The Untouchables

[Sagina nivalis]

I thought I'd start a thread on unreachable trigs: maybe some pooled knowledge will result in progress.

England, there are several which are just awkward and needing luck or permission.
The only show-stoppers I can think of are Fort Borstal: I met the lady: "This is our home and we don't allow people in"; Fort Rowner may be unfeasible too - needs a letter to base commander. But at least the latter is visible.

Scotland, the stopper seems to be Mam Mor; others I can think of are Eastriggs and Kinniny Braes. I've only been (near) to the first of these.

Rob

[agentmancuso]

North Hill may or may not be unreachable depending on sveltness (sveltitude?)opcorn:

[Bill D (wwh)]

Clearbury Ring TP2212 is very near a cache of mine, but though it's visible from a nearby field, which itself has no right of way and no legal public access, it's ten feet (3 metres) beyond a barbed wire fence and buried in woodland.

Bishopstone Down TP1399 is in the middle of a crop field with no right of way closer than about 300 yards (300 metres) - it's (just) visible from the nearest right of way, but unapproachable without flattening the crops.

[gazooks]

Therfield TP6435
is is a water board compund. Visible but unreachable.

[ted]

Householders might in some cases be a bit alarmed by the unexpected appearance of a typical trig bagger on their doorstep. Faced with the need to make an instant decision on whether to grant access or not, they might well be suspicious.

In the case of Flamborough FBM, a web search plus help from members of Trigonomy identified the owners name; I then wrote (enclosing an SAE) to request a visit, and followed-up with a phone call to negotiate a suitable time. That approach worked fine and might be worth a try for Fort Borstal.

For military trigs, I wonder if it is worth trying to gain semi-official backing from the OS (its a pity that Richard Short has retired); something about a research group intererested in the current status of triangulation artefacts might help convince the authorities that we are strange but harmless.


Regards,
Ted

[ted]

Another thought...

http://www.heritageopendays.org/ arrange access once a year to "properties that are usually closed to the public".

I checked their list last year and couldn't see anything of trig significance; this year's list has yet to be published. Reservoir or military trigs are unlikely to be quite what they had in mind; but Knowsley Park, http://www.trigpointinguk.com/trigs/...ils.php?t=4307 has nearby monuments and might be nearer the mark - but I see that RHW has already bagged this one hmy:


Regards
Ted

[Trigpoint Bears]

The only one I can think of is TP0751 Bembridge Fort (IOW)

http://www.trigpointinguk.com/trigs/...ails.php?t=751

I got in by pure chance, but it certainly looks sealed up to access now.

[Sagina nivalis]

North Hill - must get there soon before that gap disappears!

This reminds me of Barr Beacon, a Resr, but sounds easy at present.

Fort Borstal - good suggestion, thanks. I should do some research.

Bembridge - luckily not a Pillar so I'm in the clear It's a "Yeaman" summit though so it would be good to get to the actual summit - good to know it might be doable with a slice of luck.

Gorse Hill turned out to quite easy Fri eve - slat loose (but don't tell the Water Co)

TPB - your Saxavord seems tricky at present - varying success by recent visitors. Wish I'd got a proper look when I bagged the summit

[Trigpoint Bears]

Just read the additional comments on Saxavord. IIRC the flush bracket is not facing the fence.

Bembridge Fort used to be a Pillar apparently, I have an email somewhere about it

Quote from GP

"Bembrdge Fort was pillar S2418. It was Secondary Station 5 in Secondary Block SU31, the same designation as the present day block. Clearly the block (complete with bolt/rivet) replaced the pillar, date unknown but probably a long time ago, and possibly before 1942 when the SecBlock was computed. The original pillar would have been built around March 1939"


but i suppose you knew this

[markandlynn]

Im always surprised that trigpoints are not considered national heritage or modern ancient monuments.

[Pyoung1s]

TP4307 guarded by lions?

