CARL

Visited 14.6.14

I followed Chance’s directions and before too long was at the stone in question. The strange thing is it ‘felt’ like you were walking in the ‘wrong’ direction walking away from Avebury. The Avenue ‘feels’ right when walking towards the circle/henge – make of that what you will?

As stated, the marks are on the fence-side of the stone, about 1 foot above the ground.

I spotted 3 fairly deep groove lines and possibly another 3 slight grooves.

The grooves are not that obvious unless you are looking specifically for them.

Worth looking out for if walking along the Avenue.

Visited 14.6.14

As we were booked in on baby-sitting duties on Father’s Day itself, Karen suggested we go out for the day on Saturday instead. Sounded good to me.
‘What about a trip to Avebury for Father’s Day?’ suggested Karen
My reply was somewhat predictable!

I was amazed/horrified to discover that the National Trust now wanted £7.00 to park – yikes! Fortunately, as CADW members, it was free for us. The strange thing is it was free for coaches to park. How does that work?

After not paying this extortionate fee we walked along the path and headed straight for the National Trust café next to the museum. The weather was warm and fine and myself and Karen sat on the grass while the children played with the outside toys provided. Dafydd got into a debate with a woman over the rules of Connect 4 whilst Sophie ignored them both and put the discs in any order!

After finishing our drinks and ice creams we went into both museums to have a look around. There is a lot of interesting things to see and, again thanks to our CADW membership, saved even more money on entrance fees.

After this we decided to walk the full circuit of Avebury.

We soon came across a group (should that be a coven?) of ‘White Witches’. Two of the witches were hugging a stone whilst the others looked on. The head witch had a wooden pole with bells and ribbons on it. A bit further on we came across a family who were looking intently at a stone. Mum had her hands stretched out in front of the stone and was explaining to the others how she could ‘feel’ its power. Her teenage daughter looked on less than impressed!

We then came to the clootie tree; its lower branches festooned with ribbons and cloth and messages and trinkets. You certainly see some sights at Avebury! I guess that is one of the reasons it is such a special place?

After completing our circuit we went to the Red Lion for a meal. As the weather was so nice we sat outside. It was nice to be able to sit and drink and chat whilst looking over at some of the mighty standing stones.

A quick visit to the Henge Shop and it was then time to walk the Avenue.

Yes, Avebury is indeed a special place.

Visited 8.6.14

Although I know some people have had trouble finding the mighty Pentre Ifan I found it easy enough. I did have my O/S map with me but it wasn’t needed as the site is signposted all the way from the A487.

Dafydd had recently made a model of Pentre Ifan for school and I was keen for him to visit the site in person. This was something that he was also eager to do. Karen stayed in the car with Sophie who was sound asleep after playing on the beach.

Even though I had been here before it was with a sense of excitement that I walked from the parking area, along the path, towards the dolmen.

It was whilst walking along the path that I noticed how many large stones there are scattered about. This was something I hadn’t paid much attention to on my previous visit although I am a bit more experienced in these things now so I guess I am more likely to take notice of such things.

What can I say that hasn’t already been said about this site? It is quite exceptional.
It was just as I remembered it. In saying that this is one of those places that you are never likely to forget visiting!

Dafydd was also impressed. I took photos of him stood in front of the stones. Something he can take to school to show his teacher and later keep next to his model which takes pride of place in his bedroom!

Pentre Ifan is one of the outstanding prehistoric site in Wales and should be on everyone’s ‘must do’ list. If you are planning a trip ‘way out west’ make sure to also visit nearby Castell Henllys – it makes for a good day out.

Visited 8.4.16

Dafydd has been doing a bit about St David in school so I thought (while in the area) it would be a good idea to show him where (allegedly) St David was born.

If you have never been to St Non’s it is a pretty place with dramatic coastal views.

I don’t think the people staying in the religious retreat were getting much peace with Sophie bellowing away with her usual gusto!

Whilst visiting the well and chapel remains it gave me the chance to have a look at the four standing stones in the field. The one nearest the bank I missed last time I visited as I wasn’t aware it was there. They are not very big but are there nonetheless.

I didn’t get chance to have a look at the stones in the higher field this time.

If you are in St David’s this is well worth the extra short drive to visit.

Directions:
A short distance east of the Llanrhian standing stone, along a minor road

Not much to see here, just an overgrown mound right next to the hedge/road.

The road is very narrow although you can stop at the open field entrance.

The field was in crop but in the middle of the field I could see a large stone/boulder.
Don’t know if this is relevant to anything?

COFLEIN state:
A ploughed down mound crossed by a hedge bank, 24m in diameter and 0.5m high. When opened by Fenton (19th C) revealed a large cist sealed by a capstone 2.6m long, containing a holed ‘axe-hammer’ and traces of a possible inhumation.

Visited 8.6.14

Directions:
From St David’s take the A487 north-east. When you reach Croes-goch take the turning north for Llanrhian. Park at the church. To the left of the church is a farm and minor road.
The standing stone is easily seen at the back of the farm, next to the road.

As I approached the stone two farmers were busy ‘encouraging’ a herd of cows across the road and into the farm for milking. They both looked over but ignored me.
I assume the patch of open ground the stone stands on is theirs but it is not being used for anything as far as I could tell.

This is a fine stone, over head height with a pointy top.
One side of the stone was covered in moss.
In the distance coastal views could be seen.

This is a really easy stone to access (just drive up the road if you don’t even want to get out of your car!) and is well worth seeking out if you happen to be in the St David’s area.

Visited 8.6.14

Had a quick look on the way to Pentre Ifan.

You can see what is left of the barrow from over the hedge; at the top of the bank next to the road. It has now been reduced to a very minor ‘bump’ in the field.

Don’t bother going out of your way to see this.

COFLEIN state:
A ploughed-down but otherwise undisturbed barrow, 26m in diameter and 1.2m high (not now it isn’t!). Said to have been strewn with quartz in 1964.

Visited 7.6.14

When in this part of Pembrokeshire a visit to St Govan’s well and Chapel is a must.

The last time I came here Dafydd was a baby and Sophie not even a twinkle in the eye. Karen had visited here years before me.
Where does the time go?

This time all four of us headed down the steep stone steps from the car park to the chapel. Sophie didn’t like the inside as it was too dark for her and she was a little frightened – not like her. The little well was dry.

