Showing 1-20 of 588 fieldnotes. Most recent first | Next 20 
I parked at first track after Orditeach on the A941 and walked north hoping to find the Chapel cairn as well, sadly I didn't and became lost instead. Now looking at a map (which I'd stupidly left in the car) I found I climbed the Hill of Oldmerdrum, down the other side and waded the Kirkney Water to get back onto the main forestry track. Good fun this if somewhat tiring. I doubled back to the bridge, found the wee car park complete with henge and hillock.
I've always wanted to come to this place. It certainly has superb views of Noth. The maze of roads offer superb walks. Take an OS map, helps a lot.
Visited 24/5/2012.
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The Dead Wife's Cairn on Clayshooter Hill is practically gone but it still has truly wonderful views. Hillforts at Tap O Noth, Wheedlemont and Cairnmore can be seen at different angles, as well as looking down into Kildrummy and north west into the wild and lonely Cabrach (home to the Grouse Inn). Head south from Rhynie on the A97 then head west on the B9002, past Craig Castle, Whitehillock, home to a standing stone, and pull into the track after Silverford. Like a lot of small farms this place is now desolate and resembles a small ghost town.
The track, today, is a mixture of dry, flooded, swamp, fords and in parts brand new as new fencing is going up. Various marker stones indicate the names of estates nearby Clova, Craig etc. After a small loch the cairn can be seen looking north east. It is over 5 meters wide and almost 1 meter high at it's tallest. Only a couple bits of cairn material are visible as the cairn is covered in turf and heather.
Still the scenery is wonderful, nature seemed happy with itself and it was warmish. Well worth the trek!
Visited 20/5/2012.
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These stones are at the eastern gate of Rhynie Square. (opposite the shop on the A97) Originally they stood at the opposite side of the road, with garden of Rhynie's Free Church manse surrounding them. Sadly the southern stone has been broken. A repair job of sorts has happened.
Visited 20/5/2012.
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Just like the last time I parked at the layby just north of Mains Of Afforsk, this time with a lot of gorse, grass etc being cut down or flattened by snow a forestry track could now be seen. This isn't the safest of paths, it is littered with fallen trees and branches, the recent rain has turned it into a series of small lochs. Still as it meanders west all over the place it climbs steadily until it meets another track in a clearing. In the south east quadrant at the crossroads sits the ring cairn.
It reeks of age probably due to the trees and Mither Tap which looks down on top. (It was busy today!) Although badly overgrown and damaged by forestry the ring cairn survives. Sitting at 14 meters wide and 1 meter tall. The inner section isn't central and is 4 meters in width. I wonder what a 'dig' would show.
The other cairn complete with cross incised and ogham marked stone is also quite difficult to find but can be found by heading west and uphill amongst another clearing.
Lovely area, lovely walk but drenched on the way back.
Visited 17/5/2012.
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Sadly only scattered cairn material and one stone of this circle remains and even it is drill damaged. It is housed in a fenced section just north of the steading at Westpark. The other stones were taken away to help build the nearby Mill Of Tynet. Like the King's cairn there is excellent views south, the views north somewhat hidden by trees and the Meikle Hill.
The easiest way to get here is to go south on the B9016 and take the first minor road east thru the wee village of Clochan, shortly afterwards head south at the next minor road. This road comes to an end but head east on the track stopping at Westpark. Here I was met by the occupant who kindly allowed me park. The remains of the circle are behind the building, a short walk of 200 meters to the fenced section.
Visited 15/5/2012.
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Opposite the Buckie junction (A942) on the A98 take the minor road south to Drybridge and keep going until the road stops at the Redburn Farm track. Unfortunately, for me, I misread the map and headed up the wrong track and ended up having to go cross country to the correct track. However I was rescued by the farmer who told about me about Meikle Hill, local musicians and re-energised me with a cup of tea. I should have gone by Redburn track and then taken the first track south. This heads up over the Addie Hill into the trees. At the top the trees clear with the cairn being to the east of the track just before a forestry track about a 1/4 mile south
King Indulphus wouldn't be to impressed with what has happened since he was laid to rest. The cairn has been houked, ploughed and even worse drilled and blasted. It is somewhat nothing short of a miracle that anything remains but somehow despite everything it survives, just. To the east a sunken path contains cairn material which has fallen, to the west the forestry people haven't been to careful. It stands at 8 meters wide and almost reaches 0.5 meters in height. Two very large boulders remain, as well as cairn material, showing damage caused by drilling. The old king certainly had beautiful views to keep him company.
With that it was back over the hill and back to the car via the proper route, which was much easier and much, much shorter.
Visited 15/5/2012.
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Cairns and stones circles have often been recycled for places of execution, courts, towers, beacons, bases for crosses, roads, houses etc etc. This is the first one I've seen rebuilt into a windmill on the spot where it stood. Originally a stone circle probably surrounded the cairn, also in the same field, to the west, a barrow stood. Wonderful views to the Moray Firth and south to Durn Hill.
