Returned with LH and I’m glad to say the cairn doesn’t look any further damaged. In fact it looks a bit better than the previous visit. Lots of farm waste seems to have been moved from the nearby track making access much easier.
Re-visited 29/12/2016.
Les and I met at the Mossat Shop on the A97 and followed that road until it changes to the A944. Turn south at Bellabeg over the bridge over the River Don and go past Strathdon Parish Church. Head west and the minor road will sweep south. This will come to an odd shaped T junction but keep heading south. We parked near the entrance of Birkwood Farm but where later told that there was a car park just before the farm.
From here we headed south keeping to the farm track. After the second gate we jumped the fence and headed east. The cairn sits on top of a wee hillock at the end of Glencarvie. Lochans farmstead, well deserted, is to the north east.
This lovely cairn sits amongst the beautiful Strathdon countryside. Ca-dubh (west), Gallows Hill (north), Cnoc na H-lolaire (east) and Bad an Teahdaire are the nearby neighbouring hills. It is an enclosed area almost like a separate small country.
The cairn has several surviving kerbs in its 8 metre width. Animal damage allows to see more kerbs and structural composition. As usual the cairn has been houked into a circular bowl shape. It remains at 0.6 in height and provided a superb start to our day. Surviving drifts of snow added to the atmosphere.
Visited 29/12/2016.
This cairn is situated in the first clearing mentioned in the fieldnotes for Hill Of Trustach. It has been badly damaged but has more stone content and has almost retained its circular shape. As well as the forestry damage it has been houked. Still a kerb of sorts remains on the edge of a cairn about 6 metres wide, 0.6 metres tall.
Now instead of all this taking paths nonsense I headed north west through the trees, which fortunately aren’t close together. Flukily it led me straight back to where I had started.
Visited 8/12/2016.
This cairn has been badly damaged by forestry and now sits in a small clearing like its near neighbour to the west. It is surrounded by birches to the east/north and by the fir trees of encircling forest.
I parked on the A93 on a forestry track just west of the Backhill of Trustach farm then headed south climbing steadily along the edge of Trustach Hill. A type of crossroads will be reached, from here head east. After a few hundred metres another track heads north east. Take this track and the cairns are in two clearings, this cairn being the furthest east. The track by this time has deteriorated to a small walking path.
The cairn is over 6 metres in width and at its highest is no more than 0.5 metres high. What look likes a kerb has been battered, the stones on top of the cairn have suffered fate.
Even though a fair distance has been walked the A93 is only a short distance to the north. You wouldn’t know as this place is completely silent.
Visited 8/12/2016.
Sluie Hill has lovely views looking south over the Trustach to Gouach/Tillybath Hills. In between the southern hills is the River Dee, Sluie being to the north of the river.
This is the largest of the cairns situated on the hill being almost 4 metres wide and 0.5 metres at its highest. Kerbs partially surround the site which looks like it has the remains of a cist in its houked centre. Situated near masts, to the west, is fairly easy to find.
From Banchory/Inchmarlo head west on the A93 until a track heading north signposted Easter Sluie. Permission was given to park so I headed north and uphill towards the masts. A track winds its way up towards the site which can be found between to the two masts.
Visited 8/12/2016.
From the village of Dinnet on the A93 head south on the B9158 which crosses the River Dee then head west on the B976, the South Deeside Road. I asked permission to park at the Deecastle Farm and was told it was “a cracking place to see the Northern Lights near the cairn” by the farmer. Head back east along the South Deeside Road and take the first forestry road heading north east. Only go a short distance before climbing the dyke to head south and uphill. This is quite a steep climb and underfoot conditions are not perfect. However once at the top the views are worth the effort.
Morven and its pals (Mulloch etc.) are clearly seen as is the River Dee as it meanders, today, from east to west eventually entering the North Sea at Aberdeen.
The cairn is over 20 metres wide and is easily 3 metres tall. Stones resembling kerbs are noticeable on the south side. It is very similar to the cairns on Morven, Mulloch (plus friends) and Cairn More, Glentanar. Also built into the cairn are a few wind shelters for shepherds. Canmore haven’t really studied these hills close enough as they have really missed quite a few cairns i.e. Pittenderrich. Luckily the locals still have a story or two to tell.
With the dark rapidly approaching it was time to head back down the hill to much the needed heat of the car. South of the Dee is a wonderful place.
Visited 15/12/2016.
Another cairn recycled for miss-use and most likely miss-trials.
Heading north-west from Tillybath the B993 is reached at the Potarch Hotel (a very good place). From here cross the River Dee and head west for a short distance on the A93 taking the first minor road north-west. This re-connects with the B993, keep going until the minor road heading north-east. This leads onto the A980, head slightly east then take the first minor road heading north. I parked near the aptly named Gallow Cairn cottage. Look north-east and the cairn is on top of the wee hill.
