Latest Fieldnotes

There are two cairns here, both close to each other but in totally different surroundings. Leave the A98 just after the A950 junction and take the road to Pennan. Cummerton Farm is about 31/2 miles away. Stop just after the farm at the next gate, right side going north, for plenty of car parking space.

To the right is the badly mutilated and robbed cairn which is going to gradually vanish. However the shape of the cairn can still just be made out and cairn material can still be seen sprinkled on top of the small hillock.

Visited 29/6/09.

Castle Hills are two naturally built mounds near to Upper Boyndlie farm. Leave the A98 at Boyndlie Hall, the farm is a mile down the road. Take the track opposite Upper Boyndlie and continue for 1/4 mile. Here the track widens leaving plenty room for car parking.

The two castle hills are on the left and are called the Eastern and Western. Loads of discoveries have have been found here, see the link, and they have been taken to Aberdeen Museum.

On the western hill can be found the cist, a stone which measures 1.4mx0.6m. From the track to the hills is short but steepish climb. Easy to see why have their names. Today was very warm and sunny, but on a cloudy/misty day I would imagine this place might be quite scary!

Visited 29/06/09.

Dun Ruadh is a one-off. Not quite sure what other term you would give to a massive horseshoe shaped cairn [still about 2.5 to 3m high – I reckon – in places] with a 17 stone circle defining a central courtyard. Apparently 13 cists were discovered in the cairn, some still visible, the whole site surrounded by a low bank and ditch......... so there you are.

Sited in the hills north of The Creggan visitor centre near Crouck – and featuring in its glossy brochure – the traveller is nonetheless on his own with this one – or at least you were at the time of my visit in June 2006, anyway. I therefore knocked at the nearest house, the woman who answered the door promptly ‘ordering’ her son, Brendan, to show us the way to the ‘fairie ring’ forthwith. ‘Er, OK mam’. Right on! Needless to say we bunged him a few quid for his trouble and traded political viewpoints.... suffice to say we both have a distinct problem with bigots of all types and I hope I showed him a positive side to us ‘Brits’... he was 16 at the time, but very clued up. I probably came across as a muppet, having said that.

Anyway the circle/cairn/whatever is a peach, very well preserved with great views of the Sperrins and bundles of atmosphere. Not surprising really, when only the locals know where it is and they can’t understand why us crazy people want to go there. Long may it continue for this is one of Ireland’s best.

Oh, and cheers to Four Winds for his web-site prompt.

When I first came to the Tursachan back in 2001 -on a bus trip after travelling as a foot passenger from Ullapool – it was the sight of this circle from the window that made me realise I’d made a big mistake..... oh dear, one day is never going to be anywhere near enough when there’s gems such as this as ‘satellite sites’. Only in Lewis, my friends.....

M’lud Yatesbury was right – of course the main circle and avenues blew me away in every way possible, but nethertheless I knew I had to come back to see this classic concentric stone circle, with two further beauties nearby.

That was in 2004, but the recent Ultravox reunion brought it all flooding back.... check out their ‘One Small Day’ video and see what I mean, although probably showing my age a bit here.

A first class site which would take first billing anywhere else but here.

youtube.com/watch?v=rSCAb8yzHQ8

Although this cairn is called Cairneywhing it is actually in a field on the opposite side of the A98. Turn from the A98, after the A950 junction, and head north for 1/4 mile on the Pennan road. Gonar Farm is to the left, the cairn is 50 meters into a field to the right. The best way to describe this is to imagine Berrybrae minus it’s circle. A small dry stane dyke, along with trees and a barbed wire fence, surround the cairn which has been well robbed leaving a small grassy mound. The wall being probably built with cairn material. On the plus side are the views. Locally it is known as “Picts House”.

Visited 29/6/09.

This is an extended barrow cemetery of 11 barrows of various types which runs up a shallow valley to the north of Bere Regis. The single barrow in the photo is one of a group of three in the western side of the cemetery.
The group of three are on the east side of the valley, just north of Millum Head.

