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Previous 25 | Showing 76-100 of 19,085 fieldnotes. Most recent first | Next 25 
Eilean Chreamh (Stone Fort / Dun) |
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From the crossroads at North Boisdale, our base camp, head north until ruined barns / houses, plenty room to park. Cross the minor road heading east and Eilean Chreamh is straight in front. Canmore also calls this a 'high cairn crannog'. A magnificent causeway connects the mainland to the site situated in Loch Dun Na Cille. (Nearby is the much larger Dun Na Killie, however this is considered to be medieval). The causeway is almost 37m in length and still can be used. The island is over 24m wide and is partially overgrown. Remnants, or more likely stones from the dun can be seen on the outer edges. Bizarrely over a century ago it had been used as a garden. Visited 07/08/2023. |
Posted by drewbhoy28th December 2023ce |
Rubha Na Moine (Cairn(s)) |
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Parking can be found near the causeway that leads to Eriskay and luckily for me as I headed west the tide was out. Unfortunately I had on mountain boots, wellingtons would be a far better option here. The island nearest the causeway is supposed to have a cairn, sadly after a good look on the small grass area I found nothing that looked prehistoric. Further west is another island which does have a cairn, which can be seen. Between the two islands is a sea of seaweed and mud, I had on the completely wrong footwear so didn't chance going further on. What can be seen is a grass covered cairn that is nearly 7m wide, being almost 0.5 tall. I made my way back to car via climbing up the side of the causeway. Long legs are a great help. Visited 06/08/2023. |
Posted by drewbhoy 28th December 2023ce |
Layaval (Standing Stones) |
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Also known as The Limpet Hammers, these two fallen standing stones can be found by simply walking straight south and uphill from the The Witches Grave chamber cairn. (or aim for the turbine) The stone on the west is almost 4m long, the stone on the east nearly 3.5m long. There is also another stone which resembles a small boat, Canmore suggests it might possibly be a capstone, rocking stone or along with the other two stones formed part of the stone circle. Seems unlikely as no cairn material can be seen. However, the two stones that stood might have been outliers for The Witches Grave and the chamber cairn at Dun Trossary. Worth a visit if only for the view, and to see incoming rain squalls. Visited 06/08/2023. |
Posted by drewbhoy 27th December 2023ce |
The Witches Grave (Chambered Cairn) |
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The Witches Grave is a beautiful site in a beautiful location and came as a complete surprise, I'd expected another Trossary. Walking from the church I headed south on B888 and jumped the fence when just about level with the turbine. Head east up the hill, jump a few fences and the remains of the chamber will soon be visible. To the north east is Loch Aisebhat, straight north is Dun Trossary (near the odd shaped church) and to the east is Coire Bhienn. Almost all of the cairn material has been removed, a sizeable footprint remains with one or two stones suggesting kerbs. As for the chamber four uprights remain and they are impressive, to me, despite its reasonably small size. Well worth a look. Visited 06/08/2023. |
Posted by drewbhoy 26th December 2023ce |
Dun Trossary (Chambered Cairn) |
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I also headed for the odd shaped church and head up the small hill to the badly trashed cairn. Very dry on my visit. One real feature remains, a standing stone which looks like it will one day as it stands at a precarious angle. Other stones might belong to the site, they might not. Sadly the site has been houked, built on and damaged almost beyond recognition. However, one thing they couldn't remove was the view to Eriskay, and perhaps more importantly Barra as the prehistoric folks, like islanders nowadays, rely heavily on water transport. Probably the older methods lasted longer than the mechanics of their modern counterparts. A pity, but worth a wee look. Visited 06/08/2023. |
Posted by drewbhoy 26th December 2023ce |
Torhousekie Farm (Cairn(s)) |
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Torhousekie Farm Cairn has survived in better condition than the E cairns which have been erased from the landscape. The overall footprint of the cairn is intact and there are original stones scattered on the centre of the low mound. It is possible to park in a gateway on the B733 at NX 3790 5669. Head N across the field for c. 130 yards to a gate in the dry stane dyke. Torhousekie Farm Cairn is c. 70 yards SW of here parallel to the dry stane dyke. My route is viewable on Torhouse Farm Cairn. |
