drewbhoy

From the Invercairn Cairn I kept heading west on a remarkably free of traffic road considering the amount of new builds.

This cairn is also reasonably close to the road on the west side. Like the other nearby cairns it has seen a lot of damage but still retains some of of its shape. Stonework can be seen and perhaps 3 or 4 kerbs remain in place, on top of the cairn stones are scattered but it appears to have escaped serious houk damage to the centre. A lovely site that sits at almost 14m wide / 1.3m tall.

I liked this cairn, it had been cloudy, all sorts of weather had been passing either side but here it became brighter. I remained determined to reach Loch Nell during daylight, somehow I managed to miss a nearby cairn, but like the fort I’ll visit next time.

Visited 08/07/2022.

The cairn near Invercairn has been badly damaged. A wall, a fence and tree have been plonked on top and much of the south side has been removed. It must have been a huge site and still measures at almost 27m wide / 3m + high.

Having found a nice place to park at Dalnacabaig I kept walking, following the road to the west. The site is easily spotted from the road, the tree providing a nice indicator.

Visited 08/07/2022.

Head west on the minor road from Dun Iadain until shortly after Dalnacabaig, fortunately a boat was parked in a parking area that had plenty of room. For me a wee jump over the fence, for shorter legs there is a gate.

It is an oval shaped cairn sitting at 20m by 18m and still stands at almost 2.5m. Grass now covers the bulk of the cairn but most of the large kerbs have been removed, some impressive stones still remain giving an idea of what was once here. Cairn material can be seen dotted around the top of the site. The nearby Feochan Burn plays an important role here, many prehistoric sites line its banks.

Lovely site!

Visited 08/07/2022.

They chose well for this site as steep climbs surround the fort which also has good all round views. Situated near the minor road that follows Glen Feachan, the fort is can be accessed from both east and west. I approached from the west via a gate near to sharp corner on the road.

The entrance to the fort can be seen from the start of the climb being on the east, two ramparts can clearly be seen, aim for them, underfoot conditions are good. It measures at 58m by 20m being mostly turf covered. Despite decent ramparts near the entrance a lot of stone has been taken and used in nearby dykes, others have fallen to the bottom of the hill near the south section.

A very good site, well worth a visit.

Visited 08/07/2022.

We’re lucky to have any remains of the cairn at Ariogan considering its location is next to the A816 immediately to its east.

Some stonework does remain but most of the stones can be found in nearby dry stane dykes. Sitting at almost 5m wide and no more than 0.5m high it leads the way to more prehistoric sites to the south east of Oban.

Park at the entrance to what looks like a road to a quarry, plenty room, cross the road to the west, jump the fence and the cairn sits on the top of the wee hill.

Visited 08/07/2022.

Head up, leaving the A93, to the Crathes Castle car parks and follow the track heading south east, at that time fallen trees from Arwen etc were still strewn everywhere but gradually getting cleared.

Still the track follows Denwood Belt which connects the Ley and Baldarroch Woods, with mound on the south flank. Sitting at 15m by 10m it is 3m high and oval shaped. Plenty of stones can be seen all round some almost suggesting a kerb. There has been a lot going on at Crathes, ancient clocks, cairns and a few mounds.

Interesting area.

Visited 29/03/2022

On a day of stunning sites, Cnoc Udais proved to be equally stunning.

From Breakachy I re-joined the A831, headed north to Beauly on the A862 until I reached the centre of Muir Of Ord where I headed north west on the A832 until Ord Distillery. From there follow the minor road west until Auchmore Farm is signposted. Go the end of this road, there is plenty room to park but ask permission first.

The storms of 2021 have destroyed most of the Auchmore Wood, forestry work continued with men and machine removing the fallen trees.

Luckily the track that continues west from the farm has not been affected, keep going past a mast, keep heading uphill until a track heads south. This track will lead to another, a partially tarred track which heads east to the top of the hill, tarred because of the three masts. All of which makes it easier to reach the cairn.

The cairn is impressive, it has a large footprint, it also stands at 15m wide and is almost 2m tall. Stunning all round views and also, on this day, stunning views north west, a blizzard heading straight my way.

By the time I’d reached Auchmore Wood, various types of light highlighted the extent of the damage to the wood. The forestry people were going to work well into the night, they would be doing that all over Scotland for a lot of nights. By the time I’d reached the car the snow had arrived making driving along the narrow minor road treacherous until I reached the Muir Of Ord.

Stunning site, stunning day.

Visited 02/01/2022.

Dun Mor, near Breakachy, has to be one of the most spectacular sites I’ve ever visited, the views are breathtaking, the amount of stonework verging on the unbelievable.

From Dun Chliabhain I headed back down to the A831 and headed south west and took the first minor road heading north west at Teanassie to eventually park, after asking permission, at Cruenassie.

Take the track to Breakachy Farm, keep heading over the small stream, past the old house still going north. By this time any type of track has gone and underfoot conditions are reasonable if conditions are dry. Luckily for me it remained fairly dry despite the occasional flurry of snow.

