pure joy

Trehundreth Downs Stone Row – 31.3.2004

Full 8 figure grid refs = SX12477292 to 12757302

Not that much to see. I was tired by this point so didn’t count or plot what I could see. I found this difficult to find from the west. Easier to find from either Greenbarrow or the Greenbarrow Downs Cairns. From any of these walk north west and you should walk right through the row! The row is low and small. One bonus is that you can clearly spot the Trehundreth Downs Stone Setting from this row. If you want to see a totally different type of row (tall, long and chunky) pop over the A30 and try to find Colvannick Tor Stone Row.

Greenbarrow Downs Cairns – 31.3.2004

The OS map marks two cairns very close to the Greenbarrow. One is obvious to spot at SX131730. The other, marked at SX129730 didn’t seem obvious to me.

Greenbarrow – 31.3.2004

Marked on the OS map. A large, easy to spot barrow. It literally is green and sticks out amongst the brown downland. One stone is stuck in the edge of the barrow as if it might be the last remnant of a kerb. A faint ditch also seems to circle as least part of the barrow.

Another Trehundreth Downs Cairn – 31.3.2004

Marked on the OS map. I didn’t look for this.

Trehundreth Downs Cairn – 31.3.2004

Marked on the OS map. I can’t say for certain that I found this unless it is the small mound aligned just to the west of Trehundreth Downs Stone Setting / Row.

Trehundreth Downs Stone Setting / Row -31.3.2004

Full 8 figure grid ref = SX12527274

An interesting row / setting of 3 large stones, one of which is still standing. Quite easy to spot form afar and from all around the Downs, which thankfully makes it easier to find than some of the other things around

Trehundreth Downs Menhir – 31.3.2004

Full 8 figure grid ref = SX12427281

Marked on the OS map. I don’t think I found this. It was all getting a bit confusing at this point. The OS map, the text and pictures in Peter Herring and Peter Rose’s ‘Bodmin Moor’s Archaeological Heritage’ (Cornwall County Council – 2001) and the text, drawing and pictures in Cheryl Straffon’s guide ‘The Earth Mysteries Guide to Bodmin Moor and North Cornwall (including Tintagel)’ (Meyn Mamvro – 1993, amended 2000) all help, but also can confuse. I think I have helped pull this info together, but without a repeat visit with a GPS system I don’t think some of these mysteries will be solved.

Trehundreth Downs Menhir / markstone -31.3.2004

Full 8 figure grid ref = SX12537258

Cheryl Straffon’s guide ‘The Earth Mysteries Guide to Bodmin Moor and North Cornwall (including Tintagel)’ (Meyn Mamvro – 1993, amended 2000) reports a “small menhir or markstone at SX12537258. Walking towards this mark stone on the top of the rise the Colvannick Tor Stone Row comes into view across the A30”.

Easy to spot as it lies in an area of the Downs with little bracken and few stones. However it is extremely small and very reminiscent of two boundary / marker stones I saw on the Downs, and the pitiful Peverell’s Cross. It has about 60cm of stone above ground, with an extra 25cm as part of the ‘pit’ it stands in. However, from my memory this stone doesn’t have any letters carved on it, unlike the boundary markers elsewhere on the Downs. Curious.

Elsewhere in the Straffon booklet she writes that Trehundreth Downs Menhir is aligned to a cairn, and this stone. Add to this the Colvannick Tor Stone Row and “evidently all these stones were part of a special alignment, and perhaps a spirit path of the dead associated (sic) with the burial mounds here”. Maybe Straffon wants this to be a menhir, rather than a boundary stone, because it is conveniently aligned to the stone row?

Colvannick Tor Stone Row – 31.3.2004

Full 8 figure grid refs = SX12817189 to 12937163.