Situated to the north of the A98 between Portsoy and Cullen just east of the Sandend junction. Pull in at the Glasshaugh Distillery (tragically closed, or it looked closed as it was deserted). The unusual remains of the cairn are in the field to the west.
Visited 15/5/2012.
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On the map this was the easiest of the sites to find. In reality it proved rather different and more than slightly chancy. Chaos surrounded the entrance to Glencarse with roadworks everywhere, entrance to Inchyra House was blocked, I asked permission from the workmen to park and walk thru but was promptly denied by a jobsworth wearing a tie (much to the disgust of the workmen) so I turned around headed south and pulled in on the St Madoe's side of the dual carriageway, the A90. From here I ran across the carriage way, jumped the central barrier, ran to the other side, scissor kicked the fence and walked the short distance to the barrow.
The barrow has been excavated on the northern side, with urns (unfortunately lost) being discovered. Local men also took away 'several cartloads of stones'. Other finds are kept in Perth museum. The turf covered barrow sits in the grounds of Inchyra House, is 18 meters wide and over 2 meters high. It is surrounded in pleasant countryside (except for the carriageway) and interestingly shaped trees.
With that it was back to the car via the chancy route I'd came only to discover the police pulling up. When I was asked for the reason why I'd parked they received an answer that they probably wouldn't have expected and quite a bit longer.
Visited 3/5/2012.
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Rait hillfort, Iron Age, is very easy to find as it is situated on the north eastern quadrant of the Rait crossroads. I crossed a small burn, the Carse Burn, and clambered up the fairly steep but short climb to the top of the hill. This climb forms part of the small forts south west defences. The three ramparts, all at various heights, are situated mainly to the north with the entrance in a central position. Great all round views are now obscured by trees but to the south the River Tay is easily spotted.
The fort is still used by children using tyres as swings at the northern end. Instead of climbing down the south west flank I jumped a fence and landed in amongst bramble branches which made for some wonderful patterns on my legs. Still a path slightly further south leads uphill to allotments and downhill back to the small mill, Carse Burn and car.
Visited 3/5/2012.
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I parked at the crossroads and climbed the hill to the hillfort. Spied the stone from the north of the fort and clambered thru the parks to the track that leads to the stone. Just a shame that the first signs of the surrounding area being used as a tip. Nice to see some bee hives tho.
Visited 3/5/2012.
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From Witch Hillock I walked back to minor road then headed south west past Gawloch Farm until this road ended. Opposite there is track, which if followed eventually leads to the Capo Long Barrow. Tho still overcast the day was beginning to improve. As others say if coming in from the other side it is signposted. From here I walked cross country back to the car via the Witch Hillock. There are a maze of paths in these woods but for change I didn't get lost. Time for lunch in my favourite Forfar pub via Keithock!
Visited 3/5/2012.
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This is a very beautiful site and is obviously quite well looked after. Situated, surrounded by a well kept fence, in a small clearing the barrow stands at 18 meters wide and is 2 meters high. Wooden steps are provided for those with short legs. The three stones mentioned by Canmore remain as does the well mentioned in Rhiannon's post.
I took the first minor road north from the A90, south west after the B974 road, then took the 2nd minor road west stopping at the end of the trees, There is plenty of room for car parking. From there it is a very pleasant walk south in Inverury Wood, with at last some heat coming thru a cloudy sky today. After a gate, the barrow is a short distance and slightly east of the path. Today not a sound, what wonderful and peaceful place.
Visited 3/5/2012.
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Some directions to the place. From the A90 take the B966 to Brechin and take the first minor road heading north east. This also takes you past the Temple Wood cairn. Keep looking north and the stone will come into view. Just after the stone there is a house that has plenty of parking space next to the road.
Visited 43/5/2012.
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Damaged by quarrying, a dyke, a road and the planting of trees this barrow does well to survive. It has wonderful views, despite the near by dual carriage way, to the east (and the Cruick Burn) and of the mountains to west. It is also in area that has quite a few barrows, some surviving, some sadly removed. What is left here is 26 meters wide, 4 meters high turf and tree covered. Still the daffodils give the place a sense of new life unlike one of the trees, which has a message that supporters of a team that play in green, white and gold more than slightly annoyed.
Coming south from Edzell on the B966 go thru Inchbare and take the next road north east to Ballownie farm. If coming north from the A90 take the first right. The barrow is situated to the south of the road over a dry stane dyke just after Ballownie farm. (the farmer here was very pleasant and helpful.)
Visited 3/5/2012.
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Just to the south of Edzell is Edzell Wood. Pull in at the 3rd parking space on the east, near a disused quarry on the B966. On the opposite side of the road a path can be spotted. Follow this path until the Wishop Burn, here the path seems to vanish but I jumped the burn. Helps having long legs I guess. After the 'boggy bit' a path of sorts reappears on top of what looks like a long forgotten quarry. This leads to a rather more used path, turn south east, follow the path for 100 meters approx, the barrow is next to the path on the southern side.
