MSO11143 - Medieval or post-medieval trackway at Ashway Side (Monument)

The more westerly of two fairly deep trackways on the north side of Ashway Side. It has associated terracing. [1,2] It may be connected with the field system nearby (MSO9342). Formerly contained MSO12566. [3] At least two deeply incised trackways of possible medieval or post-medieval origin are visible on aerial photographs as earthworks on the north-facing slopes of Ashway Side. The western, or lower trackway is centred on circa SS 8728 3214 and it is visible for circa 672 metres. The trackway is visible largely as an eroded negative earthwork, although short lengths of bank may represent periods of maintenance or formalisation of the route in places. It may be connected to the extensive relict field system to the east, although it is unclear from the aerial photographs alone whether the track cuts or respects an area of ridge and furrow thought to be contemporary with it, centred on circa SS 8734 3191. Shorter erosion gullies visible throughout this area may be evidence for additional routes across Ashway Side. [4-7] This record was enhanced as part of the National Record of the Historic Environment to Exmoor National Park Historic Environment Record data transfer project. [8]