One of my favourite aspects of stone circles in the southwest of Ireland, is their ‘integration’ in the surrounding landscape. Dunbeacon is a great, if not the best, example how much a site can gain attraction, simply from a well chosen location.

The stone circle lies about 3.5km southwest of Durrus and is the only one found on the Mizen Head peninsula. The circle is not signed, but east of the circle lies Dunbeacon Stone Row, which is signed and where you can park and leave your car. Follow the road uphill for ~250m until you reach a house on the right side, with a lane in front of it that leads west to a barn. Follow this lane, bypass the barn and you should see a farm track with a few gates that leads to the circle.

Of eleven tall stones only six still stand and in the center lies a slab-type stone. The site offers spectacular views to the north, northeast and south, but the most impressive one is over the circle to Mount Corrin.

If you think you’re not sensible for ‘spiritual’ stuff, than sit here on a sunny day, enjoy the silence, let your eyes wander around and take a break from everyday life. This experience will probably change your mind, I can tell you first-hand ;-).

Visited May 2008

This 2 meter high granite stone is all that is left of a rumoured circle and it still stands taller than the crops. It is in the perfect place for such a monument and has good views of Bennachie.

Leave the B993 at Keithhall taking the road to Dyce, go thru the village of Kinmuck and turn first left towards Peathill farm. About 1/4 of mile down this road cars can be parked, on the right. The stone, which leans at a precarious angle, is in the next field, keep to the tractor marks.

Visited 28/06/09.

An obscure site, but very much worth the effort as this is a classic long barrow – combine with a trip to White Sheet Hill or/and Cley Hill if you aren’t local... [update – more to the point the excellent long barrow and round barrows on and around nearby Cold Kitchen Hill]

In Monkton Deverill, take the minor road past the church and keep left where it does a sharp left-hander. Ignore two footpaths on the corner to park further on near two more public footpaths on the left (before you reach the track to Pertwood Farm). Head for the prominent copse of trees to the north and skirt this on its left. The long barrow is visible beyond, easy access.

Very well preserved, including ditches, Dyer gives it at 2m high and 76m long..... although it felt taller to me – perhaps it was the ditches? An usual feature is a berm separating the ditches from the mound itself.

Atmosphere in bucketloads, too, since you won’t get any tourists here. Simply a great afternoon’s hang.

The main mountain chain generally runs north south but at times along its length a spur comes off east or west on one such ridge is this delicate barrow perched on a 20 ft wide saddle between two hilltops. Its visible as a bump on the hill line a mile away. The interior is scooped out and a cist shaped area is at the bottom of it.

Hiding from the wind was quite pleasurable in this cairn but it gauls me that someones burial place should be so used, as a wind break.
The cairn is wide spread and would be a good one if it was flattened by a big hand, from above maybe. What would George Noory think ?

This is a group of 8 barrows south of the Bincombe and Came group. One of the barrows is a rare oval type having a length of 40 metres and width of 20 metres. This is one of less than 50 recorded examples.

An excellent little promontory fort to the south-west(ish) of the much larger hillfort upon Martinsell Hill.

Perhaps best reached by way of a steep climb from Sunnyhill Lane (great name) near Bethnal Green – no, not that one!! – heading north on the White Horse Trail, before veering to the right up the obvious slope in front.

The enclosure boasts great views all round, particularly towards The Vale of Pewsey, not to mention a pretty substantial ditch and rampart isolating the fort from the ridge to the east leading to Martinsell. Which begs the question ‘what was the relationship between the two sites?’ Were they occupied concurrently by the same people – unusual, bearing in mind their close proximity – or at different periods in time? Whatever the truth of the matter, I loved it here........

Giant’s Grave is perhaps best viewed from the A345 just north of the village of Oare.

This rocky outcrop has to be the most moving, aesthetically pleasing piece of sculpture I’ve ever seen – naturally occurring or otherwise.

Shaped by millennia of the viciously inclemental Bodmin Moor weather – and let’s face it, it can be pretty bad – the graceful, flowing curves and contours exhibited here make it seem ludicrous to think that this just sort of, er, ‘happened’. But then, Mother always has known best, hasn’t she?

