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Showing 1-25 of 19,084 fieldnotes. Most recent first | Next 25 
Ardnaw (Kerbed Cairn) |
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After Dun Fhuarlit I headed north east following a dry stane dyke until it met another similar dyke. Jump the dyke and remain on its south side. There are several very large kerbstones still earthfast. Sadly, it is easy to work out where much of stones for all of the nearby dykes were found. The centre of the site is almost flat except for near the kerbs, some cairn material remains surviving at 0.3m to 0.6m in height. These dykes also cut into the site, trenching has also removed a few kerbs - it still sits at over 19m in width. With the same views as its near neighbour Dun Fhuarlit, it's part 2 of a nice walk around the Kilmory Chapel. Part 3 being the nearby dun to south of the religious site. Visited 08/04/2024. |
Posted by drewbhoy24th April 2024ce |
Dun Fhuarlit (Kerbed Cairn) |
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From Kilmory Chapel look west, a modern marker cairn sits on top of the ancient monument. The only obstacle is the Kilmory Burn which is a relatively easy jump. Surprisingly the ground was dry despite the recent storms, the Atlantic wind drying the grass, which in turn is kept reasonably short by the local sheep. Kerbs remain in place around the southern side of the much exploited cairn. A lot of stones have been removed, leaving a site that is 19m wide and, in parts, almost 1m high. Stunning views up and down various sea lochs, further west the Paps Of Jura dominate the skyline. Visited 08/04/2024. |
Posted by drewbhoy 24th April 2024ce |
Cat Cairn 2 (Kerbed Cairn) |
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Visited April 17, 2024 This was my first visit to Tullos Hill for some months and it was pleasing to discover that the thick and uncontrolled gorse that used to surround Cat Cairn 2 has all been removed. An expansive area of at least an acre surrounding the monument is now planted with a vast number of saplings, which should create a pleasant woodland scene in time. The kerb of the cairn is now clear to view from every direction, and the cairn itself can be seen to have a hollow centre (ring cairn?). |
Posted by LesHamilton17th April 2024ce |
Kilmory Knap Chapel (Bullaun Stone) |
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Not quite as remote as Carl makes out, but certainly near the end of the road. The chapel is well worth a look, near the door is a wee bullaun stone, it is about 10cm wide and 8cm deep. No idea why Canmore don't mention it or the spindle whorl next to it. Good to see the old ruins of the township being renovated even if it is for holiday homes. Visited 08/04/2024. |
Posted by drewbhoy 14th April 2024ce |
Blackfaulds Stone Circle |
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After visiting the cairn at Williamston / Tammieteeth I kept heading north west until a farm track that headed north east. Jump the dyke, chances are if you jump far enough you'll end up landing in the site. 10 stones remain, perhaps only 2 remain upright, 8 of them are taking a rest. Nice way to finish the day. Visited 05/01/2024. |
Posted by drewbhoy 20th March 2024ce |
Williamston (Cairn(s)) |
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From Ardgilzean, I headed north on the A93 taking the first minor road east at Newmiln Cottages. Take the first minor road that heads north west, go past St Martin's Mill, look for clump with tees on top in a field to the west. Fortunately some frost remained which made the ground easy to walk on. Unlike Ardgilzean, it hasn't been invaded badly by field clearance. There is some, but much of the original cairn is visible. It is 12m wide and almost 1m tall, a wall that surrounded the site is in a very ruinous condition. With darkness on its way it was a good time to visit as the sun hadn't vanished, instead the light seemed perfect for visiting, almost an otherworldly feel. Visited 05/01/2024. |
Posted by drewbhoy 20th March 2024ce |
Ardgilzean Cottage (Cairn(s)) |
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With night fast approaching I headed for the huge cairn at Ardgilzean. After being given permission to park I made my way, west, along the farm track. Today the cairn stands at 32m wide and is 2.5m tall (I would think they should add a meter to that. Sadly most of the visible stones are tonnes upon tonnes of field clearance. Not much of the original cairn can be seen. The north / south east has best views of what originally stood. Future years will, no doubt, see these parts covered up as well. Still the night hasn't fallen completely, so a chance to visit a couple of nearby sites. Visited 05/01/2024. |
Posted by drewbhoy 19th March 2024ce |
Kilspindie (Stone Row / Alignment) |
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Three fallen stones, two with cup marks, make up this stone row. The east stone has a clearly visible cup mark, the west stone has 3 well worn cup marks, and the middle stone missed out on the rock art. Nearby woods have more cup marked rocks, another day for them. Visited 05/01/2024. |
