Cumbrian sites

Cumbria 41

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ironstone Dec 1, 2015 14:08:04

In the book 'Circles Of Stone' (Max Milligan/Aubrey Burl) there's an entry about a pair of rings called 'White Moss' with a not-brilliant photo showing what looks like a pair of small rings described in the text as 'in poor condition'. It talks about another pair at Low Longrigg a quarter of a mile to the north and 'the fine Brats Hill stone circle, with its similarity to Castlerigg' only 120 yards to the east. I can't find any mention of these either in the TMA book or on this site but can see them plainly on the OS map near footpaths running north from the Beckfoot Bridge stop on the Ravenglass and Eskdale Railway, a walk of perhaps 2/3 miles though I'm notoriously bad at judging distances when looking at winding footpaths on OS maps. Has anyone out there visited these circles and, if so, can they tell me about ease of access, whether they're worth the effort etc? Are they in fact on TMA but under different names? I'm thinking of a Lake District trip in the spring and would love to include these.

spencer Dec 1, 2015 15:29:40

Replying to ironstone

Just find the entry for the nearest TMA site, use the 'sites within 20km' doodah, which has compass directions as well as distances, map, ruler, bingo. One 'hit' should get the rest if they're already on TMA, inc TMA names.

Rhiannon Dec 1, 2015 15:30:15

Replying to ironstone

ooh I think they're here tucked away in their own folder, which is probably why you couldn't spot them
http://www.themodernantiquarian.com/site/3010/burn_moor_complex.html
It's a long time since I've been to Cumbria but I remember being impressed by Black Combe. We stayed at Wastwater and drove over that insanely steep pass. Not so far away. Hope you have fun.

GLADMAN Dec 1, 2015 19:46:42

Replying to ironstone

Bit of a steep climb up from Boot - or so I thought at the time - but well worth the effort since great scenery as well. Liked them much more than the great lowland circles (except Sunkenkirk), to be honest.

The Eternal Dec 13, 2015 21:38:47

Replying to ironstone

Hi ironstone,

The Burnmoor complex is quite widespread and as the stones aren't all that tall it can be hard to find amongst the long wild moorland grasses, unless you are adept with map and compass. There are tracks that lead there, but are just flattened bog grasses and peaty erosion. Unfortunately, just to confuse issues, lots of other similar tracks criss-cross the area. Hopefully, you will be blessed with a beautiful spring day and the larks will be singing up in the blue. However, once found never forgotten. It's a remote place with lots of atmosphere, especially on a day of storm, mist and rain.

If you are staying in the area there are plenty of good campsites in Eskdale and good pubs serving real ales and great food. I can particularly recommend the very friendly Boot Inn (formerly the Burnmoor Inn), the equally friendly Woolpack and Hardknott Bar, as well as the Bower House. The Woolpack will help with transport if you are struggling to get from Ravenglass. They're like that in the valley.

If you need any more info, feel free to ask.

All the best,.
TE.