St Cuthbert's Well (Bellingham)

Trip No.27  Entry No.2  Date Added: 26th May 2017
Site Type: Holy Well or Sacred Spring Country: England (Northumberland)
Visited: Yes on 25th May 2017. My rating: Condition 3 Ambience 4 Access 5

Log Text: Cuddy's Well (St. Cuthbert's Well, Bellingham): Parking in a small layby at NY 83833 83303, just opposite Manchester Square side road, we headed off to the church. The church was open, so we popped in to have a look. It looked relatively modern, but a plan hooked on the wall told us the sanctuary and chancel dated from the 13th century. Research this afternoon on British Listed Buildings said the church was extensively remodelled in 1609 and bell cote added in 1865. The stone barrelled roof was certainly interesting.

There was a marked grave ‘the lang pack’ in the churchyard, which the ‘A Church Near You’ website says is “the 'Long Pack' grave of a would be house-breaker who was killed by the butler of the house he was trying to rob.”

The well was mentioned briefly on the wooden plaque containing points of interest. To find this, we needed to go out of the church, walk south by the Black Bull, then turn right along the Pennine Way, following the eastern external wall of the churchyard. The path narrowed between two stone walls, but turning round a corner we encountered shallow steps leading down a bank, and there was the well at the bottom. We could hear water gushing from half way down the steps. The water rushed through the grill into the pool below, foaming up with the pressure. I did taste the water; it was fresh, but had no specific taste of any mineral.

On the eastern side of the current well structure there was another hole in the stone, and looked as if at some point either another spout came through, or the current spout had been moved.

Walking back up to the car, we noticed signs for the well and riverside walks from the main square (Manchester Square) in the town, which could be used for disabled access. I didn’t realise until I looked at UK Grid Reference Finder how close we had been to the North Tyne River, as the view was blocked by a very overgrown part of the cemetery.

East Steel Farm

Trip No.27  Entry No.1  Date Added: 26th May 2017
Site Type: Modern Stone Circle etc Country: England (Northumberland)
Visited: Yes on 25th May 2017. My rating: Condition 3 Ambience 3 Access 5

Log Text: East Steel Modern Stone Circle, Near Beltingham, Northumberland: From Beltingham, the further we drove out into the fells, we kept seeing bright yellow ‘Art Gallery Open’ signs. Long way to go for an art gallery, but a lovely drive. Note for future visitors – follow these signs!

As we pulled up to the lane leading down to East Steel House, marked by the signpost (see below), Dennis Kilgallon’s van was coming up to the road junction, signalling to turn right along the minor road. We indicated to go left and we passed each other. Parking by the circle, I hopped out with the camera, not realising Dennis had parked up and came across to speak to us. “Just taking a look?” he asked, “It’s a folly – built 10 years ago”. I thanked him kindly as he got back into his van and drove off. What a lovely place for an art gallery.

I counted 14 stones in the circle, most looking like reused gateposts, some of them leaning, largely built inside an old boundary, now just an arc of raised earth and stone in the ground topped in places by old, crooked, atmospheric hawthorn trees. Two of the stones were placed nearer to the track, outside the boundary - the circle wasn’t circular.

There was one really huge stone, presumably meant to be the heel stone. I wondered how it got there. My husband grunted and said “truck and crane probably.” At this point, a man in black was pelting up the track towards us, and I thought this was the farmer coming to warn us off, but no, it was a runner, who bid us good evening on his way past.

After 10 minutes or so appreciating the calls of the curlews on the surrounding fells, we headed off back to Beltingham and home.

Walwick Fell

Trip No.26  Entry No.1  Date Added: 22nd May 2017
Site Type: Ancient Village or Settlement Country: England (Northumberland)
Visited: Yes on 21st May 2017. My rating: Condition 2 Ambience 4 Access 4

Log Text: Walwick Fell Farmstead, near Hexham: This settlement is not far from Tower Tye, where the Tynedale North of the Wall Archaeology Group used to meet before the surveys. Turning south on the un-named road towards Whinney Hill, we parked in a small layby at the edge of the wood on the east side of the road, opposite the gate into the field containing the settlement. The footpath runs diagonally north west across the field, with the settlement to the right hand side towards the top of the hill, but with bullocks grazing in the field, looking very interested in coming over to us, we gave them a wide berth and approached the settlement from the east.

