The Modern Antiquarian. Stone Circles, Ancient Sites, Neolithic Monuments, Ancient Monuments, Prehistoric Sites, Megalithic MysteriesThe Modern Antiquarian

Fieldnotes by Killer

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Avebury (Circle henge)

A belated visit, but thought that after 'Discover Avebury' I should pay it a trip myself, to make sure that they weren't telling us lies. Yes it was there.

An epic Trip, left home in Essex with the kids at 10am expecting to arrive at midday, however M4 was closed so spent 8 hours in the car with the kids, isn't Reading one-way sytem wonderful ! Eventually abandoned the trip and crashed out at my Sisters in Stroud (but managed to sneak in Minchinhampton), finally arrived in Avebury Midday Sunday. A nice way to spend an afternoon strolling round with the crowds !

Next time I'll go mid week - mid winter

The Longstone of Minchinhampton (Standing Stone / Menhir)

I read the posts about this stone, consulted my maps, thought whats the problem.

Minchinhampton is indeed a maze, the kids in the back questioning every U turn and stating the obvious ' Didn't we just go here ?'

Anyway got my act together, and its easy to find, Take the road across the common, follow the lane down the side of the pub 'The Ragged Cot' about 3/4mile down this road the stone stands in a field, but its hard to spot as its at right angles to you and only abouut 20cm thick. Anyway take the right fork signed ' Minchinhampton Only' and there is a small wood on the junction and then after about 50m the stone is easy to spot through the gate.

Spent a good half hour in the sun , poking our arms and faces through the holes.

Castell Dinas Bran (Hillfort)

The magnificent ruins of this 13th century Castle, sit high above the Town of Llangollen, overlooking the river Dee. The castle was built on the site of an Iron Age hill fort.

Loughton Camp (Ancient Village / Settlement / Misc. Earthwork)

Remains of Iron Age Earthworks.

Ambresbury Banks (Ancient Village / Settlement / Misc. Earthwork)

This is the remains of Iron age Earthworks. As is common with similar sites in the forest, there is evidence of mountain Bike damage .
These are easily accessed, being just off the 'Wakes Arms' roundabout on the road to Theydon Bois, about a mile from the M25.

Moel ty Uchaf (Cairn circle)

Took the 50 minute or so walk up from Llandrillo on Saturday 13/4/02. Wrapped up well following warnings from other contributers that it was always cold at the top. How wrong could they have been, it was glorious up there, sun was shining and there was virtually no wind.

A breathtaking view over to the mountains, where we could see a huge fire burning on a hillside.

The circle itself is magnificent, more than worth the walk. There was an incredible stillness in the air and we rested (or rather slept) for a good 1/2 hour before making the decent. Killed me knees on the way down.

This is another site so remote that you just wonder how the materials were brought up and what inspired them to built it there ?

Y Meini Hirion (Stone Circle)

Took a walk up here on 7-9-01. A friend who lives locally knew the way, ( if you are driving there is a small carparking area about 1/2 way up from the village. This leaves about a 40 minute climb.) this was helpfull as it was not particularilly well signposted.

A glorious sunny morning, however you turn a corner and the wind coming from the sea hits you. Take a hat.

The walk is more than worthwhile, an excellent circle with stunning views. We sat around for 1/2 hour taking it in before the wind got too much. It makes you think as to how much effort went into creating these works.
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