Visited 20.03.25
After an unseasonable dry spell, I decided to return to boggy Balker Moor to locate the N cairn. Using the quoted OS Grid Reference, I managed to locate an earth bank with several kerb stones. I walked round the curve to locate further kerb stones on the E & W arcs. I estimated that the circle had a c. 45 foot diameter. A carpet of heather has colonised the interior of the circle, blending it into the landscape. Balker Moor N Cairn has been almost entirely destroyed except for an earth bank on the N arc. Further details are available on Canmore ID 61730.
Directions: Take the A77 Ayr road E out of Stranraer. After c. 2 miles continue past the A751 Dumfries junction for c. 0.3 mile. Take the right turn onto an unsigned single track road. Stay on this road for c. 2.5 miles, past Craigcaffie Farm, then park up in a lay-by on the right at NX 1013 6501. Walk ESE across the moor parallel to the forest margin for c. 700 yards to NX 1072 6477, avoiding the boggiest ground. Walk c. 250 yards S from here to Balker Moor N Cairn at NX 10724 64545. Balker Moor S Cairn is located at NX 10767 64445, c. 110 yards SSE of the N cairn. My route can be seen on Balker Moor Cairns. Wellies and GPS navigation are essential.