Well positioned the site has tremendous views looking onto Sluie, Tillybath to the south, the River Dee east and west. The site is over 20 metres wide and 1.5 metres tall according to the locals. Stones poke out all over the sides of the cairn which was put to different uses in medieval times.
1/12/2016.
This cairn is hard to find as it is covered in all sorts of horrible and jabby vegetation. However not wanting to give in I flung myself thru the narrowest section to land on a small clearing which is the north section of the cairn. With all the vegetation it is difficult to measure the width. Canmore says 17 metres which seems about right, the height being 0.5 metres. The centre of the cairn can be found by crawling under the whins/furze etc. It has been houked or possibly it is a cist. Kerbs are visible in the south but impossible to reach.
Like all the nearby sites maybe one day the vegetation will be cleared and we’ll be able to see them. As for me it was back to the car for plasters and bandages as these cairns had taken their toll on my legs.
Visited 24/11/2016.
Rabbits and badgers have had a real go at this artificial mound which might possibly double up as a ring cairn. Sadly vegetation made taking photos of the ring stones impossible but they are there. Some are also on the west side but have been incorporated into a wall (optimistic use of this word) The west is actually a wee valley which the mound looks on to.
The oval shaped monument is 11 meters long by 6 metres wide, the height being 0.5 metres. Canmore says the site is aligned north west/south east. Whilst this site isn’t much to see it felt to me that it was central to something as it sits in the middle of a circular area made up of small hills. One bigger hill to the west is Cairn Mon Earn.
I parked at East Brachmont and walked north back up the minor road until the first corner. Jump the fence and head west. Some of the ground is boggy but if lucky a path (of sorts) can be found which almost leads straight to the site.
Visited 24/11/2016.
Keep going east from the Tullos Hill cairn to the next wee hill, however I approached from St Fittocks church and headed west. The end result is the same.
The barrow is badly covered in whins, furze but in some parts is visible. Rabbits have had a good crack at excavation so many holes to fall into which the unwary Drew did. At its widest it is almost 25 meters wide and sits at 1 metre tall. Some parts can be seen but it is difficult to spot.
One thing not in question are the views. Stunning views west to Tyrebagger, Brimmond Hill, north along the coast to Newburgh, east into the North sea and south taking in the multiple sites of the wonderful Tullos Hill.
Visited 24/11/2016.
Hill of Tillybath is a wonderful site in an area that is often overlooked. That is about to change.
I approached from the east taking the second minor road north, west of Strachan. Stop at the forest walks car park on this road. Follow the path north east until a sharp corner. A few yards further on there is a large boulder near the track. From there head north west and you’ll walk straight into the cairn. A large boulder, possibly a kerb, marks the eastern edge of the site.
The cairn is oval shaped being 8 metres in length and at its widest 6 metres. Some kerbs remain in place. A possible cist can be seen in the site. The capstone that covered it now leans against a tree. Near this tree cairn material can be found. At its highest the cairn is 0.6 metres.
Lovely site and a good vibe! After a good look round it was onwards to the Hill Of Goauch and the fantastic views south.
Visited 1/12/2016.
Thankfully the de-vegetation have made this cairn easier to find.....a little bit. Once again it has been covered in cut down branches, whin, furze etc.
There are kerbs surrounding the wee cairn and they can be felt under the turf. Also there might be a cist going by the shape of the hollow in the middle. A slab, mentioned by Canmore, is visible but only just and backs up the cist theory. It is also covered in vegetation. It is almost four metres wide and 0.5 metres tall at its highest.
Like nearby Knappach, a good tidy up could make this a fantastic area.
Visited 24/11/2016.
Take the B9077, Leggart Terrace/South Deeside Road, west leaving Aberdeen and take the first minor road heading south. Follow this road, past the Tollohill car park, until the first minor road leading north west. At the first corner there is enough room for a car to park. This is the west entrance to the Parknook/Tollohill Wood walks.
Follow the path uphill and on the first ridge head north. This will lead to the severely mutilated and all but gone Parknook Cairn. A near neighbour was removed altogether.
What is left is the outer rim of a once 17 metres wide cairn. At its widest this rim is two metres wide and stands at almost 0.5 metres tall. Possible kerbs also survive to the south and east. Still it has very beautiful surroundings and now remains undisturbed.
Almost gone, it is an echo from a long time ago.
Visited 1/12/2016.