The fort / dun comes into view over a small ridge, it is a stunning sight, in the sunlight the rocks glisten. Almost two years previous I’d seen, along with A & B, the fort from over the valley at the Breackachy cairn. It was impressive from there, it is incredible close-up. Like back then and on the day of this visit the Breakachy Burn was in full flow. At the bottom of site there is a gate, part of the deer fence, which can be climbed through.

The crag on which the fort is built might be isolated but it isn’t alone as there are plenty of prehistoric sites nearby to keep it company.

The overall measurement is 25m by 16m making it oval shaped, the walls are over 5m wide with the entrance on the south east which I clambered over as the walls have fallen in. To the south of the crag there is another line of defence which extends the fort to some 40m in width.

Steep sides to north and east, cliff face on the west complete the defences.

After several walks around it was time to head back to the warmth of the car and a wee trip to Cnoc Udais.

One of the best sites I’ve seen.

Visited 02/01/2022.

After good look at the cairn at Cnoc Na Moine I headed back to the forestry track by the way I arrived. Head north on the track until the deer gate, go through and keep your eyes on the deer fence to the west for a small gap which can be easily climbed through. Keep heading west on a path of sorts until the trees end. In front will be Dun Chliabhain.

Despite being very chilly and with an occasional snow flurry it was a glorious day. It is an easy climb heading west to the impressive site.

Defences to the north include a cliff, part of the stone wall has fallen over the side. The wall in the east, home to the entrance, and south is impressive being well over 3.5 meters wide, there is another wall to south beneath the small hill, this appears to be an unfinished defence, tapering out towards the east. Western defences consist of a lower wall with the higher wall reducing in size towards the north.

Stunning views to the north west of snow covered mountains, clear vision to the forts to the south and to the east there is the Beauly Firth. These hills are covered in prehistoric sites, these sites are also in some of Scotland’s best scenery.

Lovely site.

Visited 02/01/2022.

Leave the A839 at Kilmorack Hall and take the minor road north, turn west for a short distance, then north, then north east following the road round the sharp corner, head north to the roads end. It says ‘No Parking’ but the track further uphill is perfectly fine for a car if you like a steep climb, I parked at a turning place for forestry vehicles, just before Farley Wood.

I made my way back downhill a short distance then headed west. Luckily a track of sorts skirted a bog, walking near a wooded area avoided more bog until a more heathery part was reached, amongst this clearing is the site.

It sits at almost 7m high and is almost 1m high, with several kerbs still in place. A large flattish stone also sits on the south west, a cist cover, perhaps. One thing for sure, it was well placed. Beautiful views all round, multiple prehistoric sites on most hills, to the east the start of the Beauly Firth, further east the Kessock Bridge can just about be glimpsed.

Great start to what would be a great day.

Visited 02/01/2022.

I approached from the east on the B951 on the way home from Brankam Hill taking the first minor road heading north, west of Forter Castle. Alternatively you can leave the A93 and head north east on the B951, near the banks of the Black Water. Take the first minor road north. A short distance up this road there is a forestry track heading heading east, plenty room to park. The site can be seen to west, clearly visible from the road. Walk a wee bit north and a gate to the field will be found. The cairn is on top of the small but prominent hill in front.

It is a small cairn being 6.5m wide and 0.2m high. However, several kerbs remain in place with spectacular all round views. Almost due west are the two cairns at Lair, on the west side of the A93.

A lovely end to a lovely day.

Visited 29/12/2021.

Always nice to report a new discovery especially if has been discovered by a friend, in this case Allan Clark whose land the site sits.

From Purgavie Farm I headed straight up the track to the north climbing Brankam Hill, an area I’ve looked and looked at, keep heading uphill but go North east following the track north east, over the top and down to the gates near a hut circle, and normally near a very large puddle. (On the OS map there is also indicated a path, leaves the B951 heading north.)

From there head straight north, if you go east you’ll find Wellton, Carrach and Mile Hill Cairns.

Kerbs sporadically surround the site, at least one stone looks like it once stood and there appears to be hardly any houk damage. It stands at almost 10m wide and is 0.8m high. No tree planting will happen in this area.

Situated on the saddle of the Brankam and Wellton Hills, there are stunning views on an area covered in prehistory. Though it can’t be seen, the impressive Strone East cairn is a short distance north, the cairn at Lintrathen is clearly visible, Brankam Hill is covered in prehistory, Foldend, Pitmudie, Torrax, Wester Coul etc etc are all nearby. Plenty days of prehistory here.

If parking at any of the nearby farms please ask permission.

Visited 29/12/2021.

Same as Nick’s notes and park near the the sign at Carlungie Farm. However, the track from the road to the site has been ploughed up and on my visit was a bit of a sticky mud bath.

Still, like its near neighbour at Ardestie and slightly further away at Tealing a superb site, and like both of these sites, well trimmed grass.

