Cow Castle is an Iron Age, fort at the top of a conical hill where White Water meets the River Barle. It is thought that 'Cow, Castle' was more a refuge than a power base. It is also known as 'Ring Castle' and legend has it that it was built by the good pixies, who were at war with the evil mine spirits. The pixie queen had the Castle built and each stone and turf was instilled with the memory of a good deed and therefore created such a good atmosphere that the evil spirits couldn't get in..
On a natural knoll in the Barle Valley are the remains of Cow Castle, an Iron Age hill fort built between 2000 and 3000 years ago. The traces of the enclosing ramparts - a bank and ditch - can still be traced around the hill. This is a very small fort on top of a rocky hill in the river valley of the Barle. It is a lovely walk south from Simonsbath or north from Lanacre Bridge along the river. (You can park at either).
The hill is low compared to the surrounding moors but surrounded by lower ground on all sides, with the river or one side and a stream flowing down one of the others. Like other Exmoor sites the archaeology is not particulary prominent but the site is worth visiting because it's such a pleasent locality.
The Iron Age hillfort of Cow Castle occupies a dramatic knoll in the valley of the River Barle
Described by James Dyer as 'a fine and perfect univallate hillfort'.
Cow castle and similar hill forts ewere set up as defendable castles for farmers.
View of Cow Castle near Simonsbath
Cow Castle
Cow Castle is an Iron Age fort at the top of a conical hill where White Water meets the River Barle. It is thought that Cow Castle was more a refuge than a power base. It is also known as Ring Castle and legend has it that it was built by the good pixies who were at war with the evil mine spirits. The pixie queen had the Castle built and each stone and turf was instilled with the memory of a good deed and therefore created such a good atmosphere that the evil spirits couldn't get in.
OS Grid Reference: SS795374 |
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