Latest Miscellany

Directions to Fell of Loch Ronald Cairn from N: Take the Three Lochs turn off Main Street in Glenluce. Stay on the road for c. 7 miles to reach the Three Lochs Holiday Park. There is a right turn c. 400 yards E of the main entrance. You can park at the top of the road. Walk S beside the caravans for c. 200 yards to reach a gate into Tannylaggie Forest. Proceed along the forest track for c. 130 yards to a Y-Junction. Bear right following the track S for c. 400 yards to another Y-junction. Choose the path to the right. Follow this track for c. 0.8 mile to reach a felled edge of the forest. A vague path heads S into the cleared terrain at NX 2731 6372. Head S across the rough ground for c. 80 yards to the concealed cairn at NX 2733 6365. Look for a rectangular hollow with large stones hidden by a raised earth bank on the NW. My walking route is viewable on Fell of Loch Ronald Cairn.

Directions to Fell of Loch Ronald Cairn from S: Take the Three Lochs turn off the A75 near Kirkcowan. Stay on the narrow road with passing places for c. 3.3 miles to the end of the road. Turn left for c. 1 mile to reach a parking spot on the left at the edge of the Three Lochs Holiday Park. Walk S beside the caravans for c. 200 yards to reach a gate into Tannylaggie Forest. Proceed along the forest track for c. 130 yards to a Y-Junction. Bear right following the track S for c. 400 yards to another Y-junction. Choose the path to the right. Follow this track for c. 0.8 mile to reach a felled edge of the forest. A vague path heads S into the cleared terrain at NX 2731 6372. Head S across the rough ground for c. 80 yards to the concealed cairn at NX 2733 6365. Look for a rectangular hollow with large stones hidden by a raised earth bank on the NW. My walking route is viewable on Fell of Loch Ronald Cairn.

Directions to White Laise Cairn from N: Take the A713 Dalmellington turn off the A77 Bankfield Roundabout on the edge of Ayr. Head through Dalmellington on the A713 and take the right turn for Loch Doon c. 1 mile after leaving Dalmellington. Follow the narrow Loch Doon road for c. 2.8 miles to park up adjacent to Loch Doon Caravan Park. Follow my viewable walking route on White Laise Cairn.

Directions to White Laise Cairn from S: Continue on the A75 from the Cuckoo Bridge Roundabout on the edge of Dumfries. Follow the A75 for c. 9.1 miles to the centre of Crocketford. Take the right turn for A712 New Galloway. Follow the A712 for c. 14.3 miles to its junction with the A713. Turn right onto the A713. Stay on the A713 for c. 20 miles to reach a left turn for Loch Doon. Follow the narrow Loch Doon road for c. 2.8 miles to park up adjacent to Loch Doon Caravan Park. Follow my viewable walking route on White Laise Cairn.

Directions from N: Take the A713 Dalmellington turn off the A77 Bankfield Roundabout on the edge of Ayr. Head through Dalmellington to Carsphairn. After c. 22.7 miles take the B729 Moniaive turn off the A713 on the E edge of Carsphairn. Stay on the B729 for c. 5.2 miles to reach Smittons Farm. Take the left turn cul-de-sac signed for Water of Ken. Follow this single track for c. 5.2 miles to park up at the junction with Nether Holm of Dalquhairn Farm. My walking route is viewable on Nether Holm of Dalquhairn Cairn.

Directions from S: Take the A76 Kilmarnock turn off the Cuckoo Bridge Roundabout on the A75 at Dumfries. After c. 1.8 miles take the left turn for B729 Moniaive. (There is parking for The Twelve Apostles of Hollywood c. 450 yards from the junction on the left. This large stone circle is a must see). Take the B729 for c. 13.5 miles to Moniaive. Follow the B729 through Moniaive for c. 10 miles to reach a left turn cul-de-sac for Water of Ken. Follow this single track for c. 5.2 miles to park up at the junction with Nether Holm of Dalquhairn Farm. My walking route is viewable on Nether Holm of Dalquhairn Cairn.

