Latest Fieldnotes

Visited 24.7.15

Directions:
When you reach the cattle grid and the sign which says no motor vehicles beyond this point walk up the road. Quite shortly you will come to a rough track on your right heading up hill. Go up the track and stay on it until you reach the house. Immediately before the house come off the track and go right over very boggy, uneven ground. Head for the end of the trees on the skyline to your left. The railing around the rock art will soon come into view.

This was the one Historic Scotland site I failed to find on my previous visit and I was determined to put that right. Due to the very wet summer here in Scotland the ground underfoot was often bog-like. It was clear that few people had been here recently – including Historic Scotland. The grass within the fencing was long and overgrown – although not as bad as outside the fence! Despite being an H.S. site there are no sign posts or black and white posts to help guide you here – why not I wonder?

The rock art was a little disappointing to be honest. Perhaps it was the light? There are much better examples *and easier to find( else where in Kilmartin. Still, at least I got here. Mission accomplished!

Visited 24.7.15

The last time I came to Kilmartin it rained and rained and then rained some more. In fact it never stopped raining from the moment I arrived to the time I left. Kilmartin is a joy but is more of a joy in decent weather. A return visit was always on the agenda and here we are, 5 years later, back in Kilmartin glen.

We were booked into a B+B opposite the museum and as it was a lovely summer’s evening I didn’t want t waste the opportunity. Karen agreed to take the children to the B+B and let me have the rest of the day to myself to re-explore the many wonderful sites Kilmartin has to offer – result!

Karen dropped me off near Ri Cruin and drove off. I immediately headed up the path and was keen to see if this site was as good as I remembered it? And of course, it was! I had the place to myself and eagerly sought out the axe head carvings. The light wasn’t great for this but I did spot them once I got my eye in.

With its relative seclusion away from the ‘main’ Kilmartin sites you are likely to also have the place to yourself. The axe heads, cists and surroundings still (alongside Dunned Fort) makes this my favorite Kilmartin site. Simply wonderful.

Visited 31.7.15

5 years since I was last here. That went quick!

My only ‘old stone’ site of the day – if you don’t count Roman as old (far too modern!)

Access as before. The field grass is very long and there were no animals present. The sun was breaking through the clouds but the wind was quite cold. There are good views to be had. Hadrian’s Wall to the north (with several walkers in presence) and sweeping valley views to the south.It is windswept and bleak here, but bleak in a good way (although I wouldn’t want to spend a night out here – even n summer!)

As for the stones, they seem to be as I remember them. The taller stone about 1.7m high, the smaller stone about 1m high. Both stones seem to be on an oval bed of stones sticking out of the grass. Odd thing is they look very similar to the size and shape of the stones of the famous wall. Perhaps it is just my imagination?

It was nice to say ‘hello’ to these stones again.

Visited 30.7.15

Am I really the first TMAer to visit this wonderful site for 10 years? Hardly seems possible?

Although Historic Scotland recommend parking on the A75 and walking up to the site (long walk) you can drive all the way up and park in the small car park. The road is in good order except for the last few metres before you reach the parking area – bit rough.

To put it (not very) quaintly – these are the ‘dogs’!
What a fantastic place to visit. The two chambered cairns are superb. One has an impressive facade of tall standing stones, the other a large capstone still pretty much in situ. Both cairns offer excellent coastal views with mountains in the background. Keep an eye out for the large prostrate stone near the wooden fate to Cairnholy 2. Surely once part of the chambered cairn?

The sun was shining (something we had seen all too little of on this year’s holiday) but the wind was cold. Dafydd was attempting to make a spear from a stick and sharp stone he had found whilst Sophie decided it was too cold and went back to the car. Although the site must have made some impression on her as later that afternoon on the beach she made a burial chamber instead of a sand castle – that’s my girl!

This really is an excellent place to visit, one of the best I have been to. Second only to Machrie Moor on Arran this holiday – and that;s no disgrace. I have really enjoyed my holiday in this south west corner of Scotland. It is easy to overlook this area whilst heading direct for the delights of the highlands. The countryside is pleasant more than spectacular although it does have some good coastal views. What is does offer (in spades) is a fine selection of both historic and prehistoric sites to visit. Some superb – such as this one. The next time you plan a trip to Scotland try to factor in some time here. You won’t fail to be impressed.