Posted by markj99 25th December 2023ce |
Loch An Eilean (Crannog) |
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A much smaller crannog that its near neighbour this crannog is only 10m wide and has also been called a low cairn crannog. No visible causeway so short walk heading west, through a wee bog, jump a couple of fences / dry stane dykes to get a better view. Visited 06/08/2023. |
Posted by drewbhoy 24th December 2023ce |
South Baghasdal (Crannog) |
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An early morning start and the beautiful calm waters of the loch at South Baghasdal. The crannog, also called Loch An Eilean, nearest the shore has a decent causeway, 20m in length, poking through the water. Being 30m wide later peoples used the crannog for probable sheep pens and a possible blackhouse. However a survey carried out in 2022 suggests that this site is much older, probably neolithic. Heading south on the B888 from Daliburgh take the fourth minor road heading west, just before Trossary and stop at the first loch. (I approached from the north from North Baghasdal, our base camp so to speak) Beautiful morning, great start to the day. Visited 06/08/2023. |
Posted by drewbhoy 24th December 2023ce |
Kilvaxter (Souterrain) |
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Taking the coastal route on the A855 from Portree to Uig we stopped to give the the souterrain at Kilvaxter another visit. It appears the entrance has narrowed as it seemed a tighter squeeze than my last visit. The only thing to add to previous fieldnotes is that the site and surrounding area, including the nut circle, needs a good tidy up if it is to pull in a fair number of visitors. Anyway, onto Uig and ferry to Lochmaddy. Visited 05/08/2023. |
Posted by drewbhoy 24th December 2023ce |
Milton Loch NW (Crannog) |
| Directions: Take the Park of Brandedleys turn off the A75 on the SW edge of Crocketford. Follow the road for c. 0.8 mile to Auchengibbert Farm. Bear left to Kirkgungeon for c. 0.2 mile to a passing place on the left. Park up and follow a vague path along the margin of the field to the W bank of Milton Loch. My route is viewable on Milton Loch Crannogs. |
Posted by markj99 18th December 2023ce |
Milton Loch Central (Crannog) |
| Directions: Take the Park of Brandedleys turn off the A75 on the SW edge of Crocketford. Follow the road for c. 0.8 mile to Auchengibbert Farm. Bear left to Kirkgungeon for c. 0.2 mile to a passing place on the left. Park up and follow a vague path along the margin of the field to the W bank of Milton Loch. My route is viewable on Milton Loch Crannogs. |
Posted by markj99 18th December 2023ce |
Milton Loch SE (Crannog) |
| Directions: Take the Park of Brandedleys turn off the A75 on the SW edge of Crocketford. Follow the road for c. 0.8 mile to Auchengibbert Farm. Bear left to Kirkgungeon for c. 0.8 mile to a lay-by at the junction with Little Milton farm road on the left. Park up and walk for c. 250 yards down the farm road to a large lay-by on the left. Head W through the trees to the loch's edge. Milton Loch SE Crannog is c. 20 yards off the E bank. My route is viewable on Milton Loch SE Crannog. |
Posted by markj99 18th December 2023ce |
Lochrutton Loch (Crannog) |
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Visited 24.05.23 Lochrutton Loch Crannog is not spectacular, however, it is an easy walk on a path to view the crannog from the E bank of the loch. Directions: Take the Lochfoot turn off the A75 at the Drummore Roundabout c. 3 miles W of Dumfries. After c. 0.7 mile you will reach a crossroads. Continue straight onto an unsigned narrow road for c. 0.3 miles to reach a lay-by on the left. A path for Lochrutton Loch starts here, heading W along a fence. As the path heads through a dry stane dyke turn left, heading S through the field towards a wooded promontory on the loch edge. The path continues W along the promontory for c. 100 yards to the water's edge. The crannog is a small isle in the middle of the loch, populated by several small trees, SW of the promontory. My walk can be viewed on Lochrutton Loch. |
Posted by markj99 5th December 2023ce |
Rubh An Dunain (Cairn(s)) |
