The first time, we drove straight past the exit we should have taken, and only upon approaching a second time, careful of the treacherous signs, did we notice the directions for Maiden Castle. Had we come from the opposite side we would have seen it as clear as the day.
The attraction isn't all that much to look at. It is an Iron Age Hill fort, which has been rebuilt and expanded several time since its earliest days. Nothing but earthworks remain, but as such it is quite impressive in its size.
Wise from my previous near death experience, I took it easy while walking up the hill, and made it without further problems. There were several gates along the way to be opened and closed, as the area is now used for grazing by sheep. I also saw several dogs, big and small running around with that brainless, happy look on their faces which they tend to get when they're frolicking freely. There was a lot of mutual sniffing of each other's backsides and I dare say a good time was had all round.
All Maiden Castle pics here.
Hilly landscape.
Deep ditches.
This ewe had gotten out through a gate and couldn't get in again to its two lambs. It was loudly proclaiming its predicament to all and sundry. We tried to lure it inside the gate, but it was way too jumpy (possibly from experience...) to listen to our pleas.
The two lost lambs meeeehing pathetically on the right side of the gate. They were conversing and physically touching their mother through the fence a little way to the right, but would scatter if we tried to approach them.
Two other lambs eyeing me skeptically, ready to flee. I think someone should have a good talk with the local farmer; maybe he has a whole other definition of "animal husbandry" than the rest of us.
There was a wonderful area of yellow rape plants down by the car park.
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