Visited 27/12/2021.

With the sound of Carnyx’s still in my head I chased various visiting Danes and Romans all the way to the magnificent souterrain at Ardestie. Things have changed since Nick’s visit.

There is now a car park, a decent track to the well manicured site. This is a tremendous place and photographs are far better than my ramblings.

Should also be noted that perhaps the road layout has changed. I approached from the north, B962, via Templehall, Laws hill (home to various prehistoric sites, cup marked rocks, fort, broch etc) is to the west, this won’t have changed much. If approaching from the south leave the A 92 and head north on the B962, pull in at the first layby on the west, this is actually the car park for the souterrain, no sign indicating the nearby site when I was there, hopefully something will be up before to long.

A must visit!

Visited 27/12/2021.

By the time I’d arrived here the skies had closed in, the cloud was low, on the plus side only a light drizzle accompanied me to the fort. I parked at Woodside cottages, walked south towards the sewage works, keep an eye on the fence to the east, there is a gap, go through that and head to the east side of the hill. At this point access to the hill is at it’s easiest.

Head west and you’ll see small traces of ramparts all around. Sadly a lot of the broch, hut circles and fort have been quarried so not to much remains. What does remain is interesting, the broch on the west end of the hill sits on to of the fort despite being almost removed completely the furze/bracken gives a good idea where it once stood. Even shooters, whose spent cartridges are everywhere, have helped by creating a path through the walls giving an idea of with width. Either side of this are the walls covered in vegetation, difficult to spot but definitely there.

The gap in the vegetation caused by the shooters also shows the remains of a causeway, which can be found by going through the gap of large facer stones.

On a clearer day day there would be lovely views all round, but I like the mist, the swirl of drizzle. It’s easy to let the imagination run riot and being a brass player I imagined hearing these Iron Age Celts (no surprise there) blasting away on a Carnyx.

With that in my head, a lot goes through my head, I headed back to the car. A couple of souterrains next on the list.

Visited 27/12/2021.

Heading east from Dundee on the B861 park at the first gap after the North Gates farm. The wood on top of the hill also houses the Bronze Age cairn. By the time you’ve walked there the chances are that you’ve walked over two enclosures and a souterrain.

The cairn is huge, 40m wide and 2m high with loads of humps and bumps. There is a lot of cairn material lying about, there is also a lot of field clearance.

A Pictish stone, probably a recycled capstone, was taken to Linlathen House and promptly lost.

A nice large site to start the day.

Visited 27/02/2021.

Christmas Day provided beautiful weather for a good hike, sadly our intended target was Hill of Maud / The Rinnes. However Storm Arwen had made sure the hill was impossible to climb, the road near being barely passable.

We hadn’t been to the Green Castle at Portknockie for a while, and its stunning natural neighbour, Bow Fiddle Rock, therefore a visit required. It might have looked calm but sea seemed pretty rough to me.

Park on Patrol Road, head towards the sea and a path will be found to both sides. Head east to Bow Fiddle, a track will take you to a pebbly beach and another leads to a place where you can almost look down on to the natural arch.

Apparently the rock is named because of a similarity to the tip of a fiddle (violin) bow. Personally I think whoever thought of that must have had a few drams to many!

Wonderful scenery!

Visited 25/12/2021.

After an early start the drive down from Turriff was very pleasant until the Kirriemuir junction at Forfar, looking west it looked very gloomy with large dark clouds and mist. From Kirriemuir I headed along one of my favourite routes the B951, via Kingoldrum, to Purgarvie. The farmer will allow parking, please ask permission.

Across and north from the farm climb up Brankam Hill, thru the gate next to farm, straight north thru another gate then follow the track heading north east down the other side which will lead to another gate and stream. There are many prehistoric sites on this hill. Head up the hill in front Wellton, home to another cairn and keep going. By this time the rain was in full flow, a nightmare but I plodded on through a marsh, gradually heading uphill. The Carrach cairn should be visible. Head towards the trees and head south, there will be a pond and a gate, go through this and head east. This is Kinclune Hill, with its double top. Climb the east side of the hill and then head north. Go downhill, jump the fence, stream and then head uphill again. This approach is from the east, much easier than the very steep western approach.

By now the rain was torrential and mist was obscuring the view.

There isn’t much left of the Mile Hill cairn, it has been robbed, flattened by cattle and is covered in turf. What a pity it wasn’t a better day as views from here would be spectacular, the whole area being covered in multiple prehistoric sites. Culhawk, Kingoldrum, Ascreavie, Lintrathen, Strone, Brankam, Lintrathen, Plew, Motherie etc etc can normally all be seen from here. Luckily the rain eased slightly as I took a few photos of the cairn which is 5m wide and 0.3m tall. The perfect location and with the weather, an atmospheric site with swirling cloud, mist and rain.