Visited 30.7.15

We were spending the night in a B+B in Newton Stewart – so here I am.

The cairn is an impressive size and very easy to see and access, It amazes me how these prehistoric sites have managed to survive so close to urban expansion. Hopefully future generations will have the same regard for them that we do?

The cairn is approximately 2m high x 20m across.
Well worth looking out for when visitin Newton Stewart.

Visited 29.7.15

Directions:
On B733, a short distance north-west from the Torhousekie stone circle (or Torhouse as Historic Scotland calls it) Right next to the junction.

Only time for a quick look – on the other side of a dry stone wall. It appears as a low, grass covered, stony mound. The field had not been ploughed on my visit.

Canmore state:
The cairn measures 25m in diameter and 0.7m high. The surrounding land has been ploughed right up to the edge of the cairn. 1976

Visited 19.7.15

Directions:
Easy. On the B733, west of Wigtown. Historic Scotland site. Signposted with small car park.

This is a superb stone circle. It may not be ‘Premier League’ i.e. Castlerigg but it is a very good ‘Championship League’ standard. The 3 central stones certainly gives it that something extra. Fortunately the circle is fenced to protect it from the cows which also occupy the field.

Dafydd and Sophie played in and around the stones (as they often seem to do at stone circles) whilst I sat and tried to take it all in.

I noticed, what looked like, a low ring of stones sticking out of the grass forming a circle between the inner stones and the outer stones? Also, on the other side of the wall is another large boulder-type stone. Is this connected to the circle?

As I (and others) have already said this is an excellent place to visit and well worth travelling a long way to see. Do so if you can – it won’t disappoint.

Visited 29.7.15

This fine stone row is easily seen from the circle on the other side of the road, upon a low ridge.
It is the other side of a dry stone wall.

Well worth checking out when visiting the nearby excellent stone circle.

Visited 29.7.15

Directions:
One mile west of Whithorn on the A746.
Historic Scotland site – signposted.

Drive up the farm drive and there is (surprisingly) a visitors car park. A short walk along the obvious path up through the back of the farm and you are there. An information board is provided which states this site has been dated to between 100BC and 100AD.
The site is in such good condition it was once thought it could have been Roman or even Medieval.

The site is in excellent condition and the entrance is very easy to see. The ditch surrounding this rectangular site is still about 2m deep – and well defined it is too. The site occupies a prominent position within the surrounding fairly flat countryside.

This is a nice site and well worth visiting. One of very many cracking sites to visit in this often overlooked part of Scotland. Most people (myself included) drive straight through to get to the beautiful highlands. Dumfries and Galloway may not have the mountains but it is nevertheless a pretty area with some fine coastal views. As for prehistoric and historic sites, it can certainly hold its own with most other areas of the country.
Try to make time to stop off on your way further north.

Visited 29.7.15

Not much to add to what Postie has already said.
Why don’t they re-erect the two fallen stones?
They know where they stood and which way up to put them!

The remaining (lonely) standing stone is a fine specimen and can be seen from the nearby rock art panels. However, don’t make the mistake of trying to get to the stones directly from the rock art as this involves crossing 3 fields, a gate and two dry stone walls. Approach from the track to the south of the stones. Another Historic Scotland site.

Visited 29.7.15

Directions:
Signposted off the B7021. Park at the farm – 50p!

Myself and Sophie walked through the muddy farm yard whilst the others stayed in the car. Sophie had wellies on so she was ok! Two signs direct you to the rock art so finding it wasn’t a problem. The problem is the mud. The field you have to walk through is inhabited by a herd of cows who have turned the bottom end of the field into a bog – which you have to walk through to get to the site.

However, once through, the walk to the two fenced off areas was not too bad – as long as you managed to avoid the cow pats! The fenced off area to the left is the smaller of the two and (for a welcome change) the bright sunshine made the cup and circles difficult to make out. This was the same problem we had in the larger section of rock on the right. I could make the markings out but not very well. Unfortunately I didn’t have any water with me to wet them. These are not the most impressive rock art I have seen (certainly when compared with Kilmartin) but let’s be honest, any rock art which has survived this long has to be appreciated.

The Historic Scotland sign is very badly worn and weathered. Can we have a new one please?

On the way back to the car one particularly nosey cow came right up to us and started to chew my shorts and t-shirt. I didn’t want to scare Sophie but I had to push it away a couple of times before it left us alone. Cows are not the brightest creatures but they are big so you do have to take care. The way back was equally muddy.

