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Images

Image of Braidenoch Cross Slabs (Christianised Site) by markj99

Braidenoch Cross Slabs in situ on Braidenoch Hill c. 150 yards N of the path.

Image credit: Mark Johnstone

markj99 May 10, 2021

Braidenoch Cross Slabs lie hidden in tufts of moorland grass.

Image credit: Mark Johnstone

markj99 May 10, 2021

Braidenoch Cross Slab I.

Image credit: Mark Johnstone

markj99 May 10, 2021

Braidenoch Cross Slab I is fractured at the neck of the cross.

Image credit: Mark Johnstone

markj99 May 10, 2021

Braidenoch Cross Slab II

Image credit: Mark Johnstone

markj99 May 10, 2021

Articles

Braidenoch Cross Slabs

Christianised Site

markj99 May 10, 2021

Braidenoch Cross Slabs can be found c. 150 yards S of the path running from Carsphairn to Polmaddie. At present the two stones with crude cross carvings lie horizontal in rough grass on a S slope of Braidenoch Hill. However, it is reasonable to assume they were once vertical markers close to the old bridle path. The ancient path was known as the packman’s road according to Canmore ID 63877 (go to Links).

Canmore dates the carvings to the eighth or ninth century. It states that the larger stone measures c. 3 ft 3 in long, 17 in wide and 7 in thick. There is a fracture across the stone c. 9 in from the top at the neck of the cross. The smaller stone dimensions are given as 2 ft 2 in long, 9 in wide and 6.5 in thick. This stone is intact.

Directions: There is room to park at Carnavel Farm junction on the W side of Carsphain just before you cross the bridge. Follow the path to Polmaddy uphill for 1.5 miles until you observe Bardennoch hill trig point on your L. Continue on this path until you reach NX 56981 90728. Head NE across a dry stane dyke for c. 150 yards to locate your target.

Braidenoch Cross Slabs are difficult to find without GPS. The bearing from the summit of Braidenoch Hill to the Braidenoch Cross Slabs is c. 285 degrees (SSW) for c. 200 yards.