[PopUpPirate]

We tried http://www.trigpointinguk.com/trigs/...ils.php?t=3237 Fort Scoveston, and couldn't negotiate the fort. Looks a SUPERB place though, really wanna go back now!

[Sagina nivalis]

couldn't negotiate the fort.

That'll teach you to check the logs first. just like I never do ... (how was the earthcaching?)

[PopUpPirate]

The earth caching was great fun, thanks... not half as much fun as the fort looked, mind I must learn to develop a brass neck

[Sagina nivalis]

The earth caching was great fun, thanks... not half as much fun as the fort looked, mind I must learn to develop a brass neck

All little subterfuge usually does the trick: park the car a little way off and nip in when no-one's looking

[agentmancuso]

S3202 - Imprisoned by the Navy.

[ted]

Congratulations to Martin Cowdry - first successful visit to Fort Rowner logged on TP:UK

[Sagina nivalis]

Congratulations to Martin Cowdry - first successful visit to Fort Rowner logged on TP:UK

Brilliant Needless to say I'm envious.

[Pharisee]

The only T/P in my home county of Bedfordshire that I haven't logged is TP2195, Clapham Road Reservoir, located inside the Anglian Water reservoir compound in Manton Lane, Bedford. Every time I'm up that way I drive past in the hope that there may be someone there that would let me in but to no avail. I though maybe the direct approach may work so after a few phone calls, I eventually got through to a Mr Martin Bird who is in charge of that area. He listened while I explained but replied with a definite 'No. Sorry, that's a highly strategic reservoir for Bedford and on security grounds, they couldn't let anyone in.'
I offered to be escorted in and out and to let them examine any photographs I took but he was adamant that I couldn't be allowed into the site. Bit of a bummer, that.....

[NickPick]

The only T/P in my home county of Bedfordshire that I haven't logged is TP2195, Clapham Road Reservoir, located inside the Anglian Water reservoir compound in Manton Lane, Bedford. Every time I'm up that way I drive past in the hope that there may be someone there that would let me in but to no avail. I though maybe the direct approach may work so after a few phone calls, I eventually got through to a Mr Martin Bird who is in charge of that area. He listened while I explained but replied with a definite 'No. Sorry, that's a highly strategic reservoir for Bedford and on security grounds, they couldn't let anyone in.'
I offered to be escorted in and out and to let them examine any photographs I took but he was adamant that I couldn't be allowed into the site. Bit of a bummer, that.....

I work within the water industry and most companies have recently increased security on water reservoir sites. Many sites are deemed to be of Key Economic Importance, and as such are almost like official secrets. For some water companies, any documents which will be in the public domain aren't allowed to state the name or address of a site - we have to use site code numbers.

[ted]

Congratulations Rob - noted on your TrigpointingUK log for Coniston Old Man "last-but-7th English Trig"

So which ones are the remaining seriously severe seven stations then ?hmy:

Regards
Ted

[Sagina nivalis]

So which ones are the remaining seriously severe seven stations then ?hmy:

Thanks Ted

The remaining seven are:

St Martins Head, Scilly (nothing hard about that one - there was an Event earlier this year Spring botanising visit pending. )
Staddon Fort, Plymouth (seen several times, needs weekday visit?)
Fort Rowner, Gosport (seen it, missed the open day - maybe a letter will do it)
Fort Southwick, Portsmouth (seen it; as of 2005 the fort was being converted to apartments?)
Fort Purbrook, Portsmouth (seen it, Hants CC, should be OK by arrangement, weekday?)
Fort Borstal, Chatham (letter to the couple who live there? as you suggested, or at least winter 'scope view - hidden by vegetation)
Plaistow Resr, London (seen it...)

So there is hope for a few of these. The three around Portsmouth would be good as a group visit :cheers: - any volunteers (to organise )?

[Sagina nivalis]

I have been looking into visiting this FBM, which is completely enclosed by Tech College buildings. The caretakers will be there for an hour, this Saturday, so I have arranged to be there at 10.30 as I am in the area.