Posted by drewbhoy 19th March 2024ce |
Kilspindie (Stone Circle) |
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I parked mid-way between Oliverbank and Arnbathie Cottages near a small wood. Heading straight south I jumped the fence and headed straight for site(s). A nice gentle climb. The four poster is near a fallen stone row and consists of two larger stones and two earthfast smaller stones, along with some field clearance. Not much to look at but the cup marks and stone row make it an interesting place to visit. Great views to south, to north east Law Hill Fort. Visited 05/01/2024. |
Posted by drewbhoy 19th March 2024ce |
Over Durdie (Hillfort) |
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Not much remains of the fort at Over Durdie but what a place it must have been if aerial photography is anything to go by. After the misfortunes of hunting for cairns in the lower regions of Pole Hill, I headed over to Over Durdie where I was given permission to park by the owners. From the farm I headed east, downhill then uphill via jumping a couple of fences. Not much of the ramparts remain, a broken circular rampart barely exists (bits have been ploughed out), a small patch of erosion shows some stonework, on the south the remains of a wall can be seen. The forts interior is featureless, however there are a load of sites on the other side of the River Tay that can be seen. After the battering of gorse, furze, anything that has jabby stuff it was good to get some proper walking done. Worth a look. Visited 05/01/2024. |
Posted by drewbhoy 14th March 2024ce |
Law Hill (Ancient Village / Settlement / Misc. Earthwork) |
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NO1722126230 The best preserved of the hut circles. Follow the route to Law Hill Hillfort and this will be the first hut circle seen. Walls are at least 2m wide and stand at an average height of 0.4m, many stones still sit in place, with the entrance in the north west. NO1708326185 On the slopes leading to the fort, sadly has field clearance or the remains of other hut circles dumped inside. It still stands at 11m wide with walls at almost 4m wide, 0.5m tall. The probable entrance is on the east. NO1706726257 The furthest north of the hut circles that I visited before darkness descended. It is almost 13m wide and has a well defined wall. What I thought might be an entrance on the west is probably recent damage. There are a few more hut circles in the area, however by the time I reached the car it was getting dark. A good time to be heading home. Visited 29/12/2023. |
Posted by drewbhoy 14th March 2024ce |
Mynydd y Lan (Round Cairn) |
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Visited 4 March 2023. A gloomy Sunday, but no rain. I walk up the steep and narrow lane from Wattsville, passing a weird shrine/well complete with life-sized saint (I think, I don't go close enough to inspect it). Views open up as height is gained, and before long I'm looking across the Sirhowy valley towards the long ridge I walked a year earlier, taking in lots of Bronze Age sites between Wyllie and Mynydd Machen. Today's walk is easy enough, at least as far as the uphill bit goes. I arrive at a crumbling track heading east towards the masts that mark the open access plateau of Mynydd y Lan. There are a couple of dog walkers and some mountain bikers around, more people than I expected to see here. Rather like last weekend's Foel Fynyddau visit, the area around the masts seems a bit folorn. Unlike Foel Fynyddau though, the round barrow here is much more elusive. I head off the path into the rough ground north of the masts and wander round for ages, poking around in patches of reedy grass but not finding anything. Eventually I head back towards the masts and finally, here it is! It's no great surprise that it's been so hard to find. The circular mound is very low, barely a mound at all, more like a small ring cairn it's so depleted and reduced. It is recognisably a round barrow, with a deep pit dug into the centre, now sprouting thick, reedy grasses. Not the most impressive of monuments, even the OS surveyors missed it. Still, it's on a prominent hill with decent views, even on this grey day. After some rather unsatisfactory photos of the barrow and a snack stop, I take a narrow, boggy trail south-southeast to the hill's flattish summit, then head down to the crest of the escarpment. There are great views across to Mynydd Machen from here, the much larger barrow on that hill clearly visible. It's now a very steep drop off the hilltop to the southeast. I obviously haven't learned my lesson from last week, but this is mercifully easier than the awful descent of Foel Fynyddau, at least until I reach the 'cleared' forestry near the foot of the hill, where the going gets tougher. I'm glad to reach a firmer track, from which it's easy to regain the road. A short day, but it's still good to be in the hills. |
Posted by thesweetcheat3rd March 2024ce |
Friar's Kirk NW (Cairn(s)) |