During the Mediaeval Period, this was said to be the seat of the chief of the MacMhuirich (“Currie”) family. His house was called Tigh Am Tom Dreiss – Bramble Knoll House”, and according to Highland custom he himself was known as “Fear Am Tom Dreiss.”

Proceedings of the Society of Antiquaries of Scotland Vol 34 (1899-1900)

A further isolated barrow stands on its own on the western shoulder of Tan Hill, to the east of the main group at SU07866490. EH description:

The barrow stands to a height of 1m, surrounded by a 2m deep quarry ditch, from which material was obtained during its construction. This has become infilled over the years but survives as a buried feature. A shallow depression on the centre of the barrow suggests the site has been partially excavated, probably in the 19th century, although no details are known.

Directions to Knockeen Cairn from N: Head for Barr Village in South Ayrshire. Turn left onto Glenginnet Road at the dead end sign. Stay on the narrow road for c. 4 miles to the end of the road. Turn right for Glentrool/Newton Stewart. Stay on this single track road for c. 1.5 miles to reach a car park on the right at NX 3412 9371. Head E through the gate for Pinbreck Hill. There is no path so make your best way upwards through rough boggy ground, heading E towards the cairn on the summit. My route is viewable on Pinbreck Hill Cairn.

Directions to Knockeen Cairn from S: Head for Newton Stewart town centre. At the end of Victoria Street head straight on for Girvan A714. Follow this road for c. 8.5 miles to the Glentrool junction. Take the right turn to Glentrool. Stay on this road for c. 8.4 miles to Rowantree Toll. Bear left onto the cycle route for Carsphairn/Ayr. Follow this single track road for c. 2.3 miles to a car park on the left at NX 3412 9371. Head E through the gate for Pinbreck Hill. There is no path so make your best way upwards through rough boggy ground, heading E towards the cairn on the summit. My route is viewable on Pinbreck Hill Cairn.

Directions to Knockeen Cairn: Head for Barr Village in South Ayrshire. Turn left onto Glenginnet Road at the dead end sign. Stay on the narrow road for c. 2.6 miles to reach a farm track at NX 3079 9570, c.130 yards W of Knockeen Farm. Park up and follow the farm track SW along the margin of the field towards the E end of the trees. Knockeen Cairn is located adjacent to the SE corner of the trees. My route is viewable on Knockeen Cairn.

Directions to Cairnennock Cairn: There is a lay-by c. 200 yards N of Eriff Farm on the A713. Walk S towards the farm to a track leading W round Loch Muck. Follow the track for c. 0.4 mile to reach a sheepfold. Head W up the moorland for 0.25 mile towards a stone cairn appearing on the horizon. My route is viewable on Cairnennock Cairn.

Directions to Lagwine Cairn: There is a parking lane SW of the A713 at NX 5572 9439, c. 0.7 miles N of Carsphairn. Cross the road and follow the track to Bridge End cottage. There is pedestrian access through a locked gate. Follow the track N for c. 40 yards then turn right onto a track heading SE. Follow this track for c. 0.45 mile to the third pylon. Skirt past the pylon to a gate into rough pasture. Head NE on rough terrain for c. 150 yards to the stony cairn. My route is viewable on Lagwine Cairn.

Directions to Duniewick Hillfort: Take the B7044 Colmonell turn off the A77 on the S end of Ballantrae. This road is narrow with very few passing places. Follow the road for c. 2.8 miles to reach Finnart Cottage. There is a muddy parking space c. 50 yards E on the left side. Knockdolian path starts c. 30 yards E from here. The path climbs steeply NW up a field towards a gate which leads to Knockdolian summit ridge. Walk N past the gate following the fence line into rough pasture. Duniewick Crag is visible NW from here. Head W towards a dry stane dyke then follow the dyke N for a gate in the NW corner of the field. A rough track starts here heading clockwise round the crag. A steep ditch starts in the SW corner of Duniewick Crag. Follow the ditch to the centre of the W flank where an angled rock slab provides a path up to the summit plain of Duniewick Hillfort. My route can be viewed on Duniewick Hillfort.

