’s an obvious but long and very steep walk up to the top of Rhossili headland. Once at the top keep following the path along the ridge, past the small cairns and eventually you will spot Sweyne Howes lower down the headland on your right hand side (sea to your left). When I visited it was extremely windy – so much so I got blown into a dreaded gorse bush on the way back down. Those spike not only go through clothing but trainers as well. I hate gorse!!!

Twmbarlwm

Fairly easy to access. You can drive most of the way up the hill and park below the ‘pimple’. A fairly short but steep path will take you to the top. Through the defensive ditch and up the steps onto the top. You can see for miles on a clear day. Unfortunately when I visited it was like ‘pea soup’ and I could only see about 20 yards!!

Langstone

I have looked for this stone twice – and failed!
Does not show on map.
Anyone have any directions?

Ri Cruin & the Great X of Kilmartin

Fantastic. The whole Kilmartin Valley is such a fantastic place. It rained, rained and rained again. But despite this I had a great day (soaked to the skin) and I can’t rate this place highly enough. I hope to visit again when (hopefully) the weather will be better! Stayed all day but only managed to see some of the sites as there are so many. The Great X is just one of the wonderful things to see. If you are anywhere near this part of Scotland, allow at least a day of your holidays to enjot this very special place. So far, my favourite place in Scotland. For me this is on par with Avebury in England. Fantastic.

Dunadd

Easy to access – 10 minute walk up from the car park. The views from the top are wonderful and yes, you just have to see if your foot fits – mine did! Even though it had been raining and my foot got wet in the process!! One of my favourite sites in the Kilmartin area. Enjoy.

West Kennet Long Barrow

This is one of my favourite sites. The size and scale of the longbarrow is breathtaking. I make a visit to Avebury once a year to see the henge, WKLB and Silbury hill. I call it my ‘pilgrimage’. I have never had a problem with speeding cars etc as I park in the small layby at the bottom of the hill leading up to the barrow. There are usually ‘offerings’ to be found in the tomb and tied to the branches of the tree at the bottom of the hill near the layby. A truly fantastic place. I am planning a trip to the Orkneys this summer so it will be interesting to compare the tombs there against my two favourite so far – WKLB and Stoney Littleton. I will report back!!

Soldier’s Grave

Not much to see but easy to find and access. If you are stood in the car park looking at the view down the valley, head for the right hand corner of the car park – where the trees are. Walk into the wooded area and you will see the barrow in front of you.

Oxenton Hill Camp

Agree fully with Thesweetcheat, when I tried to get close to the hillfort I was confronted by a lane which led into a very, very muddy farmyard. Anyway, I think this is one of those sites which is best viewed from a distance. A good view can be obtained from just off the main road – and less muddy!!

Gatcombe Lodge

When I visited I was happy to view from the road junction. Despite the encouragement from my better half – ‘why don’t you jump over the fence for a closer look?’ – I stayed where I was and pointed out the sign which said the fence was electrified!!!

Avening Burial Chambers

Follow Baza’s directions. I found the private road as directed by Baza easy enough. TIP – when walking up the private road keep to the right of the road. The burial chambers are NOT visable from the road. About 30/40 yards up the private road (from athe main road) hop over the fence on your right (be careful – fence is barbed and the side of hill is steep). Carefully move about 5 yards down side of hill and you should spot the chambers to your left – sunk into the side of the hill. Only the front part of stones showing. Hope this helps?

Symonds Yat

Park in the pay-and-display car park (not cheap!) and stroll up to the ‘log cabin’ where you can buy a nice cuppa and then take in the view from Symond Yat rock. Between the car park and said ‘log cabin’ you walk through the hillfort – defences either side of path. Couldn’t be easier.

King Arthur’s Cave

Park by the entrance to Biblins camp and walk back along the road you have just driven up. After about 20/30 yards you will see a path on your left. Follow this path and after about 10 minutes you will reach the rock face with the caves. The first cave you come to is NOT King Arthur’s cave. Keep walking and it is just a bit further along the same path.

Twyn-y-Beddau

Visited 13.3.10.
In Hay on Wye head west on the B4350, look out for a turning on the left signposted: Capel Y Ffin. Take this turning. Follow this road along. After about 4 km when the road forks, take the right fork. The barrow is a couple of hundred yards on your left – right next to the road.

