drewbhoy

Burghead Promontory Fort is a very easy place to find. As you come into the small town either from the B9013 or 9089 keep going until the roads end. If you don’t stop you’ll knock over the sign saying you have arrived.

With glorious views of the Moray Firth and the Black Isle it was built in the ideal position, near a natural harbour. Sadly most of the ramparts have gone, the north rampart near were the road ends is the best preserved part of the fort.

Various excavations have proved that this Late Iron Age fort was a centre of power for the Picts. A walk through various parts of the town also will show that this was some place as parts of rampart, wells and various finds have been found. One persons garden was completely dug up!

The best thing to do is visit the coastal town and imagine for yourself what it must have been like.

Visited 28/7/2017.

After visiting the fine site at Torness I headed further north on the B862 until the next minor road heading south west. At the beginning it is a road, by the time the fort is reached it’s a shambles, round the corner it’s a joke and on the approach down to Loch Ness the twists and turns are more akin to a sheep’s track. Still it has glorious views.

After passing Balchraggan Farm pull in at Balchuirn, a cottage that seems to have lots of wee sheds and buildings plus the usual rusting farm machinery.

Walk south west through a mini rubbish dump into the trees following a sort of track. This leads straight to the flat top of the hill. Most of the way round the defensive walls have fallen but in the North East they seem to have been removed altogether. The fallen stones can be seen most clearly to the south east. Although there is no entrance, as such, there is a clear break in the east. The oval shaped fort is 35m by 29m.

With plenty daylight left two nearby forts, very difficult to reach, were going to be the next walk. However my legs had other things to say as they had had enough so another day for the twin forts.

Visited 7/7/2017.

After finishing with Wade’s road it was back to more modern, improved B862 and the short drive up to the small hamlet of Torness.

Walk a short distance north up the B862 until the first gate on the northern side. The magnificent cairn can be clearly seen from the road. Climb a couple fences, crossing a marshy bit and up a wee hill. No sheep today, obviously Thelonius had scared them away :-)

Its lucky that the cairn does survive as a small farmhouse, dry stane dykes and enclosures had all been made with its stony contents. Still there is plenty left showing that the cairn, placed superbly to view miles around, was built to last. It remains, mostly turf covered, at 15m wide and incredibly is over 2.5m high. A lot of the stones are pebbles and as Canmore states they could have come from the River Farigaig.

Another wonderful site!

Visited 7/7/2017.

From the Ceapmoal Cairns I headed south west until the croft at Druimantorran were I left the track to head south to Torr Shelly. One or two boggy bits have to be crossed before climbing the Torr. Once at the top the dun is to the south on a smaller version of the hill just climbed.

The dun is roughly 20 meters wide with no obvious entrance, from the north would seem to be the sensible choice. There is a wall that surrounds the northern part of the dun. Both ends of the wall taper into the sheer cliffs. There are a lot of stones lying around especially to the south east suggesting that the wall had been of a  considerable width.

A stunning place to build a defensive location with beautiful views especially of Loch Farraline to the south. After savouring the view it was back over the Torr and onwards to the General’s road.

With my middle name being Murray, one of the clans that fought at Culloden, it was time to chase the Redcoats back up Wade’s road. This time my side won :-)

Visited 7/7/2017.

After another ‘fair nicht’ at Croachy where samples of various watery stuff were taken a good walk was required. A walk to Ceapmoal and Tor Shelly was a fine way to start the day.

From the end of the B851 I headed north on the B862 and parked at a gate opposite Cairn Ardachy. This track is a General Wade road and on it I headed south west past a wee hill and a couple of ruined crofts. In the wood to the north of the fence are two small cairns.

NH 5751 2434

This is the furthest west of the cairns. Instead of heather covered, as Canmore says, they are now covered in turf. It is 10m wide and 0.7m high. The upright block is there but hidden from view, it wasn’t hidden from my foot.

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Slightly to the north is the smaller second cairn. Also covered in grass it sits at 7m wide and is 0.3 high. The three kerbs are still there but hidden by vegetation.

Tor Shelly loomed in the distance so I marched further along the Generals road.

Visited 7/7/2017.

From Aberarder Fort I headed back to the B851 and kept heading south west until I reached an old school appropriately called Old School House. Directly opposite the house there is a gate which leads to forest clearing which basically leads straight to the cairn to the north. The ground here is boggy but there is a path of sorts which leads to a fence which marks the path of pylons. Climb over, cross the clearing and climb the fence on the other side re-entering the trees. A long dis-used track leads to the cairn which is well hidden by ferns.

Another lovely site made to feel older by the ferns and trees. Completely silent, a wonderful place. Carn Na Croiche is set on the south side of the hill with the same name. Several wind breaks have been made as well as the remains of excavations. The stones which apart from the edges (of the cairn) are bare. Being 12.5m wide east/west and 9.5m wide north/south the cairn is oval shaped and stands at almost 2m high. Friends at Croachy had said there had been a gallows on this hill. According to Canmore the cairn marked the spot for the law of the time to be carried out.