We walked out the other side and were at the top of the rock strewn beach. I had a quick look at the tiny stone cell and scrambled down to the rocky shoreline. The waves were crashing in and I made my way towards the arch in the cliffs on the right. It was a surreal experience standing near one side of the arch and watching the water hurtling towards me from the other side – before quickly moving out of the way!

The sky was blue overhead and the gulls were shrieking from their nests, high up on the cliff face. Dafydd was happily throwing stones into the water whilst Sophie and Karen watched from higher up the beach.

St Govan’s is a special, unique place. It is one of those sites that everyone should visit at least once in their life. Once visited, never forgotten.

A view from the road 8.6.14

On our way home after visiting Pentre Ifan we opted to travel along the B4329 through the lovely Preseli national Park. This gave me the opportunity to have a quick for the Penlan standing stones along the way.

The minor road running past the stones is very narrow with no parking or passing places. As is common in this part of the world the banks either side of the road are very high, with a hedge running along the top. I have often wondered why the hedgerows are like this in Carmarthenshire and Pembrokeshire.

The two stones next to each other on the northern side of the road are the easiest to spot, although you have to climb to the top of the bank to see them. There is no public access to the stones so a ‘sneak’ visit would be in order if you wanted a closer look. Something I didn’t have time to do. As far as I could tell the feeding trough is no longer between the stones.

Continuing a short distance along the road I (eventually) spotted the solo stone on the opposite side of the road. Again, you have to climb up the bank and it is trickier to see as it is next to a hedgerow. At first I couldn’t see it but the sun came out and it became more pronounced, previously it blended into the hedge. Again, there is no public access to the stone.

The stones are certainly worth looking out for if you are in the area but you will need to be able to climb the bank to see them. There are good views out along the valley to the south-east.

Visited 8.6.14

Directions:
When you see the sign for St Elvis Farm on the A487 turn down the track to the parking area. From here it is only a 15 minute walk to the burial chambers.

I had wanted to visit this site for a long time (it was ‘always on my mind’) and as I was in Pembrokeshire I knew that it was ‘now or never’.

Karen wasn’t interested (she can be a ‘hard headed woman’ at times) so she waited in the car whilst myself, Dafydd and Sophie headed towards the dolmen which was ‘way down’ the farm track. Despite previous reports the track was dry and free of mud so my ‘blue suede shoes’ didn’t get dirty.

In the distance we could hear a dog barking which left them ‘all shook up’.
I reassured them that it was only an old ‘hound dog’.

Dafydd complained that Sophie was making too much noise and wanted ‘a little less conversation’ but I explained to him that ‘she’s not you’.

On the way we saw a dead young fox which (unsurprisingly) the children took great interest in. Doing what children do they started to poke the poor animal with a stick. I told them to stop and ‘don’t be cruel’.

We arrived at the burial chambers and entered through the wooden gate.
From the outside the wooden fencing made it look like a ‘jailhouse rock’.

A couple of farm workers looked at us with ‘suspicious minds’ and this caused us to do some ‘rubberneckin’ but nothing was said. After all, there is a public right of way.

***

Seriously, this is a great place to visit.
The two capstones are quite large. One was covered in a dark green/black moss whilst the other had a foxglove and a small pretty purple plant growing on its surface. There are quite a few large stones scattered around in the vicinity.
I wonder how many/if any originally came from the dolmen?

If you are heading towards St David’s this is well worth stopping off to see

Thank you very much…………………………..!

Visited 7.6.14

A weekend away in Pembroke – hurrah!

On the way I just had to show the children this wonderful site.
This is one of those places that you know you will return to again and again.

We parked as before and before long we were heading down the path towards the burial chamber. Since my last visit the path had become quite overgrown in places and the nettles were winning the battle with my bare legs!

I lifted the children over the fence and we soon at this magical place.
If there are such things as magical places – this is one of them.
Particularly on the weekend when the quarry is closed and all that can be heard is birdsong and running water.

The babbling water of the stream, the boulders and trees heavily laden in a matting of green moss. And of course the wonderful burial chamber itself. It was damp here today; judging by the amount of moss around I imagine this is the norm.

I could go on and on about this place but I won’t.
All I will say is if at all possible please try to visit.
You won’t be disappointed.
Even little Sophie (not renowned for her prehistoric interests) asked ‘can we come back again one day?’
What better endorsement could you wish for?

Visited 7.6.14

Directions:
From the nearby Dry Barrows continue about 1 mile west along the B4320.
The barrow is near a building on the left (southern) side of the road.

There is room to pull in at the field gate and from here you can see the barrow.
It is now little more than a ‘bump’ in the field.

COFLEIN state:
A barrow, 28m in diameter and 1m high, opened in 1927 revealing a large ‘sub megalithic’ cist set into the old ground surface, containing an extended skeleton accompanied by a bronze knife/dagger’.

Visited 7.6.14

Directions:
From Corston Beacon barrow continue for about ½ mile west along the B4320.
Take the first turning on the right (north) and the barrows are in the field on your right.

There is room to pull in at the field gate and from here you can see the barrows.
Of the four barrows shown on the map only one remains of any significance.
The other three are minor ‘bumps’ in the field.

COFLEIN stste:
‘A barrow, 35m in diameter and 1.7m high in 1975. (More like 1m high now) One of a group of four’

Visited 7.6.14

Directions:
From Pembroke take the B4320 west. After about 1 mile the road goes through a wood. On the left hand side is an entrance track to a disused quarry – park here. Walk up the muddy track and then head up the short but steep rise to your right. Be careful not to get too close to the edge of the quarry – it’s a long way down!

The defended enclosure (O/S has it marked as a fort) is at the top, as you would expect. The walk is steep but pleasant through the trees. Judging by the number of paths through the trees and the rope swings this is clearly a place where children play – although I had the place to myself today. I even found a home made bow and arrow, I remember making those when I was a nipper!

Of more concern was a spent shotgun cartridge I saw lying on the ground. Probably left by the same people who left several beer cans at the bottom of the slope. Still, this is South Wales and it seems compulsory to leave litter left to spoil things.