The settlement appears as a series of defined banks on the slope of the hill, with gorse bushes to its south-western side.

In the wood behind the stone wall to the north of this settlement lies the remains of a Roman camp, but it has been so disturbed by forestry works it is not really possible to see anything.

There are the clear remains of two hut circles, with their foundations built into the back of the slope. The banks are all turf covered and easy to make out. The site has wonderful views to the west, south and east (south to the South Tyne Valley), although it is in a sheltered spot just below the brow of the hill.

Looking on UK Grid Finder when I got home, it is impressive how much of the site can be made out on the aerial image.

There is a well marked on the OS map in the lower part of the field, although it was not evident when we made our way back to the gate.

Cross Well (Linlithgow)

Trip No.25  Entry No.3  Date Added: 21st May 2017
Site Type: Holy Well or Sacred Spring Country: Scotland (West Lothian)
Visited: Yes on 18th May 2017. My rating: Condition 4 Ambience 3 Access 5

Log Text: Cross Well, Linlithgow: From the Knock Modern Stone Circle, we set off towards the Gogar Stone. Passing through Linlithgow (we plan on going to see the Palace and nearby Hopetoun House) another day.

There was no market today, so I persuaded my friend to quickly stop which I got a proper photograph of the well! (Note the friend's car hiding behind the structure!)

Physic Well (Corstorphine)

Trip No.25  Entry No.5  Date Added: 21st May 2017
Site Type: Holy Well or Sacred Spring Country: Scotland (Midlothian)
Visited: Yes on 18th May 2017. My rating: Condition 3 Ambience 4 Access 5

Log Text: The Physic Well, Corstophine, Edinburgh: Pulling up on the northern section of Dunsmuir Court from Ladywell Road, I thought we’d spotted the well head under the trees between the houses and the main road, but this turned out to be a milestone!

Thankfully having the image of the well from the Portal, we followed the Court round to the garden at the back, and found the well behind a black metal railing which looked as if it had been painted recently.

The area between the houses has been turned into a modern garden, with tall stones looking like standing stones between the plants.

A lovely little spot, a little oasis away from the busy Edinburgh roads not far away. The blocks of flats here are being renovated and the area has a bright, airy feel. Shame there was no water in the well, though, especially as it used to be such a tourist attraction in the past.

Gogar Stone

Trip No.25  Entry No.4  Date Added: 21st May 2017
Site Type: Standing Stone (Menhir) Country: Scotland (Midlothian)
Visited: Saw from a distance on 18th May 2017. My rating: Ambience 3 Access 4

Log Text: The Gogar Stone, West Lothian: This stone was conveniently located on our way back into Edinburgh, although we were only able to see it from a distance. Sited towards southern edge of a huge field, about 300 metres south east of East Norton Farm, access to the field can be gained from Freelands Road through the large gaps in the hedge which runs to the northern side of the road.

At the time of our visit, a crop of wheat was almost knee high in the field. We walked along the crop-free area of the field running alongside Freelands Road side, seeking a tractor track we could walk along to reach the stone. Not finding this, we turned and walked north, following the edge of the field along Gogarstone Road. Again, no track. I started trying to place my feet carefully between the densely planted rows of wheat without damaging them, but even my feet were too large to fit sideways inside the rows; it took me five minutes to get some 20 rows in, and only 1/10th way there!

I could have kept walking round this enormous field, but time was running short. We decided to come back once the crop had been harvested, and moved on to the Physic Well in Corstophine.

Knock Stone Circle

Trip No.25  Entry No.2  Date Added: 21st May 2017
Site Type: Modern Stone Circle etc Country: Scotland (West Lothian)
Visited: Yes on 18th May 2017. My rating: Condition 4 Ambience 4 Access 5

Log Text: Knock Modern Stone Circle, West Lothian: Having passed this stone circle on the way to Cairnpapple, it looked impressive and I couldn’t wait to get back for a closer look. “Is this what a real stone circle looks like?” my friend (who is a relatively novice Megalith-hunter) asked. I chuckled as I read out the description from the Portal page which I’d printed off before I left home

It certainly looks as if it’s been here longer than 20 years!

The field was full of enormous sheep. The farmer has kindly built a small stile into the fence by the gate, which allowed us access into the field. We wandered round taking photographs. I really liked the little stone ‘seat’ in the inner ring, which the sheep gathered round.