This was the last stop for this day and it was time to head back to the road where taking my life in my hands I crossed to the Old School House were a friend had arrived to take me back to my car. The racers had returned to shatter the silence, didn’t really matter as I hadn’t heard them all day as the sites and countryside had blocked their nonsense out.

Visited 6/7/2017.

From Tynrich I headed south on the track arriving at the B851 near the bridge that crosses it at Bridgend. Follow the road west until the entrance to Aberarder House then head south west towards the farm at the Mains Of Aberarder. Go through the farm, through the gate, over the cattle grid and follow the track until a quarry is reached. Inquisitive deer might come along and give a nudge in the back.

On reaching the quarry climb the steepish hill which will take you the eastern end of the fort. To get into the fort a ditch and small rampart must be climbed over. The fort is almost 80m in length and at its widest 45m. At the western end there are 2 more ditches. Some stones mark the remains of a wall that almost surrounded the fort, almost as it appears that the fort was never completed. The entrance to the fort is in the north.

A good site this set amongst trees and man made ponds.

Visited 6/7/2017.

From Dhuallow I headed past the well behaved highland cattle to the B851 and continued to walk south west, heading for Blaracher farm. At this point I headed north jumping onto small pebbly islands to cross the River Nairn to reach Tynrich, on the other side.

It has been a long time since anybody lived here but the farmland surrounding is still well used. This work would cause the good vibe of Dhuallow to evaporate into one of dismay.

The cairn is situated at the corner of a field behind the farmhouse. In their wisdom someone has put a gate here and battered the cairn by driving tractors continually over. This should be a cracking wee site but sadly it has joined the list of ‘what ifs’.

Still there is plenty to see. Several kerbs miraculously remain steadfastly in place, it retains its circular shape (just), a central depression might have been houked but I think its due to a cist being removed and cairn material lies scattered around. You would have thought that somebody might have realised that this was an ancient monument and tried to give it some protection................surely? It still stands at 9m wide and is well over 0.5m tall set quite close to the River Nairn, 60m approx., to the east.

After a bit of time wondering and wandering around it was time to follow the River Nairn, south, on a track which followed it back to the B851 and eventually Aberarder.

Visited 6/8/2017.

From Carn Mor you can see the old croft at Dhuallow in the valley below, to the south. I’d imagine on a rainy day this would be a hellish walk but the recent dry weather the heather was easy to clamber thru. Only one small stream to jump before heading for a fence. When you reach the fence follow it going south west past the croft and a small wood. The cairn is a small distance to the north on the other side, as usual.

This is a nice wee cairn set amongst the beautiful scenery of Strathnairn. It sits on the edge of boggy ground at 12m wide and is 0.8m tall. Several kerbs are visible around the site which has had a small bit of houking. There is a good vibe about this place, inquisitive highland cattle keep their distance and for a change all is fairly quiet – no idiots racing down the B851.

Visited 6/7/2017.

From the School Wood car park at Farr I headed south on the B851 until I reached Tomintoul House and asked permission to park, which was kindly given. The River Brin runs next to the road on which I headed south until Achvraid, at which point I headed west across a stunningly green pasture, jumped a wee burn and clambered up hill. At first through a boggy grassy area and then surprisingly dry heather. Keep going until it flattens out then head south following a fence. A wonderful place to walk with superb views of Strathnairn.

This fence finds another fence heading north west, follow this for about 60/70 meters and look for a mound amongst the heather, this is the cairn. It is always quite a strange feeling, to me, walking amongst heather when across the valley the hills are bare rock, in this case Stac Gorm and An Torr, almost like the west and east coasts of the Outer Hebrides.

Set amongst barely visible hut circles the cairn can be spotted thanks to the fact that it has been houked. Also helping are two visible kerbs standing out against the brown landscape. It stands at almost 8m wide and is around 0.7m tall, sitting to the south west of Carn Mor’s rocky summit.

What a place, what a view, what a climb down to Dhuallow, far down to the south west in the valley below in lovely summery weather.

Visited 6/7/2017.

Just south of the village of Inverarnie, on the B851, and Farr Primary School I parked in the car park at School Wood. This wood is a wonderful idea for pupils to discover the woodlands and wildlife. Set up with European funds there is a wildlife hut open to the public to see what goes on with the promotion of nature in primary school education.

After a good look at the display I headed north on the track until it ran out, climbed two deer fences and headed slightly west. The cairn is easy to spot. Some kerbs still poke their heads through the turf on a cairn that has been damaged by ploughing. With beautiful views especially to the east and south the cairn remains at 10m wide and 0.8m tall. Farr Church is on the other side of the road to the east.

A fine way to start the day despite the deer fences.

Visited 6/7/2017.

From the farmhouse at Creag An Tuirc simply cross the road into the field opposite. At the far end of the field is the River Nairn and the sheer cliffs of Brin Hill.