Heading back I chanced going down the west side to reclimb the west side of Kinclune. Look for a track, this will lead back to the gate/pond and the route that eventually ends up at Purgavie Farm. By now streams had become rivers, the valley below was flooded and weather forecast was for more rain.

The River Isla was bursting its banks but I made it safely north on to the A93 which eventually leads to the north east.

And no accidents!

Visited 23/12/2021

From Tom Na Moine I headed back to Tomatin and the A9 to go north. Take the B9154, then the first track that leaves it heading north east. Plenty room to park, be careful to park in the correct place.

Head to Loch Moy’s edge and follow the path north until a clearing that gives you lovely views of the crannog. This is quite an easy walk, in rainy days it could be a bit of a mud bath.

Being over 12m the remnants of a dun or another type of building appear to have left a cairn sitting on top. Later centuries saw it used as a prison and a place of execution.

However, it is a more peaceful place now apart from the hum of traffic on the nearby A9. Superb walk all round the loch, superb scenery makes it even better.

Visited 23/10/2021.

From Tomatin take the minor road as it heads south west following the River Findhorn until the lodges west of Kyllachy House. After asking permission to park I headed north east and uphill following a forestry track.

Keep heading uphill until well clear of the trees, go past an unused shed until a deer gate. After the gate I headed east following the track of a dried out burn until a small bog, luckily this was reasonably dry, then head uphill again and north east. This should lead straight to the cairn.

A well preserved cist remains, with edged stones being over a meter long and 0.5 meter wide/deep. I counted nine kerbs in the cairn which is over 6m in width / 0.5m high.

A beautiful site with tremendous views, with the Rover Findhorn in the glen below, also in the glen below was a heavy rain shower which swept past ensuring I’d avoid a drenching.

Visited 23/10/2021.

Leaving Aviemore and heading west on the A9, just before it becomes a dual carriageway, there is a road to the right which leads to Ballinluig Farm. I searched for someone to ask permission to park, found nobody but left ticket on the dash saying what I was up to.

Head south from the farm, open the gate, keep going, cross the Coachan Ruadh, luckily for me at normal levels and to you’ll come to a fenced pheasant section. There is a gate on the south.

The grass covered cairn sits on top of the small hill and has a fair amount of water tanks, corrugated iron etc surrounding it. However, it seems to have maintained its shape being 8m wide and going by my tape measure nearly 1m high. There is rock content in the middle of the cairn.

If it hadn’t been for the surroundings this would be a very beautiful site.

Visited 23/10/2021.

As well as the biggest cairn at Delbog there are four smaller cairns that appear to be of the burial type. These are situated east of the main cairn. Starting with the furthest east.

NH9442315121 The furthest east cairn has a fairly large footprint of about 5m, and is about 1m in height. It has been disturbed and its centre dug out, revealing a rectangular shape in the middle. Several earthfast stones, possibly kerbs remain.

NH9640615158 Moving slightly west and downhill, another cairn can be found. Another decent sized cairn with what looks like remains of a cist in the centre. Almost 5m wide and at its tallest 1m.

NH9639715136 The third cairn is once again to the west and downhill. Like the previous cairn, the centre of the monument has been disturbed revealing the remnants of something rectangular. Nearer 6m wide and almost 1m tall, possible kerbs underneath the whins.

NH9636115149 Perhaps the largest of the four, it appears to be well over 6m wide and in bits over 1m tall. The normal disturbance has happened to the centre revealing a probable cist.

At the third time of asking, these cairns have been eventually photographed. A faulty camera card meaning a revisit to here, Revack and Coire Molach. On my return from the second visit I somehow deleted the photos of the smaller cairns. However, the third visit, on the by now well trod path, led to success.

However it should be noted that parking is no longer allowed at the place I first parked, just turning. Just drive a 100meters down from where the OS says the minor road end, there is space on a track that hasn’t been used for years,, on the north side.

Visited 23/10/2021.

The small wood housing Cairn Muir can be clearly seen from the massive cairn at Mains of Fordie. From Fordie’s cairn I headed back down to the track and headed east, over the minor road to walk to what appears to be farm buildings made into an industrial estate. This is called Culthill and from here walk north following a stream until the track leads to a filed. Look north and the small wood containing the cairn will be seen.

What must have been originally a huge cairn has seen some serious damage. It remains at almost 32m wide and 0.5m high. Its perimeter marked by a boundary of pebble type stones which can be seen at the southern edge. Most the cairn material has been taken away for building purposes.

Mysterious that one cairn remains almost intact whilst the other 3 have seen serious damage.

A nice wee walk on the way to Birnam.

Visited 08/10/201.

From the lodge at Glendelvine I headed north to the next crossroads and then headed west. The cairn at Mains Of Fordie is easy to spot being near the stop of a slope, it is also huge, 25m wide and almost 4m high. Sadly, it has been clipped and some stones can be seen scattered. It is mostly grass covered and rocks can be felt underfoot, some of which is probably field clearance. However, it looks like the central and main part of site is untouched. Hopefully it stays that way.

