Monument record 8507 - Vallay Strand

This enclosure lies on a gentle W-facing slope, eith its W end at the very edge of a substantial bog. It has two clear phases of construction. In its first phase it was a sub-circular enclosure c. 12m across internally and bounded by two banks and a medial ditch. In its second phase the eastern end of the enclosure was enlarged to measure 16m E-W and squared, removing much of the E side of the primary enclosing works where they fell within the secondary enclosure, although a slight rise marks the former course of the primary bank. The N side of the secondary rebuild was also provided with a ditch springing from the earlier ditch at an oblique angle. An entrance into the secondary enclosure was provided in E side. A possible causeway across the primary ditch lies at the NW corner, although it is alternatively possible that the ditch has simply become completely infilled at this point. The heather-covered banks are of earth and turf construction, as visible in rabbit burrows. They survive up to 1.5m wide and 0.5m high. The medial grass-covered ditch is up to 2m wide and 1m deep in places. There is no clear evidence of features within the enclosure, although there is a slight rise towards the centre.

Andrew Dunwell, 1998, Vallay Strand Project 1995-7 (Unpublished document). SWE41015.