Visited 6.4.16
Directions:
Along rough, narrow country lanes north of the A5104, about half way between Bryneglwys and Llandegla.
Two low grass ‘bumps’ in a field. Not one to go out of your way for.
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Visited 5.4.16
Directions:
When driving out of Criccieth (east bound) park in the large car park at the top of the hill. You can actually see the burial chamber from here. You can then either walk back down the hill and follow the Public Footpath sign or climb over the metal field gate next to the car park. Either way it is only a short (if somewhat muddy) walk to the site.
The burial chamber was a lot smaller than I was expecting and quite ruined (although I have been to a lot worse!). The capstone is now only half upright and the stones are covered in white and yellow
There are great views over to Criccieth Castle (CADW) and the Snowdonia Mountains. I wonder how many people visit the castle and are awe struck by how old it is? I imagine the vast majority of those same people are oblivious of this much more ancient site. It’s a pity there isn’t an info board about the burial chamber at this obviously popular car park.
Well worth visiting when in the area.
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A view from the road 4.4.16
We approached the pool from the south and it is easy enough to see from the road. In fact you would be hard pushed to miss it. It is very large – bigger than I expected. Despite the drizzle the pool was very calm (unlike the children in the car!). No sign of any ducks or swans. Perhaps it is too early in the year?
Nice place.
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‘Drive by’ 4.4.16
A grass covered mound surmounted by several trees right next to the road.
Easy to see when passing along the A44 (south side of)
Not much to add really.
COFLEIN state:
An oval barrow, 21-25m in diameter and 1.6m high, thought to have been originally circular.
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‘Drive by’ 4.4.16
Another grass covered mound surmounted by several trees right next to the road.
Easy to see when passing along the A44 (south side of)
COFLEIN state:
A round barrow, 23m in diameter and 1.6m high.
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Visited 4.4.16
I do enjoy visiting old churches and associated graveyards; all the more so if there is something interesting and/or prehistoric to see. Old Radnor church certainly does not disappoint. As it was raining Karen and the children stayed in the car as I walked up into the graveyard and headed straight for the grave of Herbert Edmund 1846? who decided to have a ‘standing stone type’ headstone. In fact at first I thought it was a standing stone! No doubt an antiquarian would describe this as a ‘rude stone’! The grass was long and very wet but it was worth getting wet boots for.
I then entered the church to seek out the pre-Norman font. It is very large with four feet and made from a single block of stone. The church also boasts a superb wooden screen and a huge organ which has a stone Green Man carved head next to in on a corbel. I was able to pick up a booklet on the history of the church and two colour postcards (one of the font). The usual honesty box rules apply. This is a great church to visit and I highly recommend doing so when visiting the nearby stone circle.
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‘Drive By’ 4.4.2016
The stone can be easily seen in the middle of a field on the south side of the B4355.
From a distance it looked like a large rounded boulder.
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‘Drive By’ 4.4.16
Easily seen as a grass covered mound on the northern side of the B4355.
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‘Drive By’ 4.4.16
Easily seen as a grass covered mound on the northern side of the B4355. Looked larger than the nearby Pennant barrow.
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Visited 4.4.16
You know when you have visited a site and you think to yourself ‘I must come back here again one day’ – well, this was such a site for me.
As I have said before – I like an old church site – and I was disappointed on my last visit that I didn’t have time for a proper look around to see if I could see any evidence of the stones previously reported.
I started at the church but (again) it was locked. I wandered around the graveyard and took a particular interest in the clearly very old yew trees which form a semi-circle around the church.
To my delight next to the last but one tree (furthest away from the gate) I spotted a fallen stone. One side of the trunk of the yew had rotted away and lying on the ground where the trunk would have been was a pointy stone approximately 1m long.
Was this the stone said to be embedded in the hollow of a yew tree? I don’t know for certain but it’s a nice thought. I couldn’t see any other stones lying around and it is certainly possible that this stone fell out of the tree when the trunk rotted.
Glad I cam back :)?
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Visited 5.4.2016
In the village of Pentrefelin on the right hand side of the A497 when heading east.
Best place to park is a side road opposite the stone – parking on the A497 is not recommended!
The stone is very tall and narrow and ‘square like’. It has white lichen on it.
It always amazes me how standing stones manage to survive in built up areas. This is a very fine stone and well worth seeking out when in the vicinity.
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‘Drive by’ 4.4.2016
The Hindwell Ash barrow is easily visible on the western side of the minor road which runs past it. It is in line with a hedgerow. I think it had a small tree growing out of it.