I walked over to the outlier, which sits on a mound to the north-east of the circle.

On our way out, a car pulled out, parking half an inch from the bumper of our car. Out popped a photographer with a really big lens on his camera. He wandered up and down the road by the fence, taking photographs. We told him he could get into the field, either through the gate or over the stile. He said ‘thanks, but I’m waiting to get photos without the sheep’. As there were around 50 or so sheep in the field, I’m guessing he might have had some time to wait.

We headed off to Torphinchen for a snack and to visit the Preceptory (which was closed, even though the sign said it should have been open).

Cairnpapple Hill

Trip No.25  Entry No.1  Date Added: 21st May 2017
Site Type: Round Cairn Country: Scotland (West Lothian)
Visited: Yes on 18th May 2017. My rating: Condition 3 Ambience 4 Access 4

Log Text: Cairnpapple Hill, West Lothian: Our first stop of the day, and I was really excited to visit this site after what I’ve read about it. We pulled up in the layby at NS 98968 71832 and made our way up the steps to the grassy field in which the cairn sits. My first reaction was ‘wow, look at those views – what a place to be buried’. The friend I was with told me we could see for 17-20 miles north and east.

At first, the mast in the farm nearby seemed to encroach upon the whole of the site, but as our visit progressed, I completely forgot it was there. The door to the Nissen hut was open, so I walked in clutching my ‘English Heritage’ cards to pay and buy a guide book from the gentleman inside. But, he told us he was an electrician, just there to carry out some tests; if the keys he had let us into the burial chamber proper, he would let us in. We followed him up the steps to the top of the mound, but sadly his keys wouldn’t open the black metal doors. What a shame!

We did, however, spent about an hour walking about the cairn (I was really disappointed to find out the dome was a modern construction, built to protect the burials), trying to understand it’s layout and the various stages of construction.

The interpretation boards said that the timber circle holes were filled with gravel, although there were others filled with grey/light brown gravel that were much bigger. I joked with my friend that the larger holes were big enough for crouch burials, so in fun, he demonstrated, with his mobile phone and glasses as his grave goods.

We could see the modern Knock Stone Circle in the distance. We said we’d go back with my friend and his wife when the visitor centre was open (Friday to Monday during summer months); she was brought up in the vicinity and knows the site well.

Torwood Broch

Trip No.24  Entry No.2  Date Added: 16th May 2017
Site Type: Broch or Nuraghe Country: Scotland (Falkirk)
Visited: Yes on 13th May 2017. My rating: Condition 3 Ambience 4 Access 4

Log Text: Tappoch/Torwood Broch, West Lothian: I’d wanted to go in search of the 2 boundary stones near Torphinchen, but was over-ruled in favour of the broch at Tappoch. By the time we’d left Torphinchen, the rain really started to come down, but being equipped with waterproofs, and supposedly sheltered by the tall forest trees, we set off anyway.

Parking on Glen Road, close to the footpath, we set off up the public right of way to Denoven (the car park that is mentioned in the main page is now a new house), then took the path which headed off right and up hill into the forest. It was lovely, soft spongy ground to walk on, with all the pine needles forming a soft covering over the prolific bedrock slabs.

Continuing up the hillside, the rain got heavier, but as we reached the broch, the rain stopped for a short period (just long enough for us to explore the broch).

The easiest way to access the interior of the broch is to take the path to your left, walking round the exterior wall of the broch. An internal staircase comes into view, and it’s easy walking down these few steps. Going straight up the hill was definitely for mountain goats! The interior feels roomy and solid, with sturdy, dry stone walls.

The foresters (or others) have clearly been using this structure, as there were the remains of a stone fire pit and recently burnt wood.

Looking closer at the lumps and bumps around the broch, I think there are other structures attached to this site. There was a very steep drop on the broch’s southern side, clearly excellent for defences.

Well worth a visit, even if it took several hours to dry out afterwards!