One easy-ish way to get here is to park at the picnicy area mentioned in the Trehundreth & Greenbarrow Downs section, and hop over the fence into the firled to the south. Follow the fence along to the west until a footpath starts at SX128723 (the path isn’t actually visible on the ground!). This skirts around the large pond. You will need an OS map and even then the stone row can be difficult to spot. I was confused by the field boundary the map showed on the east side of Colvannick Tor. In reality this is not a wall but maybe an ancient boundary; a sort of low bank and slight ditch. If like me you find the stone row difficult to find, head up to the Tor and the northern most stone should be clearly visible due east, about 300 metres away. From this stone you can take a compass bearing south east and walk the line of the row (sometimes through gorse!). There aren’t many obvious stones until you reach the southern stones, one of which is large and still upright and can also be seen from the Tor. Beyond this stone there are a few large but fallen stones, and then one final stone 80m or so further on; a very large stone, semi erect. By this point you’ll be able to see a few red and white poles in the distance, presumably warning poles for the ‘Danger Area’ on Cardinham Moor.

In all I counted 3 standing stones (2 of which were large), 1 semi erect (the large southern end stone), 5 fallen (all large), 2 broken stones together, and around 10 possible smaller stones, all fallen or just stumps. This is the best stone row in Cornwall. Harder to find and interpret than the more famous, and still brilliant, Nine Maidens row, but more rewarding and challenging.

From the stone row you can clearly see the small possible Trehundreth Downs Menhir / markstone that aligns with it on Trehundreth Downs across the road.

There are ponies and sheep all around, and some sampy area around the large pond. Gorse and brambles line the A30 so getting over to Trehundreth Downs is not that easy. One simple way is by retracing your steps to where the footpath starts on the south side. Opposite this there is a gate into Trehundreth Downs on the north side of this very busy dual carriageway.

Cheryl Straffon’s guide ‘The Earth Mysteries Guide to Bodmin Moor and North Cornwall (including Tintagel)’ (Meyn Mamvro – 1993, amended 2000) writes that “Colvannick Tor itself as probably named after the stones, meaning is it does in English ‘erect penis’, an indication of an ancient awareness of the phallic nature of the stones, and hinting at fertility rites performed here.” I wonder if that’s the first mention of an erect penis on this website? Probably not!

Cranbrook Castle Hill Fort – 1.4.2004

After a hard afternoon on the Moors I decided to cheat my way to the top of Cranbrook Castle. I’m sure it’s probably a nice walk from Fingle Bridge up to Cranbrook Down, but it’s also a climb of about 220metres of height in only one kilometre! So I noticed the access from the south, which involved only a short walk and climb (and one gate). A small triangle of land exists at SX748888, which I guessed might be easy to park at. Well, despite a quaint little metal bench being there (suggesting a lovely spot to stop at), it’s actually a muddy lane and was full of forested trees (ranging from enormous to small)! Instead I found somewhere to park just off the country lane. In this tiny triangle of land an old trig pillar has been set up. This was originally put on Cranbrook Castle in February 1949 but was later made redundant and moved there in 1993 by the Parish Council.

The ramparts are pretty impressive, especially on the south side, although the gorse makes it hard to explore too much. At 357 metres above sea level this is a real high point in the area. The opposite hill fort of Prestonbury Castle is visible, as are panoramic views across Dartmoor. Lovely.

Scorhill Stone Circle – 1.4.2004

Getting from the Shovel Down Complex to Scorhill is easy (although I would still always recommend an OS map on any sort of moorland). Just continue on after the northern stone rows and you will see the trees and massive stone walls of Batworthy Farm run across the edge of the moor on your right hand side. Even on a day of seriously reducing visibility it was easy to see the wall and trees ahead. As you come to the end of the wall, suddenly Scorhill is visible on the opposite bank of the river. Excellent!

You have two choices to cross the beautiful rushing Teign. Either straight ahead to a rough and small bridge made of a massive block of stone, or you can head about 80m upstream and over two bridges, one of which is a classic picturesque Clapper Bridge. The area around here though can get really muddy, so the other one could be better for some people, although it is a rockier and steeper walk.

The circle is a real stunner and today was quite well visited (which was a nice shock after many days on Moors without seeing a soul!). I saw two people with a dog arriving just after I left, and another person when I returned.

Coming back from the Buttern Hill Stone Circle I noticed that only the large pointy stone on the north side of the circle is the only stone visible from that direction until quite close to the circle.