There is a bank/ditch on the southern and western sides, well over head height when stood in the ditch. They are not too easy to access/view due to the overgrown nature of the site. Nothing in the way of views due to the trees.

Not a great site by any means but the woods are pretty and if you happen to be in Pembroke and looking for something to do there are worse places to visit.

COFLEIN state:
‘A sub-rectangular enclosure, 60m by 48m, set on the N end of a spur, defined by steep natural scarps to the NW and NE, and elsewhere by a bank and ditch. 150m to the NW, across a minor stream valley, is the larger Quoits Wood enclosure’

Visited 7.6.14

Directions:
From Pembroke take the B4320 west. The burial chamber can be seen in the middle of a field to your left just before the road takes a sharp turn south towards Castlemartin.

As Kammer has said, there is no public access to the chamber and it is two fields over. I couldn’t see the unfriendly message or barbed wire on the field gate but you are sure to be seen if planning a ‘sneak’ visit.

Best bet is to either ask for permission (from whom I don’t know) or do what I did and have a look from the road. Even without the aid of binoculars the fallen/slanting capstone was easy enough to see.

Worth a look when in the area.

Visited 31.5.14

Directions:
See notes for the Rhiw Porthnant barrows. A short distance further north along the minor road. The barrow is on the right hand side.

This is an area of open moorland and you can park pretty much where you like on the verge. The barrow is only a short distance from the road.

COFLEIN state:
A barrow, 12.5m in diameter and 0.9m high

Visited 31.5.14

Directions:
See notes for the Rhiw Porthnant barrows. A short distance further north along the minor road. The barrow is on the right hand side.

This is an area of open moorland and you can park pretty much where you like on the verge. The barrow is only a short distance from the road.

COFLEIN state:
A barrow, 21.3m in diameter and 1.2m high

Visited 31.5.14

Directions:
From Llandrindod Wells take the A483 north. When you reach Llanbadarn Fynydd come off the A483 and take the minor road north towards the B4355 and Dolfor. The 3 barrows are next to a crossroads of minor roads just before you reach the B4355.

The most southern of the barrows (on the right hand side if the road) has the peculiar name of ‘Dicky’s Stool’. Who Dicky was and why he needs a stool I don’t know?
There is a public footpath which takes you to the barrow but it is very, very muddy. The top of the grass covered barrow is flattened. The barrow is easily seen from the road.

COFLEIN state:
22m in diameter and 1.4m high, disturbed to the south.

The other two barrows are next to each other on the opposite side of the road. Both are grass covered mound and had sheep/lambs on top. There is no public access to the barrows but, again, they are easily seen from the road.

COFLEIN state:
16.5m in diameter and 1.3m high / 17m in diameter and 1m high

This is a very rural location and I liked it here. It is only a short distance off the busy A483 but you could be a million miles away from it. I doubt there is much traffic along this road. Worth the minor detour if you happen to be in the area.

Visited 31.5.14

Directions:
Near the road on the northern side of Brompton Hall at the A489 / B4385 junction. It is to the right of the B4385 when driving north.

There is a handy field gate from which you can see the barrow.

It is a low grass mound next to a field hedge. It is approximately 0.5m high x 15m across.

Not worth going out of your way for.

*** Thanks to TSC for putting me right! ***

Visited 31.5.14

Directions:
From Newtown take the A489 east. When you reach the village of Kerry take the minor road north at the church. The barrows are immediately on the right hand side. There is easy access via a field gate. A public footpath goes right past the barrows.

These are two very large grass covered barrows. I am surprised they have not been reported on before?
I wonder where they get their strange name from?

The barrows are also very prominent from the main A489.

These are a very impressive pair of barrows and well worth seeking out when in the area.

COFLEIN state:
A pair of Bronze Age round barrows.
Barrow 1 = 50m x 40m x 3.6m high
Barrow 2 = 50m x 40m x 2m high

Visited 31.5.14

Directions:
From Builth Wells take the A481 east. When you reach the village of Hundred House you will see a pub on your left. Opposite the pub there is a small public footpath sign and a metal gate. Go through the gate, across the field and through a second gate. The barrow is now visible to the right.

The centre of the barrow has been scooped out and it has a large hawthorn tree growing out of the top of it.

COFLEIN state:
A barrow, 22m in diameter and 1.7m high, opened in 1875, revealing disturbed urn fragments and burnt bone.

A second barrow lies next to the minor road running north of the pub but the land is rough, open moorland and I was unable to spot the barrow.

COFLEIN state:
A mound, 7m in diameter and 0.3m high, possible the barrow recorded to have produced 2 urns before 1905.

Visited 31.5.14

Directions:
From Builth Wells take the A481 east. When you reach the village of Hundred House you will see a pub on your left. Just past the pub (on the same side of the road) you will see the barrow in a field. There is no public right of way to the barrow.

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

COFLEIN state:
A mound, 21m in diameter and 0.9m high, thought to be levelled in 1835, revealing, a stone kerb, a circular arrangement of 8 pits and a central cist ‘resembling an oven’, containing 9 urns.

Visited 31.5.14

Directions:
From Builth Wells take the A481 north-east. When you come to the junction with the A44 turn right towards Radnor. You will shortly come to the hamlet of Llanfihangel Nant Melan. On the left hand side of the road (north) before you reach the church and pub is the barrow.

The barrow is no more than a small grass ‘bump’ on top of a conical grass mound.
Not one to go out of your way for.

COFLEIN state:
A mound, 9m in diameter and 0.5m high, set upon a knoll.

Visited 31.5.14

Directions:
From Builth Wells take the A481 north-east. When you come to the junction with the A44 turn right towards Radnor. You will shortly come to the hamlet of Llanfihangel Nant Melan.
The church is on your left, next to a pub with a large car park.

I saw this entry for the Clwyd Powys Archaeological Trust:
The 20th-century Radnorshire historian, WH Howse, claimed a round barrow in the churchyard and commented on the tradition that a stone circle surrounded the latter. If correct this would be a remarkable and exciting coincidence. These identifications have, however, not been confirmed by later writers, and some consider them to me no more than mis-sitings! Nevertheless, the church surmounts a prominent platform which may have coloured Howse’s view, while the stone circle tradition has been confirmed by a householder in New Radnor who mentioned two stones in the churchyard and a third in the adjacent inn car park. The tradition remains to be verified.