| Directions to Friar's Kirk NW Cairn: Follow the directions to Drumanwherran S Cairn Cemetery. Take a 4x4 track N from the modern shepherd's cairn until you reach NX 11116 72105, where a vague track heads WNW . Head W downhill for c. 175 yards to reach Drumanwherran N Cairn. An extended pathless route NNW leads to Friar's Kirk Cairns. Wellies and GPS navigation are strongly recommended. My route can be seen on Friar's Kirk Cairns via Drumanwherran N Cairn. |
Posted by markj99 27th February 2024ce |
Friar's Kirk SE (Cairn(s)) |
| Directions to Friar's Kirk SE Cairn: Follow the directions to Drumanwherran S Cairn Cemetery. Take a 4x4 track N from the modern shepherd's cairn until you reach NX 11116 72105, where a vague track heads WNW . Head W downhill for c. 175 yards to reach Drumanwherran N Cairn. An extended pathless route NNW leads to Friar's Kirk Cairns. Wellies and GPS navigation are strongly recommended. My route can be seen on Friar's Kirk Cairns via Drumanwherran N Cairn. |
Posted by markj99 27th February 2024ce |
Drumanwherran N (Cairn(s)) |
| Directions to Drumanwherran N Cairn: Follow the directions to Drumanwherran S Cairn Cemetery. Take a 4x4 track N from the modern shepherd's cairn until you reach NX 11116 72105, where a vague track heads WNW . Head W downhill for c. 175 yards to reach Drumanwherran N Cairn. An extended pathless route NNW leads to Friar's Kirk Cairns. Wellies and GPS navigation are strongly recommended. My route can be seen on Friar's Kirk Cairns via Drumanwherran N Cairn. |
Posted by markj99 26th February 2024ce Edited 27th February 2024ce |
Claywarnies (Cairn(s)) |
| Directions to Claywarnies Cairn: Follow the directions to Drumanwherran S Cairn Cemetery. Head NW across a burn and boggy moorland to a forest ride beginning at NX 10911 71685. Walk W along the ride for c. 600 yards to reach a wide clearing. Head WNW for 50 yards across the clearing to a forest ride. Follow it for c. 150 yards to reach Claywarnies Cairn in a round clearing. Wellies and GPS Navigation are strongly recommended. My route can be viewed on Claywarnies Cairn. |
Posted by markj99 26th February 2024ce |
Altigoukie Burn Cairn (Cairn(s)) |
| Directions to Altigoukie Burn Cairn: Take the W turn to Glenluce off the A75. Turn left for New Luce after 0.2 mile. Stay on this road for c. 5 miles to reach New Luce. Go straight on at the top of Main Street for 1.3 miles to reach Barlure Farm track. There is a room for one car to park at the junction. Walk along Barlure Farm track for c. 225 yards to reach a cattle grid. There is a sign which reads "Start of path to Kilfeddar farm - Distance 2.9km". Continue W along the track for c. 150 yards to the centre of Barlure Farm. Turn left at the farmhouse heading downhill through pasture to Barlure Farm Railway Bridge. (There was a pool of water one foot deep under the bridge: lucky I was wearing wellies!) Head NW along the muddy track beside the railway line. Continue along this track for 0.8 miles to NX 15845 67587, 100 yards before it crosses a stream. Head NE across rough pasture for the railway line for c. 0.5 miles. When the glen narrows cross a fence, head W for Altigoukie Burn in boggy moorland. Altigoukie Burn Burnt Mound is located on the S bank of the burn at NX 1633 6810. Altigoukie Burn Cairn lies c. 110 yards NW from the burnt mound. My route can be viewed on Altigoukie Burn Cairn and Burnt Mound. |
Posted by markj99 24th February 2024ce |
Foel Fynyddau (Cairn(s)) |
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Visited 25 February 2023. The last hill and last site on a hilly walk from Port Talbot. After steep but straightforward visits to Twyn Disgwylfa round barrow and the Buarth y Gaer sites, my post-Covid stamina is starting to fail as I get back to the minor road to the west of Foel Fynyddau. The sporadic sunshine that had accompanied me so far is gone, replaced by failing light, grey skies and a chill wind. Foel Fynyddau's summit is open access land, with a track heading off from a bridleway to the southwest of the summit, past a farm. For whatever reason, probably fatigue-induced brain fog, I decide to avoid the farm and the easy track, instead heading directly up the rough ground to the west of the summit. Although the terrain is open and the distance not that much, I regret this decision pretty soon, as the tussocky grass, ankle-sapping heather and various small streams and valleys suddenly seem as exhausting as climbing a mountain. By the time I reach the upper slopes I'm practically falling over with tiredness, resorting to a longer but less steep zig-zag along faint sheep tracks to avoid having to tackle the slopes head on. It's a blessed relief to make it to the masts and the cairn. Despite the inevitable trig pillar and central hollow, the cairn is decent and stands to a good height. The views are excellent, other than the masts and sundry fenced off compounds in close proximity, which sadly detract from the monument's atmosphere. On this grey afternoon, the whole area feels a bit forlorn and unloved. I sit down on a handy bench a little way off the summit, eat my sandwiches