markj99

Visited 22.06.23

Milton Loch NW Crannog is in the NW corner of Milton Loch c. 1 mile SE of Crocketford in Dumfries and Galloway. According to Canmore ID 65046 the crannog was revealed when the water level of Milton Loch was lowered in 1953. A causeway c. 100 yards long was marked by a double line of wooden posts leading east to a low stone covered island, measuring 35 feet in diameter. The crannog was a circular house, measuring c. 47 feet in overall diameter, constructed in timber. The interior of the house was subdivided radially into compartments. A 6 feet platform supported by wooden posts surrounded the stony island. A small harbour measuring 35 feet was constructed on the SE of the crannog. Further details of archaeological excavations are available in Canmore ID 65046.

The crannog is now populated by mature trees obscuring the surface of the island and the current high water level has submerged the causeway.

Visited 22.06.23

There is a mysterious earthwork on Green Island, a promontory on the W bank of Milton Loch in Dumfries and Galloway. Milton Loch is c. 1 mile SE of Crocketford, near Dumfries.

The earthwork runs on a east-west axis along the promontory. The narrow boat shaped enclosure, measuring c. 246 feet east-west by 73 feet north-south according to Canmore ID 65045, is protected by a surrounding ditch and rampart defensive system. The rampart is c. 3 feet high and the surrounding shallow ditch 10-12 feet wide. The entrance to the enclosure is in the centre of the west flank, measuring c. 8 feet wide. The flat grassy enclosure is featureless.

There is some doubt as to the age and classification of the earthwork. C M Piggott thought it dated to the Dark Age or Medieval periods while A E Truckell stated it ‘seems a definitely Viking type of site.’ Atlas of Hillforts of Britain and Ireland has a description of the earthwork but notes that it ’ cannot be classified as a fort as such.‘

Visited 07.06.23

If you have walked to the shy and retiring Craddock Moor Stone Circle it is only an extension of c. 500 yards WSW towards a low mound on the horizon to reach Craddock Moor E Barrow. The round mound measures c. 17 yards across and 1 yard high. The fern-covered mound is studded with small protruding stones. Craddock Moor W Barrow, which is located c. 40 yards W, measures c. 20 yards across. It consists of a central mound c. 8 yards across and 1 yard high surrounded by a circular stony bank up to 0.5 yard high.

Visited 06.06.23

When I read Mr Hamhead’s fieldnotes I realised that I had been walking past the original Minions Mound on every visit to Minions. The stone wall constructed round the mound may be protecting it for future antiquarians, however it also disguises the antiquity of the site.
I decided to visit the Minions Mound currently marked on the OS as it was a flat walk for c. 300 yards. The round barrow stands out of the moorland, a horseshoe-shaped bank up to 1 yard high on the S Arc and c. 20 yards in diameter. The centre of the mound has been stone robbed down to ground level from the NW.
Historic England 1010256 has further information on the tumulus.

Visited 08.06.23

I am magnetically attracted to Twelve Men’s Moor every time I visit Cornwall. The landscape is a unique mix of spectacular rock formations, ancient cairns, and post-industrial remains. I like to revisit old friends, Kilmar Tor Quoit and the Pyramid Stone, to renew my acquaintance.

Visited 07.06.23

Craddock Moor NE Cairn is located in the NE of Craddock Moor in Cornwall. The grassy platform cairn measures c 33 yards in diameter and 1 yard high. A central mound measures c. 25 yards across. The mound is enclosed by an earth bank c. 3 yards wide and 1 foot high, c. 1 yard outside the edge of the mound. Further details of Craddock Moor NE Cairn are available in Historic England 1010310.

Craddock Moor Stone Circle lies c. 200 yards SW of Craddock Moor NE Cairn.

Visited 08.06.23

A walk on Twelve Men’s Moor and its associated tors is always rewarded with a rich variety of antiquarian sites. On my recent visit I discovered that the Bearah Tramway Cist had been cleared of vegetation, giving an improved aspect to the site.