I also found another reference to ‘an ancient stone embedded in the hollow trunk of one of the yews’.

I am very fond of ‘church sites’ so just had to visit this one.
You can park in the pub car park and you are soon in the churchyard.

It had been a long day and Sophie was playing up. Karen was tired and the light was starting to fade. In all honesty I didn’t have as long as I would have liked to have had a good rummage around.

The church was locked (not surprising given the time of day) so myself, Dafydd and Sophie walked around the outside of the church.
The churchyard is quite small.

The tall, old yew trees were unmissible although I didn’t spot any stones sticking out of any of them! Neither could I spot any obvious standing stones amongst the headstones or a stone in the car park. There didn’t appear to be any suspicious stones used in either the construction of the church of the boundary wall.

The church has been clearly built upon a raised and levelled platform.

In saying all that I was rushing and it is entirely possible I missed something.

This is a place I will definitely re-visit for a proper look when I am in the area.

One for the ‘disputed category’ section me thinks.

Visited 24.5.14

Directions:
From the village of Churchill take the A38 south. After about 1km you will see some houses on your left and a bridleway sign. You can access the Hillfort from here. Alternatively, continue south along the A38 and take the first turning on the left (east). There is a small passing place on this minor road where you can park. A public footpath is signposted which runs along the base of Dolebury Warren.

I wasn’t planning on visiting this site but as we were passing the place on the way home and, despite the grey skies, it was still dry, I thought to myself ‘Why not?’

In hindsight what I should have done is approached the hillfort from the bridleway to the west. However, (as I wasn’t planning on a visit) I hadn’t brought my notes with me so approached via the minor road to the south – big mistake!

Karen sat in the car while myself, Dafydd and Sophie too the muddy path down through the trees. Sophie complained bitterly about the ‘stink’ of the wild garlic! At the bottom of the valley we crossed a small stream thanks to a wooden bridge and continued along the path. After a bit, in my infinite wisdom, I decided it was time to head uphill to the hillfort. I was hoping to have encountered a path up to the site (not realising that the footpath to the hillfort runs east-west not north-south).

We came off the path, through some trees and over a barbed wire fence. We were then confronted by a very steep, very high hillside. I had severe doubts that I would be able to get up there with two children in tow – all three of us in wellies! I took the children by the hand and we very slowly made our way up. It took a long time to get to the top and had I known how difficult it was I would never have attempted coming this way. They certainly knew how to pick a place to build a hillfort!

It was with a great deal of relief that all three of us made it to the top without major incident. Once we recovered the first thing to strike you were the all-round views. You could see for miles in all directions – in the distance even Brean Down, Steep Holm and, through the mist, the South Wales coast – home!

This is a large hillfort. A herd of cows were happily munching away in the middle of the site. Although we didn’t have time to walk all the way around we did head for the highest point. This is near the eastern entrance where there are multiple banks and ditches some of which are above head height.

Near the highest point iare the remains of a stone structure. A short section of walling comprising of a couple of layers was visible. I have no idea of the age of this. Judging by the many outcrops of stones scattered around the site there was clearly no shortage of building material.

Before long it was time to head back to the car. It had taken much longer than expected to climb up the hill and Karen was sure to be getting restless.
We all managed to get back down the hill without too many problems; except for when Dafydd fell backwards with his legs up in the air – much to Sophie’s amusment.
On the way back up the muddy path Sophie fell face down in the mud. It was now Dafydd’s turn to have a laugh!

Dolebury Hillfort is well worth the effort of visiting when in the area.

E.H. state:
The monument includes Dolebury Camp, a large univallate hillfort and associated and later earthworks, on Dolebury Warren, a carboniferous limestone ridge on the edge of the Mendip Hills, overlooking the Somerset Levels. The hillfort has a sloping sub-rectangular interior 487.5m east-west by 200m north-south. The eastern end of the fort is c.60m higher than the west and the interior contains at least four medieval pillow mounds aligned north-south and ranging from 50m to 150m in length and 0.5m high. Surrounding the enclosed area is a single rampart comprising an inner bank c.4m high and c.12m wide. This is bounded by a terrace c.5m wide on the south side of the fort where there is a scarp slope, and elsewhere by an outer ditch c.10m wide and c.1m deep with a counterscarp beyond. The main entrance to the fort is located at the western end. Additional earthworks, immediately beyond the western entrance, may be of later date and include a hollow way linking the entrance with Dolebury Bottom immediately to the west. To the north-east of the hillfort is a series of outworks visible as earthwork banks and depressions. The depressions are likely to represent rakes or quarries. Beyond them is a slight linear bank c.0.3m high and c.1m wide with an accompanying ditch c.1.2m wide and c.0.3m deep which runs north and then west for a total of c.550m. This earthwork is interpreted as an outwork of the hillfort, possibly unfinished, and encloses an area likely to contain evidence for contemporary settlement and land-use. Finds from the site demonstrate an extensive period of occupation, and include Palaeolithic flintwork, Bronze Age pottery, a bronze spearhead and Roman coins and pottery. In the post medieval period a series of pillow mounds were constructed within the fort representing a rabbit warren. It was this that gave Dolebury Warren its name.

Visited 24.5.14

Directions:
Next to the church of St Lawrence in the village of Priddy.

I can’t resist a church site so I had been wanted to visit these barrows for quite a while. There are two barrows near the church. Worth a look.

The first is 130m west of the church, next to a football pitch. It can be easily seen as a large grass covered mound from a metal field gate which gives access to the field.

E.H. state:
The barrow mound is 24m in diameter and 2m high.

The second barrow is 25m north of the church. It can be seen over the hedge at the back of the church. There was a handy compost heap to stand on! The barrow was covered in long grass and several sheep.

E.H. state:
The barrow is known as Priddy Glebe Barrow. It is 25m in diameter and 1.5m high. The barrow was partially excavated in 1894 by the Rev T Palmer, then vicar of the parish of Priddy. Finds from the site included a bronze knife, a bronze awl and some worked flints – now in Wells Museum.

Visited 25.4.14

Directions:
From Draycott on the A371 take the minor road north-east towards Priddy.
The barrows are to the west and east of the farm on either side of the road.

The barrows which can be seen from the road are no more than slight ‘bumps’ in the fields.

