drewbhoy

From the petrol station/shop at Kirkmichael take the minor road south west until a sadly ruined church. (must have looked good in it’s prime)Follow The Cateran Trail thru the lovely Ardle valley for about a mile. Nothing to strenuous here.

The cairn is next to road and has a wonderful ‘cairn type’ shape to it. It is made up of slabs and pebbles. Unfortunately farmers thru the ages have probably thrown field waste on top of this. Still it is a very attractive place which stands at over 15 meters wide and 3 meters tall, and is covered in grass along with 5 evocative trees. On a misty day this would be a very atmospheric place. The only thing wrong is the shabby barbed wire fence.

Visited 8/8/2013

Situated in a wood just behind Glenkilrie this cairn must have been an impressive sight. It is now covered in ferns and grass but still stands at 24 meters wide and is at least 3 meters high. A dry steen dyke surrounds the base of the cairn. Unfortunately a telegraph pole has been plonked into it as well.

When I visited it was a battle against huge ferns and nettles. A visit in winter time, if roads are open, would give a more accurate picture.

Visited 8/8/2013.

There are up to 19 hut circles in this group and I probably found up to ten of them. Most are pretty badly smashed but the hut circle at NO10025694 is the best preserved example of this type I’ve ever seen. The Canmore link gives all the details and has some nice aerial pics. The terrain between various cairns, circles and standing stones is littered with boulders and circular mounds. Highland agriculture has probably dislodged more than it’s fair share.

Visited 8/8/2013.

From the standing standing I walked to the top of the hill and followed the ridge south across deep heather and burnt heather. Eventually a track appears and this kerb or ring cairn is on the mound on the other side.

This must have been an impressive place. Today only the southern kerbs, graded in size, can be seen. The other kerbs are there but are hidden by the heather. A possible double ring exists but the vegetation makes it hard to photograph, but it is there. Still the cairn has tremendous all round views and is over 12 meters wide/0.4 eters high. The central cist mentioned by Canmore has sadly vanished.

Visited 8/8/2013.

Walking in a NNE direction from the Grey Cairn keep going for almost a mile across the heather and past the battered hut circle. The farmer at Stylemouth mentioned that there was a standing stone and being the first person, probably since NB, on the go I received the info first.

The stone stands at over 1 meter, and looks down on the Ardle valley except in the direction of Grey Cairn which is blocked by a wood.

Visited 8/8/2013.

50 meters east of The Grey Cairn is the remnants of a cairn which was been robbed, houked and trenched. Despite all of this some kebs remain in place and in some parts it still stands at almost a meter high, 12 meters wide.

Visited 8/8/2013.

Balnabroich Farm is on the east side of the A924, south east of Kirkmichael, and has the two poster and standing stone nearby. Moreorless opposite this is the road to Stylemouth. After a quick conversation with the owners, several chickens and a very friendly dog I was very kindly allowed to park.

From here head uphill and jump over the gate. By this time it is flatter but keep heading east and climb the next gate, near a small weather centre, keep going until the next gate. Over that and the Grey Cairn can be seen. Looking south which today is bathed in sunshine looking glorious.

Keep looking south of the path and another cairn and hut circle (an excellent example) can be seen. I’ll discuss them in other fieldnotes.

A lot has been done to this cairn and the excesses of previous excavations can clearly be seen. It still stands at 27 meters wide and is 1.7 meters high. Originally it stood at over 7 meters in height which gives a fair idea of the damage done. Still it has impressive views and as I was to find out there is a lot going on in this area.

Visited 8/8/2013.

After purchasing some ‘wets’ and boots in Pitlochry I was back on my travels. Unlike the Canmore picture, obviously taken some time ago, Tulloch cairn is covered in trees. Also unlike the old picture the south side of the cairn is damaged, maybe weather affected but with some human assistance. However this does let us see how the cairn was constructed. It sits at over 27 meters wide, 4 meters high and has a 10 meter plateau on top.

I pulled in on the north side, after the Tulloch B and B, on the A924. Follow the track thru a small wood until a corregated iron hut. The cairn is next to the track on the north side.

