Dunchraigaig Cairn (Cairn(s)) — Fieldnotes

Walking down the A816 from the Great X etc we reached Dunchrigaig which still stands at 30m wide, 2.5m high. Lots of stone has been robbed, probably all of which can be seen in nearby dry stane dykes and local road repairs. I saw the rock art but I'd no idea what it was, perhaps the stags mentioned had ran away. It certainly is a massive capstone. A great site, an equal to what is to the north. Visited 04/04/2023. Comments (0)  |  Add a comment  |  Permalink

Posted by drewbhoy 8th July 2023ce

Nether Largie (Standing Stone / Menhir) — Fieldnotes

I had no idea the Nether Largie Standing Stone had been re-erected in 2015, an unexpected bonus. It stands at 1.5m, a smaller version of taller neighbours. Good to see the smaller sites being looked after as well. Visited 04/04/2023. Comments (0)  |  Add a comment  |  Permalink

Posted by drewbhoy 6th July 2023ce

The Great X of Kilmartin (Stone Row / Alignment) — Fieldnotes

Plenty has been said about the tall standing stones, I took a wee bit more interest in the wee four poster or kerb cairn nearby and wondered if there had a been a standing stone set inside. One of the standing stones looks like it has a kerb surrounding it as well, perhaps there are hints of something at another. Another mystery at Kilmartin, no real surprise. Visited 04/04/2023. Comments (0)  |  Add a comment  |  Permalink

Posted by drewbhoy 6th July 2023ce

Ri Cruin (Cairn(s)) — Fieldnotes

Like other contributors the cairn at Ri Cruin had no visitors when we arrived, a fine place to reflect on previous sites visited on the way here, a fine place to think about the sites yet to come, a fine place full stop. The cairn has seen a fair amount of the 'recycling' treatment but retains its almost 20m width, some kerbs in situ, three cists along with plenty cairn material. A great site, before the complex X. Visited 04/04/2023. Comments (0)  |  Add a comment  |  Permalink

Posted by drewbhoy 5th July 2023ce

Templewood (Stone Circle) — Fieldnotes

Can't really add anything much to fieldnotes as everybody has said what I would say. On reaching here though, my first thought was much closer to home, the Loanhead of Daviot Recumbent Stone Circle. Just like the circle here it has an ancient burial place next door. Equally beautiful scenery as well. Visited 04/04/2023. Comments (4)  |  Add a comment  |  Permalink

Posted by drewbhoy 5th July 2023ce

Nether Largie South (Cairn(s)) — Fieldnotes

The southern of the three Largie cairns, slightly oval shaped at 34m by 27m. At every angle there is something different to see - in the cairn and the surrounding landscape. A Clyde chamber can be found along with cists, interestingly it appears that cairn was extended to house two further cists. Sadly one has gone, gladly one remains with its huge capstone. Its hard to describe these places, pictures do the best talking but one thing they all seem to miss is the Kilmartin burn. I think it's hugely influential, a source of food, trout were jumping when we walked past, and a link to the sea as it joins the River Add to find salt water at Crinan. The start of the famous canal, water might have played a part in all of this. Visited 04/04/2023, Comments (0)  |  Add a comment  |  Permalink

Posted by drewbhoy 27th June 2023ce

Nether Largie Central (Cairn(s)) — Fieldnotes

The north and south cairns are excellent thanks to their reconstruction but like some of the other contributors I really liked this site. It gives a glimpse of the reality of its ruinous state after it has been houked, robbed, recycled etc leaving behind cists and cup marked rocks. To me it also gives an idea of actual size and a fair idea of how it was constructed (and deconstructed), it remains at 31m wide and at its tallest 1.5m. However in the 1920s it was practically demolished, originally standing at 3m tall its a safe bet much of the road repairs came from this and other sites in the glen. Same everywhere I guess. Visited 04/04/2023. Comments (0)  |  Add a comment  |  Permalink

Posted by drewbhoy 21st June 2023ce

The Glebe Cairn (Cairn(s)) — Links

Alamy David Lyons' photo of the very fancily-decorated Bronze Age pot found inside the Glebe Cairn. Comments (0)  |  Add a comment  |  Permalink

Posted by Rhiannon 20th June 2023ce

Nether Largie North (Cairn(s)) — Fieldnotes

Just south of The Glebe, follow the track to the next cairn, Largie North, classified as Bronze Age. It has been rebuilt and capped with a concrete slab plus hatch. Access into the cairn is via this hatch, therefore all three of us (B is a dog) made it inside. Inside is a treat, the cist is revealed with its fantastically decorated capstone. The cairn stands at 20m by 2.7m and is a brilliant example of restoration. The whole site is situated inside a fence. A wonderful opportunity for members of the public to see what is inside these stony mounds. Visited 04/04/2023. Comments (0)  |  Add a comment  |  Permalink

Posted by drewbhoy 16th June 2023ce

The Glebe Cairn (Cairn(s)) — Fieldnotes

We parked in front of Kilmartin Parish Church and walked past the soon to be opened visitor centre to the track just beyond which leads straight to the Glebe and its sheep bodyguards. It has been a long time since my last visit and its good to see the local greenkeepers keep the grass short. At 35m in width and 4m tall it is the most northern cairn of the Kilmartin Prehistoric walk. On we go. Visited 04/04/2023. Comments (0)  |  Add a comment  |  Permalink

Posted by drewbhoy 16th June 2023ce