Worth visiting but make sure you bring your wellies.

Visited 29.7.15

Just to keep Postie happy I came to visit the next and egg(s). Oh OK I admit it – I was coming anyway!

There is plenty of room to park at the start of the drive to Blairbuy Farm. The approach road is in good condition so don’t worry about the suspension etc.

The others stayed in the car whilst I walked through the open metal field gate, around the edge of the empty field and across to the obvious stones and ‘nest’. The large boulder is approximately 2m across and the smaller boulders less than 1m across. Both of the smaller stones were surrounded by nettles.

I was surprised to find an Historic Scotland sign next to the trees. Although this site shows on the AA map it isn’t on the ‘official’ Historic Scotland places to visit list. Perhaps it once used to?

Anyway, as Postie says, this is a good place to visit and well worth the minimal effort required to reach it. Assuming you happen to be in this part of the world of course!

Failed visit 29.7.15

Sections of the wall opposite the houses are now very overgrown. Other sections are clear of vegetation. I assume the standing stone is somewhere under one of the overgrown sections as I was unable to spot it?
A spot of gardening required here I would say!

Visited 29.7.15

Directions:
On the A747, 1 mile west of Monreith. Is signposted and has a small car park. 89 steep steps take you from the car park to the top of the cliff.

There are two info boards, one in the car park and one at the fort itself. Myself, Dafydd and Sophie walked up the steps and were soon at the top. As you would expect there are fine coastal views to be had. The site is D shaped and the surrounding ditch is still 2m deep in places.

Well worth stopping off for when passing.
Historic Scotland site.

Visited 29.7.15

In the associated museum next to Whithorn Priory (Historic Scotland) is a selection of early Christian crosses. Also on display is a fine Bullaun stone. It has one well defined hollow and is near the entrance. The only information the lady at the museum could give me was that it was found locally.

Visited 28.7.15

Directions:
South of the A77 along a minor road at Garleffin – a short distance south of the village of Ballantrae.

The stones are easy to spot in the garden of the end bungalow. One stone is in the front lawn, the larger stone is along the side of the house. The stones are approximately 1.5m high and 0.5m wide. The tops of the grey stones are covered in moss. The stones are very easy to see from the road outside the house.

Failed visit 28.7.15

Directions:
West of Sandhead along a minor road off the B7042.
O/S map required. Near Whirlpool Farm.

In short, I failed to find this fallen stone. The field edges are overgrown and I was unsure which field edge to look in? The fields are separated by dry stone walls.

Canmore state:
An irregular shaped slab measuring 0.7m x 0.4m x 1.3m long. There are no cup marks on the stone. The stone now lies fallen, near the edge of a field.

Visited 28.7.15

Directions:
In the Rhinns of Galloway, 2 miles south west of Sandhead, on the A716.

There is room to park outside the gate which gives access to the pretty path through the trees to the church. This is an Historic Scotland site which holds a  fine selection of early christian grave stones. The church is not open but one end of it has been changed into a huge glass display case! These are where the stones are displayed. It is actually very well done.

Among the stones on display is a bullan stone with three cups – which was a nice surprise. Well worth a visit if you happen to be in the area.

Visited 27.7.15

Directions:
1m south of Blackwater on the A841 – NOT signposted despite being an Historic Scotland site.

Another nightmare site to visit!

We drove past the parking area twice before finding the place. It is right next to the main road but is surrounded by a low stone wall which hides it. It looks for all the world like the front of someone’s garden. I then noticed that the metal post which no doubt held the H.S. sign had been cut through. At least there were black and white posts to guide the way.

You walk through the garden of a new-build looking house and up onto the hillside. As a certain song asks ‘Why does it always rain on me?’ so the rain continued its onslaught.

This was even worse to visit than the nearby H.S. of Tor A’chaisteal Fort. The hillside was little more than a bog, water flowed freely down the slope. Everywhere was ankle deep in mud. If only I had my wellies!

Without the aid of the black and white posts I would never have found the place.

Historic Scotland state this site is an ‘enigma’. A circular stone structure surrounded by a wall of turf and stone. The site is imperfectly understood. A short cist was discovered containing an urn with fragments of burnt human bone. It is also claimed that the site could be a cashel. Current thinking says the site is an Iron Age Dun with an enclosure bank which formed part of a post-medieval farm. Perhaps it is a multi-period site?