My memory isn’t what it was! :)
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Visited 7.4.2016
Directions:
A short distance south west of Pant Clyd cairn off the A494. On private land owned by Dolddeuli Farm. Right up against the disused railway embankment.
I had previously attempted to visit this stone a couple of times over the years but could never find the right turn off. Driving slowly along the busy A494 looking for a small turning is not as easy as it sounds! However, it was early evening in early Spring and I had the chance of a lift in a transit van so I was hopeful that this year I would succeed. Succeed I did but it was still not that easy………..
It took a while to find the correct turning, much looking at map and scratching of head required. Once we identified the turning and drove up the narrow lane under what would have been a railway bridge I still couldn’t see the stone. I expected it to come into view immediately to my right but the farm house and out buildings put a stop to that. We continued along the lane past the farm and uphill into woodland. I peered across the fields next to the farm but still couldn’t spot the stone. We turned around and drove back to the farm.
We pulled up outside and the farmer (who viewed us with much suspicion) came out to meet us. (I can’t say I blame him as we were strangers driving around back lanes in a transit van – there is a lot of countryside crime). I showed him my map and explained what I was looking for. He didn’t seem convinced. I kept up the chatter and he said the stone could be viewed from the lane we had just driven along but there was no access to it as it is on private land – his!
At this point I said I would walk up the lane behind his form and try to spot the stone from there as it was something I had wanted to see for some time. At this point his demure started to change and he said that if I was that keen to see the stone he would escort me to the stone through the farm yard. We headed past the buildings and barking dogs and out into the field beyond – which had several sheep in it. The stone (at last) soon came into sight. It is in a square fenced area built into the side of the railway embankment – no wonder I couldn’t see it! The stone is approximately 5ft high x 3ft wide x 1.5ft deep. Squared off in shape. It was covered in green, white and orange lichen – quite pretty really.
Upon complimenting him on ‘his’ fine stone he became more friendly and chatty. He told me that years ago his uncle owned the farm and had dug to the bottom of the stone to see if anything was there? He reported that the stone was in the ground to a depth of about 2ft but he could find nothing buried beneath it. He also said that there was another standing stone built into a dry stone wall on the hillside to the north east which lines up with this stone. He said the other stone doesn’t appear on any map but it is there. (He also built dry stone walls for a living) When he took over the farm the stone was totally grown over but he cleared away the vegetation.
An amusing tale he told me was his late uncle never had to buy any coal for the fire as he came up with the idea of placing a bottle on top of the stone. Apparently when the railway was in use bored rail workers used to throw lumps of coal at the bottle to try to hit it. Each evening he would go out with a bucket and collect the coal for the fire. If they actually managed to knock the bottle off his simply put it back on top of the stone ready for the next day! This all came to an end with the Beeching rail closures.
He said he still used the stone to train his sheep dogs. The small enclosure the stone stands in was just right for shepherding the sheep into and also for training the dog to manoeuvre the sheep around the stone. The sheep also use the stone as a rubbing post and keep the grass trim around it.
We headed back to the van and he recalled many stories of historical ‘finds’ discovered over the years by farmers around the nearby hills and valleys. We parted on very good terms, something which didn’t seem likely when I first arrived!
If you do plan a visit I suggest you either try to view from the lane behind the farm or ask permission. This is not a place where a ‘sneak visit’ would be advised.
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Directions:
Next to Pant Clyd Farm – off the A494 – south west of Llyn Tegid (Bala Lake)
‘Drive by’ 7.4.2016
The cairn is situated in a field next to the farm house. For a close-up look you will need to ask permission from the landowner but the cairn is visible from the road if you are in a ‘high up’ vehicle – 4x4 etc. I was having a lift in a transit van so was able to see over the hedge. I have previously failed to spot the cairn when driving past in my car due to said hedge. There is nowhere to park other than at the farm.
The cairn is visible as a low stony mound with a large tree growing out of its northern edge. I would estimate the cairn is approximately 1m high x 10m across. But this was viewed from a distance whilst driving as slow as possible along a busy road so my measurements may not be that accurate!
Strangely COFLEIN has no comment to make although the cairn is marked on the O/S map.
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Visited 3.4.16
If anything it was even windier here - I didn't think that was possible! As with Pen Y Fan the cairn has been 'tidied up' and (again as per Pen Y Fan) people were queueing up to have their photos taken on top of it.