The barrow stands at some 26 meters in width and is 4 meters high being made of earth and sand. Fortunately most of bushes and scrub have been removed to give an indication of size, unfortunately the forestry people seem to have left logs sitting at several points of the barrow's base. Still, it looks impressive and must have had some great views. Today it is surrounded in trees, which keep it company in a pretty lonely place.
As the name suggests this place was recycled and used for rather grisly purposes during Medieval times. On the way back I didn't fall in the burn, or trip on anything, so a good start!
Visited 3/5/2012.
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This cairn has taken a battering and not much remains of the once massive structure which stood at 25 meters in width. All that remains is a basic circular bump of cairn material. A few clearence cairns and field systems are also in the area.
I parked at the Altnaglander car park on the B9136 south of Glenlivet (what a lovely name and place). Go thru the gate, follow the stream then head up thru the trees. At the moment this is very boggy area made worse that holes have been 'houked' for the planting of trees but once among the heather the underfoot conditions improve. Eventually a deer fence is reached, find the gate and the cairn is a few yards to the west. Glorious scenery on a sunny day but for me the rain was turning to snow so best not to hang around for to long.
Visited 8/4/2012.
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This must have been a massive cairn when built but now it is reduced to it's foundations. Still it is placed in a wonderful location, tho not today as it poured with rain, and overlooks the Braeval Distillery, Chapeltown and it's famous chapel. Field clearence has been dumped into the cairns interior as are some larger rocks which might be kerbs,
The farmer at East Auchavaich, as is common up here, used the cairns real name and tries to look after it as best he can despite the confusing information he receives from Historic Scotland. (he put up a fence, it fell down, he was told not to put it back up type of thing) Within the collapsed fence the cairn is still some 20 meters wide and almost a meter high.
Going north east from Tomintoul, on the B9008, take the first minor road heading east. Keep going until Chapeltown and take the farm track east at the chapel to East Auchavaich. I parked at the farm walked up the till jumping the gate into the field to the west. The cairn is easily spotted. Beware the electric fence or you might jump higher than intended.
Visited 8/4/2012.
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Travel south on the B9136 and take the first minor road heading south east after St Michael's church and cross. Keep going until the the minor road going north east indicated Glenconglass. I stopped at the info sign at the road's end.
From here I walked west towards, then turned north crossing the Chabet Water, wild with snow from earlier in the week, towards Ellick farm. After crossing the bridge head east past the first hillock until the next hillock can be seen. The cairn is situated between the two telegraph poles. Canmore says it is probably Bronze Age and was used as a 'hidey hole' for the infamous James Grant. It stands at 8 meters wide and is almost 1 meter tall. cairn material pokes thru the grass. Once again a tremendous setting. Hard to think that only 6 days ago 8" of snow covered this area.
Visited 8/4/2012.
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Three standing stones mark the spot of a cist which overlooked the River Avon and it's glen. The farmer has done well here and the site is protected by a fence. (non barbed on one side so no damage to body or clothes).
Follow the directions for Bhodiach except stop at the first corner south of Craigroy farm. Head east across a field, then head south on a track, jump a gate and head north east. The barrow should be easily located.
Smashing setting, smashing place with an atmosphere all of it's own.
Visited 8/4/2012.
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Last October I tried to visit this cairn after visiting several others in the area. Unfortunately a speeding van driver decided to use my car as a brake on the single track road resulting with van being practically halved, my car badly damaged and myself covered in bruises and a very sore head but no real damage except to my confidence. After that lucky escape I decided to try my luck again and this time no heart stopping moments.
From the A95, take the road south indicated Shenval and Chapelton. Inbetween the two Lagmore chamber cairns would also be a very accurate location. Follow the road until it's end at Chapelton and look east, the massive cairn is in the middle of a field overlooking the Avon glen.
Sadly two more cairns stood here but they have been removed. Still Bhodiach is a massive reminder set in spectacular scenery, tho very wet and cloudy today. Complete with trees it stands at 21 meters wide and over 3 meters tall. Some 'houking' (great word) has happened in attempt to make shelters. Ploughing has also made the outer edges more steep. The bottom half being covered in turf, the top half with bare rocks.
Still, it looks splendid in its beautiful location with superb views of the River Avon, The Bodiach and Deskie hills and Drumin Castle (and to the east Drumin Chamber cairn on the other side of the Avon). Plenty to visit in this area, take care on the single track roads.
Visited 8/4/2012.
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Showing 1-20 of 588 fieldnotes. Most recent first | Next 20 |
Still doing the music, following that team, drinking far to much and getting lost in the hills! (Some Simple Minds, Glasvegas, Athlete, Us3 on the headphones, good boots and sticks, away I go!) As well whistling Lostboy tunes soon to be whistling another bhoys tunes. Soon!
(The Delerium Trees)
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