Every block of stone has a statue inside it and it is the task of the sculptor to discover it - Michelangelo
On another gorgeous sunny morning, we had a leisurely breakfast while listening to the bird song: 13 bird species either heard or seen (Blackbird, Blackcap, Blue Tit, Chiffchaff, Collared Dove, Dunnock, Great Tit, Jackdaw, Magpie, Robin, Willow Warbler, Wood Pigeon, Wren). After a fairly active day yesterday, we took things a little easier today.
First port of call was Winchcombe where we were hoping to have some lunch. We had a look round the Parish Church (St Peter's) but couldn't find anywhere to eat that we fancied. So it was a trip to the local Co-op for sandwiches etc and a picnic at the Gloucestershire Warwickshire Steam Railway (Winchcombe Station). We've travelled on this line before and thoroughly recommend it; unfortunately, timings did not suit our schedule today so we needed an alternative destination.
The alternative was Belas Knap Long Barrow, not far from Winchcombe. Parking is limited to a small lay-by on a minor road. Cross the road and follow the path up to Belas Knap through Humblebee Wood. It is uphill from the lay-by to Belas Knap (Old English: 'bel' = beacon & 'cnaepp' = hilltop) with the first part through the woods being the steepest. After emerging from the woods, follow the path along the side of the wood before turning right up the gentle slope. If you look back you will see the woods you have just come through and Winchcombe in the distance (Photo 1)
Photo 1: Looking back towards Winchcombe from the Path up to the Long Barrow (April 2026)
The warm sunshine was perfect for us and the butterflies ...
Photo 2: Red Admiral Butterfly on the Path up to Belas Knap (29th April 2026)
After about 20 minutes walk (1 kilometre) you should arrive at Belas Knap. This Neolithic chambered long barrow (burial chamber) is about 5000 years old. The site was excavatedon three occasions: 1863-1865, 1928-1931, 1963. Romano-British pottery was found inside indicating a long period of use. In total, the skeletons/bones of 38 individuals (adult and children) have been discovered. Belas Knap is recognized as one of the best examples of a Cotswold-Severn chambered cairn.
Figure 1: Schematic of Belas Knap Long Barrow (h/t English Hereitage)
Photo 3: Mary at the False Portal (see Figure 1)
Photo 4: South Chamber Entrance (see Figure 1)
Photo 5: NE Chamber Entrance (see Figure 1)
Photo 6: Inside NE Chamber Entrance (see Figure 1)
Photo 7: Peacock Butterfly at Belas Knap Long Barrow (late April 2026)
On our return to the car, we passed once more through Humblebee Wood. There was quite a strong breeze and the swaying trees were crackling as they banged and bumped into each other. I tried to record the sound on the video below but it doesn't do justice to the atmospheric crackling as the trees crashed into each other. It is said Tolkien visited this wood and Belas Knap - did it inspire him to invent Ents and Hobbit houses?
Video 1: Swaying Crackling Beech Trees in Humblebee Wood
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