and feel a little less weary. Restored, I have another mooch around the barrow and take in the sweeping views from this very prominent hill. Y Mynydd Du, Fforest Fawr and central peaks of Bannau Brycheiniog are all on display to the north, with the Hafren/Severn and far away Somerset to the south. To the east and south the hill drops very steeply to forestry tracks which have been co-opted to form a network of suicidal cycle routes. I don't fancy going back to the west, having decided to catch the bus back to Port Talbot from the village at the foot of the hill, so I tentatively head off to the southeast. This turns out to be a very bad decision, as the very steep descent off the hill this way is perilously slippery, with me clinging to the vegetation to avoid a swift fall. Once past the steepest section, I'm into the cycle tracks, which have been made smooth and slippery by use. Before long I'm on my arse in the mud. Eventually I emerge onto a broad, stony track, but unfortunately it only seems to go back up the hill and so I have to resort to a much smaller track, shown on the OS map but quite badly overgrown. The further I go, the more overgrown the narrowing passage between gorse and brambles gets, and eventually I have to climb underneath a gorse bush to get any further, as there's no way I can face going back now. I emerge with lots of bits of twigs and branches down the back of my neck and under my clothes. Yuck. I slip over again on the muddy tracks before I finally reach a road, battered and exhausted. It's rather taken the shine off what had been a really nice walk! I strongly recommend just following the damn track from the west and returning the same way if you come here. |
Posted by thesweetcheat 24th February 2024ce |
Gaer Fawr (Briton Ferry) (Ancient Village / Settlement / Misc. Earthwork) |
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Visited 25 February 2023. Like Carl I come down here after visiting Buarth y Gaer hillfort and cairn. The fences on the current OS 1:250000 are out of date; the fence to the south now encloses the whole site rather than separating the outer earthworks from the central site. It's a big site overall, there are two low banks uphill and to the south of the central site, which if continuous would enclose a very large area. Although the OS map describes it as a "fort", the size suggests a big settlement site, with Buarth y Gaer being a more likely position for a properly defensible spot, with extensive views in all directions. The inner enclosure is however surrounded by at least three lines of banks and ditches, so there is a sense of something more than the mere domestic here as well. There are great views to the north across the Vale of Neath, stretching as far as Y Mynydd Du's distant summits, with the prominent ridges of Mynydd Marchywel and Hirfynydd dominating the middle distance (there are plentiful Bronze Age remains on those ridges). Interestingly neither the Buarth y Gaer cairn or hillfort are visible from the central enclosure, although they can be seen from the uppermost/outermost rampart. The sun comes out briefly and casts some welcome light on the scene. Not exactly a first rate site, but there's certainly enough here to warrant a visit coupled with the Buarth y Gaer sites. I head back up to the cairn and then regain the forestry track to the east, which provides an easy and fence-free route up to these sites. I have one more hill to climb, the biggest of the day. |
Posted by thesweetcheat 24th February 2024ce |
Buarth y Gaer (Hillfort) |
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Visited 25 February 2023, after Twyn Disgwylfa round barrow. Carl came at this site the hard way; a much easier approach involving no fences is to take the forestry track from the minor road to the east, which leads to a gate into the field to the north of the hillfort, just above the cairn. From here it's a gentle ascent over the grassy slopes to the fort. A rudimentary (i.e there's no foot boards) stile then gives access to the earthwork. It's a pretty decent univallate ring, well preserved but not particularly big ramparts. The views are excellent, taking in Twyn Disgwylfa, Bae Abertawe across to Mwmbwls and the Gower, then northwards as far as the southern flanks of Y Mynydd Du. There's a small, dug out round barrow on the high point of the fort's interior, which makes a good place to sit for a bit to get out of the fresh February breeze as the sun goes behind cloud. From here it's an even easier stroll back down the hill to the north, to visit the cairn and the neighbouring complex enclosure. |
Posted by thesweetcheat 24th February 2024ce |
Drumanwherran S (Barrow / Cairn Cemetery) |