Not worth going out of your way for.

The O/S reference for the other barrows are:
ST49419 51291 ST51036 51629 ST50742 52157 ST50252 51353

Visited 25.4.14

Directions:
South-east of Priddy

Yet another grass covered mound

E.H. state:
The barrow mound is 22m in diameter and 1m high. The barrow was partially excavated by BM Skinner in 1816. Finds included a cremation burial, a flint arrowhead and charcoal fragments 0.6m from the top of the mound.

Visited 25.4.14

Directions:
North-west of Priddy on the northern side of the B3135

There are three barrows close by each other along the northen side of the road. All three can be seen as grass covered mounds.

The most western of the three:

E.H. state:
A barrow mound 17m in diameter and 1m high. A slight central depression may mark a previous excavation although no details are known.

The two a little to the east:

E.H state:
Bowl barrow 70m northwest of Hill View. The barrow mound is 22m in diameter and c.2.5m high at its highest point. ST 52180 52320

Bowl barrow 90m northeast of Hill View. The barrow mound is 18m in diameter and c.2m high at its highest point. ST 52299 52388

Don’t go out of your way.

Visited 24.5.14

Directions:
1km west of the King Down Farm Barrows.
Where the road forks for the B3135/B3371.

All that can be seen is a grass covered mound.

E.H. state:
A bowl barrow located on level ground 400m southeast of Wellington Farm. It is visible as a mound 18m in diameter and 10 high. The site is thought to be that which was partially excavated by A. Shelly in 1904. Finds from the excavation included two amber beads and a flint arrowhead.

Visited 24.5.14

Directions:
On the B3371, at the junction south of the hamlet of Charterhouse – either side of the crossroads.

My O/S map shows five Barrows here – three west of the crossroads and two on the eastern side. You cannot see the three to the west from the road but you can see the other two.

The Barrow nearest the farm buildings is a grass covered mound.
E.H. state:
A mound 18m in diameter and 0.5m high when viewed from the south. The barrow mound has been spread by cultivation.

The Barrow a little further to the north-west of it is easy to spot and is covered in trees
E.H. state:
A mound 21m in diameter and 2.5m high. The barrow mound was planted with trees on 12.5.1937 in honour of the coronation of King George VI

Visited 24.5.14

Directions:
Just south of Dolebury Warren Hillfort; on a minor road west of the Swan Inn.
Park at the pub and walk along the muddy track opposite (alongside the beer garden). You will shortly come to a metal field gate on your right. From here the Barrow is easy to see in the field.

The Barrow is quite large – approximately 1.5m high x 15m across – and is well defined.

For some reason E.H. have nothing to say about the Barrow

Directions:
A short distance south of Tyning’s Farm Barrow cemetery. Right next to the northern side of the minor road. Access to the field is via a metal field gate.

The barrow is now a rough grass covered mound right next to the hedge / road.
The most prominent feature is a large moss covered stone sticking out of the top.
I have no idea if this is part of the barrow construction or field clearance?

E.H. state;
A bowl barrow located on sloping ground 250m south west of Ashbridge Farm. The barrow is 20m in diameter and 1m high. The southern side of the barrow has been levelled b road construction. Encroachment on the barrow by cultivation has exposed part of the stone kerb, the largest stone of which is 2m in length. The barrow was excavated in 1966 by D.J. Tomalin. Finds included a cremation burial which was later than the construction of the monument.

Visited 24.5.14

Directions:
From the village of Shipham take the minor road east towards Charterhouse.
The Barrows are next to the road when it takes a sharp left then sharp right.
An O/S map would be useful.

There are 3 Barrows on the eastern side of the road and a single Barrow on the opposite side of the road. All are grass covered mounds.

The group of 3 Barrows are prominent and easy to see – they look in good condition.
The single Barrow opposite is ploughed down and trickier to spot. It is near a stone wall.

Worth a look when in the area.

E.H. state:

The three barrows:
The barrows form part of a dispersed round barrow cemetery. The northernmost barrow is 20m x 2.5m, the central bowl barrow is 17m x 1.75m and the southernmost bowl barrow is 20m x 1.75m. All 3 barrows were partially excavated by R.F. Read in 1924 and by H. Taylor in 1932. There were finds from all 3 barrows including cremation burials, small ceramic cups, flint arrow heads, saddle querns and a spindle whorl.

Single barrow:
A barrow mound 14m in diameter x 0.25m high. The barrow has been spread by cultivation. The barrow was partially excavated by R.F. Read in 1924. Finds included a cremation burial in a cist 1.2m long by 0.8m wide. The barrow mound was constructed with a retaining kerb of limestone blocks.

Visited 24.5.14

Directions:
From Burrington (on the A368) take the B3134 south and look out for the ‘Rock of Ages’ car park (free) which has an information board and a toilet block. This will be on your left. Directly across the road is the famous rock in question. The cave is on the same side of the road as the car park, just around the bend to the south – two minute walk.

After having a look at the ‘Rock of Ages’ and standing in the ‘cleft’ to see how much shelter it provided (not much) I walked across the road and around the bend to Aveline’s Hole. This is a delight – if you like caves of course!

The cave is large enough to walk upright in although it does angle down quite steeply and it is slippery underfoot. I was surprised by how far the cave went back. Despite not taking a torch with me there was enough light (once my eyes had adjusted) to enable me to make my way right to the back of the cave. The small chamber at the back is fenced off – presumably to stop the more curious visitor from becoming stuck!

Stood at the back of the cave and looking out towards the light at the entrance you couldn’t help but try to imagine what it was like to have stayed here all those years ago.

I don’t know why the Rev. Augustus Toplady chose the cleft in the Rock of Ages to shelter from the storm when he could have walked around the corner and sheltered in the cave instead – which would have been far more sensible.

Just think, we could have had a very different hymn to sing:
‘Cave of Ages, hole for me,
Let me hide myself in thee;’

Well worth a visit when you are in the area visiting the famous Cheddar Gorge.

Visited 21.5.14

The weather was again beautiful; the chance of an early finish from work, four days rain forecast and booked in for DIY duties on the weekend. Time for a quick bit of ‘old stoning’ – while I can! I needed somewhere local to go and as I work in Newport it is only a short drive to the Roman stronghold of Caerleon. But it wasn’t the Roman remains I planned on visiting, rather the impressive Iron Age Hillfort of Lodge Wood.