It was now getting even colder - time to get back to the shelter of the valley below. Hopefully next time I come I will actually be able to see something!
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Visited 3.4.16
'Let's do a team building exercise' - not something you would want to hear in work (and certainly not something I normally approve of) but on this occassion the 'exercise' was to walk up Pen-Y-Fan. Sounded good to me. No only would I get to visit a site which has been on my list for too long but I also score 'Brownie Points' with my manager!
I took Dafydd and Sophie with me to make it a bit of a familly event as well. The weather wasn't great but at least it was forecast dry(ish). We met at the car park and headed out across the small wooden bridge and uo the long path. There were lots of people about and the car park and grass verges were full.
All was fine until we got about 3/4 of the way up and could see the summit was lost in cloud! As we neared the top the wind became very strong and the temperature dropped. It also started to hail! Sophie was finding it hard going and soon was wearing two sets of gloves and two coats. I also had to part carry her as she was getting tired, cold and miserable. Dafydd on the other hand took it all in his stride.
Upon reaching the cairn we were engulfed in cloud and could only see about 20m in any direction. No views at all of the surrounding countryside - just a blanket of grey. Sophie was happy at last when she found a few patches of snow to play with.
WE didn't hang around too long and my boss decided to go back down via Corn Du - another idea I approved of! This is a place I will definitely re-visit - but on a nicer day! :)
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Visited 26.3.16
Easily spotted south of the B3055 - a short distance west of the Hatchet Pond Barrow. The previous excavation of this barrow has left it well mangled.
E.H. state:
This monument includes a round barrow situated on lowland heath. The barrow mound, which was partially excavated during the winter of l941/2, measures 29m in diameter and 1.7m high. It was constructed of turves and gravel and is surrounded by a 2.3m wide ditch from which the mound material was quarried during construction. This ditch now survives as a 3m wide and 0.25m deep earthwork. No burial was found, the only find of note being an amber necklace.
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Visited 26.3.16
Easily spooted south of the B3055.
Another barrow covered in gorse.
Immediately east of the barrow is an earthwork consisting of a low bank and ditch. No idea how old this is?
E.H. state:
This monument includes a bowl barrow situated on lowland heath. The barrow mound is relatively flat topped and measures 25m in diameter and stands up to 0.7m high. A slight hollow in the mound centre suggests previous robbing or early exploration of the site. Although no longer visible at ground level, a ditch, from which material was quarried during construction of the monument, surrounds the barrow mound. This has become infilled over the years but survives as a buried feature c.2m wide. This monument is one of a widely scattered group of round barrows situated on Beaulieu Heath.
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Visited 26.3.2016.
Both barrows are easy to spot from the road but are both covered y the dreaded gorse.
E. H. state:
This monument includes two bell barrows situated on lowland heath. The southern barrow mound measures 16m in diameter and stands up to 1.4m high. Surrounding the mound is a level berm or platform, surviving to an average width of 2.2m, a ditch, from which material was quarried during the construction of the barrow, and an outer bank. The ditch has become partly infilled over the years, but survives as a slight earthwork 2m wide and 0.8m deep; the bank is 2.7m wide and 0.4m high. The overall diameter of this barrow is 35m. The northern barrow mound measures 14m in diameter and stands up to 1.5m high. Surrounding the mound is a berm, which has an average width of 1m, a ditch, which is 2m wide and 0.5m deep, and an outer bank 3.5m wide and 0.4m high. The overall diameter of this barrow is 33m. Both barrow mounds have evidence for partial excavation or robbing in the form of a slight hollow in the mound centre.
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Visited 25.3.16
My last site of the day which again ended in disappointment. My old O/S map shows two barrows - the most up to date now only shows one. Again E.H. have nothing to say about it.
In short I couldn't see any trace of it. The field was in short crop of some sort and I suspect this barrow has now been completely ploughed out?
I did intend to visit the barrows in Bishop's Waltham (which seem to be in good nick) but by now the others had had enoug and wanted to get food and get to the hotel. Although disappointed I can't really complain as it had been a long day and we were all getting tired.
Perhaps I will have better luck tomorrow?
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Visited 25.3.16
My 1974 O.S. map (that's what you get from buying maps from charity shops!) shows 5 barrows in the vicinity of Brockwood Park. The latest E.H. map now sadly only shows one barrow but has nothing to say about it.
The area where the barrow is shown is covered with trees and I am not sure I could see it. There is one obvious small 'mound' with a tree growing on top of it but this could just be a mound created by the tree's roots?
