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Image of High Baltersan (Cairn(s)) by markj99

Summit of High Baltersan Cairn viewed from S.

Image credit: Mark Johnstone

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High Baltersan

Visited 11.08.23

High Baltersan Cairn is a circular grassy mound located in arable land c. 2 miles S of Newton Stewart in Dumfries and Galloway. It is situated adjacent to a natural rocky knoll which has field clearance stones deposited on its summit. The mound measures c. 33 feet in diameter and 3 feet high. The perimeter is studded with small and medium-sized stones. The flat summit is covered in grass. Canmore ID 63565 has further details of High Baltersan Cairn.

Folklore

High Baltersan
Cairn(s)

High Baltersan Cairn sits close to a piece of ground known as Foul Hole, described as ‘a portion of waste land or common at the intersection of two roads viz. [namely] Whithorn to Glasgow and Glenluce to Carty Port’. Overlooked by Shakeabodie Rock, which is said to have derived its name from ‘a legend connected with a place called the ‘Foul Hole’. It appears that the Foul Hole has been notorious among the ignorant and superstitious as a place much frequented by spectres, witches, warlocks etc, which caused passers by to shake or tremble from the proximity of the rock’.

Wigtownshire OS Name Books, 1845-1849

Miscellaneous

High Baltersan
Cairn(s)

Directions to High Baltersan Cairn: Take the Wigtown road off the A75 Newton Stewart roundabout. Stay on the road for c. 1.6 miles. Take a right turn down an unsigned single track road with passing places. After c. 0.7 miles turn left. Park up after c. 75 yards opposite a gate. High Baltersan Cairn is c. 160 yards ESE of the gate up a grassy slope, located c. 15 yards E of a natural rocky knoll. My route is viewable on High Baltersan Cairn.

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