Dorset

Dorset 11

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Squid Tempest Aug 17, 2006 11:20:05

Of to Dorset soon - what stones to see? We've been a couple of times before, so I think we've seen a lot of the major sites - Maiden Castle, Winterbourne Abbas, Badbury Rings, Cerne Abbas, the Swannery, and a few others. Any suggestions?

I'd like to try a couple of the hills mentioned in TMA(the book) - Golden Cap, Hambledon Hill, Egardon Hill, and was there one called Cow Castle or summat? I've just had a quick look through TMA on line and couldn't see it. I'd love to see more stones rather than just hills though, so any ones I may have overlooked?

We'll be staying near Lyme Regis btw.

Thanks in advance,
Squid
x

Pixxx Aug 17, 2006 11:25:53

Replying to Squid Tempest

Happy fossil hunting!

Wiggy Aug 17, 2006 12:24:30

Replying to Squid Tempest

Kington Russell stone circle is well worth the effort - lovely views, few if any people. There's a nice tomb nearby as well.
One of my favorite sites.

Rhiannon Aug 17, 2006 13:09:08

Replying to Squid Tempest

You can't beat Golden Cap. But I've written three fieldnotes for that so I should probably shut up now. There's a car park in the woods on Langdon Hill. The pub in seatown is nice (but busy) and you can't get better chips than in West Bay. So that's my recommendation.

juamei Aug 17, 2006 15:51:27

Replying to Squid Tempest

Where to start...

Natural formations other than the fossils and Golden Cap, Chesil Beach and The Valley of Stones. Definately The Valley of Stones, if you are a person who likes long walks, a nice one is park near The Grey Mare, then Kingston Russell, then the horseshoe shaped enclosure, down round and back into the Valley of Stones.

If you see Kingston Russell btw definately go see the enclosure nearby, for the views if nothing else, but mostly so you can tell me what it is. There is a hit circle en route.

If you head a bit North to the A35, go see the Helstone (as distinct from the Hellstone dolmen) and whilst at the Helstone, take time out to go see Long Bredy Bank Barrow. Mmmmmm....

Egardon is also not far from there and is lovely.

goffik Aug 17, 2006 16:17:36

Replying to Squid Tempest

Lyme Regis, eh? Somebody stop me before I say The Lepers Well!

Too late.

And St Wite's Well right near Golden Cap!

Sorry.

G x

Herne Aug 17, 2006 20:26:08

Replying to Squid Tempest

Ancient Stones of Dorset by Peter Knight is a good reference book for the area.

As for finding Kingston Russell - I recomend an OS map, we really struggled. Found Grey Mare & Her Colts and apparently its near by - but at least it gives us an excuse to go back! :o)

goffik Aug 18, 2006 06:50:17

Replying to Squid Tempest

Did anyone mention Cerne Abbas?

http://www.themodernantiquarian.com/site/35

That's in Dorset, innit?

And the churchyard in the village is lovley, too. (whispers: Has its own well, too - ssh!) ;o)

G x

Squid Tempest Aug 22, 2006 10:34:03

Replying to Squid Tempest

many thanks for all your helpful replies - looks like we'll have a fun week!

A small, off-topic aside - anyone know any good places for veggie food around the area? (apologies for this being nothing to do with old stones)...

Donkeys-hollow Aug 22, 2006 13:15:13

Replying to Squid Tempest

dont forget to visit portland you might find a rave in the quarries if ur lucky x

anthonyqkiernan Aug 22, 2006 14:32:44

Replying to Squid Tempest

"Squid went to Cerne Abbas"
"In Dorset?"
"Yeah, he said it was great"

Fangyouverymuch. I'm here all week. Try the fish...

Squid Tempest Sep 5, 2006 13:58:35

Replying to Squid Tempest

Just thought I'd let you all know that we had a marvellous time, and managed to visit a number of places we wouldn't have found without all your help. We managed the Nine Stones of Winterbourne Abbas (been before, but had to revisit), the Hellstone dolmen, the Grey Mare & her Colts, Kingstone Russell stone circle and Golden Cap (woo - those views!). We all (including the Squidlings) had a brilliant time.

Many thanks to all of you for your suggestions and directions.

Squid
x

btw, Goffick, we saw that place at Seaton (Seatown? can't remember off hand) that did the pies, but didn't have time to stop unfortunately!