Cross Well (Linlithgow)

Trip No.24  Entry No.3  Date Added: 16th May 2017
Site Type: Holy Well or Sacred Spring Country: Scotland (West Lothian)
Visited: Yes on 13th May 2017. My rating: Condition 3 Ambience 3 Access 5

Log Text: Cross Well, Linlithgow: This was our last stop on this rainy day, and we arrived to find a small market around the well, along with an event happening at the Burgh Halls immediately behind it. Couldn’t really get close to the well itself until later in the afternoon, as there were lots of stallholders, children and dogs. Truly a centre point for the town. No water in the well today – the spout and basin were completely dry. I confess I was disappointed to find such a modern structure - I'd expected something a lot older and less ornate.

We tried to find the Dogwell, walking up Dog Well Wynd as far as the railway line, but nothing.

After photographing the well as best I could, we wandered around the loch, then back round via St. Michael’s church, with its internal walls marked by musket balls and sword sharpening marks from Cromwell’s soldiers.

St Thomas (Brompton)

Trip No.23  Entry No.4  Date Added: 16th May 2017
Site Type: Ancient Cross Country: England (Yorkshire (North))
Visited: Yes on 11th May 2017. My rating: Condition 4 Ambience 4 Access 5

Log Text: Hogbacks and Crosses, Brompton, North Yorkshire: This is a visit I’d arranged some time ago, arranging to meet the church warden at 2pm on 11th May (details on the 'A Church Near You' website). The church is kept locked, as we found out when we’d tried to visit a couple of years ago, and I was much looking forward to this return visit.

We were a little late, having stopped to photograph the remains of the motte at Pickill, and having hit a little traffic in Northallerton, but we found the church wardens sweeping up cherry blossom from the porch of the church. We were certainly made very welcome.

There are three complete hogbacks, the carving of which is very crisp, almost as if they had been done yesterday – preserved after having been buried in the ground for so long.

A further two fragments sit, almost hidden, against the north eastern corner of the nave, wedged between an altar, some heating pipes and the wall.

Sitting to the south of these, against the boundary between the nave and the chancel, was a wheel head cross. Another cross sat on the south wall of the chancel, with a further 3 sitting on the southern window ledge of the western wall.

The Cock Shaft sits almost hidden at the back of the pews, in the south west corner of the church, and is named so because there are three cocks on the southern face.

To my surprise, Doreen said there were three further fragments in the external south and east walls of the church, so we hunted for these whilst she spoke to the man repairing the churchyard wall. There are also the remains of a grave marker, now broken in two, placed in separate parts high up on the eastern wall.

We were given the ‘Village Trail’ and also told much interesting history about the linen factories in the village, and started off on the walk to see the village green, Cockpit Hill and the water splash. A great day out.

Money Hill (Pickhill)

Trip No.23  Entry No.3  Date Added: 16th May 2017
Site Type: Artificial Mound Country: England (Yorkshire (North))
Visited: Yes on 11th May 2017. My rating: Condition 2 Ambience 3 Access 5

Log Text: Money Hill Motte, Pickhill: Leaving All Saints, going back down Money Hill to Street Lane, we stopped to look at the remains of the motte. I confess that without the grid reference and the OS map, I would have mistaken this for just another earthwork.

This is in fact a scheduled ancient monument, which was cut be the old railway line and the building of a bungalow. It is unusual in that it is square in shape.

Didn’t stop to wander round, as we were late for our appointment at St. Thomas’s, Brompton.

All Saints (Pickhill)

Trip No.23  Entry No.2  Date Added: 16th May 2017
Site Type: Ancient Cross Country: England (Yorkshire (North))
Visited: Yes on 11th May 2017. My rating: Condition 3 Ambience 4 Access 5

Log Text: Hogback and Cross Fragments, Pickhill, North Yorkshire: This church was recommended by ‘Rev Robbo’ (Reverend Ian Robinson) of St. Gregory’s, Bedale, who told us that there was a collection of fragments in the base of the tower. I’d sent an email to the vicar but received no reply, so phoned the number on ‘A Church Near You’ website. The church is open during the day.

The church really is in a lovely location. Going through the lych gate, I was greeted by a mounting block with what looked like an old cross shaft on top, but which was a sundial. On the south wall of the tower there is a very interesting carved beam from the 15th century depicting a hunting scene and a green man.

In the churchyard there are some interesting grave markers. Mentioned in the church guide are 3 markers mentioning the children of the White family, who all died tragically young. The guide also mentions to look out for the mound on which the Norman castle was built.