Unfortunately there was more to see at the cairn than I’d expected. What looks like ritualistic slaughter/sacrifice has happened. Skulls of various beasts are sitting on rocks to the north side all over the place. More sinister is a circle of skulls with a bigger skull sitting in the middle. Sadly several rotting carcasses are nearby. Bones are splattered all over the place. (see pics) Who or whatever did this, imo, have a very sick attitude. I contacted the police and investigations are under way, so far fox traps have been ruled out. Once I find out more I’ll post it here.

Visited 1/8/2013.

The Witch’s Stone has somehow been classified as a standing stone by Canmore, obviously drinking whatever old Fred Coles or possibly myself drank. More likely it is a massive glacerial sitting at 7 meters wide and 7 meters tall complete with a tree growing on top. On another day magnificent views of the Ardle valley would be seen but today clouds and mist. At least it had stopped raining, for a wee while. There must be hopefully some folklore about this place.

Visited 1/8/2013.

After falling into the depths it was all downhill. Downhill towards a cairn to the west of the track (on the biggest corner). This cairn has also been much battered and robbed but several kerbs remain in defiantly in place. An excellent viewpoint, it showed me even more rain coming from the south.

Visited 1/8/2013.

Most of the kerbs of this cairn are in the south eastern arc with several kerbs being displaced in other areas. Sadly this cairn has had it’s punishment thanks to robbery, houking and general agriculture e.g. cattle. Still it survives but how long would be a good question. Other small cairns make a cairnfield which also is getting the treatment.

Visited 1/8/2013.

These hut circles or rectangles are situated near the four poster and are easily seen from the track to the east.

NO12926271 is the northern hut.

NO12866263 the second hut has a possible enclosure as well.

Visited 1/8/2013.

After parking at the Glenkilrie Council Depot (on the A93 north of Glenkilrie House) I headed west on a very sodden track gradually going uphill. Although it wasn’t raining at the start by the time I reach the first gate it was lashing down. Still the track continues and just to the south is Glenkilrie 2, a cairn, but I headed in North West direction, uphill, to ruined farmyard buildings or sheep enclosures. Climb the fence here and skirt cross country beneath the Clach Sgorach crags. Keep heading west until a proper track appears, Glenkilrie 3 can be seen.

From here I trudged north and the rain was getting heavier and heavier. Ditches and streams had become torrents. Not being one to give up I ploughed on. You reach near the top of the Sgorach and the path/stream veers around another crag, Creag An Lair. Follow this past a fallen gate until a supposed junction is reached. This is only spotted because of the greenery. However keep looking west after the gate as the hut circles can be spotted. Slightly to west of the huts is the circle.

Only two stones remain standing along with some boulder kerbs. The atmosphere at this place is almost overpowering but in a friendly way (I thought) despite the monsoon, imposing crags to the east, south is Bleaton Hill, north is the Cnoc Feanndaige and west is the truly spectacular Cnoc an Daimh. Clearly the builders knew what they were doing, unfortunately I chose a brutal day on which to visit.

The nearby hut circles are well worth a look. With that it was back to retrace my steps, I thought, via the 2 cairns. After getting back to Sgorach I proceeded downhill only to slip and topple straight into a recently created wee loch. Still I visited the two cairns before heading back to the car in a very sorry state. Changed into some dry stuff and headed to Kirkmichael for some late lunch and heat (much needed).

Visited 1/8/2013.

I thought I’d visit this cairn then go cross country to Doonies cairn to the north after asking permission to park at Alrick House. Wrong, I was promptly told to take myself and the car somewhere else. To be fair the owner explained that the area had been plagued with robberies and break ins. However the visitor was drenched and bedraggled, obviously his angelic face didn’t work this time.

So up to Doonies then back along the road from which I’d arrived via Brewlands heading west. I parked after the first wood. From here jump the fence and head towards the trees to the north east on the skyline via a bog, by this time it didn’t matter so I plodded on.

Once at the trees head north, past a couple of hut circles. The cairn, or possible stone circle, is 9 meters wide and has had a houking as the cairn has been robbed. Some kerbs remain in their original position.

Visite 25/7/2013.

Several hut circles in various conditions are situated on the side of the hill near the cairn. A lot going on this hill with details on how to get here on the cairn page.

Visited 25/7/2013.

Doonies is a lovely kerb cairn set in the far west of Angus. With the B951 being closed at Lair the only way here is to take the minor road east at Blacklunans and keep going until it’s end at Brewlands. From here head north and move onto the B951. Go past Doonies and park at the first wood north of the farm.