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Of the four sites this one probably has the best views of the dun, chamber cairn, cave, naust / canal, loch, mountains and sea. On our visit the sea, Camas a Mhurain - Gulf of the Sea, was an astonishing colour of blue. The cairn sits at nearly 13m wide and is 1.1m tall. Lots of stonework can be seen poking through the well manicured turf, local greenkeepers do an excellent job. Decent kerbs can be seen situated around the site. Probably a lot of stones have been used in the building of the dyke which seperates the two cairns. Now we made our way back to the main track via a route suggested by a site that promotes highland treks / walkways. This led us around the west of Carn Mor, there is no path of any kind, it goes near the top of cliffs and in parts is an ankle breaker. Take the main track back, we were mightily relieved to emerge unscathed back to the track along with the dog. That site will never be used again. Apart from track malfunction everything at Rubh An Dunain was as perfect as perfect could be. Great weather, great place. Visited 04/08/2023. |
Posted by drewbhoy 30th November 2023ce |
Rubh an Dunain (Chambered Cairn) |
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From the dun we crossed the Viking-made canal via handily placed causeway and made our way round the sound side of Loch na h'Airde before heading north towards the cairns that are located in front of the small hill, Carn Mor. As Mr G said this is an isolated place nowadays but it once appeared to be reasonably populated with the nearby dun, medieval townships and various Nordic visitors. Now the closest people are at Glen Brittle, the most regular visitors being sheep and cows along with people making the trek to the various sites. The chambered cairn still sits at 20m wide and a good gentle tidy would reveal that a lot of it is still in place. Large slabs and some well built dry stanes remain in place. A gentle restoration would be wonderful to see but given the location, highly unlikely. The view as ever remains glorious and we're lucky that we have made it on a beautiful clear day day which seemed unlikely given the previous nights dreich stuff. Not far to the next site, a wee jump over a wall. Visited 04/08/2023. |
Posted by drewbhoy 30th November 2023ce |
Captain's Bridge (Drummochreen) W (Hillfort) |
| Directions to Captain's Bridge (Drummochreen) W: Take the B741 Dailly road off the A77, N of Girvan. After c. 5 miles stay straight on for Maybole at the Dailly junction. Continue towards Maybole for c. 1.7 miles to a farm junction on the left at NS 28593 03605. Park up and walk c. 120 yards W along the dirt track to a green track on the left. Walk 5 yards along the green track. Look left to see the outer bank and ditch of the fort. Climb over the bank to enter the enclosure of Captain's Bridge (Drummochreen) W fort. |
Posted by markj99 28th November 2023ce |
Caerketton Hill (Cairn(s)) |
| Direction to Caerketton Hill Cairn: I parked at NT 24954 66968, a car park at the Hillend Ski Centre junction with the A702 on the S edge of Edinburgh. A path leading W starts here, before it turns to the SW. This path leads up to an elevated ridge which commands impressive views of Edinburgh. Caerketton Fort and Cairn are accessed by this moderately steep route. My route can be viewed on Caerketton Hill Cairn. |
Posted by markj99 26th November 2023ce |
Hillend (Hillfort) |
| Directions to Hillend Fort: I parked at NT 24954 66968, a car park at the Hillend Ski Centre junction with the A702 on the S edge of Edinburgh. A path leading W starts here, before it turns to the SW. This path leads up to an elevated ridge which commands impressive views of Edinburgh. Caerketton Fort and Cairn are accessed by this moderately steep route. My route can be viewed on Caerketton Hill Cairn. |
Posted by markj99 26th November 2023ce |
Loch Heron (Crannog) |
| Directions to Loch Heron Crannog: Take the North Street turn (signed for Whitecairn Farm Caravan Park) off Main Street in Glenluce. Follow this narrow road for c. 7 miles to reach a minor crossroads at Three Lochs Holiday Park. Take the right turn opposite the holiday park entrance onto a single track road. Follow the road for c. 0.25 mile to a lay-by on the right. The crannog can be viewed from here. |
Posted by markj99 24th November 2023ce |
Moss Knowes (Natural Rock Feature) |
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Directions to Moss Knowes from South: Take the A714 Girvan at the N end of Victoria Street in Newton Stewart. Follow the road for c. 8.4 miles to Bargrennan. Take the right turn to Glentrool Village. Follow the road for c. 9.3 miles to a Y-junction. Bear right for c. 4.7 miles to reach Stinchar Bridge. There is a right turn signed for Forest Drive. Take this narrow road for c. 1.2 miles to a dead-end. Park up and follow the Carrick Forest Drive for c. 1.7 miles to reach a right turn just before Loch Riecawr. Take the right turn heading S for c. 1.1 miles to reach Moss Knowes Rocking Stone. It is c. 25 yards SE of the forest track in an open area of felled forest. Directions to Moss Knowes from North: Take the B7045 Straiton left turn off the A77 just S of Minishant. Stay on the B7045 for c. 3.9 miles to a Y-junction on the edge of Kirkmichael. Bear right along the B7045 for c. 4 miles to Straiton. Follow the Newton Stewart road straight through Straiton for c. 7.3 miles to reach Stinchar Bridge. There is a left turn signed for Forest Drive. Take this narrow road for c. 1.2 miles to a dead-end. Park up and follow the Carrick Forest Drive for c. 1.7 miles to reach a right turn just before Loch Riecawr. Take the right turn heading S for c. 1.1 miles to reach Moss Knowes Rocking Stone. It is c. 25 yards SE of the forest track in an open area of felled forest. My walking route is viewable on Moss Knowes Rocking Stone. |
