Another great tour of the West Pennine Moors led by the team at Horwich Heritage Centre. As in previous years it was headed by Derek Cartwright with help from Gary Rhodes and this time with Ste Hamer and Phil Luff, former Rivington Ranger. As on the first trip, we met at Jepson’s Gate where Derek gave a quick overview of what he as about to show us. He then led the way across the moor to our first site, i.e. Pike Stones. This monument is referred to in its scheduling (No.1009120) as being a chambered long cairn dating from the early to mid Neolothic (i.e. 3400 – 2400 BC). All that is left though is a group of large gritstone slabs leaning against one another. Originally it would have been covered by a large mound perhaps 48m long and up to 19m wide. (continue reading…)