My son had never been to see the Bleasdale Circle despite having walked around the Bleasdale estate since he was a young child. In fact when I think about it, we pushed him round in a ‘buggy’ when he was barely one. I had to remind him that was 50 years ago!
I must have a dozen or more posts regarding Bleasdale and have mentioned the Bleasdale Circle several times. Things didn’t look right today as we took the concessionary path towards the circle – the trees which enclosed it have virtually gone, I had to take a second look. As we came closer it was obvious that there had been severe storm damage since I was last here and the remaining trees harvested. To be honest the whole site looked a mess, all very disappointing, it’s going to need some loving care to make it presentable once more. The concrete inner ‘posts’ were still in place, but the interpretation board was undecipherable. The views from up high on the fells will no longer show the prominent circle of trees marking the site. See my previous photos here.
I quote from previous posts –
The circles are Bronze Age and were originally oak posts, an outer and inner ring. Discovered in 1898 and subsequently excavated they yielded a central burial chamber with cremation urns and ashes. These are now on display in the Harris Museum in Preston. The inner ring of wooden posts have been replaced with concrete posts. The orientation of the posts within the circle of the Bleasdale Hills may suggest some deep reason for their siting here.
Here is the official listing for it.
We walked on around the estate at a slow pace as the temperature soared. Our plan was to finish the walk just before six when the Cross Keys Inn at nearby Whitechapel would be opening. The plan worked, and we enjoyed a beer and a good meal.
Oh my goodness, the loss of those trees is (to me at least) devastating. Last time I was up there last summer, I enjoyed sitting among the trees & soaking up the atmosphere. I liked the ribbons tied to the trees too. I’m sure it will regain its own kind of atmosphere (& actually the views must be incredible without the trees) but it’s sad to see such a stark change.
I couldn’t believe the devastation. It was far more atmospheric with the trees as you say, and it was a landmark to be seen from afar particularly from Fairsnape.
It will be a few more years before it gains its tranquillity.
I’ve often seen this on the map, and intended visiting, but have yet to do so. It certainly looks a sorry sight from your description. It’s interesting Caroline mentioning the ribbons tied to the now fallen trees. I’ve seen this at other megalithic sites. Long Meg is particularly atmospheric in that resepct, and goes to show how resilient the old folk “religions” are.
There were ribbons and tat on the remaining tree. I have come across them before but more related to possible healing powers of a certain pilgrim spot. In Scotland a cloot or rag strip belonging to a sick person is hung near a shrine or well in the hope of a cure. Hence, the term Clootie Tree.
There is a link to ‘proddy mats’ which I used to make as a child. Not slave labour but as a diversion before TV took over. Strips of recycled cloth {cooties} were prodded through hessian and knotted to produce a utilitarian mat. I’ve still have one. Nothing wasted.
Sounds a bit like what we used to call rag-rugs. My grandmother was a dab-hand. Unlike now, I suspect that was a generation that threw nothing away.
Yes, rag rugs exactly. Could you still make one?.
You’ve got me thinking now. You can get them in kit form with the tools and the backing. I might have a go.
Wonderful
The circle isn’t wonderful at the present. But it is a very evocative location in the folds of the Bowland Hills.
It was the setting looked brilliant,
I agree there.
Looks like there has been a bomb blast. How sad.
Did we stop off here on our straight line walk, Longridge to Arnside?
I’ve never been, but you’ve got me interested, sadly at a time when it sounds as if it’s far from its best. Terrible storm damage from Arwen around us too, with many fine old oaks gone.
In a funny sort of way, perhaps now is a good time to visit Bleasdale Circle, then revisit over the coming years to see how it is slowly regaining its mystique.
It is an evocative place whatever. You can find some good hill circuits in the area taking in the circle. A good example is this from ms6282 even though he narrowly missed the circle! https://greatacre.wordpress.com/2022/08/08/bog-hopping-on-the-bleasdale-fells/
I have to confess that I haven’t been either – and I have absolutely no excuse, living so nearby. What a shame!
It is an atmospheric spot despite the felling.