Pen-y-Beacon

Visited 14.3.10.
Just to clarify the directions given by Elderford:-
After taking the turning to Capel Y Ffin follow the road straight along, there is NOT a fork in the road at this point – the road to the right is a turning. Also, after crossing the cattle grid, you need to take the left fork in the road NOT the right one. This takes you straight to the car park next to the stones. I counted four fallen stones next to the standing one, although I have read of only three. Perhaps I counted two stones when it is only one stone partly covered by grass? Lovely views down the valley.

Stony Littleton

Along with West Kennett, my favourite tomb. Although I got completely caked in mud walking to the site (and ruined footware in the process) it was well worth it. Crouching into the chamber and sitting at the back is very special. It does feel like going back in time. I can’t recomend this site highly enough. All I would suggest is take your wellies if it has been raining!! Enjoy.

Gray Hill

This can be tricky to find as when you get to the top of the hill the stones are not visible. Once at the top, take the path along the ridge to your left (when looking at the River Severn). As you walk along the path you will see the two Severn Bridges. Head ‘off track’ roughly between the two bridges until you see the outliner. Harder to spt in the summer due to the masses of bracken.

Cottrell Park

Stone sited on bank pretty much opposite the entrance to the golf club. Very difficult to park on the busy main road. You have to peer over hedge to see stone – not visable from the road.

Maen Cattwg

Park in country land and follow public access route as shown on O/S map. Stone is on the right in second field you come to. Easy to spot – large flat stone in middle of field. Lots of cup marks on surface. When I visited I found a lucky horse shoe!

Cae-yr-Arfau

The chamber is signposted (small weathered sign) off the road which runs past the house. The chamber itself is about 10 yards down the drive entrance on the left hand side – in the flower bed!

Lodge Wood Camp

I spent a day at this site last year helping a volunteer group clear the banks of bushes, new trees etc as part of a CADW initiative. It was fantastic to be able to spend a day at a site ans know that you are helping preserve it for future generations. To avoid a long walk I would suggest you park by the church hall? (white building) and follow the path to the left of the house. It is only a 10 minute walk from here.

Druidstone

I visited the stone last year and am happy to report that it looks quite happy with flowers neatly planted in front of it!

Caerau

When I visited this site I spent a lot of time trying to find it. I would suggest you first look for the children’s park with swings etc. (close to the road) Behind the park you will see a grassed area, with trees behind – that is where the hillfort is. When you get to the trees there is (was) a fence which has been pulled down with a large sign stating no motorbikes or guns!! If you are feeling brave go through the fence and start the short but steep climb through the trees and up the bank into the hillfort. The banks / ditches are pretty well preserved and there is the added bonus of a cracking view over Cardiff to be had!!

Gwern-y-Cleppa

Gwern-Y-Cleppa is easily seen from the M4 when travelling from Newport to Cardiff (can’t be seen in the opposite direction). Just after Junction 28 there is a footbridge over the motorway, just after going under the bridge you will see the back of a large road sign on your right (giving info for motorists heading towards Newport). As you come alongside the sign, look to your right and there it is. Be careful not to crash though!!!

Hirfaen Gwyddog

Visited 14.2.10. This site is difficult to find through a maze of unsignposted lanes. Eventually knew we were in the right place thanks to the lorry depot. Couldn’t see an easy way past the depot and as it was a sunday there was no one about to ask. Just along the lane from the main depot / house there is what looks like a scrap yard. I parked here and looked for a way up the near vertical bank. In desperation i ended up climbing through the scrap metal, up through brambles to get to the top of the ‘cliff’. Once on top of the bank the stone is easily seen, two fields away sticking up in a hedgerow. Mission accomplished! However, I would not advise anyone approaching the site the way I did as it is DANGEROUS. Please ask permission and find a safer route!!

Ysbyty Cynfyn

Visited on 14.2.10. A really lovely site. Beautiful contryside with a lovely old grave yard inside a stone circle – what more could you want? Very easy to find and access – right next to the roadside (A4120)

Penmaen

Visited on 31.1.10. Follow Gladman’s directions and you will find the site ok. Just to add that you need to go to the right about 10 yards after the ‘proper’ path ends. (I went too far and had a bit of a problem finding it).