Shovel Down Complex – 1.4.2004

The instructions on the megalithic walks website (see link below) are excellent. Just a couple of additions though. First, to be clear that the bridge mentioned (i.e. where to park) is just outside Batworthy Farm, at SX662866. The space near the bridge should take 4 to 5 cars. I also saw cars parked at various small places off the road over the common, but the bridge area is better and more sensible. Secondly, the journey through the lanes is pretty tortuous, but at least you shouldn’t get lost if you have an OS map. Once successfully on the right road (after the crucial junction at SX690870), it is pretty much follow the road and don’t take any of the turnings off the lane. To avoid some of the earlier lanes try the B3206 to Chagford from the A382. Be careful to avoid the Range Rovers though! Judging from the cars and the shops this ancient Stannary town looks like a squeaky clean Devon version of Hampstead!

As you walk up towards Batworthy Corner, the north east most row comes clearly into view. A few hundred metres on and you’ve experienced your first bit of Shovel Down! This first row leads to an intriguing circle of three concentric stone circles. Up and over the hill and the enormous long stone suddenly comes into view. This massive, enigmatic stone has lots of stones around its base. Are they modern? They somehow don’t look quite right. The southern stone row (as shown on the OS map) basically doesn’t exist; there is nothing there.

I believe I found the remaining one of the ‘Three Boys’, but it is 70% fallen. From here, if you know where you are looking you can just see the top of the Long Stone. It would be interesting to know if it could be seen from the top of the three boys when it was / they were erect.

There must be 3 rows to the north, not just two as the OS map shows. The middle row starts and continues further away from the others, and is a good way to walk onwards to Scorhill.

When I later returned to the bridge I was led down the rocky path by a dog from Batworthy Farm, like Lassie leading an injured child!

Pencarrow Rings Hill Slope Fort – 31.3.2004

Pencarrow House is a historic house and garden open to the public. The entrance and long driveway is off Old School Lane, which connects the A389 and B3266 near Washaway. Well signposted. The ‘hill fort’ is 300metres from this entrance and is literally split in two by the driveway up to the house. You’ll probably notice that it’s not on much of a hill, and it isn’t the highest local point. A hill slope fort in reality. As there were signs saying ‘No waiting’ and ‘No stopping on the driveway’ I thought fair enough, it’s your grounds, so your rules and decided to park just outside the gates and walk in.

The ramparts are very impressive. Shame the road goes right through them! Although these ramparts and ditches are impressive it does make you wonder how much space was left to live or shelter. In some places the gap between the inner and outer ring is up to 24m but still that’s not much if you think about it. On the west side an incomplete annexe can be seen (cut by the road).

Buttern Hill Stone Circle – 1.4.2004

I knew absolutely nothing about this site before visiting. I just saw it on the map and decided to make it an extension to my visit to Shovel Down and Scorhill. If anyone knows of any ‘official’ name for it please tell me and I’ll change it.

Although Bodmin Moor is much smaller, it is often a much harder place to walk than Dartmoor. A shortish walk on Dartmoor seems relatively easy to me, except for the fog and the lack of obvious features to map read by. Dartmoor felt drier than the Cornish uplands and there are ‘paths’ everywhere in this section of Dartmoor. Not obvious or marked paths but just loads of small paths (livestock paths?) that mean you don’t have to yomp over uneven ground.

So, from Scorhill to Buttern Hill Stone Circle you basically just need to skirt round the south west side of Buttern Hill. When you see some watery ground at the bottom of the valley between Buttern Hill and Rippator, you’re getting close. But don’t go right down to this lowest point. Stay mid way up the gentle slope and continue for about 300 metres and the circle should be there. It is not easy to spot / see. If you see some stones in this area, check them out; they could be the circle. I counted 5 stones still standing, and 15 recumbant, ranging from large ones to tiny stones that seem to be inline with a circle.

It’s a sad circle and obviously overshadowed by Scorhill, which is easier to get to and more ‘beautiful’. But I have great sympathy for this circle. It’s the underdog and I guess it was once beautiful.

Mardon Down Stone Circle – 3.4.2004

For directions to the general area, see the record for Mardon Down.

I knew absolutely nothing about this. I just saw the area on the map and decided to make it a stop off point on my way home.

