ウェストウッドヘイの天然記念物・トップ4

レードル・ヒルを鉄器時代最大の「未完プロジェクト」と考えてみてください。ウォーターシップ・ダウンのすぐ隣に位置するこの丘砦は、基本的に2500年前の建設現場が時の中で凍りついたような場所です。古代の建設者たちは、巨大な防御用の溝を掘り始めましたが、途中で止めてしまいました。完成しなかったため、元の「チョークの山」や作業用の穴がはっきりと見え、考古学者にとっては夢のような場所であり、ハイカーにとっては遊び場となっています。有名な隣人たちよりもずっと静かで、360度の景色と人のいない空間を提供してくれます。ケルト人がなぜ仕事を放棄したのかを考えながら、そよ風の中でピクニックをするのに最適です！

• Construction Period: Fosbury Hillfort was likely constructed during the Middle Iron Age, probably by the Atrebates tribes. • Occupation: It is generally considered a center of permanent occupation during the Iron Age, from around the 6th century BC to the mid-1st century AD. • Purpose: Hillforts like Fosbury were built for protection and sanctuary, reflecting power struggles and increasing warfare during the Iron Age. They often served as centers for settlement, trade, and industrial activity.

• Internal Features: Within the camp, there are two natural ponds, believed to be original features, with one reputedly "never run dry." The interior also contains visible field terraces and evidence of storage pits, suggesting an agricultural community. An enigmatic 40ft diameter turf circle is also present, with its purpose debated (possibly a WWII feature or something older). • Ancient Trees: The site is home to ancient oak and beech trees, some with root systems encompassing the banks.

• Situated in eastern Wiltshire, south of the village of Fosbury, near Marlborough and Hungerford. • Rests on Knolls Down, at a height of 254m AOD (slightly below the summit of Haydown Hill at 258m AOD). • Excellently defended to the south, southwest, and east due to steeply sloped terrain. • To the north, the land is less steep and is largely bounded by Oakhill Wood. • Easily accessible by public footpaths. • Bivallate Defenses: The hillfort is characterized by two concentric lines of earthworks (ramparts and ditches), though it is believed to have never been fully completed. These defenses are particularly impressive on the southwestern arc, offering views into the Hippenscombe valley. • Size: It is an oval-shaped site, covering approximately 26 acres (11 hectares). • Entrances: The main entrance is located on the eastern side, featuring "inturned parallel banks." There's also a "north gate" accessible through Oakhill Wood.

The hillfort on the top of the hill has never been excavated, but the land and ditch are sharply defined and well preserved. This Iron Age fort is roughly rectangular and enclosed seven acres within an embankment and ditch. There are two probable entrances to the east and west. The work seems to have been undertaken by several different labour forces, each working on a section of the defences, but for some reason the task was abandoned and the fort left unfinished. Great to walk along the unfinished ramparts, it's windy and flipping huge!!!

Stop.take a water break and just look around. Great views .

Discover this rare holy well located in Speen in Newbury. Historically, the well was thought to have healing qualities, healing anything from eye diseases to measles and rickets.

This is a wonderful spot with a lovely display of seasonal wildflowers that bloom within the spring and summer months.