drewbhoy
The dun / crannog / causeway viewed from the north west.
Image credit: drew/AMJ
Straight west – next stop New York.
Image credit: drew/AMJ
The bay immediately north west – the sun vanished
Image credit: drew/AMJ
I wonder what this stone is saying.
Image credit: drew/AMJ
Taken from the gate near the graveyard.
Image credit: drew/AMJ
Mr G’s meandering sheep were visiting the cairn at the same time we meandered up to the same site. Still impressive amongst some of Scotland’s best and rugged scenery.
There is something about driech misty days that seem to age a site, almost like in very old forests – the whole atmosphere changes.
The remains of the chamber, like dodgy teeth in a kerb cairn, are still in place and the impressive width, regardless of who put it there, shows how clever the builders were – they took advantage of what was there.
Happily I took more in than my last visit – playing at the 1986 Broadford Music Festival at the airstrip. A nice walk to clear the head.
I’ve been to Skye many times since so it was nice to go back down the Elgol road.
Visited 03/08/2023.
An intact Bronze Age pot and a previously unknown Saxon village with a large hall were among the “exceptional” finds unearthed during a dig.
More info :
Plenty room to park to the north east of the cairn near the A890. As you come through the woods heading south, keep an eye on the west side of the road for remnants of the old single track main road. Park near the Allt Gleann Udalain Burn at a gate, this is indicated on the OS map.
From here its a sometimes boggy, sometimes a path but mainly turf covered route to the site, heading south west. Basically follow the main road.
The cairn is grass covered but stonework can be felt underfoot. It must have been huge as the footprint is at least 27m, despite the covering different levels can just about be seen. I thought it resembled a Wessex type cairn.
If you look back up the A890 you can see where to park. Spaces are further south but a deer fence and locked gates get in the way. Further up the gate can be opened.
Despite a murky day, great views of the nearby dam and surrounding hills.
Visited 03/08/2023.
Free entry to one of the Western Isles’ best-known and ancient sites could end under plans to raise money to help cover the cost of its upkeep.
More info :
I often forget the choke stones are very important, this on the south side.
Image credit: drew/AMJ
Looking east, Beinn A’Charra, the hill behind.
Image credit: drew/AMJ
Wonderful stone, wonderful location and an interesting conversation.
Image credit: drew/AMJ
Note the causeway, a bit of zoom and a rush to An Carra to discuss water levels.
Image credit: drew/AMJ
Taken from the chamber cairn at Reineval.
Image credit: drew/AMJ
From the south east looking north west towards the Atlantic.
Image credit: drew/AMJ
Loch a’ Ath Ruaidh heads west, a wee bit of land then Loch Na Muilne (home to a dun)
Image credit: drew/AMJ
Looking north towards A&B, a notice board and craft shop.
Image credit: drew/AMJ
This wheelhouse was restored and placed near the museum near Loch Kildonan.
Image credit: drew/AMJ
Looking north west, over the hill is Dun Vulan, a broch.
Image credit: drew/AMJ
Looking straight south, beyond should be the standing stone(s) of Sligenach, sadly covered up by dunes apparently.
Image credit: drew/AMJ
Looking south, the cairn is near to several possible roundhouses, wheelhouses hiding in the dunes and mounds.
Image credit: drew/AMJ
Gives an idea of the height of the remaining dun wall.
Image credit: drew/AMJ