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042 Cromwell's Stone, Harburnhead, West Calder. |
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Description
Cromwell's Stone is an un-inscribed natural boulder, embedded in
the ground some 20m north from the south west corner of the
surrounding wood. It measures 1.0m x 0.8m x 0.6m and is situated
within coniferous woodland.
Directions
Take the B7008 south east from West Calder. The stone is located
in the woods opposite the golf course. Note: GPS does not work in
the confines of the wood. A North bearing from the south east
corner of the wood will lead you to the stone.
Parking
Parking is difficult in this area but permission may be sought to
park in a small off-road parking are beside Harburn Golf Course.
Folklore
Cromwell's Stone is a large rounded stone from which
Cromwell is traditionally said to have reconnoitred the
surrounding country.
Fieldnotes
The elusive Cromwell's Stone. Two separate trips to the area and
three hours of scrabbling through thick coniferous woodland
finally brought Cromwell's Stone to light. Twice I searched
nearly every inch of the surrounding woods but finally decided
to try and follow a compass bearing from the south west corner.
This was quite tricky through the thick trees but I eventually
found myself where the stone should be and there it was, hidden
under a fallen conifer. And was it worth it I keep asking
myself? Well, probably not. The stone is plain and would
otherwise be forgotten. Only a possible? association to that
chap Oliver Cromwell to give it a place on the map. All good
fun, I suppose and I have the scratches to prove it!
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