From the Kirkton Wood cairn I headed a wee bit further south, jumped the fence, found a gate, climbed over and headed east into a forest of whins, furze and various jabby things. Still I found a route through the frozen wastes and underfoot conditions from hell. They may have been cut and burnt a lot of vegetation but the remnants are just are as bad and treacherous.
This would be a nice cairn if there wasn’t so much vegetation piled on top of it. A broken tree adds the scene and helpfully marks out the site and width of the cairn. Kerbs are visible on the eastern side of the cairn which sits at over 9 metres wide and is 0.6 metres tall. The centre has houked which might explain the small pile of stones nearby.
The views from here are stunning, Morven to the west and Bennachie to the north.
Visited 24/11/2016.
Leave the B9077 at Kirkton Of Durris heading south and park at the village halls. Follow the minor road until it ends and head up the hill following the path until it also ends. Just before it ends look immediately west and the cairn can be found. Also helpful is the sign saying the site is a scheduled monument.
This , I think, would also be a good site for some gentle restoration. Canmore says there are four kerbs in the southern flank, I agree and would add another two. Sadly the path clips the site on the eastern side and as usual some houking has also been done. Despite this the cairn is still sits at 11 meters wide and is 0.6 metres high.
This is a well situated cairn which many years ago would have wonderful views, especially north. Today it still has wonderful views, the trees in their Autumn colours.
Visited 24/11/2016.
This is a beautiful walk with stunning views at the top. All the way west to Morven, north towards Knock Hill, east to the North Sea (Don and Dee mouths) and south to Cairn Mon Earn with everything inbetween. A truly fantastic setting.
Take the second minor road north east of Westhill leaving the A944, go past all the ring road stuff and pull into the Brimmond Country Park car park. A distance of about 1.5 miles. Both paths from the car park take a circular route up to the top. Take care on the southern path as it goes awol and then comes back. On the whole the paths are in good condition.
On top are a few masts, a war memorial and a cairn (2 cairns!!!). The Watchmountbrae cottage has vanished.
The ancient cairn has had a more modern cairn piled on top it! However the original site still is over 6 meters in width and is well over 0.6 metres. Grass covered stones prove it still exists as well as several kerbs poking their heads out of the turf.
Lovely site, worth it for the views alone.
Visited 17/11/2016.
Head almost 100 meters back west from the Easterhill site keeping an eye for two large boulders. These mark the south side of the cairn, to the west there is another kerb still in place. These certainly give the cairn a sense of presence amongst the fallen trees and ferns. No gorse or furze here, what a boost!!
The site sits at 9 metres wide and is over 0.5 metres high. Another nice place in a very pleasant wood on a very pleasant Autumn day.
Visited 8/11/2016.
Head south on the B9125, at Garlogie, and take the first road heading south east which conveniently points the way to the Standing Stones Of Echt (Cullerlie). After visiting that keep heading south taking the first farm track east. I asked permission to park at the house nearest the south west tip of the wood.
From here I headed east and jumped the wee wall into the forest heading gently up hill hugging the tree line to the south. About 1/4 mile up head north and the cairn should be seen.
This must have some size of a site but now the cairn sits at over 12 metres wide and is 1 metre high. What might be a possible kerb sits on the south flank whilst luckily the centre of the cairn is also clear and appears to be undisturbed except by the trees growing on it. However today there is a good vibe about this place and to make matters even better the sun shone through the trees to highlight the cairn.
I always wondered why the nearby circle seemed to be all by itself. Now its obvious it had friends nearby.
Visited 8/11/2016.
The Oldman Hill cairn has received a fair bashing in its time from agriculture. It is situated on top of the wee hill due east of the B979 and to the south west of the Kirkton Of Maryculter. I parked at the house to the south of the Maryculter junction crossed the road to the farm track, walked a hundred metres, jumped the first gate to the south then headed uphill and south east.
The cairn is situated in a wonderful location with lovely all round views to Bennachie, Peterculter and west towards Morven. Also just in view are the masts on Brimmond Hill. The cairn is bout 8 metres wide and 0.5 metres tall. There are decent earthfast kerbs on the southside.
Luckily the vegetation hasn’t completely taken over. The main danger underfoot being the droppings of cows.
Visited 8/11/2016.
We parked at the car park on Brumley Brae, to the west of Elgin, opposite the southern end of Hamilton Drive. From there we followed a maze of paths in a south westerly direction. We entered the 40 + metres wide inner/50 + metres outer henge from the eastern side. Similar type entrances occur to the west, north (which has the notice board) and south. Various stones might mark entrances, or remnants of circles or are just flukily placed stones. I’d like to think they were circles once upon a time situated within the henge. With all the forestry work I guess we will never know. Quarrying has removed some of the henge further adding to the damage. However it now seems to site is being looked after as they found a ‘curved bank’ in the north.