Once I found it (not knowing whether it would be an obvious stone circle, or one of those fallen ones covered in gorse!) I realised that it should be simple for others to find. Just walk along the top of the hill until you reach a small piece of wooden fencing with a sign on it that reads “To help conserve the archaeological site please follow the path to he left/right*. Thank you.” (* says left in one direction and right in the opposite). The stone circle is between these signs. I counted 17 obvious stones (most recumbent), and imagine that there will be others hidden in the gorse.

I believe that what Johan had previously added as the Giant’s Grave is actually the stone circle. The large stone that four of his pictures show is (in my humble opinion) actually just one stone in the circle (the largest). The OS map is a bit of a pain because it has the general phrase ‘Giant’s Grave’ on without actually definitely directing this to any of the ancient sites themselves. I would imagine that it either just generally means that the area has ancient graves on the top of a hill, or maybe refers to the two cairns at SX767874. I doubt it has anything to do with a long barrow. I hadn’t read Johan’s post before visiting the area.

Mardon Down Cairns – 3.4.2004

For directions to the general area, see the record for Mardon Down.

There are 4 cairns marked on the OS map. Two are apparently where the track kinks to the right half way between the stone circle and the cairn circle (SX767874). And two are supposed to be very close to the stone circle, one shown on the map as maybe 50 metres south of the stone circle, and one immediately north of the stone circle. Hmmm, well I didn’t look for the northern two because I wanted to see the cairn circle and then go.

But I did find what I thought was a kerbed cairn just a few metres south of the stone circle. However that doesn’t tally with the map. Curious.

Cleave Burial Chamber – 3.4.2004

I knew absolutely nothing about this. I just saw it on the map and decided to make it a stop off on my way to Mardon Down. If anyone knows of any ‘official’ name for it please tell me and I’ll change it.

I can’t really describe how to get here. You’ll most probably need an OS map to find it in the lanes, although actually it’s not far from the main A382 road.

The lane that leads past the field the little chamber is in is very narrow and it’s not easy to find anywhere to park. I found somewhere about a field away and just had a quick peak into the field. The chamber is tiny, and there are other stones around that take away what little presence it might have. It reminded me of the moment in Spinal Tap when a tiny model of a Stonehenge trilithon comes down onto the stage!

Mardon Down – 3.4.2004

I approached via Moretonhampstead but in the jumble of roads and junctions in the middle of the small town I couldn’t honestly give good directions to find the lane that leads up to the downs! I can say that it isn’t signposted at all and it might have been ‘School Lane’(?). I just felt the lane was the right one judging from the OS map. If you then go down and back up a dip, and pass Addiscott on your right you are on the right lane! I left the downs due south, onto the B3212 (which by the way is a really twisty and narrow B road for much of its length), which was really easy so this might be a better way.

This is all Access Land, so you can roam at will. There is a sort of ‘car park’ at SX762873. If you are coming onto the common from the south west, take the road to the right (marked ‘Exeter’) and it’s 200m up the road on the left. However, all it is is the only tarmaced area on the common. No facilities. In fact when I was there most of it was taken up with mounds of gravel. In reality people park all over the downs as most of the roads have clear spaces off of them at intervals (and they aren’t passing places).

There are loads of paths all over the downs. All seem pretty basic and liable to mud. Some might get overgrown in summer. Gorse almost everywhere. The car park is a relatively convenient place to park as there is a clear path up to the top. However this is a bit more of a climb (55m in height in a 500m walk) than from the south end.

The track that is marked on the OS map that goes across the top of the hill doesn’t really live up to it’s billing and exists only in places as a track wide enough for a 4x4. Some of the time it’s just like a footpath, and can be boggy. But it is a convenient way to help find the ancient sties on this hill.

At 356 metres above sea level there are not surprisingly brilliant views from the hill.

Mardon Down Cairn Circle – 3.4.2004

For directions to the general area, see the record for Mardon Down.

This is relatively easy to find because it is quite striking and because it’s next to the junction of two relatively clear paths up the hill, one from the east and one from the north. I imagine that with more undergrowth it could be slightly less obvious.

