A
reconstruction of the Sweet Trackthat you could walk on, at the visitor centre (now closed)
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A
reconstruction of the Sweet Track
that you could walk on, at the visitor centre (now closed)
Click Here
for Hi-Res images
(3x 80k)
The Sweet Track is a
supreme, if not so obvious example of Neolithic engineering, 6000 years old. An elevated
footpath that ran for almost 2km across the Somerset levels swamps. Extensive tree ring
studies have shown that Ash, Oak and Lime trees were systematically cut, pre-fabricated
and transported to the site, where they were built into a narrow footpath supported on
crossed poles, driven into heavy poles underwater and pegged together. Finally the Oak
walking platform was laid on top of the V shaped notch. All this indicates a high degree
of organisation and forward planning.
Some repairs were carried out, but it is clear that the Sweet Track was only in use for around ten years, probably due to the rising water level engulfing it.
Pictured left is the
Abbot's Way, a more recent trackway from only 4000 years ago that could also be road-tested
at the excellent Peat Moors Visitor Centre (now closed)
Access: Sections of the Sweet Track are on display in the British Museum, London. The replica photographed above was at the Peat Moors Visitor Centre (now closed), near Glastonbury, along with many other finds and re-constructions of prehistoric life. In many ways this centre was like Butser Hill Ancient Farm in Hampshire, which is also well worth a visit.
Rating: (Visitor Centre) General Impression 5, Ambience 2, Access (now closed)
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