People from Elgin still refer to this as the Danish Camp and they certainly know how to look after the paths. It would be nice to think the archaeos would look after the henge. At least the site is now clear of trees hopefully they might get round to clearing the site of vegetation.
Visited 5/11/2016.
Unlike the nearby kerb cairn this is a hard site to spot in a forest with a golden leave floor. As Canmore suggests trees are growing in the middle of the 8 meter site. Underneath the moss and leaves the remnants of cairn material are a trip hazard. The height of the cairn is no more than 0.5 metres.
Leave Elgin on the B9012, north west, and head east at the first crossroads. Pull in immediately after the pillars on the west side. Walk in a north westerly direction and the cairn will be soon be seen.
Autumn definitely adds a positive vibe to these places, especially on a sunny day with all the colours on display.
Visited 5/11/2016.
Knappach East has taken a severe battering having been trenched and basically had its cairn material scattered about. Today the trench had been filled by the Autumn leaves and looked very pretty with its autumnal makeover.
The site sits at around 10 metres wide and reaches about 0.5 metres in height. Its near neighbours to the west have fared better despite the forestry works. From The Knappach walk in a north easterly direction.
Time to head west to Maryfield in the light rain.
Visited 3/11/2016.
A short distance west and the second large cairn can be seen. This cairn is slightly larger than its near neighbour standing at over 10 metres wide and 1 metre tall. Cairn material still sits over the top of the cairn which has retained its shape. A slab on the top might suggest a cist cover whilst several kerbs have been scattered. It must also be said that several kerbs remain in place despite the forestation.
This hunt on the south of the River Dee has provided many highlights and this was another site well worth a visit.
Visited 3/11/2016.
Take the first minor road heading west after crossing the River Dee southwards on the Slug Road, the A957, heading south. After Balbridie Farm take the minor road heading south and follow it through the crossroads, by this time heading south west, pulling in at a wooden hall.
After parking I walked in a north west direction through Burn Wood which merges into Pelham Wood until a clearing emerges created by forestry works. This cairn despite the severe battering it has taken remains in reasonable shape. A lot of cairn material can be seen in its 10 metres width and 0.6 metres height. One or two tree stumps are in evidence on the site but not enough to distract the visitor from the glimpses of the view south.
Another wee forgotten site but well worth a visit.
Visited 3/11/2016.
From the Black Wood Leys Of West cairn we headed west to the Tomfat cairn. Reaching the resumption of the woods we found a path and gradually veered south west eventually spying the standing stone on top of a wee hillock.
Large slabs seem to feature in this area quite a lot and Tomfat is no exception with a stone that is almost 2 metres tall and 1.5 metres wide coming to a rounded top. A kerb does exist but is difficult to spot underneath the turf. The cist has been left open, as explained in Canmore, and also like Canmore I don’t think it is an Orkney-Cromarty type. My hunch is that it is a smaller version of the Mains Of Gask cairn just down the road.
Tomfat brought an end to another wonderful day in the hills. Much to find nearby so another visit coming up soon.
Visited 22/10/2016.
From the Black Wood Of Leys 3 cairn we headed north east to a supposed track which headed south westish. We found the track but it was in terrible condition, new paths had been created nearby but this had long been forgotten. When we found the track that headed west to our next location we discovered it was in equally bad condition. However we battered on and eventually found a proper path. Once reaching this we headed north west after passing a small hill covered in trees we headed straight west again. This area has had its trees removed so at least we could were our feet landed!
This area has several cairns but with light gradually becoming an issue and Tomfat demanding a visit I explored the main cairn in this area.
The cairn sits at over 7 metres in width and is almost one metre tall. A cist partially remains in the centre with the possible capstone pushed to one side. Some kerbs do survive in an earthfast condition but most have been shoved around by forestry work. Like a lot of places in these woods it seems to have the ability to survive.
Another visit to discover the rest but now it was on to Tomfat.
Visited 22/10/2016.
The Hillhead of Maryfield cairn can be seen from the east but the rest of it is covered in dying vegetation. Still this is maybe no bad thing as the cairn still survives at 9 metres wide and stands at 1 metre tall. Underfoot the cairn material can be felt and the height of the cairn could be judged by my long legs. Also underfoot can be found/felt the remains of much smaller cairns and dykes.
From the Knappachs head north west until a gate is seen. Climb over this heading northwards of the trees and keep going until the next fence. At this point head south west to the top of hill taking care not to trip over dead branches and wee rocks which are strewn everywhere.
Not the best site to look at but another that probably that isn’t to badly damaged.
Visited 3/11/2016.