Not one to recommend.
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Visited 25.3.16
Unlike UncleRob I couldn't make out any trace of these barrows. They are either very low or completely ploughed out since UncleRob's visit?
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Visited 25.3.16
It was the first chance I had to get 'out and about' this year and I took the chance to knock off a few English Heritage sites in the Winchester / Southampton area. On my way to one such site I had chance for a quick visit to Oliver's Battery.
Finding the site is easy enough - a road runs right through it - and a handy car park is at its western edge. The whole site is overgrown wth trees and brambles etc. It would have taken a lot longer for a proper visit than I had time for but I was able to spot the curving edge of the bank next to the car park. Although overgrown it is about 0.5m in height and not difficult to spot.
Given the site is so easy to visit I am surprised these are the first field notes?
Worth a look when in the area.
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Visited 13.10.2015
Like many of us (of a certain generation) I grew up with Jeff Wayne’s War of the Worlds. I loved this album (still do) and can well remember when it first came out listening to it at night and being too scared to get out of bed to turn the record over! Despite this it is still one of my top 3 albums of all time. Anyway, this is the background of why I had wanted to visit Woking (home of HG Wells) and Horsell common (where the Martians land) for so long.
After seeing the Martian ‘street art’ in Woking town centre it was only a short drive out to the common. A convenient car park is situated next to Brittania Wharf office complex. In the car park is a detailed map showing where the 3 barrows are and information on the objects found during excavations.
The first barrow is next to the sign / adjacent to Brittania Wharf. Despite this the barrow isn’t obvious as it is covered by ferns, brambles and trees of various kinds including oak and holly. Once to get to the top you can make out the barrow a bit better. It is quite large and stands approximately 1.5m high. As I rummaged around in the undergrowth I became aware of several people looking at me from the offices, no doubt wondering what I was up to?!
I then crossed the road and followed the ‘path’ through the trees. The first area you come to is (unfortunately) very litter strewn with cans, bottles, plastic bags etc and evidence of fires. No doubt this is where the local youth spend their summer evenings! The ‘path’ then disappears as the area behind this is very overgrown. Going by the map in the car park this should be the location of a disc barrow but I couldn’t see any trace of it. It must be very low and hidden by the vegetation. I probably waked right past without realizing it although I did have a good look.
I skirted around the ‘wall of vegetation’ and re-joined up with the path the other side. The path was now obvious and was bordered by horizontal wooden posts. The common also opened up with open heath surrounded by trees on all sides. The main barrow soon came into view and is easily seen to the right of the main path. A smaller path crosses the top of it. The barrow has clearly been dug into but otherwise is in pretty good condition. Despite not being overly big you get a surprisingly good elevated view over the common from the top of it.
The sun was shining, the air was still. Not much in the way of bird song but a lovely autumnal day to be out and about. It was a 300 miles round trip to visit Horsell Common. Most people think I am mad (I probably am!) but it felt so good to finally this place which holds a lot of associated memories for me. Horsell common and the barrows are worth visiting if you happen to be in the area but perhaps not worth driving 300 miles for!
No sign of any Martians. I have been told the chances of anything coming from Mars are a million to one. But still, they come………......
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Visited 1.10.15
Our last site of the day. What a great place to finish at the end of a long but highly rewarding day out in the mighty Brecon Beacons.
This is one of those sites that I had been longing to return to for a number of years - ever since my original visit in fact. A lot of water has flowed under the bridge in that time!
We parked at the end of the road / start of the track and I pointed out to Danielle the nearby cairn with the trig point on top. We then walked along the track, chatting about all things historic /prehistoric and enjoyed the views. The bright sun caused the water in the reservoir to sparkle and shine. It was only the cold breeze which stopped you from thinking it was the middle of summer.
We first headed for the Roman Camp works and then out across the moor to the stone circles. Despite having been here before it still took me a little time to re-fing the circles. The stones are only small and the ground undulating with many tufts of 'spiky grass' to block the view. But find the circles we did and soon settled down for a small picnic my sister had kindly prepared for us (thank's Lisa!).
I then noticed that one of the stones had fallen. I was able to re-errect it and temporarily pack it with a couple of stones I found. It did the job for now but a proper re-packing will be required for the long term.