Directions to Cairn Hill (Cairnryan): My route starts at Cairnryan Village Hall, adjacent to P&O Ferry Terminal. Park up at Cairnryan Village Hall. Walk N for c. 300 yards, cross the grass onto Claddyburn Terrace. Take the private single track lane to High Croach that bears left from Claddyburn Terrace. Follow this track uphill for c. 0.9 miles to NX 0796 6846. Turn left into a gateway heading W towards a gate in corner of the field. Head W along the dry stane dyke for c.140 yards to reach a gate into a rough pasture field. Walk c. 170 yards WSW towards a gate in the field. In the next field head WNW for c. 130 yards to another gate leading into a large field. Proceed NNW for c. 650 yards to a gate in the NW corner of the field. A 4x4 track heads NW into a boggy area turning W towards the grassy summit of Cairn Hill. There is a trig point on the summit. The remains of the cairn are a low grassy mound c. 15 yards ESE of the trig point. My route is viewable on Cairn Hill (Cairnryan) Cairn.
Once you leave the road the route may be boggy so waterproof footwear is recommended.

Directions to Drummuckloch Hill Cairn:My route starts at the car park at Cairnryan Village Hall, adjacent to P&O Ferry Terminal. Walk N for c. 300 yards, cross the grass onto Claddyburn Terrace. Take the private single track lane to High Croach that bears left from Claddyburn Terrace. Follow this track uphill for c. 0.9 miles to a faint track starting on the right side of the track at NX 0804 6854. Take a 4x4 track S uphill over rough pasture towards a dry stane dyke. Follow the dry stane dyke S for c. 0.5 mile to reach a short dry stane dyke. Drummuckloch Hill Standing Stone is located on the end of this dyke. Walk c. 70 yards SSE towards a circle of marsh grass concealing Drummuckloch Hill Cairn,c. 20 yards NE of the dry stane dyke. Once you leave the road the route may be boggy so waterproof footwear is recommended. My route is viewable on Drummuckloch Hill Cairn.

Directions to Drummuckloch Hill Standing Stone: My route starts at the car park at Cairnryan Village Hall, adjacent to P&O Ferry Terminal. Walk N for c. 300 yards, cross the grass onto Claddyburn Terrace. Take the private single track lane to High Croach that bears left from Claddyburn Terrace. Follow this track uphill for c. 0.9 miles to a faint track starting on the right side of the track at NX 0804 6854. Take a 4x4 track S uphill over rough pasture towards a dry stane dyke. Follow the dry stane dyke S for c. 0.5 mile to reach a short dry stane dyke. Drummuckloch Hill Standing Stone is located on the end of this dyke. Walk c. 70 yards SSE towards a circle of marsh grass concealing Drummuckloch Hill Cairn,c. 20 yards NE of the dry stane dyke. Once you leave the road the route may be boggy so waterproof footwear is recommended.My route is viewable on Drummuckloch Hill Cairn.

Directions to Eagle Cairn (Cardryne): Take the A716 to Drummore. Turn right in the centre of Drummore following the Mull of Galloway sign. Bear left at the top of Mill Street following the B7041. Bear sharp right after 250 yards towards the Mull of Galloway. Stay on the B7041 for 0.8 miles to reach a crossroads. Go straight on up the minor unsigned road. Follow this road for c. 250 yards, bear left onto an unsigned single track lane. Follow this lane for c. 1.6 miles to reach a rough parking place on the right at a disused gateway. A farm track starts 50 yards S of the lay-by, heading NE into pasture. My route avoiding electric fences is viewable on Eagle Cairn (Cardryne).