I can’t help thinking the upper most segment looks remarkably like an archetypal dolmen capstone. Seeing as this was obviously an prehistoric ‘special place’ maybe the connection isn’t as far fetched as I first thought. An intriguing thought......

Head from Banff to Huntly on the A97 stopping at the first lay by. The cairn is found by climbing up the Hill of Alvah, west side, thru the trees moving past some field clearance. Once there several mounds are in front, the cairn has large stones on it’s south eastern side. Originally two cairns stood here but one has been completely destroyed. Canmore states it was built during the Bronze Age. Stirling Cairn is over the other side of the hill towards the east.

Alternatively a walk starts at Duff House, Banff which leads to Bridge Of Alvah, visit Stirling Cairn then climb over to the cairns on the western side.

Visited 26/6/09.

Once more uphill and my legs are on there last ones but this has proper walkways which saves loads of time and the clouds are thinning and the wind is less stupid.
The stone is right infront of the cairn so both come into view at the same time. The stone has a lean to its horizontality suggesting just slightly that it may have stood. The cairn is still large, large enough to fool me into thinking the waymarker cairn on top was it.
There should have been awsome views all round which i’m quite partial to but alas my constant companion was the roaring cloud which became a bit unsettling at times, this dangerous but irresistable pastime.

Starting at the waterfall just head north and uphill, ever up . with fence to the right and the hills falling away to the left Moel Sych hilltop cairn comes suddenly into view as you crest the mountain top. Some curb stones are big and obvious on the west side and the whole cairn is quite large. But this was just the first one and it looks like the weather is closing in .

This stone circle lies in Bonane Heritage Park, which is well signed from the N71 between Kenmare and Glengariff. Beside the circle, the park offers among others an impressive Ringfort, a Standing Stone and a Fulacht Fiadh. Currently you were charged an admission of 4€ per person, a bit expensive in my opinion, especially as there are no reductions for families.

The stone circle itself is stunning and well preserved. I counted 11 stones in the outer ring and in the centre lies a heavy boulder stone.

There are great views over Sheen River Valley. The only thing that disturb the atmosphere are two information boards, that stand very close to the circle. However they explain two interesting alignments of the circle.

One is the sunrise between the two entrance stones during summer solstice and equinox sunset over the stone right of the recumbent.

The other alignment is related to ‘Major Lunar Standstill’, that occurs every 18.6 years. On the opposite hill from the circle lies ‘Altar’, which, according to the info board, consists of three large flagstone. This marks the most southerly rising point of the moon, when viewed from the circle. The angle at which the moon rises coincides with the angle of the mountain, making the moon appear to ‘climb’ the mountain as it ascends.

The last time the event occured was June 2006, so if you want to see this phenomenon, be here at the end of 2024 ;-).

Visited May 2009

This is one of the few portal tombs in Cork, the only other that comes to my mind is Ahaglaslin near Ross Carbery.

Although the tomb lies only 140m north of the R592, it’s not easy to find, because you have to climb over (or slip under, which I found easier) barbed wire and the tomb itself is quite overgrown and therefore difficult to spot. Park the car on the road shoulder that is on both side of the road just before you reach the highest point, when coming from Altar. Climb the hillside north of the street near to the highest point to the barbed wire and look for a farm track. Follow this track north, then northeast that goes around a small stream. You should see the top of the tomb poke out close to the base of a cliff.

The tomb tilts pretty sideways, maybe the soil moved downhill a bit during the thousands of years, since it was built. Behind the capstone, which rests on the portal stones, is another (pretty overgrown) capstone, that lies over the chamber.

From the tomb you have a terrific views to Toormore Bay and the gurgle of the nearby stream also contributes to the delightful ambience of this site.

Visited May 2009

Very easy fieldnotes. From the A96 north of Inverurie follow the road to Chapel Of Garioch, going past Balquhain RSC. From here go south following the signposts to the Bennachie Vistor Centre. The walks are indicated on large signs, indeed the walk is known as the Gouk Stane walk. Plenty of car parking.