Caerleon is a bit of a maze and operates a one-way system. Head past the Roman Museum and the Amphitheatre / car park. Continue past the post office then go left. Keep an eye out for Lodge Road and then Lodge Hill. At the top of the hill you will see a sign for Lodge Farm Church – you can park here. From the church there is a signposted footpath which leads to the hillfort, via a metal kissing gate.

As soon as you pass through the kissing gate and walk along the (in parts) muddy path you immediately become aware of the high bank on your right. This forms part of the outer defences.
The path continues and eventually leads you to the western entrance of the hillfort – and very impressive it is too!

Three sets of ditches/ramparts, getting progressively larger. When standing in the ditches they are way over head height. The inner rampart is at least 5m high, probably more in places. From here you can either follow a path which continues around the outer defences or you can enter the centre of the hillfort.

The whole site is overgrown with trees, bushes, nettles etc. I am sure that if the site was cleared it would afford extensive views over Caerleon and the surrounding countryside. As it is, due to the trees, views are extremely limited. When I last came here I was part of a small group who were tasked with helping to clear the site and using the cut branches to make shelters for small animals. The hillfort is now more overgrown than I remember it back then, which is a shame. The shelters are now long gone – judging by the number of fires I saw evidence of someone probably set fire to them! Speaking of which, several trees had been set alight in the centre of their trunks. Fortunately most had survived although at least one had come crashing down as a result. What is wrong with these people? Why do they do it? Haven’t they got anything better to do? I like trees and there are many large (and presumably old) specimens here. There are a couple of superb oaks to see.

Despite this, I sat and contemplated. The sun was filtering through the trees; the gentle breeze was swaying the last of the bluebells. Birdsong was all around. Several squirrels and blackbirds were scurrying through the leaves; a rabbit scampered along the path. All was well with the world. I sat and wondered what the inhabitants of the hillfort thought when they look down and saw the Roman army approach? What they feared when the mighty Legionary fortress was being built? How their lives would be forever changed by these unwelcome invaders?

It was now time to head home to pick the children up from school. I certainly felt a lot more relaxed following my visit to this pretty place. If you happen to be in Caerleon to visit the Roman remains and museum please make the effort to visit the hillfort. It is only a short drive and well worth the effort. This is one of the easiest to access hillforts you are ever likely to visit.

COFLEIN states:
‘This is a great Iron Age hillfort crowning a hill overlooking the Roman legionary settlement of Caerleon. It encloses an area of some 2.2ha, roughly 280m by 50-100m, and is defined by three lines of massive ramparts and ditches with entrances to the west and east. There is a smaller enclosure at the western end.
Excavation in 2000 indicated that the hillfort was established in the fifth century BC and that it continued in-use, with periods of abandonment and modification, into the later Roman period in the fourth century AD’.

Visited 17.5.14

Directions:
From Merthyr Tydfil follow the brown tourist signs for Brecon Mountain Railway. Once you reach the station continue north along the road until you reach the village of Pontsticill. You will see a chapel with a phone box outside – park here. Walk up through the cul-de-sac, through the gate and onto the open moorland. The cairns are a 5 minute walk to the north east.

I was on my way home after a great days ‘old stoning’ and was feeling tired. However, it was a beautiful evening and as I was in the area I couldn’t resist a quick visit to Pontsticill.

The O/S map shows four cairns in a line running north/south and all four are fairly easy to find.

The first one you come to (and the easiest to spot) is Bryn Glas cairn III.
It consists of a low mound of grey stones – easy to see in the grass.

The next two cairns are very similar – low stony mounds with spiky grass sticking out.

The most northern cairn is the ring cairn.
This is the trickiest to spot but once you get your eye in it soon becomes apparent.

This is a pretty bleak area with the only decent view being over the valley to the east.

These cairns are easy to access and worth a quick look if you happen to be enjoying a visit to the Mountain Railway.

Visited 17.5.14

Directions:
From Tredegar take the minor road north towards Mynydd Llangynidr. You will come to the village of Trefil where the road turns into a private road for quarry traffic only. Park here. Continue (on foot) along the road until you reach the point where a side road leads to the quarry itself. Come off the road and head east for the highest point. When you reach the summit the cairn will come into view.

I didn’t know about the road being private and I had planned to drive to the point where I needed to head east across the mountain. I parked at the locked metal gate and sure enough a sign stated that the gate was locked after 5pm and on weekends. Two local boys who had also parked up and were taking their mountain bikes off the roof rack told me that it was safer to park here as sometimes they lock the gate outside of these times and cars have been known to be locked in!

I had a quick chat to the boys who said they were looking for the Chartist’s Cave. They also stated that they had been told of a path which led from the quarry track directly to the cave (and therefore near the cairn). I said I would look out for it and I did feel a little jealous as they sped off on their bikes. I plodded slowly behind.
After about 1 mile I reached the point where I originally intended to park / next to the quarry track. It came as no surprise that I couldn’t see any path and instead I trudged east through the heather towards my target.

Every time I thought I had reached the high ground, another ridge would come into view. After my exertions from the morning my poor legs were starting to ache and the cairn continued to refuse to show itself. I was beginning to despair.

At this point I climbed the slope and there, right in front of me was the large cairn of grey stones – bull’s eye! It was with some relief I sat inside the shelter/cairn and had my refreshments. While I rested three mares and their foals came close by. Two were brown and the other a dappled grey. I wonder if these were the same ones Mr G saw?

I took in the scenery and smiled as I watched the two boys I had chatted to earlier struggle through the heather towards me whilst carrying their bikes.
Perhaps visiting on foot wasn’t such a bad idea after all?
The boys had been over to the cave and upon seeing me came over to the cairn. They asked me what I knew about the site and explained as much as I knew. It was nice that two of the younger generation took such an interest – there is hope yet!

The boys asked which way I had come and when I told them they were surprised that I hadn’t taken the path they had told me about.
‘What path?’ I asked ‘I didn’t see path’.
‘It’s not easy to spot from the road’ they replied ‘but it is more obvious when you get out onto the common’.
I took their word for it.