Two complementary – yet nowadays VERY different – prehistoric monuments still grace the rolling chalk of Boyton Down, rising due south of the eponymous Wiltshire village... although to be fair, a glance at the map will show Sherrington has an equal association.

Yeah, such is the extreme, overgrown state of the older Neolithic long barrow, that The Citizen Cairn had to double-check said map to confirm he was not going doolally, despite it measuring in at almost 150ft in length!

Thankfully, no such issues are prevalent with the very fine (10ft high) Bronze Age round barrow still standing tall a little to the NNW. Indeed, that is so large it was found to contain a primary cremation, plus thirteen later (Saxon?) inhumations upon excavation. Once again, clear evidence that folk back then were quite happy to venerate the traditions of those who went before... either that, or maybe simply fearful not to upset the old gods?

Worth seeing...

Located to the immediate west of the Crowdy Reservoir, facing the dam, I neglected to visit this round barrow when last in the area visiting the Advent ‘Triple Barrow’ during 2017. The fact that this decision was in error became all too obvious as soon as I clapped eyes upon its substantial profile this time around, the monument apparently getting on for 9ft in height with a diameter of c62ft.

Historic England reckons:

“The monument includes a bowl barrow, situated on a south east facing slope, overlooking the valley of a tributary to the River Camel. The bowl barrow survives as a circular mound measuring 19m in diameter and up to 2.7m m high on the downslope side. It has a largely-buried surrounding quarry ditch, from which material to construct the mound was derived, measuring up to 4m wide and 0.2m deep. In the centre if the mound is an early excavation hollow.

Sources: HER:- PastScape Monument No:-434434”

This is a somewhat shy, retiring monument located right beside the road heading towards the wonders of Rough Tor from the former WW2 RAF airfield upon Davidstow Moor... so easily missed/ignored.

That, however, would be a travesty you’ll regret as soon as you get back home... for these three closely related (if not entirely co-joined) bowl barrows – hence ‘Triple Barrow’ – form a very rare monument, indeed.... in fact, I’m only aware of one other (seriously overgrown) example way done in Surrey, upon Turners Hill, near Farnham (although there are three co-joined round cairns at Pen y Garn-goch, near Llanwrtyd Wells). Are there any more?

So, travellers should watch out for this slumbering enigma and, in addition, make the short detour to view the rather splendid round barrow (just the one, mind) located before the Crowdy Reservoir Dam. There is, incidentally, another monument a little further on past the water works, to the left.

Historic England has this to say:

“The monument includes three bowl barrows, situated on the upper southern slopes of a ridge, overlooking a tributary to the River Camel. The three barrows, two of which are contiguous and the third immediately adjacent, are aligned west to east and spaced so closely they are almost a ‘triple’ barrow. The barrows survive as three circular mounds enclosed by an outer, oval partially-buried ditch. The mounds from west to east measure 24m in diameter and 1.3m high; 18m in diameter and 1.2m high; and 19m in diameter and 1.3m high. All three mounds have pits and trenches associated with early excavations or robbing. The surrounding outer quarry ditch is up to 3.2m wide and 0.6m.

The mound and ditch to the south east are cut slightly by a hedge and road.

Sources: HER:- PastScape Monument No:-434423”

Coflein description:

A mutilated and threatened round barrow, 23m in diameter and 1.4m high. Courses of crude paving and an upright, but buried, monolith are reported to have been observed. A stone-walled, slab-roofed chamber built into the S side of the monument was used as a potato store before 1938.
(source Os495card; SN97SW5)
J.wiles 22.04.02

Wondrously located overlooking Nant Paradwys, this large cairn is a little under a half-mile south of the fine Esgair Ceiliog Ring Cairn (not shown on current 1:25k mapping). Combine a visit to both and a superb day hanging out in wild upland surroundings can be yours for relatively manageable effort.

The more adventurous, however, may wish to consider extending the walk to Carnau (just under one and a half miles further along the cwm at SN88955780), this providing the added bonus of an audience with the enigmatic stones at Bwlch-y-Ddau-Faen (SN89425830) en-route. There are many other route choices available, to be fair.