The third of the eastern cairns is also the smallest in size but like the others it is set on a wee knoll to give, back then, good all round views as it sits at almost 7 meters wide and is 0.8 high. 3 kerbs still stand on the northern side with the cist surviving at over 1 meter in length.
With the east side done it was time to head back west on tracks which could be best described as variable.
Visited 22/10/2016.
This was the second of the eastern cairns we visited and once again another wonderful kerbed site. Kerbs surround the cairn several of which still stand and are in view. Others are covered in moss and turf. The probable capstones mentioned by Canmore are both still there covered in vegetation. What might be a cist, Canmore says no but they might well be wrong, still remains in the centre of the site.
At over 10 metres in width and about 1 metre high this is still an impressive site.
Visited 22/10/2016.
Rather than be destroyed three cists were collected and re-erected near Banchory House at a very beautiful spot. A short and long cist were taken from Clashfarquhar Farm, Downies near Portlethen. The other short cist was discovered at Ardoe during construction at the South Deeside Road. Fortunately both of these places were part of the Banchory House estate.
The pond that the cists were placed beside has long gone but an attractive small stream runs past the site.
From Tollohill head south then take the first minor road heading north west. Follow the road round a sharp corner heading west until a crossroads involving a minor road and a farm road. The farm road heading north leads to the home farm of Banchory House. I parked at the roads end and climbed the fence following a path south. Walk about 300 meters and the site will appear to the east (and above) the wee stream.
A nice site and good to see that some things were saved during the 1800s.
Visited 28/10/2016.
Benthoul is lovely cairn situated close to the minor road at the east of the Durris Forest and reminds me of The Slacks cairn close to Tyrebagger. I approached from the south using the Auguston minor road which eventually ends up near the Standing Stones Of Echt (Cullerlie). By that time the road has disintegrated into a very poor farm track.
Fortunately the forestry people have provided a wee car park opposite Benthoul Cottage. The cairn is a very short walk to the north.
This is a very well shaped cairn that sits over 11 metres wide and is well over 1 metre tall. Recent storms have blown a fir tree over onto the cairns south side. Once again the houkers have been delving away and they succeeded in making a large hole over 2 metres wide almost 1 metre deep. Today the turf covered cairn is a very quiet place and a thoughtful place. Almost as if the houking never happened.
Visited 28/10/2016.
The first Black Wood East kerb cairn we visited has at least 6 kerbs still standing, mostly like a street fighters teeth on the western arc (lots of gaps). Most of the way round fallen kerbs can be found. The cist still survives in the middle well hidden by turf but still has the remains of the stone coffin. A capstone can also be found on the southern side of the cairn.
From the fallen standing stone we walked east along the forestry track until shortly after the crossroads. From there we headed south east and walked straight to the site. Despite the cross country route underfoot conditions were pretty good except for the odd fallen tree. Probably a distance of about 3/4s of a mile.
The cairn still sits at 14 meters wide and is at least 1 metre tall. Another wonderful site.
Visited 22/10/2016.
Heading east from Drumoak, on the A93 towards Aberdeen, take the first minor road south, take the sharp corner east and pull into the East Cairton drive. Plenty room to park. Head straight north through the woods, there is a track of sorts, jump the fence and walk until level with Bogton Farm in the west. Look east and the cairn will be in front.
This, I think, would be a perfect little cairn for a little restoration as it appears to be in its original shape and looks like it hasn’t been houked. It still sits at 8.5 meters wide and is over 1 meter tall. However it is mostly covered in vegetation and large boulders have been dumped onto the eastern side.
Remove the jabby stuff plus the boulders and it would be perfect.
Visited 28/10/2016.
New find to the west of Garlogie Woods. Single cup 8cm wide and 3.5cm deep.
Visited 28/10/2016.
Arriving back at the gates we climbed over and headed east. Take the second forestry track heading south east, then at the crossroads head east. Walk about 200 meters and head to the north of the track a short distance.
The almost 2 metres in length stone, sadly, no longer stands. It has fallen or more likely felt the back end of a forestry machine. A socket remains so they could put it back up on top of the small knoll. From this vantage point this could well have been a marker for many prehistoric in the area. Slightly to the north of the stone sits a huge glacerial rock.
Visited 22/10/2016.
Once again at these woods we parked at the Inverness end of these woods about a 1/2 mile north of the Tomfat Chamber Cairn. Once again the condition of the entrance to the walks car park was a shambles and the gates were closed so I parked as close to the side as I could.
The Black Wood Of Leys cairn is just to west of the road, the B861, north west of the gates. Look closely and the one remaining standing kerb can a be seen. The white amongst the heather easily spotted. To get to it another 1/4 of a mile must be walked to get clear of the thick strip of furze, whins, gorse etc. A wee path leads straight to the cairn.