As we munched out rolls (or cobs as we say in this part of the world) a couple of red kites hovered high overhead in the thermals. All was quiet except for the bleet of the nearby newly sheared sheep. As with every other place we visited today we had the place to ourselves. We sat and ate and drank and took in the fine views to the north. We sat quietly and tried to take it all in. For me at least, there is no better way to de-stress from the trials and tribulations of everyday life.
It had been an excellent day's 'old stoning'. I am pleased to report that Danielle enjoyed her day as much as me and is looking forward to our next 'adventure' - as she calls it. I may have mentioned Avebury...................
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Visited 1.10.15.
A visit to Maen Llia is an obvious stop-off when showing someone the prehistoric highlights of this part of the Brecon Beacons. After reading Cerrig's notes on the damage recently caused I was fearing the worst.
To my pleasant surprise and relief I couldn't see anything obvious. In fact, at first, I couldn't see any damage at all. I then saw the initials T D chiseled into the stone (the side opposite the road) but (thankfully) these are small and looked old to me. They certainly didn't look fresh, nor was I able to see any others. Perhaps the sun was at the wrong angle?
Ironically enough Danielle was quite taken be the carved initials G Hay 1869? on the other side of the stone. She liked the quality of the 'work'. It has to be said it is well done. However, that was then, this is now. No defacing (however well done or not) is excusable in this day and age. I hope the initials I saw are the ones Cerrig reported and that I haven't somehow missed something much more serious.
Maen Llia is an outstanding stone and one of the gems of prehistoric South Wales. I just wish everyone had as much appreciation for it as we do. At least we now have one new member of the Maen Llia appreciation club!
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Visited 1.10.15
Next stop of the tour led us to Maen Madoc, an impressive stone which is well worth the walk.
Thanks to the recent fine weather most of the track leading to the stone was dry (a first for me) - no need for the wellies I wore then!
When we arrived at the stone the sun was in the perfect place in order to see the Latin inscription. The sun cast a shadow across the letters and it was really easy to make them out. Far easier than my previous visitis.
The sun was shining brightly, the sky a deep blue and a near full moon was also on display. The wind had eased and the temperature was warming up nicely.
Danielle was pretty much 'blown away' with the size of the stone and its inscription. A definite win-win. When passing (to visit the nearby Maen Llia) make sure you take the time to visit Maen Madoc. You won't be disappointed.
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Visited 1.10.15
The second stop-off on my mini tour of Brecon sites with my niece. When I tried to find this cairn 5 years ago I failed due to the trees. This time, as mattbotwood informed, the trees have been 'harvested' and the cairn is easily see from the road running past it. I can now see that the last time I visited I was looking in the wrong part of the plantation - no wonder I didn't find it!
There was no forestry work going on, the trees are all gone and only large piles of stacked timber remain. We parked on the grass verge and carefully picked our way through the sawn tree trunks and branches.
We soon reached this large cairn of grey stones which has a large hole in the centre where it has previously been dug into. I climbed right to the bottom (a fair drop) to look for any signs of a cist but couldn't see any. This is a fine (if mangled) cairn and well worth a visit. I am glad to have finally seen it.
I noticed that when the trees were growing thay had been planted in a circle around the cairn to protect it. Hopefully the same will be true when they plant the next generation of trees?
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Visited 1.10.15
The beautiful weather this week had given me 'itchy feet' and I was desperate to take advantage of it. A day off work and here I was, back up the Brecon Beacons for the first time in many months.
This time I had my neice for company as she is very keen on history/prehistory and also managed to get the day off. She had only previously been to a couple of prehistoric sites so I thought I would treat her to a day out up the Beacons.
The first port of call was Cefn Sychbant Cairn. Easily found and easily accessed. The recent dry spell of weather had made the ground pretty dry underfoot and we crossed the moor from the road without difficulty or wet feet.
The hill cloud had not as yet lifted and the breeze was cold. Danielle was suitably impressed by the cairn and I did my best to describe what it was, when and how it was built etc. This was Danielle's first ever cairn - not a bad one start off on!
The only down side was the amount of rubbish along the side of the road. The usual stuff - plastic bottles, beer cans, wrappers etc. I filled a bag to take home with me but there was still a lot left behind. What's wrong with these people? They don't realise how lucky they are to have the wonderful Brecon Beacons on their doorstep. At least there was no litter at the cairn - couldn't throw it that far no doubt :(
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Visited 19.9.2015
No, it wasn't the equinox but as close as I could get as I am in work tomorrow and the weather forecast for today wasn't great. In fact it was 50/50 for yesterday but for once the weather gods were smiling.