From the wood I walked back down the road until the gate on the western side of the road. Basically head straight up the hill past many rocks to the upper level. Jump the fence and head south west, the cairn should be visible over a small valley. Somehow the rain had stopped, not for long, so I was able to view this site without another drenching.

The cairn itself is about 10 meters wide and 1 meter high. Several kerbs remain in their original places. Some field clearence has been dumped on the top. It is a very lovely place, well worth a look.

Visited 25/7/2013.

This site is gradually vanishing thanks to a rubbish dump getting larger and larger. A massive pile of rotten sticks lies nearby, more disturbingly the west stone is slowly being eaten up by a levelling process. Very sad as this site has some spectacular views up and down the valley, even on a day like today.

I went to the farmhouse to ask for an explanation but unfortunately nobody was at home. So I phoned those who need to know e.g. Historic Scotland. Hopefully they will explain how to look after the site to the owner.

Visited 25/7/2013.

I parked just up the road from the stone at the very interesting Eco camping farm/shop and was also greeted by a couple of llamas.

The stone has good views up and down the valley.

Visited 25/7/2013.

To many people obey the ‘No Access’ or ‘Police No Parking’ and thereby help keep these sites from being visited. I, on the other hand within reason, ignore these stupid requests and march straight on, after all fences are supposed to be jumped. After knocking at the door, no reply, I headed into the garden. Plenty of room for the car in the entrance.

I’d never heard of The Giant’s Grave until stopping in the villlage of Kirkmichael (petrol, shop, cafe, nice place good food) for some much needed lunch. Asking for some local information from the local people is always a good thing and hasn’t failed me yet. Some fantastic info (I’ll chase that up next week) was freely given including info about the Giant’s Grave.

A very nice stone standing at 1.7 meters high sits at the top of an almost 6 meter mound, e.g. The Giant’s Grave. Looks good in the garden tho!

Visited 25/7/2013.

Right beside the road. No other comments to make except beware, I was almost knocked over by two runaway sheep as I jumped onto the road. Please observe that I didn’t try to catch them :-)

Visited 25/7/2013.

The nearby massive cairn can wait till next week as time was pressing so I decided to find this wonderfully situated cairn instead. Creag Dubh Leitir provides an atmospheric and overpowering presence in the north whilst the gentler agricultural and River Ardle scenes are to the south. And either side east/west provides lots of prehistory, but that can wait till next week.

I parked just before the Straloch Bridge at the recycling area of the Glenfernate Lodge entrance. Head up the track until the first level. Look east, follow the track and jump the gate. Keep on the track for a 100 meters then look north over some ruined crofts, the cairn is just behind.

The cairn sits at 9 meters wide/0.6 meters tall and still has some large kerbs. Field clearence mentioned by Canmore seems to have been moved.

Wonderful scenery, wonderful place!

Visited 25/7/2013.

I parked at the entrance to Straloch House, plenty of room. Used the wooden stile on the opposite side of the road, to the south, and made my way down to the stone and the beautiful River Ardle.

Continuing the beast theme of previous posts I’m glad to say nothing was in the field. On the opposite side of the river some horses did say hello.

Visited 25/7/2013.

Lair was the final stop of an exciting and multi faceted day (and that was just the weather). Like the start the weather was beginning to darken and storms weren’t far away but I made it up and down without getting another drenching.

Lair is situated near the A93 just north of the B951 junction. (At the moment closed for several weeks because of a much needed upgrading.) Stop at the first track heading west. There is plenty of room for car parking.

Several tracks appear but choose the middle and head up the hill. It is a steady climb nothing to difficult. Once at the top keep going a further 1/2 mile and the cairn comes into view. Replaced turfs, made by a recent dig, confirm that the site has been reached. One thing for sure is that the builders knew exactly what they were doing. Surrounded by high peaks. Lamh Dearg, Cnoc Feanndage, Coire Goibhre and others, they surround the site almost making the cairn feel like an altar in a vast temple. Certainly high in the sky the clouds were speaking to themselves as thunder cracked out. But the rain was to late as I escaped back down the hill.