The one remaining kerb makes the site easy to fine amongst the heather. At least another 5 other kerbs can be seen, all fallen. Sadly the cairn has been ‘houked out’. Still it is quite an impressive little site standing at over 7 meters wide and just short of 1 metre tall.
A fine start to the afternoon.
Visited 22/10/2016.
From the kerb cairn we headed back to the tall wooden gates, climbed them and headed in a north east direction. This cairn is difficult to spot thanks to the blanket of heather. Sadly this didn’t prevent it from getting a houking.
This cairn is built amongst a few hut circles and is over 8 metres wide and almost 0.5 meters tall. Several kerbs remain in place. Another nice little site with good views. After a good look round we made our way back downhill avoiding any dodgy bogs.
Visited 22/10/2016.
This was the third attempt to find this cairn which in the end was hidden in plain view. We parked at the Craggie junction on the B9154 opposite the kerb cairn of the same name. From there we jumped the gate, near the bus stop, and headed south going uphill. At the top there is a stile to get over the fence. Keep heading south past a couple of small woods and a bog until the next deer fence. At this point there are tall wooden gates which are easy to climb over. From there head slightly south east with the cairn sitting on top of a small hillock.
This is a very good site with terrific all round views, the most notable being on the other the side of the valley, the fort of Dun Davie. 9 kerbs remain in place on the turf covered site and we counted at least 8 fallen stones. The undisturbed site, hurrah no apparent houking, sits at over 12 metres wide and is 1 metre tall.
Wonderful site!
Visited 22/10/2016.
This was supposed to visited during the Slagachorrie Dun visit but that walk ended in complete despair and misery. However this visit was much better as the Eberdein and Turra Loons invaded the Highland region once again. Also, handily, the weather was very good.
Leave the B9101 taking first minor road south, west of the A939. Keep going south, past Regoul, and pull into the second forestry track. Head south east then take the track heading north east. The cairn is about a half mile up this road to the north side of the whins which block the view from the track.
Sadly the cairn is covered in vegetation and has been houked. However the kerb still exists except in the western arc were it has taking a battering. The site stands at 10 meters wide and is almost 1 meter high.
With that done it was to nice clava cairn/stone circle at Little Urchany. A much better result than last time!!!
Visited 22/10/2016.
From the Drummossie Muir kerb cairn we headed back northwards to the supposed track. Once on the track we headed north east but it soon became one massive loch. We climbed onto the top of dry stane dyke to north and proceeded for a while in the same direction until we came across problems. ALC fell into a hole waist high (the dog had a good laugh) and vegetation blocked the way forwards so we jumped into the ditch on the other side of the wall. Fortunately it was dry. The idea of taking this route was to avoid going over the hill and thru the forest to the fort. Hindsight is a great thing. Still we plodded on until a deer fence which we followed in a north westerly direction passing a badly ruined building. Climb the nearby gate and go straight west following another deer fence, keep going until another deer fence and the fort will be front.
On the forts eastern flank there is a bog which becomes a small stream, handy extra defences as the fort is built on a small rising. Most of the defences have been robbed. Turf covered ditches/ramparts at the western end do survive and curve round, at least 2 meters tall, until they taper out, probably robbed of their content. Luckily a ladder propped against a tree, leading to a shooters chair, provided the opportunity to take photos of the fort spreading out to the east. A good thing as furze, whins, gorse etc. made walking to the internal fort impossible. From the top of ladder we could see that we had almost walked to the outskirts of Inverness.
To get to Daviot we went back to the ruined buildings. Instead of following the deer fence we headed north east to the far corner of the field were luckily we ended up back on Wades Road. From there the tracks and paths greatly improved and we made it safely back to the car. The expected 3 or 4 mile walk had ended up in a walk of over 10 miles.
Visited 17/10/2016.
From the Fountainhead cairn we headed back east onto the track and into the sunlight heading north west on a forestry track. Unlike the maps the track continues until a tee junction. At this point heading east there are two tracks. One decent effort and one that wasn’t so good. We took the latter. After about 200 meters we plunged back into the forest and headed south avoiding the fire lakes. Conditions underfoot weren’t good and branches made walking for tall people equally difficult. However we made it.
Yet again this kerb cairn has taken one almighty battering and yet again several kerbs remain defiantly in place. Others are scattered but the site still sits at almost a metre tall and 10 metres wide. Cairn material sits on top. At the cairns centre the cist still survives and the slab is near the south side of the cairn.
After a good look round it was back to the so called track.
Visited 17/10/2016.