I awoke at 6.00am to a grey morning but with most of the sky clear of any obvious cloud. I had wanted to see if my theory that the burial chamber lined up with the equinox was correct? I jumped into the car whilst everyone else slept and by 6.45am was stood inside the chamber.
It was very atmospheric. Low mist blanketed the surrounding fields while the sky above was becoming increasingly blue. A rabbit scurried across the field, geese noisily flew overhead and in the distance a cockeral was doing its thing. The herd of cows in the same field as the chamber came out of the mist and made their way towards me.
I scanned the horizon hoping that I would be able to see the sun clearly through the mist and any cloud. I wasn't to be disapointed. At 7.10am a bright dark orange orb rose up over the horizon and through the far trees. As it rose it changed to light orange and then a bright light too strong to look at.
I stood inside the chamber and the sun rose perfectly in line with the entrance - I was right! This was the first time I had seen the sunrise from inside a burial chamber - what a feeling!! Magnificent! It was soooooo worth getting up for..........
By now the cows had surrounded the chamber (with me inside) and one was having a good old scratch against one of the side stones. This didn't bother me as I have been in many fields with cows in so I just shooed them away when it became time to leave. Cows are nothing to be afraid of although they are large so you do need to be careful and use common sense.
On the way back to the car I bagged up a good pile of cow manure. That will do may veggie plot a bit of good next year. All in all a highly successful and rewarding morning. Something I intend to repeat at sometime. You should try it too.
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Visited 24.7.15
This is a site I had been keen to visit for a number of years. Now I am here. Was it worth the wait? Oh yes!
We parked at the parking area a little further up the hill and I hurried down towards the stone. The stone looks impressive from a distance but it is only when you get up close do you realise how tall this stone actually is.
One thing I did notice about the stone is the row of 9? finger sized holes running down the side of it. Anyone know what they are? Tiny cup marks? Someone drilling into the stone?
The setting of the stone is wonderful. The hills, the loch, islands in the distance - this place has it all.
This is a place I intend to return to one day. Hopefully that day won't be too far into the future.
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Whilst I was visiting I noticed an elderly chap on the other side of the road who appeared to have broken down. I went over to see if I could help? It turned out he was an American tourist who had visited the site the day before with his wife but had forgotten his camera. He told his wife he would make a quick solo return trip (with camera) to grab some photos. Unfortunately he succeeded in driving into the ditch and had become stuck! The police had stopped and radioed for a recovery vehicle - that was over two hours ago! I offered him a lift and some water but he said he would wait for the breakdown people. He said he was enjoying the view. I wished him well. I bet his wife wasn't so happy when he eventually arrived back at the hotel!
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Visited 24.7.15
When visiting the very nice town of Ballomory, sorry I mean Tobormory, you can't help but visit these standing stones. We parked, as before, at the pottery and I headed up the path with Sophie in tow. Dafydd decided to sit this one out.
Where the path ends and becomes a rough track it became increasingly muddy. The last time I visited this track was brilliant white with freshly laid scallop shells. Now it was quite overgrown with most of the shells hidden by grass. It didn't look like many people had been along here recently. (I noticed when I re-visited the museum on the harbor front that the stones were no longer being promoted)
We climbed up and over the wall via the very rusty steps and straight into a bog-like field. It was very, very wet and very, very muddy. Luckily Sophie had her ever present pink wellies on whilst I attempted to jump from one (relatively) 'dry spot' to the next.
At least it wasn't raining!
We soon squelched our way to the stones and admired the views. Well, I admired the views, Sophie hid behind the stones to try to keep out of the cold wind. There is no change to report on the stones since my last visit. They are still here, keeping watch. Before long it was time to go - time and tide and ferries wait for no man - or woman.
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Visited 25.7.15
As Postie says, this is only a minor player in the context of Kilmartin. Almost anywhere else it would get star billing. There are just so many things to see within the Kilmartin area. I have been here twice and only scratched the surface. You would need at least a fortnight to do it justice. Just to add that there are ferns growing in the back of the largest cist. Looks a bit like a mini grotto.Adds to the charm of the site.
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Visited 24.7.15
It was a lovely summer's evening. The low sun shone brightly over these wonderful stones. All was quiet except for birdsong and the occasional passing car in the distance. The stones had a decent covering of 'hairy lichen' and the angle of light showed the cup marks in all their glory. It is easy to take rock art for granted in Kilmartin Glen. Something we should never do of course. I hope the stones, their cup marks and secrets are with us for another couple of thousand years. I hope this glen is as beautiful then as it is now. If you have never been, make sure you visit this special place and allow as much time as possible to try to take it all in. Evening and morning visits are best as the place can get busy when the afternoon coaches arrive. Still, this place is big enough to accommodate us all - you can always find a quiet spot amongst these large and mysterious stones.