The cairn is 15 meters wide and has a ruined inner court. A lot of the kerb stones are still in situ and some stones seem to be the remnants of a double kerb but this is probably how they landed during robbing. The Canmore link has more details and figures. Funnily enough they mention the the cairn has been excavated, which proves that they have to up date their site as a much more recent dig has taken place, here and at the nearby Pitcarmick buildings.

Visited 25/7/2013.

After getting drenched and lost twice after finding the ‘other two’ cairns I’m glad to report to such happenings during this visit did not happen. Making sure I couldn’t find this site by difficult routes, in the past, I found the cairn by a much easier route.

Parking in the same place as the other two I continued walking south until a crossroads in the tracks. Headed east for at least three meters and continued south on a deer trail. Keep looking east until the top of the hill can be seen in a clearing. The cairn is easily spotted as a ‘bump’ on top. This cairn was much larger at some point but now is 7 meters wide and almost 1 meter high. Some earthfast rocks on the edge of the cairn suggest kerbs but it would be fair to say this site has taken a battering. Somehow it survives and with the growing darkness feels old, atmospheric and peaceful lost amongst the trees and time.

Not much to look at but a special place all those years ago, and for me a special place on a Friday night, totally worthwhile.

Visited 21/6/2013.

Cloch More is two massive rocks one of which would have made a very good ‘recumbent’. Other rocks are here as well, they hardly could be described as small, and like Gladman commented they have a look of being not entirely put there by nature. Situated in amongst trees this place feels old and if it wasn’t wasn’t for the trees clear views of Bennachie, Tyrebagger and the valley north would be seen.

A clachan (a wee hamlet) was supposed to situated here but no traces remain but what a place for one.

I parked at Hillhead Of Concraig and headed north west over the hill past a gigantic glacerial. From there a short walk leads to the two rocks. Nothing serious on this walk just be careful at the small bank at the site.

Visited 14/6/2013.

This is still a stunning stone in a stunning place but a found it via a safer route.

After the music lessons at Ardoyne I went to the visit the circle on the ‘heed o the hill’ having been told of a path that headed east to Petmathen.

From the circle, head south and downhill. A deer step (steps over a fence) comes into view. Climb over this a follow the path east thru a gorgeous walk amongst trees and wild flowers. All the time Bennachie keeps it eye on the walker but the resident giant, Jock, knows me well enough. The path comes to end at a dry stane dyke, climb it and keep heading east and the impressive stone will come into view.

A beautiful walk, beautiful scenery and beautiful site. Affa bonny!!!

Visited 7/6/2013.

(Ask permission to park please or I’ll get into trouble)

This cairn is only a short distance from the Baile. Canmore seems to missed out what I think is a definite kerb, almost looking like the cairn at West Town (minus the sink!) It is almost ten meters wide and just short of a meter tall.

With that done, it was up to the place were the ‘faeries’ live at Mains Of Clava.

Visited 3/4/2013.

Baile Na Creige is a very small but impressively situated cairn next to the minor road (east side) heading north from the glorious Loch Duntelchaig. The views here are also superb, with the obligatory loch, this time Ashie. It is the furthest north of two cairns between the Midtown and Bunachton farms.

Hints of a kerb remain in a cairn that is over ten meters wide and 1 meter. A very short walk east from the road, the other cairn being a short distance away.

Visited 3/4/2013.

From the wonderful Tordarroch circle keep heading west on the minor road then take the road south west. Go past Loch a’ Chlachain and the beautiful Loch Duntelchaig taking the track south westish after Midtown.

West Town, the farm, is at the end of the bumpy track, the chamber cairn being thru several gates on a track just to the north of the farm. Plenty of gates and plenty of chickens, ducks and other farm type things.

The cairn (possibly clava type) remains at over 20 meters in width and stands at almost 2 meters in height. Four stones remain standing whilst several kerbs remain in place. Sadly field clearence and a ‘sink’ have also been dumped here.

Still the cairn had fantastic views over Loch Duntelchaig and the surrounding mountains. Spring was becoming evident and the sun shone.

Visited 3/4/2013.

Just up the road from the Mains Of Gask this standing stone, as HG and I discovered, takes quite a lengthy walk. Having asked directions at a nearby farm we were directed to forestry walks about a mile north of the famous cairn. From the car park it is a wonderful walk thru the woods heading in a south easterly direction. Follow the track until it becomes a path until it eventually becomes a natural ‘meeting place’. Ancient clans met here, the stone acting like a type of pulpit or lectern. More recently the clans met here before the disaster at Culloden, which made me wonder how many brave clansmen made it back after the battle. The trees also give the place an atmosphere, making it feel very old but friendly and welcoming.