If anyone cares to join me, meet outside the Tech College (I forget its name) on Crossborough Hill, Basingstoke, grid ref SU 643518. My mobile is 07885 135313. Let me know if proposing to attend.

Cheers - Rob

[The Cache Hoppers]

I have been looking into visiting this FBM, which is completely enclosed by Tech College buildings. The caretakers will be there for an hour, this Saturday, so I have arranged to be there at 10.30 as I am in the area.

If anyone cares to join me, meet outside the Tech College (I forget its name) on Crossborough Hill, Basingstoke, grid ref SU 643518. My mobile is 07885 135313. Let me know if proposing to attend.

Cheers - Rob

Popping a note about this on the SE forums for you Rob

[Sagina nivalis]

Thanks CH

[Sagina nivalis]

Fort Rowner, Gosport (seen it, missed the open day )

Hopefully an annual event. Note to self: remember to check the HOD website for next Sept.

[Sagina nivalis]

The remaining seven are:

St Martins Head, Scilly (nothing hard about that one - there was an Event earlier this year Spring botanising visit pending. )
Staddon Fort, Plymouth (seen several times, needs weekday visit?)
Fort Rowner, Gosport (seen it, missed the open day - maybe a letter will do it)
Fort Southwick, Portsmouth (seen it; as of 2005 the fort was being converted to apartments?)
Fort Purbrook, Portsmouth (seen it, Hants CC, should be OK by arrangement, weekday?)
Fort Borstal, Chatham (letter to the couple who live there? as you suggested, or at least winter 'scope view - hidden by vegetation)
Plaistow Resr, London (seen it...)

So there is hope for a few of these. The three around Portsmouth would be good as a group visit :cheers: - any volunteers (to organise )?

Well, little progress with these, not even Rowner, just St Martins Head (and Masson Hill and a few Emilys...). In fact I've still 7 left as Glasyln has proved S2418 Fort Bembridge trig is still there, recumbent, with converted base http://www.trigpointinguk.com/trigs/...ails.php?t=751

The good news is, there's no problem visiting it: the National Trust do a tour every other Tuesday, starting 20 April 2010. See you there?

[Sagina nivalis]

Just got my letter of confirmation for the Bembridge visit

[Sagina nivalis]

At last a view of Fort Borstal trig, and a photo of sorts: http://trigpointinguk-photos.s3.amaz...068/P68952.jpg It's visible at the moment but will disappear in the next few weeks when the hawthorn is in leaf.

5750 pillars: another half-century

Hopeful of Bembridge Fort and Fort Purbrook in the next month, Rowner in Sept if there's another open day. I doubt I'll get any closer to Plaistow, Staddon or Southwick

[Sagina nivalis]

Well, that's S2693 Fort Rowner done, courtesy of Heritage Open Days. These seem to be an annual fixture for Rowner. However the trig is NOT included in the itinerary* - be prepared to do some sweet-talking.

* the reason being Health and Safety (on the part of English Heritage - don't blame the MoD). The issues are a spiral staircase (which is in superb condition) and goats which are put to graze the roof (and are very friendly).

Good trip, anyway - these Palmerston forts are always worth a look; also some interesting RAF / Navy history.

Just 3 on my English wanted list now: Staddon, Borstal, Plaistow.

[ted]

Rob,

> Just 3 on my English wanted list now: Staddon, Borstal, Plaistow.

Congratulations on bagging the Fort Bortal trig

Just two English trigs to go? How many Scottish?

Plaistow looks a pig, but sooner or later there'll be gap in the fence :lol:


Regards
Ted

[Sagina nivalis]

Rob,

> Just 3 on my English wanted list now: Staddon, Borstal, Plaistow.

Congratulations on bagging the Fort Bortal trig

Just two English trigs to go? How many Scottish?

Plaistow looks a pig, but sooner or later there'll be gap in the fence :lol:

Thanks Ted. Chuffed to get into (and out of!) Borstal. Rumour has it, Plaistow is now doable

160ish Scottish pillars to go, nearly half of which are on Shetland.
Rob