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Visited 25.7.15
Found it! Actually it was fairly easy - just look for the rough grass covered patch / slight mound. Covered in nettles on my visit. The shape of the henge could be made out by following the line of stones sticking out of the grass. The central cist was choked with nettles and brambles. The smaller cist was full of mud. As Postie says, not a great henge, but I am glad I finally got to see it all the same. :)
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Visited 25.7.15
This (along with the henge) was another site I didn't get chance to visit last time. The ground here was even wetter, parts of the field were underwater. It was like walking across a water meadow. However, this is a nice little cairn with several kerb stones still standing. Little else I can add to Postie's previous comments and observations.
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Visited 25.7.15
It was time to leave the simply wonderful Kilmartin Glen but before I do I wanted to visit Ballymeanoch Henge - something I failed to do on my previous visit.
Of course, for those who have been here, you pass the cracking Ballymeanoch standing stones along the way. Yet again I had the place to myself.
The wet weather had left the field very boggy and very wet and muddy underfoot. However, it was well worth a bit of mud on the old boots to get close up and personal with these stones. They are superb. It is hard to believe they have stood guard over this glen for so many years. Long may it continue..........
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As luck would have it I 'had' to pass the Glebe cairn to get back to the B+B - honest!
On my last visit I settled for a view from the museum cafe due to the rain. But, as we all know, that isn't the same as a proper visit. It was getting dark and I didn't have long.
I walked over the top of the cairn - not sure if this is the 'done thing' - but it seemed the natural thing to do. Just me, the sheep and a large pile of grey stones. I crossed the field in the gloom and headed up the hill to the B+B. And back to reality............
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Visited 24.7.15
For some reason I didn't get to see this fantastic site on my last visit to Kilmartin. Something I intended to put right on this visits.
And it certainly was worth the wait. Wow. What a great place - one of the best of the many excellent sites in Kilmartin Glen.
I heaved the metal hatch open and climbed down into the chamber. The cup marked cist cover is a sight to behold and the intact cist is a joy. This is a place to sit and ponder.
Which I did until my 'phone went with Karen insisting I get to the B+B immediately as the children were playing up (a common theme on this holiday) and she was pulling her hair out.
Time to go - prompt!
This is one of the many 'must see' KIlmartin sites.
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Next up Nether Largie Central.
Personally I preferred north and south.
The metal rods holding the capstone up is a bit of a turn off although it does the job it is intended to do.
Due to the lessening light I was unable to make out any carvings. I spent less time here than the other sites. You are spoilt for choice at Kilmartin.
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Visited 24.7.15
The next stop off on my solo walk around the Kilmartin sites. It was bliss to have the whole place to myself and not have the children in tow. I could stop and look and spend as long as I wanted at whatever I wanted.
The sun was getting low in the sky and the shadows were getting longer. I clambered into the cairn and looked around and marvelled and pondered - all in equal measure. This really is a great site to visit.
I noticed on a post near the cairn that this was podcast number 6. I am sure that will mean something to you hip and trendy I.T. people out there! :)
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Drive By.
This Dun is easy to spot when driving along the A83 overlooking Ronachan Bay. There is a handy car park right next to the site.
Unfortunately time constraints prevented me from a proper visit. However, the site can be seen as a flat-topped, fern covered mound. Great views.
Canmore states:
This fort, occupying the summit of an isolated rocky knoll, measures 24.5m x 18.5m within a 6.1m thick wall, now reduced to a grass-covered stony bank, not more than 1.0m high. A number of facing stones are visible in situ as shown in plan. A subsidiary crest line, traceable all round the knoll except on the W, may represent the edge of a terrace made as a seating for the outer face of the wall. The exceptional wall thickness would allow for mural chambers and galleries but no trace of such structures are now visible. The entrance is in the E. A D-shaped enclosure, formed by a low bank, and measuring 27.5m x 9m internally is situated at the base of the knoll, immediately SE of the entrance. Without excavation it is impossible to assess its relationship to the fort.
RCAHMS 1971
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Visited 26.7.15
Directions:
From the B842 take the minor road signposted Dalsmeran. Drive up the steep and narrow road, past Homeston Farm, until you reach a kink in the road at the top of the hill. The cain is (somewhere) next to the road on the left (when looking uphill).