Funnily enough a short walk leads to the edge of the forest and view of the farm at which we asked directions, it was less than 500 yards away. Even more oddly we asked a chap, walking his dog, for directions to the stone. He replied, Callanish (I love walking but this was as daft an answer as I’ve ever heard) was the only circle he’d heard about and then said he’d lived in the area for over 30 years.

Visited 3/4/2013.

This was the final site stop of the day, well the last stop was Parkhead, and what a wonderful stone. Situated on the south east outskirts of Kirriemuir. Leave the B957 taking the last minor road north before Kirriemuir, West Hill Road.

There is a handy car park and path which leads straight to the stone which stands at 2.7 meters tall with fantastic all round views.

With that it was time for Glasgow and the best place on earth.

Visited 12/02/2013.

Battledykes must have been a huge cairn as the 40 meter mound suggests. Unfortunately not much else remains except scattered cairn material. The old Druid’s temple has long gone and various urns have vanished into the mists of time. Still it’s an impressive place, to my eyes, and has a wonderful setting.

From the village of Tannadice head west on the B957 taking the first minor road south at the Justinhaugh Bridge, which crosses the River South Esk. Take the second minor road west and go to Battledykes farm. Camps left by a touring Italian side are also in the area, strange as I was on my way to watch an Italian side later on. At the farm head south on the track, look north and the large cairn is in the middle of the field.

Visited 12/02/2013.

Coming down from the top of Soutra (good karma about this place) I plodded down the hill southwards, jumped the fence and waded to the bottom of the valley. With all the recent bad weather this place is a severe bog but the ‘wets’ kept me dry. It was also snowing quite heavily, fortunately the wind did a great job and blew it up the valley. After crossing the bog, climb up the other side, jump the fence and the impressive standing stone is a short way in front looking east towards Forfar.

Easter Memus stands at almost 2 meters in height. It is dwarfed by the the pylons but on a cold dark day like today it adds to the atmosphere. With that it was back across the bog and a walk to Law of Windsor to reclaim the car.

Visited 12/02/2013.

From the Law of Coull I headed north past Denrachie Farm and took the first track heading west towards Soutra House. I kept going until the track ended and jumped a gate starting to climb north. This is a fairly steep climb but not to long. However it is very exposed, the wind rose and the temperature plummeted. The site faces south near the top of Soutra Hill.

It is at least 20 meters wide, with a least 3 large kerbs still in the place. It looks like a lot of the original cairn has been supplemented by field clearence. But it is impressive and looks straight across the valley to the Memus standing stone.

So some fun and games on the way to a standing stone. By this time the weather was beginning to close in so I increased the speed.

Visited 12/02/2013.

After leaving Noranside Standing Stone I knew I would be ‘underwhelmed’ by the Law of Coull. The once proud and very large large cairn has been left as manicured grass mound. Probably this site will be completely ploughed out very soon.

Still a faint reminder can be be seen with the now well rounded cairn still stretching close to 30 meters, but it has lost it’s height, as well as most of stones and stands at about 1 meter tall. Unbelievably some cairn material can still be seen but it will soon be cleaned up.

Pity as the cairn has a fantastic location, looking north it was beginning to snow, look even more closely and you might even see Ogil Cairn. On a good day you might even see a loon fae Turra.

Visited 12/02/2013.

From Vayne I went back to the minor and walked further west through the village of Noranside stopping at the bungalows at Courtford Bridge, this is a beautiful walk of about 2 miles thru non strenous countryside.

A jump over a gate and the strikingly shaped stone can be seen on top of the small hill south of Courtford. It stands at 1.85 meters tall looking down on to the Noran Water.

Visited 12/02/2013.

From the wonderful cairn at the Law Of Windsor I headed back to the minor road and continued west for a further half mile. Stopping at the next minor road I turned south, jumped the gate into a boggy field. The Vayne Stone looks down into the A90 valley, look east the cairn at Windsor dominates the scenery. Today’s forecast was supposed to be mild, and I wasn’t surprised that it was wrong. It was hovering just below zero and threatening to snow.