We started by parking at the car park near the quarry entrance at the foot of Dun Davie. From here follow the path up the hill. Instead of heading west towards the fort keep going straight on until the track veers west. Follow the track, going alongside the quarry, in a zig zaggy way until a clearing. Head cross country for about 300 meters to the covered reservoir. At this point a proper forestry track returns. Head northish then take the sign west to General Wades road. We followed this north and then cut across west on nightmarish conditions, deep puddles, rotting tree trunks, branches, deep ruts, as a clearing in the trees could seen in the general area of the cairn. Better still it turned out to be a forestry road. Follow this track north west until it starts heading downhill. Instead of walking on the track walk on the tree clearance on the west side. Look for a small track heading into the trees. Follow this for approx 150 meters and you will walk straight to the southern arc of cairn situated in a small clearing amongst thick fir trees.
Forest agriculture has taken its toll on this monument but several kerbs remain proudly in place. More importantly the middle of the cairn is somehow undamaged. Cairn material is strewn everywhere covered in deep green moss. It still stands to a height of just under 1 meter and is over a 11 meters wide. There is a good vibe about this place with the trees adding to a sense of age. Still at the back of my mind there is sadness as when this place is harvested this site will be battered again. After a good look round it was back to the track moving northwards to the next cairn.
Conditions on the longer than expected walk from Dun Davie had gone from good to excellent to terrible. Soon it was to get worse, a lot worse.
Visited 17/10/2016.
The second last stop of the day saw us land Tordarroch and after a quick revisit to the Ring Cairn it was onwards to the fort. I pulled in due west of the cairn on a wide grassy part and then followed the road north west towards Tordarroch Lodge. (which looks like a refashioned tower castle) Just before the lodge there is track heading south west near some wooden chalets. Jump 2 gates and walk about 200 meters and the fort is in front of you to the north west, easily recognisable as a small rocky outcrop.
Defences include earthfast stones, massive glacerials and a sheer drop into the River Nairn. Today it was also defended by a bull, a speciality in the area apparently. The entrance to the fort is in the east but not accessible, today, thanks to the efficient guard bull. However I walked to the far west of the fort, went a wee bit downhill, jumped the fence and climbed up into the central fort thwarting the security with the help of a fence which splits the site in two.
Great all round views in an area that has a lot more sites to be explored.
Visited 18/10/2016.
This was the final stop of the day and I’m glad to say that there has been massive improvements to the cairn. Overgrown grass has been replaced by ‘chuckies’/gravel highlighting the clava.
The cairn is fairly difficult to find despite being near the road. We stopped and asked directions from a person who invited me to look over his garden wall. He asked if this is what I was looking for, the answer obviously being it was. He also told me that the house in front of the cairn was called Stonehenge.
The kerb is in fairly decent condition, being over a 11 meters wide and the passageway is clearly visible heading towards the centre.
Turn west onto the Tordarroch road in Farr and the cairn is in the first space to the right. This is a public access path to the cairn past garages and sheds. Go through the gap in the wall and cairn appears. I also went and asked at the aforementioned Stonehenge in a rare show of good manners.
Well done to the locals for looking after this superb site!!
Visited 18/10/2016.
From Castle Findlay I headed north east back over the ramparts, through the wee glen and back onto the track. The track led north west so I headed north east through the trees until they cleared. (I hoped to find the hut circle on the way back!) From here it was dreadful walking conditions with rotting trunks, deep ruts and puddles. Eventually I found a track and walked east. However the dun was to the north so once again it was back into trees, some fallen, to head to the clearing housing the dun.
The clearing is set on steepish slope and has many young firs growing on it making walking conditions a complete nightmare. However I made it to the top and found what little remains of the dun are left. Underneath the turf the rocky tor still survives and it can be seen in parts despite all the new growth. After a long and good look round I found the tumble down walls mentioned in Canmore. Sadly from this point onwards things became much much worse.
From nowhere the skies darkened, thunder and lightning was banging/flashing everywhere and the rain went straight to monsoon. After all the looking for the remnants I had become completely disorientated and probably headed south, completely the wrong direction. I found tracks I didn’t know existed, paths heading nowhere and ditches that had become torrents, several of which I fell into. Still I kept heading downhill in the hope of reaching a road. (I actually walked past 2 cairns I’d visited before). Eventually and at last I’d found a road, near Mid Urchany. In a bedraggled and sorry state I started to walk in which I thought was the right direction. Maps were soaked and the phone had stopped working so I had no clue where I was. Suddenly white van man came to my rescue and asked if I was lost. Explaining that my car was near Regoul, I was told it was 5 miles away. Seeing that I was completely drenched and had enough of the day he kindly took me to my car.