The latest Coflein record states:

“Cairn some 8m diameter by 1.8m high. Sheep shelter built at centre. (CPAT 1982). Evidence of cairn kerb still in place. Stone sheep shelter approx. 4m in diameter x 1m high. (CAP 2004)”

The Cwmdeuddwr Hills of Y Elenydd – ‘The Green Desert’ of Mid Wales – can be confusing places, even to those who consider themselves reasonably experienced in the locale.. so, first things first: please ensure you are not seduced by the relatively low height of these tops and erroneously believe you do not need map, compass and waterproofs. No intention here to teach anyone to suck eggs, as they say, but even the late, great, Wynford Vaughan-Thomas experienced complete navigational meltdown around these parts.

To emphasise the point, take a look at the Coflein records for Gro Hill and, in particular, the number of “Either not located at time of field visit or mis-sited” statements. Yeah, even experienced field archaeologists appear bemused by these hills.

The issues with Gro Hill are undoubtedly exacerbated by the fact that the OS has not recorded any prehistoric cairns here upon current mapping. Yet here they are, although possibly not where Coflein has them logged! The views on a clear day are sublime, the vibe delivering exactly what has brought me to these tops time and time again.

As a general overview, Coflein reckons:

“Gro Hill Cemetery comprises the remains of at least three small round burial cairns. The largest cairn is situated to the West and measures about 5.5 meters in diameter and up to about 0.4 meters in height. Within this cairn is an open visible cist measuring 0.9 meters from NW to SE. The southernmost cairn measures 3.5 meters in diameter and up to 0.2 meters in height. The easternmost cairn measures 4.5 meters in diameter and up to 0.4 meters in height. This cairn also has an open visible cist measuring 1 meter. All three cairns have suffered disturbance or robbing.
Source: Cadw scheduling description. [Foster/RCAHMW 18.09.2008]”

Bwlch-y-Ddau-Faen – the ‘Two Stone Pass’ – is an enigmatic place. Assuming wild, windswept moorland a couple of miles from the nearest road is your thang? Firstly there is a natural spring here amongst the peat hags; secondly, a number of standing stones protrude from said peat to varying degrees forming an irregular ‘ring’, as opposed to ‘circle. So why the colloquial reference to ‘Two Stones’ when there are substantially more than a pair of stones here? As I said, enigmatic place, augmented by a fine, sweeping view toward the Great Escarpment of South Wales dominating the southern horizon. Reassuring to find everything in its right place, so to speak. For what it’s worth, I’m tempted to think what we have here is a typical, if disrupted upland Welsh ring. With numerous diminutive orthostats barely breeching the current surface it just feels ‘right’, you know? It is difficult to hypothesise a satisfactory reason why these tiny stones should otherwise be here. But there you are. All is silent now, almost overwhelmingly so; however the location is significant, the past cacophony of untold drover’s agitated cattle seemingly hanging in the wind just out of human audible frequency.

Refer to notes for nearby Carnau for further context of this intriguing stone setting:

themodernantiquarian.com/site/18448/carnau_cwmdeuddwr.html

Beautifully sited to the south of the meandering River Wylye, just east of the village of Sherrington, this would be a first-rate monument to visit... if only someone in the locality would see fit to undertake a little pruning of the overwhelming mantle of industrial-strength vegetation once in a while.

This, however, would appear unlikely in the extreme... if only to judge by the farcically sour-faced short woman clearly seriously affronted by me having the temerity to drive down a public road in HER village while she let her dog run out of control. Ignore such ignorant fools, I say... those whose money and privilege cannot even accord them basic good manners.

Yeah, combine a sojourn here with a visit to the wondrous Corton long barrow... or the great Boyton Down Round Barrow (the nearby Boyton Down long barrow was even more overgrown than this one)... and happy days.