Rumoured to be once part of a stone circle the Vayne Standing Stone stands at just below 1 meter in height. For those who like ruined castles the remnants of Vayne Castle are well and truly ruined.

Visited 12/02/2013.

This is a magnificent cairn with magnificent all round views. It is over 20 meters wide and a fantastic and inspiring 5 meters in height. This is quite simply one of the best cairns I’ve visited as it had an atmosphere all of it’s own. Maybe it was the wonderful trees, snow in the air, the greyish sky or hints of spring with snowdrops. I don’t know I simply just loved this place the moment I saw it. Therefore a good place to leave the car to start the long walk and adventure properly.

From the Haer Cairn I headed back towards Brechin on the A90 taking the first minor road north to Careston. At Careston, a small hamlet, keep going until a mile after Hillhead of Careston farm, the cairn is a superbly situated site just to the south of the road.

Visited 12/02/2013.

Heading south from Brechin on the A90 turn north at the Easter Marcus Cottages, near the Deils How’s and stop at the track’s end near a old fashioned warehouse.

The cairn is a short walk east thru, today at any rate, a bog. Fortunately the site is set on slightly higher and drier land. This cairn must have been huge at some point as Canmore says it was 40 meters wide at some point. It still has stones here and there and possibly a kerb or 2 still in place. Time hasn’t been kind as the cairn has been quarried, mutilated and severely battered. Still it stands in parts over 1 meter in height, grass covered, but I fear for it’s safety.

It’s a tragedy considering the scenery that surrounds this place, and even tho it’s close I didn’t hear much of the traffic on the nearby busy A90.

Visited 12/02/2013.

This standing stone is on the business centre side of the track, moving closer to the paper mill, standing beside a small farming building. Probably part of the stone row it stands at over 1 meter high and fits with Chris’s and my own theories about the henge. So another part of the jigsaw was found thanks to an auld granny giving me row for not using my eyes properly.

Visited 7/02/2013.

From the henge on the outskirts follow the road round until it ends at the barriers, to the left a business centre, straight on is the now sadly defunct paper mills. At the barrier head into the wood to the south and walk 500 yards or so.

It is pure fluke I found out about these as the grandmother of one of my pupils asked me if I’d looked properly in the woods at Broomend. Obviously I hadn’t and was glad for the tip.

Several cists have been pulled together to sit beside a capstone, 2 meters by 1 meter possibly made into a seat to overlook the man made lake. Looking at old maps the area was covered in cists and long before standing stones stood in a row coming from the henge. Sadly most of these have gone but my tipster told me there was one more nearby. She was right.

Visited 7/02/2013.

I don’t have a clue who Barbara is or was but she does have a most impressive ‘natural hillock’ named after her. There are strong rumours of a cist here but more interestingly local rumour has mentioned that there is a stone cist in the woods across the road above the small quarries. Something to look for during more summery weather.

Leave Turriff, a place of very great importance, on the B9025 and take the first minor road heading north indicated Dunlugas. (This road follows the River Deveron and is a beautiful walk to Banff) Keep going until The Haughs farm and a minor road heading east, marked Tillyfar. The hillock is directly behind the barns.

Visited 24/01/2013.

This must have been an impressive cairn ‘back in the day’ and it had superb views looking west and east to the Perthshire Highlands. Standing at least 30 meters wide, impressive trees encircle the site and it stands at 1 meter tall. Any kerbs left are covered in turf. A few bits of cairn material lift their heads above the grass.

Very easy to find this one, take the minor road just east of Greenloaning, on the A9, and immediately pull in to the path heading south. From here an easy walk until the path stops at a gate, look east and the circle of trees will be seen. Over the gate, jump the fence, job done.

Visited 18/1/2013.

From the cairn at Beaufort I walked back the road I’d came going past the Bruiach taking the minor road south after the ring cairn. This road is a bit up and down but very scenic.

As late as 1886 something must have stood here but now all that is left is an impressive grassy mound with perhaps 1 or 2 kerbs in place. The big boulders I assume are field clearence. Despite the damage the cairn still stands 15 meters in width and stands at just over a meter high. There is something defiant about this place as it clings on, the surrounding scenery is fantastic and with darkness falling very atmospheric. Plus it was eerily silent, nothing moved, no wind just me and some stars high above.