Posted by markj99 19th November 2023ce |
Barnsallie Fell (Cairn(s)) |
| Directions to Barnsallie Fell: Take the A747 Portwilliam turn off the A75 at Glenluce. Follow the road for c. 1.8 miles to reach a left turn signed for Whithorn Way. Stay on this single track road for c. 1 mile to reach a left turn signed for Craigenveoch via a forest track. There is a lay-by on the edge of the loch after c. 100 yards if you want to park up. Continue on foot or by car for c. 0.2 miles to reach a parking place at Knock of Luce Wood. Walk c. 200 yards W along a grass track leading to a dead-end. Take the loch side path for on the left for c. 200 yards to reach NSF Scotland Woodland Garden. Take a path NW starting at the NSF Scotland info board. Head W towards an obvious gap in the stone wall. Wellies are required from this point. Cross a stream then head N parallel to the stone wall through boggy shrubby ground for c. 100 yards to reach Barnsallie Fell Cairn, shrouded in small trees. |
Posted by markj99 17th November 2023ce |
Cults Loch (Crannog) |
| Directions to Cults Loch Crannogs: Take the New Luce turn off the A75 at the petrol station on the SE edge of Castle Kennedy. After c. 0.5 mile take the right turn signed for Nivens Yard. Follow this potholed gravel track for c. 75 yards to a gate on the left. There is room to park at the gate. Walk E through the gate for c. 350 yards to reach a gate into a field on the left. Follow a track NE towards Cults Loch. The Central Crannog can be viewed from the W bank of the loch. The NW Crannog is located on a circular promontory in the NW corner of the loch. My route is viewable on Cults Loch Crannogs. On a cautionary note, there are often beef cattle in the field beside Cults Loch. |
Posted by markj99 15th November 2023ce |
Rillaton N Cairn (Cairn(s)) |
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Visited 07.06.23 Rillaton N Cairn is located c. 40 yards NNW of Rillaton Barrow on Craddock Moor, c. 0.5 mile N of Minions in Cornwall. The cairn is preserved as a flat grassy platform delineated by a sub-circular grass bank measuring c. 25 feet in diameter and up to 1 foot high. Rillaton N Cairn is easily missed due to its low stature and the prominence of its illustrious neighbour, Rillaton Barrow. Nevertheless, the location of Rillaton N Cairn surely increases its importance in the landscape. Rillaton N Cairn is shown on OS Mapping but doesn't have an Historic England listing. |
Posted by markj99 13th November 2023ce |
Gellaig Hill (Cairn(s)) |
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04/11/2023 - After sunset visit to Geallaig Hill. This a fine hill with a good loop from Glen Gairn. We reached the top at pretty much sunset. Misty and a cold wind. We sat by the cairn, had our tea and waited for the dark. A few stars on the way back down but the mist and clouds didn't clear much. It was a chilly visit but just what we needed. The nice cairn on the top of Geallaig Hill. I'd forgotten how big the footprint was. Looks prehistory to me. There's over 14 hut circles and a field system at the bottom of the hill. Could the people who lived there have built this cairn back in the Bronze age? |
Posted by thelonious13th November 2023ce |
Rubh an Dunain (Broch) |
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Following almost in Les's footsteps, diversions via a cave and the dog trying to find alternative routes, we eventually made it to the superb galleried dun at Rubh an Dunain. With A being interested in nausts, this was a superb opportunity to closely look at both, with the cairns afterwards. The Sound of Soay, Loch Brittle, The Cuillins and Loch na H'Airde along with the island of Rum provide wonderful backdrops to this lonely, but obviously not that lonely in past times, place. The dun is galleried within its large wall along with a door check, rivalling those near Tayvallich. Sadly erosion will play a role here and perhaps has done so in the past, any surrounding wall has gone. Entrance to the site is via a small climb up from the Viking canal. Turn round to see the the mountains - stunning. Visited 04/08/2023. |
Posted by drewbhoy 13th November 2023ce |
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