Brin 1 NH6632128956
The first and largest of the barrows nearest the road is almost 10m wide and 0.6m tall.

Brin 2 NH6630528942
The next barrow is smaller and squarer being 6m tall and 0.4m tall. A couple of stones that appear to be kerbs are more likely to be displaced stones.

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The smallest of the barrows being 5m and wide 0.3 tall. It is circular and has received some houking treatment.

Brin 4 NH6687228929
The second largest barrow is 8m long, 4m wide and is over 0.5m tall. It has a more rectangular shape than the others. The surrounding ditch is also more noticeable.

Brin 5 NH6630428933
This barrow is just over 5m wide and is 0.4m tall. It also has received some houking.

These barrows are set in a lovely location next to the old Brin School with wonderful views up and down Strath Nairn. Across the road is the hillfort and further down the road the start of the next hike. An end to an exhausting but fantastic day walking in the hills east of Loch Ness.

Visited 1/7/2017.

From Loch Nan Geardas we walked south on B862 until the first minor road heading south, signposted Loch Ruthven. This passes the southern banks of Loch Duntelchaig and the hut circles of Dalcrombie. A serious walk with some serious long climbs but with magnificent scenery. Included in the scenery is Loch Ruthven, looking south west the crannog can be seen in the distance and also the enclosure at Tom Buidhe. The road continues above the north side of the loch gradually heading downhill towards Tullich and a sharp turn heading south. This leads to the nature research reserve at Loch Ruthven and another possible crannog at the lochs eastern end. From here its follow the road until its end at the small village of Croachy and the B851. It also looks straight up at Carn Mor, the start of my next hike.

Head north from Croachy following the road as it winds its way through the glorious, and very hot, Strathnairn countryside. Once past the Tomintoul farm Creagan an Tuirc comes clearly into view.

Situated opposite the Brin Rock (and Brin School, home to 5 barrows) it is an impressive sight with the fort perched on top of the 263 feet high hill. The farmyard has a track, fairly steep, heading north which leads to the front door of the fort, its south west. Once at the top it is easy to see that the builders have made use of the natural defences as well as building their walls. These walls are almost 3m wide in parts and almost surround the fort except for the east, severe cliffs see to that, at their highest 1m. It is a stunning place with stunning views.

A good place to have a long look about as Strathnairn is one of my favourite areas. One more place to go, the barrows across the road at the former Brin School.

Visited 1/7/2017.

From the fort, Caisteal An Dunriachaidh, we made our way to the junction with the B862 and headed a short distance south. After the cattle grid keep heading downhill until the first passing place and jump over the small ditch on the west side of the road. Head uphill until a small clearing comes into view, this houses the cairn.

Sadly the site, on this day, was overgrown with ferns and heather but kerbs still poke their noses out. A very beautiful setting for the 6m wide and 1m high despite trees blocking the views. The trees add to a sense of age. Also it provided a fine place to stop and have a bite before the long trek to Creagan An Tuirc (hillfort).

Visited 1/7/2017.

From the Merchant’s Stone we, avoiding the road, headed south between the Lochs Na Curra and Lochan an Eoin Ruadha. Despite gathering clouds it remained dry and underfoot conditions, sometimes squelchy, where for the most part fine with the occasional steam to jump. Ashie Moor had been tamed thanks to the dry spell.

As Gladman’s superb notes mention the weather changes quickly. Over at Loch Ness it appeared to be torrential rain, which it was, whilst at the fort it was dry. One big difference was that the heather had been burnt making the small climb to the fort easier.

Also like Mr G, I also thought about the disaster at Culloden as clansmen ran for their lives and also General Wades roads. A good place to sit and ponder turbulent times past and present.

Visited 1/7/2017.

From the Midtown Cairns we walked north along the southern bank of Loch Ashie on a beautifully sunny day until we reached a crossroads. From here we headed south until we reached the Merchant’s Stone situated on the north side of road.

The stone is 1.2m high, 2.5m long and 1.5m wide, almost an abandoned recumbent. Nothing is mentioned of much folklore here but locals at Dunlichity mentioned travelling people through the ages had stopped here and traded goods. Obviously the stone marked the meeting place.

A nice way to get the legs slackened up for another hike in the hills.

Visited 1/7/2017.

After a fair night at Dunlichity we continued on our way to Midtown on the banks of the beautiful Lochs a’Chlachain and Duntelchaig following the minor road north west stopping just before the road to West Town, home to a chamber cairn. In one field three wonderful cairns.

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This cairn is nearest the road and has a fairly continuous kerb all way round. Field clearance has been dumped on top, some looking like stones that might have once stood. It stands at 12m wide and is 1m high. Glorious views, like the other cairns, of Loch Duntelchaig and beyond to the high stuff.

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The second cairn I visited in this field was the cairn closest to the loch. It sits at almost 12m wide and 2m high. Field clearance has also been dumped on top.

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This cairn I visited on the way back to the road, it is also the nearest to the farmhouse. Sitting at 20m wide and 1m high this is the biggest monument in the field. Kerbs still stand around the edge along with some field clearance.