With that it was back to the car at Kiltarlity, another long but fantastic day.

Visited 3/01/2013.

From the Bruiach Rong Cairn head further west following the road as it gradually heads north. The cairn is to be found right next to the road on the east side after a fairly sharp corner.

It sits at almost 12 meters wide and is almost 2 meters high. Sadly the kerb is hidden by years of neglect, old trees and weeds.

This was going to be the last stop but I was informed by a passing local (this was a good day for info from locals) that there was a cairn near Boblainy. Night was approaching so the long legs moved into overdrive.

Visited 3/01/2013.

Leaving Tomnacross churchyard I followed the minor road down into the village of Kiltarlity and then headed west. The cairn is to the south of the road, being just a jump over the fence.

Fortunately the hollowed out cairn was dry despite the recent flooding so no accidents here. Greywether appeared here in summer and the site was overgrown. Fortunately I appeared in winter and the lack of overgrowth reveals a splendid kerb. With an almost complete kerb and all the standing stones it is yet another impressive site/sight

Visited 3/01/2013.

After finishing at Belladrum I walked back down onto the A833 headed south then took the first minor road west back into Kiltarlity but a funny thing happened on the way to the Bruiach. As I crossed onto the minor road I was met by an elderly gentleman walking his dog, He’d guessed I’d been up at the cairn and promptly said there was an ancient cairn in the local churchyard, Tomnacross.

As he described there is a thing that resembles a two tier cairn which has been used as a court and a gallows in the past. Canmore suggests it might be a motte. I haven’t a clue but the grass covered structure is an impressive sight and is being obviously looked after. Another church and ancient, possibly, combined site. Now on to Bruiach.

It would be interesting to read other people’s thoughts on this site. Whatever it’s age the scenery is spectacular.

Visited 3/01/2013.

On the A833 head south and stop at Kiltarlity, I parked at the restaurant near the road. Cross the road and head in a south easterly direction, the site is just over the crest of the hill.

There are tremendous all round views from, a truly beautiful location. 5 stones still stand with boulders and other field clearence for company. This was the start of the long walk, the other chamber cairn just north of here (same estate) was defeated by the onset of darkness and rain. But with all the other stuff I want to see I’ll surely return. The village has also a decent pub :-)

Visited 3/01/2013.

From the Moniak cairn head further up the track to Reelig cottage and jump the fence into the field/mud bath. From here walk (or swim) diagonally (south westish) to the gate on the far side, past tennis courts. These courts probably haven’t been used since prehistoric times as well going by their condition. In amongst the clump of trees, slightly to the north, The Giant’s Grave can be found. Very few people have been here recently, even the owner of Reelig House hadn’t seen it.

The stones are graded with large stones at the west end and smaller stones at the east end. Canmore says that it is probably a Orkney/Cromarty type cairn. Sadly during the the late 1800’s the covering stones of the cairn were removed to make dykes on the estate. What is left is are the remains of a chamber cairn which has been lengthened to resemble a Viking’s grave. I wouldn’t like to meet this person, he/she must be over 20 ft. tall and with all the muddy conditions it wouldn’t be easy to run away!

It is an idyllic setting with the trees making the place feel very old. I wonder how long it is until the next visitor. Wonderful site.

Visited 3/01/2013.

As seems usual if there is a hard way to find a place I’ll normally find it. However on this occasion the maps were wrong as I approached Moniak from the west leaving the A862 after the B9164 junction. Two roads from the west are now closed thanks to unsafe bridges. So the car was abandoned and the fairly short walk to Moniak accomplished (over the bridge 1st right).

Sadly this cairn has been almost wrecked thanks to continual abuse. Today it is mud thanks to recent floods and animal damage. Dead trees have been left to rot and farm machinery old and new left sitting on and around the site. Canmore have given up altogether which is a pity as the cairn tho bereft of stones still retains it’s shape as a probable Wessex type cairn. At least two kerbs seem earthfast, the rest have taken a battering or have been removed. Others are scattered all over the place.

Still, the tenant farmer has said he will tidy the site up and try to give it some protection. He was also a source of info about local chamber cairns and hillforts but didn’t have any info about the The Giant’s Grave. He did explain that I’d have a sea of mud to wade through. Great fun!

Visited 3/01/2013.