There are several large stones, both erect and prostrate. One of them is very long, looking like a long stone bench. It would have been a decent sized standing stone if ever erect? The site (whatever it is) is in a very prominent position and would afford good views – in better weather!

On this occasion I am not overly surprised that these are the first TMA field notes – despite being an Historic Scotland site. If planning a visit pick a dry day AND bring your wellies.

I will be sending H.S. an e-mail regarding access issues with both this site and Torr A’chaisteal.

Visited 27.7.15

Directions:
The site is signposted on the A841, four miles north of Blackwaterfoot. Parking is tricky but there is just about room to squeeze onto the verge near the house.

The others stayed in the car out of the persistent rain whilst I walked through the garden of the house and through a wooden gate. This led into a field of wheat. I walked down the side of the field and came to a barbed wire fence and rusty gate.

Into the next field of curious cows who immediately came charging over to me. This could be disconcerting for a lot of people but I had been in this position many times before and knew that they would stop just before me (at least I hoped they would!) This they did and with much mooing they followed me to the end of the field. From this point the ground became little more than bog (where have you heard that before?!) I sank ankle deep in cow pat splattered slime and mud. I wish I had brought my wellies on holiday this year!

Despite being an Historic Scotland site there were none of the usual black and white posts to guide you. Just keep heading down hill towards the sea and you will see it.

There is an Historic Scotland information board which seemed out of character given how un-visitor friendly it was to get here. Although only a 15 minute walk, H.S. could make this far easier for visitors. Your average day-tripper would have no chance of getting here. I am surprised these are the first TMA field notes though.

The fort consists of a large, flat topped grass mound. It looked very much like a Norman motte. The site dominated the surrounding countryside and would have been very visible to anyone passing by sea.

That’s another H.S. site ticked off the list. Now, for that yucky walk/squelch back to the car.

Visited 27.7.15

What a nightmare this turned out to be!

For the second consecutive day the rain came down, down, down. I was still a bit damp from yesterday’s exploring. First effort to find this circle failed but I was determined to give it one more go before it was time to leave this lovely (from the birts I could see through the rain and mist) island.

Look out for the sign on the opposite side of the road for Cnod Na Dial forestry. You can easily park opposite this sign in a large graveled area. From this parking area a track goes off into the trees and a wooden sign offers you a couple of different route options. Ignore all of these – they don’t go to the circle.

This is what you need to do: Either-
Walk back to the road, turn right and walk about 50m and crash your way through the chest high ferns and undergrowth and hope you can see the tops of the stones -or-
From the parking area crash your way through the head high ferns and undergrowth aiming for an angle between the parking space and the road and hope you can see the tops of the stones.

How can a stone circle so close to the road be so difficult to find? It is not visible from either the road or the parking are even though it is only a matter of yards away.

On the way to the circle I went via the parking are – big mistake. The ferns were mega high (I noticed several large prostrate stones covered in moss. For a moment I thought the circle had been destroyed!) and the way was hard going. As the ground dropped down I walked into a bog and sank shin deep in blackish water. This whole area was pretty much under water. Too late now. I carried on. Just as I was on the verge of giving up I spotted the top of a large boulder-type stone – success!

The circle is on a low ridge so at least it was out of the water – other than the torrential rain falling. The circle is totally grown over and clearly has not been visited or looked after in a very long time. I counted 6 stones of various sizes, all boulder-type stones. The mist and rain certainly increased the atmosphere but tide and ferry time tables wait for no man (or woman for that matter).

There was no way I was going back the way I came so I headed straight for the road (which you can’t see due to the undergrowth and trees). I battled my way through and although very wet underfoot was nowhere near as bad as the way I had come. By the time I got back to the car I did a little dance and splashed about in the puddles and rain (much to the amusement of the children and the disbelief of Karen) I couldn’t be any wetter.

Whilst waiting for the ferry I had the good fortune to watch two otters on the beach. One in the water and the other running around the rocks. The ignored me. Apparently there are loads of otters on Arran (as well as red squirrels – which I didn’t see) and they are a common sight all around the island.

Arran is a lovely place to visit and my stay was all too short. Most of the sites I visited were short distances from the road but most had a sense of wilderness about them. Pretty much left to look after themselves. Normally this wouldn’t be such a bad thing but given the appalling weather it made most visits very wet and muddy.