Great way to start the day.

Visited 1/7/2017.

From the fort at Creag Bhuide it is a very short walk north to the small but lovely cairn at Carn Bheithin.

This small kerb cairn is oval shaped being just over 6m wide, tapering to just over 5m wide and 0.4m tall. It has at least 12 kerbs still sitting in place. A slight disturbance on the east has tumbled some stones but on the whole it appears, to me, to be in fairly good condition with its turf covered flattish top.

Lovely site with lovely views, especially those looking over to the nearby fort.

Visited 30/6/2017.

After the misery of the Tomfat walk it was good to get on different footwear and carry onto Craig Bhuide.

We headed south of Farr on the B851 and took the first minor road heading north east. After crossing the Sputan Dubh burn and the cattle grid that follows pull in on the first real sharp corner. This will mean you are parked between the approach to the fort and the cairn Carn Bheithin, just round the corner.

There is a gate near this corner on the west side of the road. This leads to the fort and a tricky climb to the fort.

Perched on top of a rocky crag the view is wonderful especially over the Tordarroch area. A very ruined wall almost surrounds the site, bits that aren’t wall are sheer cliffs. Two hut circles have also made use of shelter and hollow provided by these rocks.

With proper boots on the bogs on this walk had no affect so it was on to the nearby cairn.

Visited 30/6/2017.

From the cairn at nearby Black Hill we headed straight east over a fence looking for a supposed track through the Ba Muir wood almost reaching the site of the long gone RSC. This detour was to prove fortunate as it is known that some of the stones from the circle had been dumped in a heap in or near a wall.

We followed the tree line back north west, then north which led to a clearing for power lines heading east. This led past the ruins of Gingomyres and several piles of stones. Follow this until another clearing that heads southwards. At this point a wall begins which leads to a pile of stones at NJ4627142920. Two of the stones are possible candidates for flankers, possibly a there is a candidate for a recumbent and also a stone that looked like it was made for a circle. We battled our way into the darkness of the wood and the parallel trees. Nothing remains of the site, completely obliterated.

From here we decided to go over the Hill Of Milleath on the way back to the car. This started well but soon A and B wished they had longer legs as the track up hill was totally overgrown with tall furze and gorse. I meanwhile skipped over the growth gracefully or battered through it. The trig is still at the top but the tumuli have long gone. Down the other side following a fence proved slightly easier, coming out near the Backtack Cairn.

Visited 3/6/2017.

Of the three cairns on Black Hill one is covered in gorse and furze, NJ46004288, a second has vanished NJ46264291 leaving a third at NJ46284291 as the sole survivor.

It has also taken a battering but still survives at 4m wide and 0.3 tall. Traces of a kerb are visible and the centre has been dug into. Situated on the shoulder between the Black Hill and the Hill Of Milleath the cairn has views of Knock Hill to the north and Tap Of Noth to the south.

We parked at bottom of the hill near the Mains Of Cairnborrow, on the A920, and headed straight up the hill through the wind farm. The cairn is on the east side of the hill. It was then on to see if anything remained of the Hill Of Milleath RSC.

Visited 3/6/2017.

Now the walk north from Cloughmor Stone is best described as varied and never good until over the last deer fence.

We, the dog and I, retraced our steps back to the main forestry track and headed straight over it into the boggy trees. Once through this it becomes an open nightmare to walk. However like idiots we literally ploughed on over tree stumps, jumping mini lochs, streams and often I landed in them. Meanwhile the aforementioned dog had a great time. The next obstacle was a deer fence which we followed north then east until an open gate which had a boggy stream underneath. Through, over or into this and keep heading north skimming the edge of a loch. Another deer fence will appear which somehow the dog squeezed through and I climbed over.

At last underfoot conditions improved as we headed straight for the cairn, a welcome sight. Not many people reach here which isn’t surprising as the driest way would be to approach from the north. (or parachute in :-) )

Sitting at 18m wide and in parts well over 1m tall this cairn has good views over the flattish terrain. It’s in good company if somewhat isolated. Sadly the cairn has been abused by wind breaks or shooting butts, as Canmore suggests. The centre has been opened up to reveal some slabs but no clear evidence of cist or a chamber. Despite our troubles getting there I liked this place and its complete silence.

Getting back to the car to complete the first walk proved much drier and easier. We followed the deer fence north until we spotted the Black Wood Of Leys West cairn over another fence. This led back to the B861 and an easy walk back south to the car.

Visited 30/6/2017.

The Reesk is set amongst the maze of tracks made by the forestry people and the farmers of bygone days. This is a difficult place to find but I’ll do my best. From Huntly take the A920 west and take the first minor road heading south just before the bridge that crosses the River Deveron. The road will swing west for a short distance, then take the next minor road south. Keep going until this road ends. This goes past the Bowmanhill Stone Circle and the cairns on Bar Hill.