This is a beauty. I’m not very used to cairn circles (not many in Southern England) but I would imagine with could be a pretty fine example, with nine standing stones, plus several recumbent and/or out of place. Despite the drizzle and mist the views were still spectacular.

Brown Willy Settlement – 28.3.2004

For directions to the general area, see the record for the Brown Willy Cairns.

In a field on the south east edge of the slopes of Brown Willy there is what I assume is a Bronze Age settlement. I know nothing about this site – just what I saw on the OS map – and haven’t seen it mentioned in any of my books. Given that the area is littered with a variety of settlements, I imagine this is pretty much the same as others. Despite the moorland undergrowth several roundhouse are quite clearly visible and worth a quick visit if you have any energy left at this point.

Brown Willy Cairns – 28.3.2004

For directions as far as Catshole Downs, see the main Catshole Downs page, and the Tolborough Downs page.

Well, if you’ve got as far as Catshole and still want some hard walking you might as well bag the highest point in Cornwall, Brown Willy.

And from the east side of the fence on Catshole Downs it is pretty easy to get to, if a hard slog. Carry on North, close to the fence / old field wall. Cross into the next field. After 1½ kms a rocky outcrop will be visible on your right. Continue by the fence for 100m and a stile lets you into the field on the east side of Brown Willy. A recognisable (but unmarked) path takes you across the field and straight up Brown Willy to its highest point. This ‘path’ is just a boggy lumpy track but it is obvious that people / livestock have used it, and its direction straight to the northern cairn on Brown Willy is useful. It’s a very steep climb to the top (only about a 75m rise but all steep!). As I made the last step onto the plateau at the top I surprised several sheep that dashed past me. I bet they weren’t as knackered as I was!

Even on an intermittently dull and drizzling day like this the views are not surprisingly amazing, across Rough Tor to the north west and Colliford Lake several kilometres south east.

The south cairn on Brown Willy aligns with the west cairn on Catshole Tor, the Tolborough Tor Cairn, and the the Catshole Long Cairn, although the long cairn can only been seen from the Tolborough Tor Cairn, whereas the other three can all be seen from one another.

Note – this is very much the unofficial and (probably) much harder route to Brown Willy. I did it this way so I could get Tolborough, Catshole and Brown Willy all in one long walk. The real ‘permissive’ route seems to be the path on the map that enters Brown Willy from the north, from the Fernacre track (circa SX148797)

Catshole Downs – 28.3.2004

For one way to get to the general area, see the Tolborough Downs page.

To get towards the Catshole Downs Long Cairn and the eastern Catshole Tor cairn, from Tolborough Tor head north to the gate in the angled bit of the field (circa SX171782). This leads you out towards these sites.

The Catshole Tor settlement and western Catshole Tor cairn are in the opposite field. From Tolborough Tor head for another gate, just to the west of the angled bit of the field. These gates are very close to each other. This leads you out towards these sites. Note that these four sites are in two separate fields with a fence in between.

Technically most land on Bodmin Moor is ‘private’ as it is owned by someone, even Downs and Common land. But in reality places like the Tolborough Downs are rarely visited by anyone or anything and as long as you use the normal common sense country code I don’t imagine anyone challenging you (don’t quote me though as some sort of magic access key!).

Catshole Tor Settlement – 28.3.2004

For directions etc, see the main Catshole Downs page.

I know nothing about this site – just what I saw on the OS map – and haven’t seen it mentioned in any of my books. Given that the area is littered with a variety of settlements, I imagine this is pretty much the same as others. I walked through the area on the map but couldn’t see anything obvious. The ground in this field is very uneven and hard work and by now I was too knackered to look too hard!

Catshole Tor Cairns – 28.3.2004

For directions etc, see the main Catshole Downs page.

The OS map shows two cairns on Catshole Tor, one on the east side (SX172786 – which I didn’t find), and one on the west side (SX170785). Note that they are in two separate fields with a fence in between. The western one is basically flattened but you can make out the circular shape and probably flanking stones. Ironically the clitter of stones around the area are more ‘obvious’ and larger than the actual cairn.

The west cairn on Catshole Tor aligns with the south cairn on Brown Willy, the Tolborough Tor Cairn, and the Catshole Long Cairn although the long cairn can only been seen from the Tolborough Tor Cairn, whereas the other three can all be seen from one another.