Tremendous views south, east (the site of Cairn Muir is easily spotted) and west. To the north is Fordie Hill, partially obscured by a wood.

Cairn Muir is to the east, my next destination, down through the mud bath I go.

Visited 08/10/2021.

From the Caputh Cairn head east along the A984 and take the first minor road that heads north. I parked at Lodge Cottage, being given permission to do so by the occupant. Head further north, by foot, on the minor road and look for the gap in the hedge to the east. Once this gap is found walk south east and the site should be seen reasonably quickly.

The grass covered, like its close neighbour at Caputh, site has been badly damaged. It’s height is well disguised by the grass slope but looking from a distance it is at least 1m in height being 25m wide.

At least the rain had stopped by this time, in an area full of prehistory.

Visited 08/10/2021.

The Caputh Cairn is slightly to the south of the A984 on the east side of the village Caputh, pronounced Kay – pith. I parked near the farm road that leads to Forehill.

Walking a short distance west in the wood that follows the A984.

The badly damaged and grass / tree covered cairn sits at 24m wide and is 0.6m high. The centre has been houked.

If the view was minus the trees clear views to the River Tay in the south.

On a nice day would be a nice site, on damp rainy day it was still a nice site.

Visited 08/10/2021.

A stupid sign saying don’t enter the field, and for a change to obeyed the sign as I was heading back to Turriff and couldn’t be bothered having a squabble if caught jumping the fence or opening a gate to an empty field.

Stunning views down Loch Linnhe and Creag Ghorm in the south remind me that it has been a while since I traipsed round this area.

Looks like a return visit to an area I’ve driven past many times heading to the ferry port of Oban.

Visited 29/07/2021.

Rockandy found an easy route to get to Strone, leaving from the standing stone at Sannaig I thought I’d found an easy route as well.

From Sannaig I headed back down to the track and headed south west until the track ended. So cross country I went through forest quite often slipping downhill on my backside. However, eventually I headed westish to see a wall, fence and an old bothy, in the distance Strone Standing Stone.

Fortunately, I found a gate so save any jumping of fences. Luckily, there hadn’t been any rain or underfoot would have been very boggy.

The impressive stone stands at 3m tall, the strange thing being that despite walking round the site several times I didn’t find its fallen friend.

Superb views especially to Poll a Cheo, the bay to the south. Close by are a chamber cairn, cairn and a cist but time had beat me and an appointment at the Jura Hotel had to be kept.

So the last visit to site on Jura this trip, plenty more to find. Next time!

Visited 28/07/2021.

From the fort at Creag An Dunan I headed back to the main track and followed it until it came to Sannaig, a collection of a long empty township and rusting machines. When this track meets another track head north east continually looking north west, here you’ll find/see a couple of tracks made by visitors to the stone(s).

Originally this would have been part of a stone row with three stones. However two have fallen and are gradually being covered in moss. A gentle restoration would be nice for the intact fallen stone, sadly the third stone appears to be broken.

Set in a nice open space, this is a beautiful site.

Visited 29/07/2021.

After the previous day’s huge hike it was back to the much easier trek to the fort at Creag An Dunain. I parked on the south side of Sannaig Wood, plenty room. Follow the track as it heads south, and follow it as it heads east. Take the first track heading north which leads to a dis-used quarry, clamber up the slope to the east, the fort will be in front of you.

This is the entrance to the fort. Ruined wall surrounds the crag which to south has very steep cliffs. It is likely that the fort has been clipped, or at least the entrance has, by the quarrying.

A good start to the afternoon.

Visited 29/07/2021.

This is quite literally the end of the road as far as Jura is concerned. The track ends at Kinauchdrachd at a farmhouse that both looks like it’s being restored or fallen down. What has almost fallen is the small houses of the small hamlet that once existed here.

Just beyond these buildings is a flat area which looks as if it has been farmed, this houses the two cairns.

The cairn at NR 7053 9885 is the largest being 11m wide and 1m tall. It appears to have a capstone or large stone on top. Apart from that it is grass covered. Canmore say no kerbs, I think a couple poke their heads through the turf.

The smaller cairn is only 15m to west and is also grass covered but a very lovely shape. It is almost 5m wide and 0.6m tall.

Both cairns have tremendous views over the Sound Of Jura and Scarba (island), the other side of Corryvreckan.

Now for those going on to Corryvreckan viewpoint to see the standing wave, whirlpools and Scarba finding the path can be a nightmare. We scrambled up the steep slopes through woods to eventually reach the path heading north, however there is a much easier way. Go back to the farmhouse and head down the track for 50m, look for a broken stump on the west side, this marks the beginning of the route to the viewpoint. The post, which once upon a time had a sign, has all but rotted away, look up the hill and path can be spied but the beginning of it cannot be seen. The ferns on Jura have had a glorious year!. The track is fairly easy, over a couple of wee hills till the viewpoint.