Take the track heading west which leads to Baillesward, then south west (this part is a fallen tree nightmare) and keep heading in a semi circular fashion gradually west as the track improves. This will lead to a sub station for nearby wind turbines. Just beyond, over a wee bridge there is a lorry reverse space. Climb to the top of this and in front you will enter an almost hidden world. A very old road, a hollow way, leads almost to the cairn.

The cairn is slightly to the north of the old road and is in a very battered condition due to the forest agriculture. What is left are a couple of kerbs defiantly standing in place and a probable cist with its small capstone missing. A candidate for this job lies propped against a tree. It can just about be made out that the site would almost be 10m wide. An interesting place despite its condition.

On the way back we avoided the fallen trees by heading further east which in turn swung back to our starting place.

This is a long walk but the good news is that most of the tracks are in very good condition even the old hollow way. Beware of fallen trees just after Baillesward.

Visited 27/5/2017.

I parked at the uninhabited farm of Tilphoudie on the first minor road heading north to the east of Aboyne. (home of the Image Wood Stone Circle) To get to the enclosure follow the fence up the hill until it meets another. Over this and keep going.

Although overgrown at this time of year, a winter time visit would be better, the surrounding wall of the 27m wide enclosure can be seen all the way round. Several big boulders have also been placed in the wall. A gap in the wall on the eastern side marks the entrance.

Tremendous views of Dee-side and the valley to the east and south.

Little Hill is in the shadow of the bigger hill Mortlich to the north west, home to a hillfort.

Visited 15/6/2017.

Heading towards Inverness from the superb Mains Of Gask chamber cairn, on the B861, take the first forestry track heading west. This track will then head south, keep going until it heads straight west. Don’t follow the track keep heading south west through conditions which could be considered difficult. The forestry have cut down the trees making it a nightmare to walk on.

Once back into the trees things improved slightly. The stone itself has been knocked over by several fallen trees and was covered in moss when I visited (which I put back). It must also have be similar to its neighbour across the road at Clach An Airm. Upright, the stone would stand at 1.2 long, 1.4m high and would be 0.4m wide. After a look round and it was time to head north towards the less famous Tomfat Cairn and a thoroughly depressing walk.

Visited 30/6/2017.

The last stop of great day wandering around Spey Side but a sad afternoon for prehistory ended with a climb up Stony Hill.

I parked at Pitcraigie. north of Rothes, just to the west of the A941 and up a farm track. From the barns I followed the track south, west and then north west. Stop at a gate and follow the fence west, jump over it and the dry stane dyke. Keep going and walk straight into the site. As usual small bogs, holes and heather make up the terrain.

Surrounded in glorious countryside this must have been some place. Some 600 carts of stone and bone were removed from here to make roads and walls. Also a local resident in the mid 1800s said that were was a large stone circle here. Sadly most of these were removed to be used as gateposts, lintels etc.

Although difficult to spot amongst the heather what remains is also, I think, in need of a wee exploration. There is a kerb underneath the heather that goes round the almost 16m wide site. Some of kerbs also look to long and thin, possibly did they stood at some time? I’d like to think so. Nearby are some hut circles set in a field system.

I love the countryside round here, smooth hills and severe climbs all mixed up with some wonderful ancient sites. Stony Hill has the views and the route to most of these, the River Spey. The Spey has many fine attributes and amongst these are distilleries. It was time to go home and sample some.

Visited 14/7/2017.

The Round Howe goes into the category ‘of about to go’. It has been quarried, houked, and had its west side removed by a track. What survives lies beside a fence in a terrible state. Stones can be seen lying about in a circular area of about 10m but not much can be seen else except the view.

Leaving the A941 take the Archiestown road west, the B9102. Take the first minor road heading north west and keep going until it ends. From here head south past the Whiteacen Farm and jump the fence being careful not to jump straight into a ditch.

Not much to see which is a pity, an echo from a distant past.

Visited 14/7/2-17.

The stone circle at Knowehillock, NJ 1937 4335, was destroyed between the years 1830 and 1870. Like the Hill Of Milleath I was intrigued to see if anything was left and just like the Hill Of Milleath it was a nightmare to find but survivors might remain.

One of the stones supposedly ended up in the Elchies Tomb located in the very modern Knockando church yard. My favourite, Stone 2, is located nearest to the church front door. Stone 1 is on the opposite whilst Stone 3, the most recent burial and least favourite is nearest the church yard entrance.

For the church yard leave the B9102 and head through Cardhu and its excellent distillery. Follow the signs to the church and the Elchies Tomb is near the entrance.

For Knowehillock, where nothing can be seen, head north from Cardhu up a track. Go over, or in my case into accidentally, the Cardow Burn. Follow the track to its end, the site location being slightly to the north and covered in trees. This would have been a stunning site back in the day with even more stunning views of the Spey Side Valley and the Highlands.

Visited 14/7/2017.