We said our goodbyes, they headed for home and I headed for the Chartist’s Cave.
When visiting the cairn it is well worth the short walk over to the cave. It is not far but you cannot see the cave from the cairn as it is down in a hollow. The cave had an information sign on the wall and is fairly large. It looked a bit like a grotto with ferns growning down from the walls – quite pretty really. I am sure the ancients would have made use of this cave for something or other.

From here I visited the nearby smaller cairn.
COFLEIN has this cairn recorded as Llangynidr West IV –
‘The circular cairn is constructed of small easily-portable stones forming a dense pile and measures 10m by 10m and 2m high. Original cairn possibly altered to make a shelter with an entrance on the southwest side’.

On the way back to the car I spotted a group of ramblers heading the same way. I decided to follow them. To my surprise (and delight) they had found the ‘path’ which the boys had told me about and led straight to the quarry track! I was pretty knackered by the time I got back to the car – the heat and walking were taking their toll.

It was mainly due to Mr G’s field notes that prompted my visit to Mynydd Llangynidr.
I am glad I did. Not sure my legs would agree though!

Visited 17.5.14

From the Coedcae’r Gwarthog cairns I headed south to the ring cairn. The stony circuit of the cairn can be seen from a fair distance so finding the cairn was straight forward.

Upon reaching the cairn the first thing you notice are the lines of stones laid out across the centre. It reminded me of the spokes on a wheel.

I sat and pondered and enjoyed the view.

I am currently reading a book by the late, great Alfred Wainwright and there is a quote in there that seemed apt at this time:

‘The fleeting hour of life of those who love the hills is quickly spent, but the hills are eternal. Always there will be the lonely ridge, the dancing beck, the silent forest; always there will be the exhilaration of the summits. These are for the seeking, and those who seek and find while there is still time will be blessed both in mind and body.‘
A Wainwright

I am sure we can all relate to this.
In particular the TMA ‘mountain men’ – Mr G, Postie, TSC etc.
This is why they do what they do.
I am grateful for the few opportunities I get.

COFLEIN states:
‘A ring cairn consisting of a swath of stones around a slightly raised interior. No evidence of a cist. Approx 15m in diameter x 0.6m in height. Modern linear pattern in centre’.

Visited 17.5.14

From Darren Fach Ring Cairn I continued south and headed for the trig point which can be seen from the ring cairn. The ground leading to the cairns was boggy, despite the fine weather, and in wet weather I imagine it would be very wet.

The weather was getting warmer; the sheep sheltering amongst the rocks and crags, out of the sun, as best they could. The air was clear and I could see for miles in all directions – the high peaks of the Beacons being particularly alluring.

I entered the walkers’ shelter built into the larger of the two cairns and discovered an empty tin of luncheon meat. I decided that this wasn’t an ‘offering’ and put it in my bag to take back to the car. I am sure the sharp edges of the tin could have caused injury.

It was so warm in the shelter, out of the wind, that I went back outside to cool down.
The views are indeed fine. The only blots on the landscape being Merthyr Tydfil and some wind turbines on the distant hills.

After a while I headed back down the steep slope towards the car. I passed a large rock outcrop which some Muppet had sprayed their name in green paint – at least it wasn’t the cairn that had been vandalised.

I ended up on a 4x4 track which led back to the point I had started my ascent. But this time it came to the gate on the right and not the gate on the left I had started from.

All in all my visit to Cilsanws Mountain had been a great success and I was very pleased that I had finally visited these cairns.
Well worth the effort if you are able to do so.

Visited 17.5.14

A second successive day where I get a ‘pass’ to go out ‘old stoning’ for the day – yippee!

The cairns on Cilsanws Mountain have been on my ‘hit list’ for a long time.
Every time I drove up the A470 heading towards Brecon I would think of them but I must admit the sight of the scree and rocky cliff faces would always make me think twice. It did look really steep and perhaps a little dangerous? It certainly looked a difficult place to access. However, after re-reading Postie’s fieldnotes I decided today was the day to go for it!

I parked in the lay-by near Llwyn-on village, crossed the road and headed up hill over the gate on the left as recommended by Postie.
It was a hard, 20 minute slog up hill, over a couple of gates. I huffed and puffed my way to the top. As I rapidly approach the ripe old age of 50 one thing is for sure – any plans I may have to visit mountain-top sites will need to be carried out sooner rather than later!

The sun was warm on my back, the breeze helping to keep me cool. Pity I had left my water bottle in the car! As I reached the summit I sat on the grass and viewed the surroundings to get my bearings. By chance I had come out right next to the Coedcae’r Gwarthog cairns – result!

Although my O/S map showed 4 cairns along the summit I could only spot 3 of them for certain. All three are easy to spot – grass mounds with stones poking through the surface – in a line along the ridge.

Although you need to be reasonably fit and mobile to visit this site (it is a steep climb) it was far easier to access than I imagined it would be and was well worth the effort.

Visited 16.5.14

‘Save the best to last’ as they say – and I certainly did.

I hadn’t planned on re-visiting the mighty Carn Llechart but as I was driving past the temptation proved too much. As before I parked up near the yellow grit bin and headed across the moorland towards the stones. Despite not having visited this site for a few years I had no problem finding it. Isn’t it funny how you can return to site years later and remember exactly how to get to it and at the same time be unable to remember where you just left your ‘phone / pen / cup of tea etc!

The place is just how I remembered it. This has to be in the top 10 sites in South Wales. It is fantastic. If you have never visited please try to do so – you are in for a treat. The weather was beautiful and I happily sat down with my back against one of the stones to have my lunch. In front of me was the large cist (bigger than I remembered) and beyond that fine views into the distance. The only sound was of birdsong and the occasional bleating of lambs – bliss!

I could have stayed here all day but I knew before long I would have to start the journey home to pick the children up from school and return to the ‘normal’ world. I stayed until the last possible moment before leaving with a heavy heart.

One thing of possible concern was the tractor / 4x4 tracks running very close to the stones. Very close indeed. The other thing was the kitchen units dumped next to the stone wall alongside the track leading back to the car. Why do people go to all the effort to dump things way out here when it would be far easier to take to a council dump? Still, I suppose it wouldn’t be a South Wales site with some rubbish being dumped in/next to it. I continue to despair……………

Visited 16.5.14

Directions:
From Carn Llechart continue north-west along the minor road. Continue through the crossroads and you will shortly see a tarmac track on your left leading to a farm. There is room to park here. Walk down the track and you will see a ‘path’ on your left (south). Walk along the path and at the point it crosses a stream and turns, continue walking straight up the slope. The cairn is at the top of the incline. Not visible from the path. It is only a 5 minute walk.

