Tregiffian Barrow
The Tregiffian Barrow was originally circular but the northern half has been obliterated by the road. Within the centre of the barrow is a burial chamber roughly fifteen feet long, constructed from large upright granite slabs, roofed by four (perhaps originally five) even larger slabs each spanning around 6 feet. The interior also contains some sections of dry stone walling.
One of the wall stones is decorated with 25 rounded hollows known as cupmarks - a form of prehistoric decoration, the purpose of which is not understood. In the case of Tregiffian Barrow, it has been suggested that the markings are connected to the cycles of the moon. In one year there are 13 full moons and 12 new moons, or vice-versa, totalling 25, thus a pebble moved between the cups could act as a calendar. A replica now stands in place of the original decorated slab which was taken to the Cornwall Museum in Truro to protect it.
More about Tregiffian Barrow from Cornwall Heritage Trust and the Cornish Bird blog.
On walks
- Lamorna and St Loy (5.1 mile walk)