Despite the length of the walk, this is a stunning place, stunning scenery and a lot of prehistory on the way. Give yourself plenty time and leave earlyish, by the time we arrived back to the car it was still daylight, by the time we arrived back in Craighouse it was dark.

Great walk, great sites, and feet reasonably fine.

Visited 28/07/2021.

I couldn’t get to the dun but I could get to the Kerb Cairn. Keep following the road north until, at a severe corner, you go past the entrance to Barnhill.

There is a flatter area of grass as the road heads north, look east you’ll see a gap in the dyke which leads up the small hill of Glac A Chneamha. Along with nearby Cnoc an t-Sabhail, the area Barnhill was built on, there is evidence of small hamlets and a now long gone population. Bronze Age people lived here and maybe they had a small village here as well. I couldn’t find that, I found some of the medieval ‘but n ben’s and more importantly for here the cairn remains in place.

Once on top of Glac A Chneamha head south over fairly uneven ground, nothing to bad.

The site is almost 5m wide and 0.3m tall. One kerb remains in place, its near neighbour topped and another on the east also toppled. However in the centre there is perhaps a cist, hard to tell with all the vegetation. Jura has had a remarkable summer for ferns! Absolutely stunning views, the Sound of Jura, mainland Scotland, to the north Scarba’s east coast.

Onwards and north.

Visited 28/07/2021.

Continuing northwards we eventually looked down into the valley in which Barnhill stands, the house made famous by George Orwell who wrote 1984 here and by some of his exploits on boats.

The house is still owned by the Fletcher family who rented it to Orwell, and at the time of this visit the house was occupied by members of the Fletcher family. To get to the site would have meant walking across their land and nobody was at home.

So pictures of the dun perhaps broch from afar. Tremendous site for such a monument with superb views south. East and north views of the Sound of Jura and the Scottish mainland.

Would have been nice to get closer.

Visited 28/07/2021.

For a long time it was considered that the chamber cairn at Cladh Chlainn Iain was the only monument of this type on Jura. It looks like the Jura Heritage Society might have found another.

After clambering my way cross country, from the cairn at Cnoc A Chuirn, following the stream I landed in, Allt a’Chuirn Mhoir north westish I regained the firmer ground of the track near a bright blue coloured bridge, Follow the track as it meanders north crossing a bridge near a hut, keep going until until a silver coloured bridge. The site is beyond, hiding behind a small mound and to the west.

Using the casual eye I made the site 15m long, 4m wide and perhaps 2m tall. Stone work can be seen a points all round the cairn especially at the eastern end.

Nowadays this a lonely lonely place, in the past and perhaps not to distant past quite a lot of people lived here. Sadly apart from residents at Barnhill the area is population free except for wildlife. However it has tremendous views especially north east to the Scottish mainland.

Worth a visit!

Visited 28/07/2021.

Cnoc A’ Chuirn Mhoir – Hill Of The Big Cairn, is the perfect description for this site which is 200m south of the summit.

The minor road ends at Lealt with a small car park, an information board and signpost indicating the distance to places further north (distances in miles).

Barnhill 1984
Kinauchdrachd 5
Corryvreckan 7

However our first site of the day would be the 17m by 1m kerb cairn. It is set in a truly spectacular location. The hill of the same name to the north, clear views over the Sound of Jura to the Scotland’s mainland. There are kerbs on the west side, under the heather there are kerbs on the north. Despite the remoteness, plenty people lived here in the past and there is some evidence of this as some stone rubble was dumped on the north part of the site.

From Lealt follow the track north until the deer fence veers north east. Follow this and it will lead straight to the cairn. This is the proper way, unfortunately for me I headed cross country from the track heading east as a bridge in the distance came into view. Unfortunately for me as I made my way across the valley I found out why there was a bridge as I promptly walked straight into the Allt a Chuirn Mhoir burn.

Nothing deterred from the site – stunning!

Visited 28/07/2021.

Take the road the leads east just to the north of the hotel and as the land flattens out climb over the gate into the field. This field is immediately behind the hotel. Sadly there isn’t much to see except for natural defences on the west.

However, placed to the south of the River Sorn, it would have been a great vantage point.

Head back to ferry to Jura time.

Visited 27/07/2021.

Sometimes my job, my favourite drink and prehistory all occasionally collide, sometimes unintentionally.

On a previous visit to Islay I’d visited The Oa with its American Monument (erected after the tragic events during 1918), this time to complete research for a new album I’d visited the Kilchoman Military cemetery, overlooking Machir Bay, scene of another tragedy. On leaving the cemetery I, of course, had to visit the local distillery to sample some of the local holy water.

Just to west of the distillery’s car park there is Rockside Dun, one of many prehistoric sites in the area.

The most likely entrance is to the south east of the 30m by 10m site. Not much remains of the ramparts apart from some fallen stone all round the wee hill, 6m high, that is overlooked by some serious looking cliffs.