Follow the B9102, west from the A941 (north of Craigellachie), Archiestown road, and stop at the junction after Woodside farm. Plenty room to park as this is also a council yard only used in winter time. Piles of grit indicating what this place is used for. The minor road south leads to the Carron distillery and on the way here the MacAllan distillery is passed. Very important these roads are kept open.

As for the cairn, sadly, hardly any of it remains in its woodland location. Other smaller cairns, nearby, have long gone. What is left in a beautiful wood clearing is a circular heather covered area. Parts of a possible kerb hide underneath the vegetation in this rapidly decreasing spot of around 10m wide. On the plus side some have visited here as a few ribbons hang from trees, a possible indicator of former glories.

From the junction head south eastish for a walk that seemed to last a long time. Bogs, streams and fallen trees making walking conditions hazardous.

Visited 14/7/2017.

Not much remains of the cairn on Norry Hill but it does have some very nice neighbours, Glenshee (x3), Cairnborrow (x3), Both Hill (x2), Backtack, Westfolds, Black Hill and sadly the destroyed RSC on Hill Of Milleath. On the other side of the Deveron there is loads more good stuff also.

I parked at the entrance to Parkhall on the eastern side of Both Hill on the A920 Huntly to Dufftown road. From there I followed the track past the farm and kept going as the track is now used by the timber lorries. Keep going north west down hill then over two gates on the way uphill. Head to the western end of the hill and the cairn will be seen.

There are many field clearance heaps on the way up. Still the walk is worth the effort thanks to the stunning views. The cairn is no more than 4m wide and 0.4m high with traces of a kerb. Sadly field clearance has be thrown on top.

Much warmer than the last time I was on this albeit the other side. If I was going to revisit the Glenshees, which I will, I would come this way. On this visit I’d ran out of steam after getting lost near Finglenny again.

Visited 1/7/2017.

Going west from Torphins, on the A980, take the first minor road heading south. This goes past the track which heads to Cairn Mude. Keep going until a sharp corner and a wee house called Lodge Croft. Take the road from there to Stranduff Home Farm and if you are lucky you might get a guided tour.

Canmore have strangely not taken any notice of the information given to them by the occupants of Stranduff House/Farm who kindly showed me all round the grounds in the pouring rain.

What is left of the cairn appears to be the central cist marked by 3 earthfast upright stones. Set just below the top of the hill there are superb views to the south, east and west. Plenty of cairn material is scattered nearby.

Also nearby are well bashed roundhouses and a long house, which probably comes from the medieval period.

Also found nearby was a wonderful axe head, kindly shown to me by the owner of Stranduff. She explained that axe had possibly been discarded and replaced by something better as various other finds had been found nearer the cairn. The axe was found well to south of the site. Then it was on into the pouring rain and a tour round the grounds.

Lovely site, lovely people.

Visited 8/6/2017.

From Tillyching 1 take a sharp left and head west towards to the top of the hill. Look south and you will see that the enclosure is next to the meeting place of two dry stane dykes.

Described by Canmore as an enclosure or possibly a cremation cemetery it has good views of the cairns to the east, also south. The views west are obscured by the hill and north, by fir trees. Fairly circular in shape it is almost 20 meters in diameter and has several earthfast boulders set in its 3m wide walls.

An added bonus to the nearby cairns.

Visited 8/6/2017

Sadly there isn’t much left to see of the small cairn on top of Glenbervie’s Knock Hill.

Heading west from the Glenbervie Mill I parked shortly after the bridge crossing the Bervie Water. From here I headed straight up the hill past the large quarries. This is a fairly decent if fairly short climb. At the top the fence might be a problem depending on the length of your legs.

For me it’s no problem and over I went. From the top of hill it is a short walk of about 30 meters to the site. All that is really left is the view but what is left is a small mound sitting at 6m wide. It would be lucky if it is over 0.m in height.

Cracking views up and down the Bervie Valley and over to the Mearns.

Visited 18/4/2017

This is a beautiful cairn set in the foothills of Bennachie on Cobrigdale Hill. Sitting at 4m wide and at 0.5m high this is an almost unheard of site.

I started walking from the Back Of Bennachie (near Oyne) car park, headed back north taking the first farm track west. Go past a house and go over over the gate which leads to some barns. Over the fence here and make your way up to the fence over still heading west. When this fence reaches a corner jump the fence and head north hopefully walking straight into the cairn.

Although well hidden this isn’t a difficult cairn to find and easily spotted amongst the trees with its moss covered rocks.

Visited 1/6/2017.

Head north east on the track over the fence from the Cairn Of Shiels and enter a wind farm, walking for a 1/2 mile. How some of these wee cairns survive is nothing short of a miracle or more likely pure fluke.

Immediately before the second turbine is where the remnants can be found. All that remains is a 6m wide cairn that is at most 0.3m high. Some cairn material can be seen but is about all. Like the many other cairns in this area the views are superb.

If this cairn leads a charmed life then a nearby cairn was deliberately removed.

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According to Canmore Sootywells Cairn stands at 15m wide and 0.3m tall. Sadly it has had a turbine plonked on top of it. There is no sign of the cairn or the nearby hut circles. I reported this to the people at Canmore.