Catshole Downs Long Cairn – 28.3.2004

For directions etc, see the main Catshole Downs page.

This long trip is worth it for this alone. A huge rarity and relatively easy to find (once you get to the general area), especially if you’ve previously seen a picture of it. You can also spot it from Tolborough Tor.

From Tolborough Tor head for the gate in the angled bit of the field (circa SX171782). Note -the downs were pretty swampy in places when I visited (& more swampy than other upland areas in Devon & Cornwall). The Long Cairn is then 100m away just to the right of the old field wall.

What does a Long Cairn look like? Imagine a small long barrow, made of stones instead of earth, in a triangular shape, typically 17 to 30 m long sometimes with traces of internal structure. At Catshole you can see the large-ish front stone, and from there you can make out what might have been flanking stones, and a small litter of stones in the interior. They are of the fourth millennia BC.

Peter Herring and Peter Rose, in ‘Bodmin Moor’s Archaeological Heritage’ (Cornwall County Council – 2001), map three long cairns on the moor, with three other possibilities. They suggest that the Catshole long cairn is carefully aligned to the east part of Catshole Tor. What I can add is that the cairn in general does align with the west cairn on Catshole Tor, the south cairn on Brown Willy, and the Tolborough Tor Cairn, although the long cairn can only been seen from the Tolborough Tor Cairn, whereas the other three can all be seen from one another.

Tolborough Tor Stone Row – 28.3.2004

For directions etc, see the main Tolborough Downs page.

Cheryl Straffon’s guide ‘The Earth Mysteries Guide to Bodmin Moor and North Cornwall (including Tintagel)’ (Meyn Mamvro – 1993, amended 2000) says “On the top of the Tor is a large cairn, to the South East of which is an unusual miniature row of five small stones – SX17567786”. Well, yes, but I should add that it is VERY small and overgrown and that is hardly decipherable. It is also very close to cairn (the final, furthest stone is barely 8m from the cairn) so don’t go wandering off looking for it many metres away. This final stone is also now broken.

Tolborough Downs – 28.3.2004

There is probably no easy way to reach the barren Tolborough Tor, on the Tolborough Downs. However, one decent way is to start near Bolventor. Cheryl Straffon’s guide ‘The Earth Mysteries Guide to Bodmin Moor and North Cornwall (including Tintagel)’ (Meyn Mamvro – 1993, amended 2000) says “A pathway behind Jamaica Inn crosses the bypass up to Tolborough Downs”. Umm, well, I doubt the first bit, unless she means the underpass to the East of Bolventor. There is no obvious route across the dangerous A30 otherwise.

I found a good place to park and start from, at SX182769, just a few metres from the footpath that leads to Tolborough Downs. If heading towards Launceston on the A30 take the turn off for Bolventor but then take a sharp left turn (signposted ‘Bolventor Church’) and another immediate sharp left (signposted the same). This dead end lane takes you parallel and above the north side of the A30. The footpath is clearly marked about 300m along this road. If you are driving towards Bodmin the principle is the same. Get off at the Bolventor turnoff but don’t go into Bolventor itself. Instead imagine you were trying to get on the A30 towards Launceston, and you will see the Bolventor Church signpost on the bend just before the A30 starts again.

This footpath takes you down a few fields (cows grazing) and across a stream to a few houses at Dairywell Hill. Keep to the right of the houses, through a farm looking gate and head up the very steep and rocky track. Carry on until you finally come out into the bottom of the field where Tolborough Tor lies. If you wanted a slightly less hilly/stony walk you might be able to approach (on foot) along the lane from the main road (at SX191777) towards Tober Barton Farm. Don’t know where you would be able to park on the main road though.

The Tor field was very rocky and very wet.

Tolborough Tor Cairn – 28.3.2004

For directions etc, see the main Tolborough Downs page.

This large cairn sits on top of the hill and is visible all around; a bump of green on the otherwise light brown hill.

The cairn aligns with the south cairn on Brown Willy, the west cairn on Catshole Tor, and the Catshole Long Cairn, although the long cairn can only been seen from this cairn, whereas the other three can all be seen from one another.