Visited May 09.

This stone circle lies south of the R585 between Kealkil and Cousane Gap, about 1km southwest of Cousane stone circle. If you drive from Keakil look out for a asphalted farm drive on the right side and park in the small lay-by just before the entrance. Walk around 200m to the farm and ask there for permission. The circle lies behind the farm (due east) and can be approached via a gate at the rear of the farm house.

The circle itself is quite nice. It contains two bulder-burials and lies on a small hill that offers some good views to northwest and northeast (to Cousane Gap). Six stones are still standing, some have fallen and the recumbent in the southwest is a long flat slap.

Unfortunately, as I visted the site, the stones were a bit hidden behind clump of grass, which means, that they don’t come to the fore on my pictures.

A word of caution: The short way to the circle across the field seems very easy, but was instead very boggy during my visit. I didn’t realized it, because the way looked quite ‘normal’. But there seems to be a small stream, that runs through the field in the low ground, which is not clearly ‘visible’. But soon as you cross it, you sink in. It is a ambiguous feeling to stand 20m before a stone circle, trying to find a preferably dry way to it, while your shoes are flooded with water and mud. So take care, I’ve warned you ;-)!

Regardless of that fact, I have not regretted to come to this pretty circle!

Visited May 2009

A couple of new panels discovered last week on this outcrop . One sloping at 60 degrees so not quite typical .

Not far away from the more popular Altar tomb, this wedge tomb is nearly unknown, although it is pretty similar and also worth a stop. It lies hidden in a small clearance, which looks like the landowner trims and cuts the grass and weeds on it regularly.

Only one roofstone is left, which is supported by a modern square rest in the rear.

This was my second attempt to find the site, as the OS map location and the above GPS coordinates are wrong. The correct values are:

N51 31 13.8 W9 38 55.0

The tomb is located in the garden behind the restaurant, which is located on the left side before the road junction in Toormore (R591/R592) , when driving from Altar. Unfortunately nobody opened the door the last time I tried to visit the site back in 2008 and the ‘Private’ sign caused me to stop my search. So I left without having achieved anything.

But there is an alternate route to the tomb, which seems to provide a public access, as I saw no prohibition signs, when I finally found the site on my second attempt 2009.

Opposite of the road junction, there is a wooden fence and a kind of driveway. On the right side is a pedestrian way to the cove. Turn left, when you reach the cove and you should see a footpath, that goes upwards. Follow this path as it leads you straight to the site.

Visited May 2009

This stone circle lies north of the R585 between Kealkil and Cousane Gap. As the circle lies in the valley below the road, it’s very hard to impossible to spot it from the road. Just before a long left bend to Cousane Gap, there is a farm on the left side. Park here and ask the farmer for permission. As I arrived he was kind enough to open the gate (just before the farm) and pointed me in the right direction.

This is a very unusual five stone circle, as all stones are very low. This makes it difficult to locate the recumbent stone. But it’s the one that lies on the western side, opposite the broadest gap and the stone with the flattest top.

The circle lies on a small hillock surrounded by boggy moorland, but the nearby hills prevent far reaching views.

All in all a nice little stone circle and worth a visit!

Visted June 2009

The Law Cairn is situated just north of the A98 after the A950, towards New Pitsligo, signpost. Take the first track after Craigmaud farm, left, and follow it for a 1/2 mile. Supposedly two roads are here but they have long since grown over. However there is a rusty gate, to the right, and the cairn is about a 50 meter walk. Very overgrown to start but as the site is reached it clears. It is 60 feet wide and surrounded by a dry stane dyke, some three feet in height. with the cairn reaching 5 feet. The middle of the cairn is hollowed out. Good views looking over to New Pitsligo. Other scenery is blocked out by small trees. No sign of rubbish as mentioned in Canmore.

Back to the main road and another 200 meters or so further along a signpost saying the Law Cairn can be seen. This track is a dead end and the road to the cairn has vanished. Slightly misleading as I found out.

By the time I found it the night and mist was setting in. Looks like another visit.

Visited 24/6/09.