Visited 28/5/2017.

Unlike its near neighbour Cairn Of Shiels there isn’t to much to see except a what might have been feeling. Still the cairn has fantastic views west and at least retains some kind of circular shape. How long this will last is questionable, there are an unbelievable amount of wind turbines appearing in the Mearns.

Follow the directions to the Cairn of Shiels, jumping the fence as the track veers east. What remains of the site is 9m wide and at its tallest is 0.3m. Still at least it remains unlike a neighbour to the north.

Visited 28/5/2017.

I left the A92 taking the road past Balandro, the first tarred road south of Johnshaven heading north west. From Balndro follow the road until it ends and take the road heading south, passing the wonderfully named Parkhead to finally stop at a cottage at this roads end. Look north west and the cairn is clearly visible. Walk through a field, jump over the fence and climb a wee hill.

The southern side of the cairn is covered in the jabby stuff and difficult to see. However from my northern approach things are much clearer. Some large kerbs remain in place and much cairn material can be seen due to animal damage. Much of the cairn is covered in turf. It appears to be a cup and saucer Wessex type cairn similar to the fairly close Philla Cairn. The cairn is almost 20m wide and over 2.5m tall. Also visible is The Cloch RSC impressively looking down onto Bridgeton.

Sadly a dry steen dyke and fence go straight over the top of this impressive and large monument but it doesn’t detract from the magnificent views.

Visited 28/5/2017.

There isn’t much left of the Saints cairn which sits to the east of the B974. A small heather/turf covered mound remains sitting at 8m wide/0.4m tall, with a scattering of cairn material. It is a well placed site as the Cairn O Mount can be seen to the north and a lot of the sites east of Laurencekirk also.

Take the track heading south on the east side of the B974. The cairn is situated next to the fence approximately 500 metres away.

Visited 18/5/2017.

The Ring is a cairn basically situated inside an enclosure, 19m in width. Sadly this cairn and its surrounds will soon vanish amongst the forestry thanks to recently planted trees. Along with trees, turf covers the 7.5m wide/0.3m high cairn. Hardly any cairn material can be sitting on the mound.

Take the first tarred farm road heading west, south of the Clatterin Brig on the B974 (Cairn O Mount road) which heads to Arnbarrow. After about a 1/2 mile, take the road that heads south east, follow the road round the corner heading south. Immediately after the pheasant feeders look to the east of the road and the remains of the site will be found.

Visited 17/5/2017.

I approached from the opposite side of the hill that Thelonius tackled.

Parking at the end of Keir Hill Road, Westhill I walked up the farm track, north, which veers east towards Berryhill Farm. Just before the farm I jumped the fence and headed to the top of the hill with its impressive enclosure. The entrance to site is to the east with the width of the enclosure being well over 30m.

After a good look round it was further east to the Souterhill cairn, heading back to Keir Hill Road via Souterhill and Berryhill farms.

Visited 27/4/2017.

This time I approached from the Hill Of Keir, the hill with an enclosure to the west. It’s a fairly short and not very steep walk to the shoulder between the hills. Over a fence and over to other the side which is an easy on walk on grass. At the bottom of Souterhill’s western flank there is a small bog. Once over that it is over a deer fence, climbing over on the northern side.

People say some things get better with age and I’d have to say this cairn looks better since my last visit. Another kerb has appeared and the whole place seemed tidier.

One thing didn’t change. The last time I was here I was drenched. This time was no exception.

Visited 27/4/2017.

From the Stone Of Morphie I walked to the A92 and headed south over the North Water Bridge which crosses the North Esk river, the border between Aberdeenshire and Angus. Take the first minor road west to Hillside, cross over the A937 and take the minor road north westish to Rosemount and keep going until a farm called the Three Laws, an apt name.

Just after the Three Laws take the farm track heading south. At the first dry stane dyke go south following the dyke. Just before the trees end, climb over the fence and head through the woods to western side.

Sadly two of the three cairns, hence the Three Laws, have been quarried out, removed altogether. The remaining cairn is in a terrible state. The width of the site is almost 20m but the damage is such that only some parts survive at 0.4m tall. Cairn material has been scattered everywhere making this once fine Wessex cairn barely recognisable.

Despite the sad end, a fine days walking completed by a hike back to Marykirk and eventually Canterland.

Visited 6/4/2017.

From Morphie Farm I headed south back down the farm road, past the recent additions of standing stone, and walked east along this twisty road. Drivers here, like everywhere else, seem to drive very fast. Still I arrived in one piece at this magnificent stone. Standing at 3.5m tall it made me feel small.

With that it was on with the longest part of the walk across the border into Angus :-).

Visited 6/4/2017.

From the farm at Canterland I walked back down to the minor road and headed east over the impressive bridge crossing the Morphie Burn. The Morphie Farm is well signposted shortly after climbing up from the bridge. Impressive standing stones have recently been erected leading the way to an equally impressive farmhouse. Nobody at the farm had heard of the cairn but they all had heard of the nearby famous standing stone.