Torphichen Churchyard Stone

Trip No.24  Entry No.1  Date Added: 15th May 2017
Site Type: Standing Stone (Menhir) Country: Scotland (West Lothian)
Visited: Yes on 13th May 2017. My rating: Condition 3 Ambience 4 Access 5

Log Text: Torphichen Sanctuary Stone, West Lothian: After an exciting day at the filming of Robot Wars yesterday we stayed overnight at daughter and son-in-law's nearby. Torphichen is a lovely little village (Cairnpapple is also signposted further on from here), larger than I expected. The parish church incorporates/is next to the Preceptory of the Knights Hospitaller of the Order of St John of Jerusalem, which dates from the late 12th century.

The sanctuary stone is in the front of the churchyard (to the left of the gate as you enter, sheltering under a yew tree). There are other boundary stone markers around the area, and I really wanted to go and find these (the Canmore record says that they ‘once sat t a mile radius on each point of the compass. Of which the Gormyre Stone to the east-north-east and the Westfield stone survive’) but we had other priorities for the day. Another visit, probably in September/October.

There were some really interesting tombstones, particularly at the east end of the church – little people/heads/bones. Had some fun photographing these.

The Preceptory wasn’t open until 1pm on the day of our visit, so we missed it. Peering through a grill into the structure, it looked absolutely fascinating. Andrew discovered what looked like a well (similar to the Galilee Well at Durham Cathedral) against the east wall of the church, although I haven’t found any mention of it on any of the historical records (yet) although Canmore says there are 2 wells in the village, one of which supplied the Preceptory.

St Gregory's Church (Bedale)

Trip No.23  Entry No.1  Date Added: 14th May 2017
Site Type: Early Christian Sculptured Stone Country: England (Yorkshire (North))
Visited: Yes on 11th May 2017. My rating: Condition 3 Ambience 4 Access 5

Log Text: Anglo-Danish stones, St. Gregory's, Bedale: We’d been to St. Gregory’s a long time ago, but the stone fragments had just been moved into the crypt at the advice of North Yorkshire Police because one stone had been stolen.

So as not to be disappointed this time, I’d been corresponding with ‘Rev Robb’ (Rev. Ian Robinson) to make an appointment to get into the crypt. At the time I’d last contacted him, it was just before Easter. He offered the date of 27th May, when a group was also visiting. I elected to leave it until he returned from holiday, and arranged 11th May, with us attending Holy Communion at 10am, staying on to look round the church and be shown the stones.

The parishioners made us very welcome indeed. After the service, Rev. Robinson came and introduced us and took us round to the crypt (which is on the outside of the church – I’d had visions of climbing down dusty, steep steps!), with a step down into the crypt, which is built under the altar in the sanctuary (note: later exploring the church, climbing up the steps to this altar, you are at least 6 to 8 feet above the congregation; it would not be good if you missed one of the steps!).

I gave Rev. Robinson a printout of the Portal page with the drawings. First of all he told me that since he’d been vicar here (for 6 years) there had only been the two stones – one had ‘gone missing’ and weren’t sure of it’s location (possibly Durham Cathedral?). He helped me identify the half torso. Because of the story associated with this stone, he was torn between keeping the stone because of it’s non-Christian origins vs being part of the church’s history.

The church guide says “A Viking myth tells of a man called Weland (pronounced Wayland), a highly skilled smith. He is captured by a king, who has his hamstrings cut to prevent him from escaping; but he escapes on a flying machine he has made. The caring on the stone …. Shows part of Welland on his machine. You can make out the fan shaped tail and one of the wings as well as his feet, legs and body bound together by Celtic knots. On the ned of the tombstone are the remains of a nativity scene ….. this is part of a hogback tombstone dating from the 10th century. In 2003 it was rediscovered in the crypt and has been identified as the Weland stone of which there are only three known examples in this country. The others are in Leeds Parish church and Sherburn Church, near Filey.”

The other stone “was part of a column or pillar, (and) is a good example of Anglian knotwork.”

Also in the crypt is a curious staircase which leads up to the side of the altar. We were told this was for the Chantry monks to go straight up to the main body of the church. There was also a small ‘arms column’ locked with three enormous, hand-made padlocks. In the vestry, there were numerous examples of chests locked with three keys (each needing a different key). There are five effigies; four at the west end of the nave, one in the vestry. The staircase to the bell tower had a portcullis (you can still see where it used to be raised up), and looking up into the tower there is a hatch; above this, the Reverend told us there was a room with a guard-robe and a fireplace.