Great wee site, the local drink would be sampled later on Jura.

Visited 28/07/2021.

Dun Nosebridge truly is a stunning place and it can be seen from Mulindry, where we parked. The gentleman at Mulindry Old Schoolhouse, also proved very helpful, with place name pronunciations, and also allowed to park immediately behind his car, i.e. The Oa / Kilchoman. Nosebridge is as it reads :-)

Cross over the River Laggan, and take the track heading east, a nice easy walk which leads straight to fort. The cairn at Caisteal Mhic Dhomhnuill is also nearby, is at the top of the hill immediately north.

However the main attraction soon comes into view. The fort can be easily climbed from the west but the main stone lined entrance is on the east. Three huge ramparts cover north, three, perhaps more cover east and west and to the south natural defences, a cliff face.

There must have been a huge amount of work carried out here, no doubt in later centuries the fort was used for more agricultural purposes. At the moment, thankfully, it seems to be left alone.

Truly stunning site.

Visited 28/07/2021.

From the hut circles at Abhainn A’ Garbh-achaidh follow the road as it heads north, then south east passing the the working croft of Ardmenish. Keep going until the road heads south west, then leave the road and head straight for the only high ground – the Ardmenish Fort.

It is a well defended site with the remains, some still built, of four walls. To the north of this is the entrance, a relatively easy climb.

This was the second time we’d seen the fort, earlier that day an open rib boat slowed so I could take a couple pictures of the fort, after that it was up to Corryvreckan, eagles of various type, whirlpools and standing wave.

The track from Knockrome to Ardmenish has been improved and I’m glad to say that it looks like The Light Houses, home to the light house keepers, are being restored as well.

Great site, more info on the Canmore link.

Visited 27/07/2021.

After getting permission to park at Burnside, Knockrome we followed the track as it headed North with great views of the Lowlandman’s Bay to east. This is a very open stretch of track until the small wood at the crossing of the Abhainn A’ Garbh-achaidh Burn. A short distance north beyond the burn stands a small clump of trees to the east of the track, the hut circles are conveniently pointed out, one beneath the trees and one found by tripping over a stone.

Luckily one of the huts has trees outlining it’s shape, stones remain in place and it has walls up to 2m wide. The other hut is slightly to the south east and also has several stones in place as I discovered with Jura’s now infamous high ferns covering the site.

Nice site, much easier in winter.

Visited 27/07/2021.

The A846 isn’t the only road on Islay, there are roads to Keils, Inverlussa, Knockrome and Lealt (the walk to Corryvreckan). It does, however, have only one A road, the A846.

The dun at Doir A’Chorain, just the east of Gate House (north on the road) and south of Lagg can be reached by parking near the passing place, there is plenty of room.

A short walk south reaches the site which is 14m long by 9m wide. It is surrounded by walls some of which still remain in a built condition, at their widest they reach 2m. However an annexe, 18m long and 11m wide also surrounded in walls contains the main front door in the north east with perhaps another smaller entrance on the south side of the dun.

An interesting place and a place that you can easily be spied on. Deer, at least 50 or 60 of them watched nervously from Cnoc A Doire Dharaich to the east, their antlers dark on the hilltop.

Visited 26/07/2021.

The standing stone at Ardlussa like many standing stones appears to indicate a natural harbour and is situated on the north side of Ardlussa Bay, a short distance east from the road.

It stands at about 1 meter high and has no markings. The only thing to disturb its peace was myself and a few cows.

Nice site.

Visited 26/07/2021.

This must have been a huge cairn at some point, it still is despite being much reduced in size. However it is difficult to photograph thanks to trees growing on it and the very high ferns, seemingly commonplace this year on Jura.

Take the Keils minor road from Craighouse heading west following it as it heads north, at the next sharp corner stop. From here head east down the hill which leads straight to an entrance to a field. Look up the small hill, the cairn is amongst the trees.

After jumping the fence be careful as you’ll land in the beginnings of the stonework. Kerbs can be seen on the north and south after a good tramping down of vegetation.

Apparently the cairn was used as a type of kirk or meeting place during 1847.

Could be a very good site if the vegetation went away.

Visited 26/07/2021.

Parking is available to the south of Craighouse at the crossroads with the main road and two tracks. To the west leads the stone row at Carragh A’ Ghlinne, to the east is Crackaig Farm.

Head east along this track, for about 200 metres, then look for a gap in the dry stane dyke to head south west. The dun is on the north side of the hill so head for low point between the two high points of the hill, then head north. Dry conditions made the climb fairly easy.

Remnants of defences can be seen on the south and north west as large well placed stones, some of these stones being 3m in length. The stone on its edge marks the forts front door to the south. A much reduced rampart surrounds the interior which is approximately 15m by 10m. Steep slopes on three sides complete the defences.

Superb all round views, north to the Bay Of Small Islands and on a good day Ireland to the south.

Visited 26/07/2021.