As you walk down the track you will see the cairn ahead of you.

Although the cairns I had visited earlier in the day had been disappointing, this more than made up for it. What a cracking cairn – small but perfectly formed!

There is a ring of stones on the outside and a stone filled cist in the middle. The site has obviously been dug into at some point in the past. What looks like the capstone is now earth fast and lies to one side – approximately 1m x 0.5m – covered in lichen.
I sat on the possible capstone to write these notes.

When visiting Carn Llechart, this is well worth the minor detour to view.

Visited 16.5.14

Directions:
In the village of Rhos on the A474 halfway between Neath and Pontardawe.
Driving north into Rhos you will see the Ebenezer Chapel on your right – park here. Walk to the side the chapel and into the graveyard. In the left back corner of the graveyard there is a ‘path’ going through the trees – you come out onto the edge of a sports field and a brick built building (changing rooms?). To the right of this is a rough field of marshy ground with spiky grass. Enter this field and then cross over the barbed wire fence to the field on your left. This (also marshy) field is where you will find the standing stones hidden amongst the spiky grass.

I had to take the day off work in order to do the ‘school run’ but on the plus side this did mean I had several hours to myself to be able to do a bit of ‘old stoning’!
After the madness of dropping the children off it was with great relief that I was able to hit the road and head out into the countryside. The sun was shining, the birds were singing – bliss! My first port of call was the standing stones in Rhos.

Despite the dry weather the fields were still bogy and I imagine in wet weather it would be a ‘wellies job’. However, the weather today was glorious and it was nice to see the pretty butterflies fluttering in the long grass.

The stones are quite difficult to spot. Head for the field bank on the left and then follow it north. You will see the first stone hidden in the spiky grass on your right about 15 metres away from the bank. It is squarish in shape and covered in moss.
COFLEIN records the stone as being 0.8m by 0.5m and 0.5m high

The second stone is embedded in the other side of the bank. There is a barbed wire fence running along the top of the bank and you will need to cross over it for a proper look. This is another (very similar) squarish stone although this time is covered in pretty orange lichen. It is next to the field drainage ditch.
COFLEIN records the stone as being 0.6m by 0.45m and 0.7m high.

Before visiting the stones I was surprised that no TMAer appears to have previously paid them a visit? Following my visit it is perhaps not that surprising!

One for the keen only.

Failed visit 16.5.14

Directions:
When you reach Rhyd-Y-Fro on the A474 take the first turning on the right (just past the turning on the left you would take to visit Carn Llechart). The road is very narrow, very steep and has no passing places! The cairn is next to this road further north.

You eventually reach a house where the road is blocked by a locked gate.
The only place to park would be in the house’s parking space.

I hadn’t expected this and didn’t have time to make the long walk north to reach the cairn – which may, or may not be prehistoric in origin.

There was just enough room to do a 3 point turn and trundle back down the hill.

COFLEIN states:
‘A perplexing monument, perhaps best described as a cairn. Described in 1819 as ‘three concentric circles of flat stones’ with a cist at the centre. In 1899 as a circle of 15-22 stones, enclosing traces of an inner ring, and finally a cairn. The description of the ‘filling-up’ of the monument with large pebbles from the common, in 1819, sounds uncannily like cairn construction and it is tempting to classify this as a 19thC ritual monument. There are clear traces of robbing/excavation at the centre of the cairn’.

Visited 16.5.14

Directions:
From Carn Llechart continue north-west along the minor road. Continue through the crossroads until you see a converted church (with graveyard) on your left. The cairn is right next to the road at this point.

The cairn is no more than a very low ‘bump’.

Don’t bother.

Visited 16.5.14

Directions:
From Pontardawe take the minor road west out onto Mynydd Gellionnen.
Follow the little brown signs for Gellionnen church. The Cairns are on top of the mountain shortly before you arrive at the church.
Look out for the very rough parking area with information board.

I parked in the parking area (trying to be as kind as possible to the suspension) and went over to look at the info board. Lots about flora and fauna but nothing of a prehistoric nature.

Immediately opposite the info board (the other side of the road) is the southern of the two cairns. It is little more than a very low, gorse covered stony mound. To be honest if you weren’t specifically looking for it you wouldn’t know it was there.
However, I was and I did! The outline of the cist can just about be made out. A small gorse bush is growing out of the centre of it. I hate gorse.

The northern cairn is back across the road, through the parking area and up the hill. The cairn is not at the summit but on the higher part of the southern slope. There is a ‘path’ leading up the hill. The cairn is to the left (west) of the ‘path’.
It was a pleasant walk up the hill in the warm sunshine. A cuckoo was doing its thing in the distance. There are good views to be had. In the far distance Mumbles Head could be seen. I bird of prey was hovering overhead. The nearby white walled church and adjacent graveyard continues the traditions of our ancestors in this place.
All in all, not a bad place to be laid to rest.

As for the cairn, it is a fairly large, low stony mound covered with rhododendrons
(better than the evil gorse I suppose!).
So spotting it is made rather easier. I wonder who planted them here? And why?

On a day like today this is quite a pretty place to come but one for the keen only I would say.

Failed visit 16.5.14

Directions:
From Junction 42 of the M4 take the B4290 north (via the A483).
The Cairns are to the west of this road; the other side of trees, up a very steep slope.

I headed up the B4290 and thought my luck was in. Just about where I wanted to park was a large lay-by. There was also a convenient hole in the fence and I started to make my way up the steep slope. However, I didn’t get very far!

The brambles at the bottom of the slope were quite short and, even in shorts; I was able to navigate my way through them. As I ventured up the slope the brambles got bigger and were soon chest height – no chance of access this way.

I returned to the car and continued up the B4290.
However, there were no other parking places to be had and the road was surprisingly busy.

Probably the best way to visit would be via Gelli-bwch Farm to the north.

There is no public access to the Cairns and therefore permission should be sought.