Jingling Gate

Trip No.22  Entry No.1  Date Added: 11th May 2017
Site Type: Ancient Village or Settlement Country: England (Northumberland)
Visited: Yes on 9th May 2017. My rating: Condition 2 Ambience 4 Access 5

Log Text: Jingling Gate Homestead, near Dotland, Hexhamshire: OK, probably this should have been called Edge House Homestead, but the name Jingling Gate sounds so much nicer! What a spot this is. Farmland here is so lush and green and the views are tremendous. Locals still hold onto much of their Hexhamshire identity rather than claim Northumberland citizenship.

This homestead is clearly visible on UK Grid Finder, but a little harder to make out on the ground. There was no gate into the field - there was a very long, continuous stone wall (must form the boundary of a farm), so we ended up peering over the stone wall.

The double banks on the northern side of the homestead were very clear, as was the southern corner, where it executes a tidy turn.

The middle has been quarried across, which makes the western side of the homestead a little difficult to make out. We didn't know there were hut circles inside until we got home and looked at the Pastscape record.

On the opposite side of the road, just north of the homestead, there is a long, low earth and stone boundary feature. No mention of a field system around the homestead. This is probably medieval, but interesting nevertheless.

It is so peaceful and quiet here. No one but the sheep and the occasional tractor. Bliss. On from here to find wells that were named on the OS Map - Midge Well, Jack's Well and Holly Well.

Lively Well (Witton-le-Wear)

Trip No.21  Entry No.3  Date Added: 6th May 2017
Site Type: Holy Well or Sacred Spring Country: England (County Durham)
Visited: Yes on 4th May 2017. My rating: Condition 2 Ambience 4 Access 4

Log Text: Lively Well, Witton-le-Wear, County Durham: Andrew saw this well on the “Ancient, Healing and Holy Wells of County Durham” listing by Laurence Hunt, which formed the basis for today’s ‘well hunt’.

He says “On the banks of the river Wear below the level crossing at Witton le Wear. A footpath leads down from the level crossing. Whether of any great age or repute I was unable to determine, but this named well, consisting of a spring at the head of a small overgrown channel leading to the river Wear, is attractively sited and worth a visit. Its water is far from 'lively', however, being muddy and stagnant”

This is a really beautiful little village. We’ve whizzed up and down the A68 many, many times, but never turned left down to Witton-le-Wear. Well worth a detour! Would like to come again for a wander round. There is even a cross shaft in the church, although this is supposed to be 12th century.

We parked in the layby by the small station, just past the level crossing (as travelling from the A68 through Witton). There was a footpath with a sign to the cricket club immediately opposite, so we walked down this tarmacked path to the cricket pavilion (with its beehives and even a swarm of bees in a basket next to the path). We followed the path down to the gushing, rushing, pebbly River Wear, but decided we’d gone too far.

Spotting another path climbing up a steep bank on the other side of the railway crossing, we headed back across the cricket field, and where this footpath levels off, there is a small bridge over a channel of water at NZ 15059 31172 which seemed to rise out of nowhere. This disappeared under the footpath, not to reappear again (must be channelled into the river at some point). Following this small channel to the west for around 100 metres, there is a fenced off area of reeds and tall grasses, and I think this is where the spring rises (NZ 15023 31152)

Dropping small leaves into the water, we couldn’t determine a flow of water, or even which direction it flowed in – the leaves just sat sedately on the surface of the water.

Getting home, and trying to do some more research on this well, on the OS map of 1857 the well is not marked but the area is called Lively Bank Plantation. There is a small note on Keys to the Past, but the village dates back to Saxon times. I have emailed County Durham HER to find out more, if possible.

Holy Well (Wolsingham)

Trip No.21  Entry No.4  Date Added: 6th May 2017
Site Type: Holy Well or Sacred Spring Country: England (County Durham)
Visited: Yes on 4th May 2017. My rating: Condition 4 Ambience 4 Access 5

Log Text: Holy Well, Wolsingham, County Durham: This was our last stop of the day and to find this, I loaded the map from the Portal page. To the north of the main village, the well is sited just to the west of Holy Well Farm on Holywood Lane.