Council Barrow – 28.3.2004

If driving North on the A30 technically you can come off the A30 at SX100703 (just past the cow ‘traffic lights’), and the barrow is directly on your right. In reality this is one of those amazing Cornish dual carriageway turnoffs that give you very little chance to slow down. Making that turn at this tiny junction would be almost impossible unless you knew exactly where the turn was and you had no traffic behind you. The junction before this one is a bit better (circa SX092693).

So, otherwise you can come via the scrubby looking land from the west, either from the country lanes to the north west, or from Bodmin. From Bodmin take the Old Callywith Rd but instead of getting onto the A30 slip road (circa SX084679) take the road signposted ‘Helland’; and drive almost parallel to the A30 until you bear left and over two cattle grids. At the next junction take a right. At the end of this lane the Council barrow sits just off the A30 ‘junction’ in a sad little layby. What an absolute mess! Tyre tracks circle the barrow and also go straight up and over the top! Abandoned farm machinery also spoils it and I guess the farm gate on the North side also doesn’t help. Litter and fly tipping is also all around. When I get my picture back I’ll send a copy of it to the Cornwall Archaeological Unit. This may not be the most important ancient site in Cornwall but nothing deserves to be treated like this!

I was so shocked at this pitiful site and forgot to think how big it is. I’d guess about 15m in diameter and 2m high.

Castle Canyke Hill Fort – 28.3.2004

This ‘hill fort’ is best reached by a minor road that connects the A38 on the North side with ‘Castle Canyke Rd’ on the south side. Halfway along this lane there is a small place to park one car next to a gate with a boulder beside it.

As this is now under a Countryside Stewardship Scheme there is access, via a kissing gate into the north west section of the hill fort. There were obvious signs of cattle being grazed here. The ground is gently sloping and was pretty firm (not generally boggy), so it might be something a person with mobility problems could still visit, if they can negotiate the kissing gate.

The modern farm building at the crown of the hill acts like a hub of a wheel with the hill fort effectively being divided into four quarters by field walls/hedges.

The best preserved section is the south west section with quite a large bank and a small ditch. The north west section (near where you come in) has quite a substantial ditch but no obvious bank.

So, not much to see really, but still a nice position (with good views all around) and fortunately under good management and suffering very little from potential harm from the nearby A38 and A30.

Higher Longbeak Barrow – 29.3.2004

Although there is a small layby close to the barrow at Higher Longbeak, it’s on the brow of the hill and might be a bit difficult to get out of. It’s more sensible to park at the free car park right next to the barrow at Lower Longbeak, just north of Widemouth Bay.

This barrow lies on the edge of the Higher Longbeak headland, 700 m further up the coastal path from the first barrow. The walk between the two is pleasant but undulating, and the path is ragged in places, so it might not be suitable for some people with limited mobility.

The barrow is probably the ‘lump’ covered in thick black undergrowth to the west of the path, but it could possibly be the gorse covered lump to the east of the path. It’s not clear to me.

Lower Longbeak Barrow – 29.3.2004

There is a free car park right next to the barrow at Lower Longbeak, just north of Widemouth Bay. From this car park take the path out towards the headland and after 40m you will skirt the edge of this barrow. There is not much to see but it is clearly a small barrow, with a hollowed top, covered in gorse.

Hendraburnick Quoit – 2.4.2004

Wow, this is enormous! What a site this would have been before its collapse.

This is easily found in a field south of the road that connects the A39 near the Tich Barrow to Tintagel (signposted ‘Tintagel’ from the A39). I would say that the true grid ref is closer to SX132882.

It’s actually in the field directly opposite the driveway to Treslay Farm (and there is space to park in this area just off the road), although this field seems to sometimes be temporarily separated, and has two entrances. The Quoit is just inside the field at the crest of the rising land.

I didn’t actually check whose land it was on so just had a quite mooch [see note from Bugsy – Ed]. There was no livestock in the field (one gate was even open).

Lower Innisidgen Entrance Grave – St.Mary’s, Isles of Scilly – 3rd October 2003

For directions to both of the entrance graves please see the main Innisidgen page.

