Kell Burn Alignment
Monday 15/4/02
As we walked up the small hill to this tiny megalithic monument the sun made a brief appearance from behind the clouds and mist. These 6 'large' stones stand on a mound about 2 m high which for all the world looks very much like the remains of a cairn about 9 or 10 m in diameter. Of the 'larger' remaining stones only one is upright and stands a mighty 40 cm tall. This is one of four linear stones running perfectly N/S. The other stones are now (1) earthfast, (2) 20 cm high, (3) recumbent measuring about 60 cm long by about 27 cm wide. A small, compact and beautiful Summer Solstice monument in some fantastic scenery at the head of Whiteadder Reservior.
Marked on the 1:25000 map as 'Stones'. This four stone alignment was investigated by Thom who measured the azimuths of 129.8 degrees (or approximately south-east) and 309.8 degrees (or approximately north-west). The results were -19.7 degrees in the former case indicating a possible lunar solstice and 23.5 degrees indicating the summer solstice sunset. Thom also measured the alignment to be 309.7 feet, but apparently only one of the stones is now visible- others may have been disturbed after the B6355 was widened.
An entry from Ancient Stones, an online database that covers most of the standing stones, stone circles and other stones found in South East Scotland. Each entry includes details, directions, photograph, folklore, parking and field notes on each location.
Log in |
Register
0 discussions
Show map (inline Google Map)
Add an image 
Top of page