At first sight, it looks like a very small barn, but looking closer, the golden names of the saints on the metal grill door shine out. The well chamber itself is very dark and gloomy (no light seems to penetrate) and I struggled to photograph it, even with my most powerful flash gun – it was easier to see the stone ledges, the flowers on those ledges and the well pool itself with the naked eye. The well pool was full of water, but the rest of the chamber was dry.

Curious to find out where the spring was that fed the chamber (as the well house is conveniently close to the road), I both leant over the stone wall and walked up the footpath just to the west of the well house. There is a dried up hollow immediately behind, although we’ve not had any rain in this part of the world for weeks, so it’s not surprising it was dry.

Ceoppa's Barrow

Trip No.21  Entry No.2  Date Added: 5th May 2017
Site Type: Round Barrow(s) Country: England (Tyne and Wear)
Visited: Yes on 4th May 2017. My rating: Condition 3 Ambience 4 Access 4

Log Text: Ceoppa's Barrow, Tyne & Wear: From Bucks Nook/North View, we headed off eastwards along Bradley Fell Road, taking the second right ((Kyo Lane), then dog-legging right/left along the Lead Road then down Horsegate Bank to Claython Terrace Road. Pulling in in the small layby next to the forestry track just before Heavygate Farm at NZ 12710 59129 we walked down the farmtrack running immediately to the west of Heavygate Farm.

Walking by the farmyard was an education in old farm equipment – old tractors, dumper trucks, old cars, pumps. The official grid reference for this barrow is NZ12605890, although I found it to be NZ12605890. Surprisingly, this barrow doesn’t seem to be scheduled.

The barrow is located not quite at the top of the hill, which seems to be at Broomfield Farm, but has brilliant views down to the Derwent Valley to the south.

The gates to the fields were wired shut, but we managed to get photographs from opposite the main entrance to the farm and the gates into the field at NZ 12775 58928. There was definite evidence of a surrounding ditch.

North View enclosure

Trip No.21  Entry No.1  Date Added: 5th May 2017
Site Type: Ancient Village or Settlement Country: England (Tyne and Wear)
Visited: Yes on 4th May 2017. My rating: Condition 1 Ambience 3 Access 4

Log Text: North View/Bucks Nook Enclosure, Gateshead: Whilst this site is literally within sight of the eastern end of Prudhoe, to drive to it, we needed to go through Greenside and take the Rockwood Hill/Bradley Fell road until we reached the point where the road divided,travelling south/wout-west towards Guard’s Farm, and north to join Kyo Bog Lane.

We parked at the fork in the road, just west of North View Farm at NZ 11320 61603. The footpath going to this site running south east through a wooded area from NZ 11320 61597 (the stile into the wood is barely visible from the road), where it runs to the west of North Farm to open pasture. The trees bordering the farm were strewn with ‘Dogs run free/keep out signs’, which were quite off-putting. Nevertheless, there was a clear path running up through the wood to a second and third stiles at NZ 11412 61533 and NZ 11418 61531.

Just before this second stile, there is a corner and definite change of slope which runs at an angle to the footpath (which now runs in a narrow between a fence to the north and an old stone wall/hedge line to the south) and, in the field immediately behind the garden of North View Farm (field contains a stable). At the time of our visit, this boundaryfeature was quite clear, due to the difference in the colour of the grass. From here, it was a little difficult to know where the boundary ran. Where it appeared to cross the footpath, there was a clear ‘hump’ in the ground. Where it disappeared into the field, it was difficult to tell where it ran.

Continuing along the footpath several hundred metres, there is a 6ft fence at NZ 11557 61447, with a stile over it, and more ‘dogs run free/keep out’ signs. It is possible to squeeze between the trees at this point and have a closer look at any possible earthworks. There was a difference in colour in the pasture about 10 metres before the hedge-line at the south-eastern corner, but without a definite plan, it was impossible to tell.

I found the Sitelines Tyne & Wear HER 172 record, but despite it saying the monument is scheduled, I’ve been unable to find anything (having done searches on the various names, grid references, postcodes, farm names). I have emailed T&W archives to see if it’s possible to get some more information. The feature is not visible on UK Grid Finder, although it is possible to pick out the northern corner (photographed).

This place has lovely views over the Tyne Valley to the north. It was worth coming here just to see the views back over Prudhoe and Crawcrook.