| Directions to Drumanwherran S Cairn Cemetery: The access to the cairn cemetery is complicated by the construction of a nearby windfarm which may cause future restrictions. The following route is currently open: Take the unsigned New Luce turn off the straight on the A77 at NX 08557 63769, c. 0.3 miles N of the A751 Innermessan junction. There are traffic cones on the road restricting it to one lane. Follow this road for c. 5.3 miles to reach the disused Penwhirn Filter Station. Continue past the Penwhirn houses for c. 200 yards to a dead-end single track left turn over a bridge. This is the road to Lagafater Lodge. Take this road for c. 1 mile to reach Darnigap Farm. A track leading W into forestry starts opposite Dalnigap Farm. It is possible to park 50 yards up this track. The track runs for c. 1.2 miles through the trees. Follow this track on bike or foot to reach the dead-end. The track becomes a forest ride which is boggy underfoot. Follow this NW for c. 0.4 miles to the end of the forest ride. Head W for c. 50 yards to cross the burn at a narrow channel. Head NW through boggy rushes towards a prominent natural mound. Canmore Id : 61893 is c. 40 yards N, a circle covered in rushes. Follow a rough 4x4 track N for c. 120 yards to reach a small grassy cairn, Canmore Id : 61892. The most obvious landmark on Drumanwherrran Moor is c. 50 yard N along the 4x4 track. It is a modern Shepherds Cairn measuring c.10 feet high in the centre of a large robbed cairn, listed as Canmore Id : 61935. Take a 4x4 track heading W from here, passing a natural mound then bear S to Canmore Id : 61894, a grassy cairn with a recumbent slab in its centre. My walking route can be viewed on Drumanwherran S Cairns. |
Posted by markj99 18th February 2024ce |
The Witching Stone (Standing Stone / Menhir) |
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Visited 17.02.24 I've passed by The Witching Stone countless times, however, the field was usually in crop or I was on my way to somewhere. Yesterday, while travelling home from a Bill Bailey concert, I noticed that the field enclosing The Witching Stone was being drained so it seemed like a good opportunity to finally visit the standing stone. My first difficulty was finding a place to park on the busy A77. After some trial and error I parked down the track to the cottages S of the Alginate factory. The lane is a high tide detour off the Ayrshire Coastal Path. The track leads onto the beach. After following the coast S for c. 0.5 mile i headed to a gate in the NW corner of the field. The Witching Stone was c. 150 yards SE from the gateway across a sodden field (I had wellies on obviously). The Witching Stone is natural pointed boulder leaning c. 30 degrees ESE. It is set upright with broad sides on a ESE-WNW axis. The stone measures c. 4x3x1 feet. The overall height is reduced to 3.5 feet by the lean. It is located at NS 19924 01730 (transcribed from OS Aerial Mapping). There is no obvious reason why this rather ordinary stone has been set upright and preserved in the field. It is not listed on Canmore and a Google search for Standing Stone The Curragh Girvan produced no result. |
Posted by markj99 18th February 2024ce |
Law Hill (Hillfort) |
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From Shien Hill I headed, west, retracing my easily found steps in the track or mudbath until I reached a track heading south. Follow this until some trees, then follow the fence heading west. A gentle climb to a small ridge gives a superb view of the hillfort plus a couple of hut circles. I approached through the north entrance which is lined by two small dry stane dykes (the borders of the probable main entrance), cutting through several defences. 5 ramparts plus a cheveaux de frise protect the north, it being the most easiest climb. Entrances can also be found to east, west (very steep) and south. The southern entrance appears to have been quarried almost out of existence. A 6m wide wall surrounds the hilltop, protecting the 154m by 90m site, the best remnants are on the north west. A much easier climb than Evelick. Visited 29/12/2023. |
Posted by drewbhoy 17th February 2024ce |
Arnbathie (Cairn(s)) |
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The Arnbathie cairn is situated on the highest point of Law Hill, which is also the highest point of the hillfort. Some stonework remains on the North East and along with, perhaps, a very earthfast sunken kerb. At just over 7.0m wide and 0.5m tall the cairn is grass covered, superb views as the winter's sun begins to fade. Visited 29/12/2023. |
Posted by drewbhoy 17th February 2024ce |
Friar's Kirk NW (Cairn(s)) |
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Visited 11.02.24 Friar's Kirk NW Cairn is located on open moorland c. 3 miles NNW of Penwhirn Reservoir in Dumfries and Galloway. The round grassy mound has small stones studded on the surface. The N half of the cairn has a hollow up to 1 foot deep. Conversely, there is a loose mound of stones c. 6 feet wide by 1.5 feet high on the S arc. A large slab measuring c. 3x2x0.33 feet lies on the mound, towards the centre of the cairn. The slab could be a remnant of a cist. The overall dimensions of the cairn are c. 36 feet across by 3 feet high. Friar's Kirk SE Cairn lies c. 270 yards SE of Friar's Kirk NW Cairn. Further details of Friar's Kirk NW Cairn are available in Canmore ID 61882. |
Posted by markj99 15th February 2024ce |
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