A Lost Castle

We found a lost castle on Bodmin Moor.  Upton Castle is shown on the ordnance survey map near Lewannick on the banks of the Rivrer Lynher.  It took two attempts to find it, as the first attempt failed because of a locked gate into Upton Woods.  Once you know, it is easy to get to via a footpath that passes through Upton Barton Farm.  It is not a castle in the traditional sense, but rather a 12th Century Fortified Manor House.  The following are two screen captures from Google Earth showing its location.  The walk could easily be extended to take in older and prehistoric remains on the nearby Bodmin Moor.

 The castle is close to the words Upton Wood.  Upton Barton can be seen in the centre.

This clearly shows the outline of the Castle

 The track down towards the Lynher River

 A detail of the side of the sunken lane showing lichens, mosses and vegetation

 A ford across the Lynher.  The locked gate was just to the right.

Pedestrians get a footbridge

Looking across the Lynher.  Walkers who have more time can make a circular walk here by carrying on to the next farm and then following a Footpath to the proper castle access.

A week later we took the path through Upton Barton

 As we walked towards Upton Barton we had this view towards Bodmin Moor over Upton Woods

 Beware of the sheep and cattle - especially if you have a dog.

The view toward Launceston near Upton Barton

 Rocks in the field

 Viv striding out on the track.  Not bad for a lady that turned 90 in March

Back on the River Lynher.  You need to turn left into Upton Woods just before this point to get to the castle

Some views around Upton Castle

 http://magic.defra.gov.uk/Metadata_for_magic/rsm/15176.pdf

Viv having a picnic at Upton Castle