After the battering from Druim Loisgte we retraced our footsteps back to the standing stone at Cnocan Soiller, this time leaving the path to go straight west, which leads to a gate. Climb over this and head north west to the second clearing in the trees/bushes – the cairn rests to the west side of this.

The site sits at almost 6m wide and is 1m high, farmers from all ages have taken advantage and dumped stones onto the east and south sides. Tremendous views of the Bay of Small Islands, my favourite, the smallest, is called Useless Island and to the west Jura’s most famous sight, The Paps of Jura. Whoever was placed here certainly had a decent view.

To get back to the car park simply head straight north, there is a gate in the north east part of the field.

Nice wee site to finish the afternoon.

Visited 25/07/2021.

This fort might appear fairly low and it might appear to be easy to reach. It isn’t, our attempts, and there were several yielded no reward.

Our first attempt was to head straight across and batter our way through head high ferns, brambles and various other obstacles. A and B battled their way through and climbed the first part of the cliff. However the climb was to steep and their legs not long enough. However I did manage to climb up and eventually made it to a clearing near the cliff’s edge. This was between the hill to the south and the fort, there appeared to be a hollow way and a tracks end not listed Canmore. Tightly packed trees and various other plants made entering the fort from the south impossible. Heading west I made it back to the bottom of the hill on the An Aird side, only to fall into ditch which was fortunately dry. Following this north for about 20 meters I had another attempt thwarted, having climbed half way there nowhere to go but back down. Trying the headland proved equally futile.

A winter time visit would probably help find a way up, tantalising but no cigar this time.

Visited or attempted 25/07/2021

From the standing stone on Cnocan Soillier head south following the track, part human, part animal, part quad and follow it as it swings north into a flat area called An Aird, situated between to secluded beaches. Head north to find a way round the headland which is the Druim Loisgte, a fort (more of which later) until you reach a natural causeway. The causeway has pebbles then beaches at both sides.

Entrance to the fort is on the south west and is about a metre wide, superbly defended by several standing stonesque rocks, then clamber up the east side. On the forts western side several facer stones give protection, on the east there are hints of a rampart. These defend an area of around 40m by 15m. The south end has been described as a dragon’s tail by locals, a reasonable assessment. Superbly located it can see both the entrances to the Bay of the Small Isles to the south, and much closer Lowlandman’s Bay to the north. Vikings are said to have taken keen interest here and at Ardmenish to the north, as these inlets made superb harbours.

To the east is the Sound of Jura, and whilst on the way to the whirlpools at Corryvreckan was lucky enough to take a couple of photographs from the watery side.

To west is Druim Loisgte...............

Fantastic site.

Visited 25/07/2021.

Head north from Craighouse on the A846 and take the minor road heading east towards Knockrome, home to three standing stones and at the roads end Ardfernal, home to another standing stone. At the end of the road as it veers north there is a track heading towards Cnocan Soilleirs highest point, before this there is a gate and the track, man and cattle made heads south. Follow this until it starts to head downhill. In a clearing there are some rock plates and glacerial, just beyond this and immediately east stands the hill’s standing stone.

The stone stands at just over 1 meter high and has a square top, having no markings. Some chokes lay hidden in the grass, ferns and heather It has clear views into the Bay of Small Islands and to the west, the famous Paps of Jura.

This is also the route to the two forts further on and a cairn to the west.

Great wee site, spectacular views.

Visited 25/07/2021.

The dun Carn Liath is very close to Jura’s only village of Craighouse. Opposite the island’s shop there is a track that heads uphill and west going behind the sacred Isle of Jura distillery. Keep going until the track swerves north towards masts of various description. Instead of heading north, head straight on, west, into the trees and follow a hardly used track, tree lined but full of cleggs (horsefly). Luckily I take so may drugs (legal), they ignore me but they had fun with A.

Keep looking north until you see where there is a circle of higher ferns, in winter this mound will be reasonably easy to spot. Despite a good covering a small part of the dun had no ferns allowing this visitor to spy some stonework on the western side. Plenty of nearby dry stane dykes have benefited from their builders robbing stones from the site.

Still, beautiful views into the Bay of Small Isles, everywhere in fact, and this gives the idea that this position was used to keep an eye on the bay, just like its two friends at Knockrome and another at Ardmenish.

Visited 24/07/2021.

From our accommodation in Ardrishaig we headed down to the Crinan Canal and walked north along West Bank Road until to come to the Kilduskland Burn. Follow the path west, climbing steadily, cross two wooden bridges looking for a small waterfall near a reasonably sized pool. The fort is on the northern side, then head east.

Sadly vegetation has taken over much of the fort. Outer defences are reached or tripped over on the west side. Both sides of the fort are protected by sheer drops falling into two steams. Buildings in the fort are almost impossible to make out but are there.

A winter time visit needed to really see what’s going on here. Still a very nice, cool walk amongst the trees after a long car journey. Even better a pub on the shore at the bottom of the hill.

Visited 23/07/2021.