Very easy to get lost in the hills even if experienced. To easy!
Visited 28/7/2016.
From the Arr Wood cairn I headed back south on the minor road to the A939, then headed north west until the crossroads with the B9101. Head south west from here and take the first minor road south. I parked just after the small hamlet of Regoul at the entrance to Torrich Beg at the bottom of the Geddes Burn valley. Walk south for a small distance and a wee bridge will be seen to east crossing the burn.
Cross the bridge and follow the track uphill which follows a valley which further up houses the fort. About 3/4 of a mile up there is a sharp corner. From here leave the track and head north down into the valley. A small ridge indicates the first rampart which surrounds the fort. I followed this heading north east finding a small gap higher in the defences, a hornwork as Canmore suggests. This might well be the front door. However today it is a nightmare with all the vegetation including brambles. After battling over the defences, often on hands and knees crawling underneath branches, I made it to the internal fort.
The ramparts/stone walls are still there and stretch to over 3 meters in width and in most parts over 1 meter in height. This surrounds the fort which is over 30 meters in length and 16 meters wide. To see the walls the best place is underneath the trees as the fort has been conquered by ferns. As well as the ditches and ramparts the steep valley slopes and Geddes Burn add to the defences.
Well worth the effort despite a severe battering from various plants. With that it was the arduous trek to the supposedly nearby dun where anything that could go wrong did go wrong.
Visited 28/7/2016.
Arr Wood is bonny cairn situated in a small forest clearing. The turf and fern covered site is 16 meters wide and over 1 meter in height. Underneath the foliage a kerb runs round the covered stones some of which do poke their noses through to the surface. On top of the cairn there is a small pile of stones. Several fence posts also surround the site which according to Canmore hasn’t been disturbed. I hope this condition remains for a long long time.
From Easter Clunes I headed west along the minor road which included driving through a rare ford near Fornighty Farm, though not as rare as I thought as I have found several since. Veer north at the farm, through the ford and keep heading west until the second minor road north. Stop at the first forestry track heading east. OS have tracks leading to site but sadly they have long gone. Better to walk in a east north east direction and look for the clearing and fence posts. There are several mounds in the area which are forestry and field clearance mounds.
This is an extremely lovely and very calming site which was just as well. The next couple of sites were to be a trial of strength and endurance.
Visited 28/7/2016.
This cairn is slightly to the west, a short walk of about 200 meters, and is in the same field as its near neighbour. Large stones looking suspiciously like they once stood are strewn around the edge of the cairn which has seen, sadly, a tremendous amount of damage. Apart from the large stones the cairn must have been at least 16 meters in width with the height difficult to judge due field clearance being flung into the houked centre.
Visited 28/7/2016.
Heading west from Forres on the A96 I took the third minor road heading southwards in the direction of Moyness, home to wonderful cairn situated near the crossroads. From here keep heading south west until the road ends. At the junction head east towards Easter Clune. I stopped at Easter Clunes cottage. From here follow the track west over a gate and keep going until 2 gates can be seen. Climb these and both cairns can be seen. I headed south first to the ring/clava cairn.
The cairn must be at least 22 meters wide with some huge kerbs surrounding it. What appears to an inner ring al so exists but this might well be pure luck. Several holes are probably were cists had been, these are quite easily found by falling into them. At its highest it is 1 meter tall but houking has obviously affected this. Still the cairn has presence and must have been massive in its day.
From the direction I arrived I couldn’t see the cairn but on heading back home, in a somewhat bedraggled state, from the west this cairn could be seen for miles.
Visited 28/7/2016.
The Blue Cairn near Califer is surrounded on its north side by a semi circular dry stane dyke and to the south by vegetation of any kind especially ferns. It was good fun clambering over the dyke and having a fight with the jabby stuff. Rowan trees mark the middle of this much tampered with cairn. The centre of the cairn has been houked and kerbs can be found at the bottom of the wall. canmore say its 16 meters wide and 1 meter tall. That is optimistic as all that is left is a small remnant. No trace of cist can be seen. Still like any other any other ancient monument it was built for a reason and the Bronze Age peoples chose a lovely place. Views over to the Black Isle, Moray Firth, hills to the south and to the west are wonderful. I tried looking for the possible cup marked stone but didn’t see anything. Round the corner is Blervie Castle and just down from that is the stone circle at Templestones.
Take the third minor road south, west after the village of Alves on the A96 heading towards Inverness. Follow the road until it veers suddenly west and at the corner pull in. Walk down the field in front and the semi circular dyke soon comes into view. Just along the road is the superb viewpoint at Califer.
Visited 28/7/2016.