I will definitely visit Arran again. There is so much to see, I barely scratched the surface. Hopefully the next time I come I may see the sun – and a red squirrel (apparently they don’t like the rain either!)

Visited 27.7.15

There is a parking space pretty much next to the stone (same side of road). The stone is large, approximately 3m (2.5 wheelie bins!) Two of which (black and green) were being guarded by this impressive stone. I wonder what the ancients would have thought? At least it is still with us, and will be long after the last wheelie bin has been collected.

Visited 26.7.15

Am I really the first TMAer to visit Machrie Moor stone circles in a decade? It doesn’t seem possible.

Where to start? – at the begining I suppose?

The weather was awful, alternating between light showers and heavy rain, with just the occasional dry patch designed to lure you into a false sense of security! The others stayed in the sign posted car park as I headed up the track to the many delights of Machrie Moor. ‘I won’t be long’ – famous last words!

it takes about half an hour to walk from the car park to the stone circles – depending on how long to stop to look at the other sites along the way.

The first circle you come to is the double circle made up of large boulder-type stones. This is a real ‘wow’ moment when you first see it. Most of the stones remain and it is very impressive. It looked to me the circle was erected on a low stony mound?

The second circle you see is smaller and made up of four large boulder-type stones which are surrounded by ferns. Bit of gardening required here I think. This is a nice circle in its own right but totally dwarfed by its near neighbors.

The third circle is a mind-blower. It consists of 3 HUGE standing stones, approximately 4m high, and two very strange large flat round stones, like large flat mill stones. What are they about? I have never seen stones like this before at any prehistoric site I have ever visited – and I have been to a few. Are they prehistoric? If so, they must be unique? Very strange indeed. The 3 standing stones are incredible. It reminded me of being back on Orkney – they are that good. When complete this circle must have been awe inspiring.

The fourth circle consists of 12 stones. Alternating between large round boulder-type stones and smaller thin stones. A bit like the Laurel and Hardy of the prehistoric world. This was obviously deliberate and I can’t remember visiting any other circle with this arrangement?

The fifth circle consists of 10 small stones. Half of the circle was standing in water – bog-type conditions. This was the only circle it was difficult to walk around due to the ‘swamp’ – although I gave it a go!

Lastly, circle number six. This circle consists of a couple of very tall standing stones and one monster-sized stone. It is exceptional in its height and beauty. Like most of the stones here it has grooves worn into it by countless rains and is covered with hairy lichen. Near it is several very large fallen prostrate stones. I can’t even imagine how good this stone circle must have looked when first erected.

Despite the awful weather, this site blew me away. The setting of the distant hills, the number and quality of the sites here is incredible. This is in the A list of prehistoric sites. I would put it up there with Avebury, Kilmartin, Orkney and Callanish. It is that good. These notes are no doubt doing it a disservice.

Due to the weather and the fact I was conscious of the others waiting patiently n the car I was only able to give Machrie Moor the briefest of visits. It deserves so much more. A full day here would not be unreasonable. When I got back to the car it was pointed out I had been gone two hours! Machrie Moor is that type of place. Save your pennies, sell the family heir looms, do what it takes but catch the ferry to the lovely island of Arran and visit this special place. It really is something special.

Visited 26.7.15

Since Hob’s visit the bracken has been removed from around the remains of this cairn and it is easy to see on the right of the path leading to the stone circles. It is only a short detour. Access is via a wooden stile.

The standing stone is large, weathered (grooved) and covered in hairy lichen. There are also several other large stones remaining from this once (no doubt) impressive tomb.

Of the people ‘oot and aboot’ today I was the only one to come ans say ‘hello’ to this fine standing stone – which is a shame. It is well worth the very short walk to get to it. Another nice stone in this fantastic place.

Visited 26.7.15

This is the first site you come to when walking up the path from the car park towards the famous stone circles. It is an Historic Scotland site and as such has metal railings around it and an information board. It is a 15 minute walk from the car park – about the half way point to the stone circles.

There are several large kerb stones still in place and the large, low, grass covered stony mound is clear to see. The cairn is in a lovely setting with mountains in the distance. If this cairn was anywhere else it would get a lot more attention than it does here. The draw of the stone circles move people on far too quickly.

This is a very nice site.