‘Lower Innisidgen Carn’ is the poorer relation but still retains a huge amount of dignity and presence, despite being on a slope, having only 2 capstones, and no fancy kerb (or renovation work, which I presume the Higher one has had).

Trippet Stones- 4.10.2003

On the way back to London I only had time to go to something close to the road, so the Trippet Stones were an ideal stop off. Really easy to access circle, and a very lovely looking one, with good views around bits of Bodmin Moor. It was also blowing a gale for me, but was worth it.

A tip – the turnoff from the A30, when travelling eastbound is the last turn-off on this single carriageway, just a few metres before the dual carriageway starts again.

Wayland’s Smithy Long Barrow – 8.2.2004

Directions – I think what Chris means (see first fieldnotes) is that if you really want to have the shortest possible walk to Wayland’s you could unofficially park where the dead-end road to Knighton Barn (the road is called Knighton Hill) crosses the Ridgeway (circa SU285856). I wouldn’t encourage having the shortest possible walk though, although I guess there might be some good reasons in certain situations (e.g. lack of mobility, terrible weather). Most people walk from the Uffington Castle area, or from the signposted National Trust car park (free). For the latter, walk out of the car park as if you were continuing on the road that just took you to the car park and continue to walk up the road until you get to the Ridgeway, turn right and follow the Ridgeway until you pass a line of beech trees. 400m further you’ll see the entrance on your right into the Wayland’s Smithy enclosure. It’s 2 km in total. Alternatively you can approach from the West by parking just off the road between Ashbury and Ashdown House, where it crosses the Ridgeway (circa SU274843). It’s only just over 1 km from there.

We walked from Uffington Castle, which was pretty pleasant, despite patches of the Ridgeway looking like a mangled forest track (and other bits being bone dry!). The only spoiler of the walk was three annoying 4x4’s playing silly muddy buggers, with an attitude. I don’t have a problem with real off roading (challenging stuff on private land in forests and farm land), but this is like off-roading for the blandly afflicted. Pointless and tedious. Later we heard and saw three motorbikes churning through the mud right outside Wayland’s.

It was about 12 years ago when I first visited this famous Long barrow, and it’s a good sign that it hasn’t changed much. Lots of visitors came and went (quickly), and then suddenly 5 minutes of calm and didn’t see another human being all the way back to the NT car park.

Uffington Castle – 8.2.2004

When I had visited once before I couldn’t appreciate its size and views because I could hardly see in front of my face with thick mist. Today I could, and walked around, up and over part of it. What a great place to live this would have been. Howling gale, or no howling gale, this was still great.

No-one seems to have done the obvious yet....(car centric) directions. A large (and free) National Trust car park exists just off the B4507, up the hill, opposite to the road to Woolstone. From the car park it’s a 600-700m walk to the Horse / Castle. I think a separate car park for people with disabilities exists closer to the Horse / Castle and is approached via the narrow road that starts opposite to the road to Uffington village and cuts Dragon Hill from The White Horse (hhmmmm!). This is all well signposted. Note – The B4507 lives up to it’s ranking in the B roads stakes. It’s a twisty, potholed, slightly narrow thing.

The Uffington White Horse – 8.2.2004

It was about 12 years ago when I first visited this enigmatic hill figure. That day was very misty and I hadn’t had a chance to wander properly or visit Dragon Hill. This time I had a perfect view for miles and miles across the Oxfordshire countryside. And I got to go down to Dragon Hill, which is as amazingly flat topped and as out of place as I’d always envisaged it. I love the look of the escarpment from the hill, both up towards the horse, and across the side of the escarpment as it concertinas its way along to the west.

No-one seems to have done the obvious yet....(car centric) directions. A large (and free) National Trust car park exists just off the B4507, up the hill, opposite to the road to Woolstone. From the car park it’s a 600-700m walk to the Horse / Castle. I think a separate car park for people with disabilities exists closer to the Horse / Castle and is approached via the narrow road that starts opposite to the road to Uffington village and cuts Dragon Hill from The White Horse (hhmmmm!). This is all well signposted. Note – The B4507 lives up to it’s ranking in the B roads stakes. It’s a twisty, potholed, slightly narrow thing.