The cairn does remain. A track heads up a wee hill just to the north of the farm which is fenced containing masts and a small plantation. Canmore have the cairn to the west of this area, it is actually on the east side.

Part of the cairn has been damaged by fencing and also by the making of a road which leads to nearby quarry. Underneath the gorse plenty cairn material can be seen with possible kerbs hiding beneath the grass. Somehow the cairn survives at almost 14m wide being nearly 2m tall.

Perhaps its a lucky thing that not many people realise this cairn still exists. Good all round views including south into Angus.

Visited 6/4/2017.

Canterland is a lovely cairn in a lovely location. Just south of the small village of Marykirk take the first minor road heading east. Take the farm track signposted Canterland, go past the farm and park at the small cottage. Walk a small distance north east and take the first track uphill. Follow this until the fields. Keep going following the dry stane dyke which leads to the top of the Hill Of Canterland. Over the fence and the cairn is slightly to the west.

Situated behind presumably a wee wall and ditch the cairn is over 9m wide and 1m tall. Pebbles can be spotted poking through the grass. The ditch is over 3m wide. Sadly the south side of the cairn has been houked. Fantastic views south and east on a clear day.

Lovely site, worth a visit.

Visited 6/4/2017.

This barrow is situated near the B974 and its crossroads with the A90 dual carriageway on the Marykirk side. I parked at Crosspoles, crossed the road, the B974, and walked the short distance south to the barrow.

The barrow is about 14m wide and no more than 0.5m high. Fallen trees sit on top and tree stumps that cause walking hazards. In rainy/damp conditions this area would become very marshy.

Not much to see here but nearby are several good barrows so it has fine company. Somehow I forgot about the cairn at nearby Hatton, that can wait until another day.

Visited 6/4/2017.

This area has plenty of fine sites and this enclosure is an addition to that list. In the past it has been described as a fort or dun and its location is a good place for defences.

It is 32m wide and is surrounded by a wall which at its widest is 3m and is at least 1.8m at its tallest, being 0.3m at its lowest. The whole site is surrounded by a dry stane dyke, built to house a plantation, which gives an appearance of a large ditch. Superb all round views of the Donside countryside.

The nearest sites are the Glenkindie Standing Stone, Monaels cairns/cup marked rock and the nearby souterrain. Park at the lodge near the souterrain and head up through the wood following a hardly used trail. This ends at a dry stane dyke which can be easily climbed. Head south west and to the top of the small hill where the enclosure is situated.

Great site, well worth a visit.

Visited 8/4/2017.

Follow the fieldnotes for the cairn and cup marked stone but this time keep going straight over the hill going half way down the other side. A previous attempt to find this was scuppered by dodgy grid refs on Canmore and the fact that the ring is difficult to spot.

The ring is about 19cm in width and is found on a rock that is over 1m in width/length. It is the flattest rock that side of the hill.

Visited 24/3/2017.

If getting to the cairn involved some crawling then it was good practise for a lot more crawling to the nearest standing stone.

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From the cairn I re-crawled to the clearing and looked west. No standing stone could seen thanks to over head high gorse so I headed northish beyond the vegetation, west then south eastish into the next clearing. Going by the Canmore map the stone stood half way down this gap and in amongst the gorse. With no sight of the stone it was on all fours and I crawled beneath the branches.

About 30 meters (I floundered for more than that thanks to trunks of the vegetation) in I spotted the base of the stone. It is a magnificently shaped stone with no visible markings standing at 1.8m high, at its base it is almost 1m wide. After taking what photos I could I crawled back out.

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Once out of the undergrowth and a check of the damage, your legs will take a battering here, I hobbled slightly further west where fortunately the standing stone can be seen. Bizarrely and thankfully a small path to the north leads to the stone.

Set in the midst of a probable cairn this is a lovely and beautifully shaped stone. It stands at almost 3m in height being over 1m at its base. Also near is the remnants of a cist still clearly visible.

Wonderful sites, a magical place.

Final score Gorse 2 Drew 3

Visited 23/3/2017.

Just south of Muchalls on the A90 take the third minor road heading west past the Auquorthies Farm. In the middle of the long straight there is room to park at the entrance to yet another turbine farm.

From here walk in a north westerly direction until north of the gorse/furze/jabby stuff. Head west then head south into the gap between the vegetation, looking for a small clump of trees. These trees mark the site of the cairn. To get there it was a mixture of brute force and crawling beneath the branches of the head high gorse until the trees were reached.

The cairn has the branches and roots of trees (and the jabby stuff) crawling on top of it. Its almost as if nature was keeping this one to itself. Cairn material can be seen but the kerb seems to have gone. The cairn appears to around 20 meters wide and is at least 0.5m high.

It might have been difficult to find or get to this place but the next site was to prove even more difficult, on a very warm March day.

Visited 23/3/2017.