CraigR

CraigR

The Nine Maidens

In a field at side of A39 to Wadebridge, near Columb Major. Go past the woods on the left, then look for layby on right with phone. There is a stile by layby, but hidden. You cannot miss the stones.

This is the only alignment of stones within the County of Cornwall. Nine stones remain extending over 300ft. Some big, some small, some fallen. Orientated NE/SW. After eight hours in the motor, dusk here brought me up.

Mind the cow shit.

Pennance

A fantastic Scillonian entrance grave close to Lands End. About 15ft long with five capstones still in position. Marked as Chambered Cairn on Landranger, close to Penzance. National Trust land but ask at farm/house for permission. Quiet and beautiful.

Sunkenkirk

Strange place.

A fantastic ‘Cumbrian’ circle, second only in setting to Castlerigg. A pleasent stroll to the site, and suprisingly, no soul about. Enjoyed a fantastic game of ‘catch’ with a lemon. One persons offering is another persons ball. Don’t litter.

Strange place.

Tomb of the Eagles

Possibly the most enjoyable of the Orkney sites. Why? Two reasons. The lady, on whose fathers land the site is on, is a star! When 4 blokes turn up (one in a Man Utd hat – eek) at your doorstep on a rainy April morning, you must have your doubts – none here – we were welcomed like relatives and treated like kings. A good 2 hours spent in her farmhouse-come-museam really gets the message across about how much the Orcadians care about their heritage, and there are some fantastic things to be seen – hold a 5000 year old skull, faaar out (just use both hands!) and fantastic ceremonial artifacts. All very REAL and basically a one off unless you work in a museam! It blew my mind.

Secondly, the place itself – pearched on a cliff at the extream south of the ‘mainland’ (although on South Ronaldsey – connected by The Churchill Barriers) the tomb is awe inspiring – especially after learning it’s history prior to seeing it – and getting in is a blast! Only one factor detracts from the whole experience – nasty covering roof on the tomb – but close your eyes, relax, forget about the concrete and enjoy. Don’t forget to press the button..........boo!