I approached via the track ascending from Corton village past Foley’s Cottage – sadly no sign of Eddie Murphy – an unlocked gate eventually allowing access to the appropriate field on the right, that’s just prior to reaching the bridleway descending to Model Farm.

Despite the images here upon TMA, I was somewhat taken aback by the substantial nature of the monument, the obvious damage notwithstanding. The position is excellent, as is the vibe.

With Corton being just a short diversion from the A303... and with limited parking available in a layby near the Dove Inn... I did wonder why I hadn’t been to this wondrous place before?

Set more-or-less due west of the magnificent Eastern White Barrow, the assumption is most folks would look to combine a visit to both, right? Note, however, that the monuments stand approx three quarters of a mile apart, a not insignificant distance upon upland Dartmoor.

Having been used as the building source – not to mention foundation – of a drystone shelter for peat cutters during the 1800’s, the interior of the monument has not faired well. Neither, for that matter, has the former Petre’s Cross, the remains of which can still be seen.

Historic England has this to say:

“This monument includes a round cairn, wayside cross and shelter situated on the summit of a ridge known as Quickbeam Hill. The round cairn survives as a circular stony mound measuring up to 21m in diameter and 1.7m high. The wayside cross is positioned on the cairn, but is inverted. It measures 1.3m high and is of rectangular section with both arms broken off. It was one of four set up by Sir William Petre, who had purchased Brent Manor after the Dissolution of the Monasteries from Buckfast Abbey in 1557 and was used to mark the bounds of the Forest of Dartmoor in 1557 and 1786. The round cairn has been disturbed by the construction of a two roomed shelter within the structure of the cairn itself measuring 11.5m long by 4.7m wide and having a fireplace and chimney. This was constructed in about 1847 by workers at the Red Lake peat ties, in connection with the Naptha Works at Shipley, who re-used the cross as a chimney lintel at the same time. Following the partial destruction of the building the cross was re-erected.”

I approached from the large car park at Shipley Bridge to the approx south-east (SX 681629), a formerly pleasing starting point which is sadly now being used as a revenue cash cow for the National Park... biting the hand that feeds... of tourists bound for the Avon Dam Reservoir and serious walkers alike... and, furthermore, disproportionately impacting access to the countryside for the less well off, for which £4 is a significant additional outlay. Yeah, speaking to a number of locals passing by, the car park charge is apparently VERY unpopular with residents. But since when did the wishes of people who actually live in the locale count for anything? So... given that fiscal targets must be met to provide creature comforts for tourists, at the very least the machine MUST be able to accept card payments!!! My lack of cash placed me in quite a dilemma until a local stepped in to assist me. Shame on those incompetents failing to maintain this ‘facility’ and discriminating against those not meeting their limited criteria. Simply not good enough.

That negativity aside, the trek to c1,548ft Quickbeam Hill is upon a clearly defined, gently rising path, so should offer no technical difficulties except in poor weather. Note, however, that the main track does not directly access the cairn, the intervening terrain proving rather hard going. In retrospect, it’s probably a good idea to gain the crest of the ridge sooner, rather than later, in order to minimise this. Or perhaps I’m simply getting old?

As for the cairn:

Despite being aware it is a ‘whopper’ from the distant view enjoyed from the ‘Heap of Sinners’ cairn upon Huntingdon Warren a few years back, I’m nevertheless pretty well overwhelmed upon arrival by just how big it actually is. The views to be had from the summit are far-reaching, the isolated upland vibe exquisite. Historic England notes:

“This monument includes a round cairn known as Eastern White Barrow situated on a prominent ridge on the north eastern side of Quickbeam Hill. The cairn survives as a circular stony mound measuring up to [c85ft] 26m in diameter and [11.5ft] 3.5m high. A secondary cylindrical marker cairn is situated on top of the summit allegedly built by soldiers during the Second World War. In 1240, 1609 and 1796 the cairn was one of the bounds of the Forest of Dartmoor.”