We were staying in the lovely (and posh!) Oatfield House B+B and this site was only a short distance drive to the south. How could I not visit?
Unfortunately the site was totally overgrown with chest high ferns. I trampled about in the wet vegetation but there wasn't a hope of finding the remains of this chambered cairn.
This is definitely a site which requires a winter visit.
On the plus side there are fine views to be had as you drive back down the hill over the surrounding countryside.
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Directions:
On the road to Iona (A849) Park at the cemetery about 1 mile west of Bunessan. Go through the gate and up the steep but short hill. When you reach the top you will see the ruined, deserted buildings and the two standing stones.
The views north across Loch Na L'Athaich over to the mountains are breathtaking. We stopped of here on our way back from Iona. You should do the same.
Canmore states:
There are two standing stones on the NNE side of the barrow. One stone measures 1.1m high x 0.6m and the other 1.95m high x 0.6m. The smaller stone has a hole 0.4m from the top but this does not seem to be an ancient perforation. 1974.
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Drive-by
This fort is very easy to spot when heading down the A849 towards Iona. It is a large rock outcrop. Unfortunately I didn't have time to stop.
Canmore state:
On the summit of a rocky knoll situated 350m N of Torrans farmhouse, between the road and the shore of Loch Scridain. The remains of the Dun measures 30m x 14m. The wall of the dun is now reduced to a grass-grown band of rubble about 0.3m high. The only feature within the interior is a modern stone-walled enclosure. 1972.
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Visited 24.7.15
This standing stone is only a short distance away from the Creagantairbh stones. If visiting one stone along this beautiful valley it makes perfect sense to visit the other.
There is just about room to park on the narrow road but it is tight. Access is via a gate and then up a rough track. The stone is quite close to a farm house but I never saw anyone at home so it wasn't a problem.
The stone is 2m high and covered with moss.
The cairn next to the stone consists of an overgrown mound of 'spiky' grass. There are many stones sticking out of the ground.
Unfortunately I didn't know about the rock art at the time so missed that. Well worth a visit.
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Visited 29.7.15
Directions:
A couple of miles north of the Drumtrodden stones on the B7085. It is on the west side of the road just north of a crossroads.
The stone is easy to see from the road and access is via a handy gate. The field was empty when I visited.
The stone is approximately 1m high x 0.5m wide.
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Visited 23.7.15
From the parking area head for the the kerb cairn within the trees. Visible from parking area. Follow the (infrequent) white painted stones next to the fence on your right. Keep walking and you will see a large, old wooden gate (with equally old, wooden sign on it) which gives access to the field where the circle resides. This is to your left as you walk keeping the fence to your right. I hope this makes sense?! The circle is not visible from the parking area but it is only a short, if wet, walk. Well worth the effort.
This is a good spot for a stone circle (I assume this area was drier when it was built) It is in a natural amphitheatre which reminded me (a little) of Castlerigg. Some of the stones were harder to get close to than others due to the standing water.
There were several other visitors which surprised me a bit as this is well off the beaten track. One was a car load of Americans and I tried to explain what the standing stones, kerb cairn and stone circle were about - given my limited knowledge. They had previously visited the Orkney sites and the Clava Cairns so knew a fair bit anyway. Not your average American tourists then! :)
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This large stone is covered with 'hairy lichen'.
A notch is out of the top of the stone.
The field was slightly drier here - relatively speaking!
The sun was shining, mist enveloped the distant mountain. I saw a pheasant, rabbit and swift (or was it a swallow?). Lovely.
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This standing stone is to the right of the gate which leads you into the field where the circle is.
Easy to spot.
I wonder if it has been struck by lightening at some point? Just a thought.
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I have visited both historic and prehistoric sites for a number of years but since 'discovering' this website my visits have spiralled out of control!
I am now out 'exploring' as often as possible and have been to many wonderful places I didn't even know existed before using this website.
Having visited all the CADW sites I am now trying to visit all the E.H. sites and as many H.S. sites as possible.
In trying to achieve these goals I get to travel all around the country and with it the chance to visit as many sites as possible mentioned on this fine website. I hope some of you find my contributions a little helpful?
I have certainly found the contributions made by others to be both very informative and often quite amusing!
I must also mention the lovely Karen whom without her help, encouragement and understanding I would not be able to visit half of the places I do.
I am forever grateful.
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