Time for a break from all the rock art. So I went to see some standing stones. The 3 Kings is in a nice sheltered spot, and I'm pleased to say that whilst it requires a bit of a walk through pine plantation, the plantation has been managed well, so the trees aren't packed too close, so that on a sunny say, it's actually quite pleasant. It's not a long walk from the car-park at Blakehopeburnheugh where the WC is, and there have even been handrails placed on the precipitous parts, and there are small marked posts to keep you on the right path. It's easy to miss one of them ,so if you find yourself back at the River Rede, after reaching the point where the path becomes a track, turn back and head uphill.
On the map, it looks as if a shorter route would be from Cottonshopeburnfoot caravan/camp site. It is, but the owners are a bit miserable, and don't like people parking there if they aren't pitching a tent.
The four poster itself is quite nice. Gnarly old stones, lichen covered an all that. There are still 4 stones, but one is having a rest. The cairn is still quite clear. The only down side is that the trees have grown back, so the view is limited. It's a good sun-trap though and makes a smart spot to just sit and relax.
On a green hillock, on a moor, called The Todd-Law, north of the river Reed, are three large stones in a triangular order, twelve feet distant from each other, and each as many feet in diameter; sepulchral, in memory of the like number of valient chieftains slain in battle.
An early mention of the stones in 'The Natural History and Antiquities of Northumberland and so much of the County of Durham as lies between the Rivers Tyne and Tweed', by John Wallis (volume 2, published 1769). http://www.archive.org/stream/naturalhistoryan02walluoft#page/61
So the fourth one must have been lying down for a long time?
Also he mentions "At Berrenes, is the ruin of an old chapel; a British temple near it, on Berrene's Knowl; the stones numerous, of various sizes, in a circular order." - which I suppose must be the cairn on Byrness Hill, not so far away.
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Posted by Rhiannon
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