웨스트 우드헤이‬에서 가장 멋진 ‪4‬개의 천연기념물

Ladle Hill을 철기 시대의 가장 위대한 "미완성 프로젝트"라고 생각해보세요. Watership Down 바로 옆에 위치한 이 언덕 요새는 기본적으로 2,500년 된 건설 현장이 시간 속에 멈춰 있는 것과 같습니다. 고대 건축가들은 거대한 방어 도랑을 파기 시작했지만 그냥... 멈췄습니다. 완공되지 않았기 때문에 원래의 "백악 더미"와 작업 구덩이를 명확하게 볼 수 있어 고고학자들의 꿈이자 등산객들의 놀이터가 됩니다. 유명한 이웃보다 훨씬 조용하고 360도 전망과 붐비는 인파가 없습니다. 켈트족이 왜 작업을 중단했는지 생각할 수 있는 시원한 피크닉에 안성맞춤입니다!

• 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.