CARL

Visited 17.6.12

And so my 3 week ‘Scottish adventure’ comes to an end.
It started with a stone circle and so it is fitting that it should end with a stone circle.

We parked on the verge next to the stile and Karen and the children stayed in the car as I entered the field full of young cows to walk over to the circle.

As I walked around the circle touching each stone (as you do) I became aware of all the cows heading towards me.
I wasn’t too bothered at first but became a bit more concerned as they had now started to run towards me!

I headed back to the stile only to be overtaken by the cows who obviously thought they were going to get fed by Karen. This meant I had to push my way through the cows to get to the stile and out of the field. As it happens this was ok but I am sure it would have frightened people who are not used to this sort of thing!

Well, it was time to head home and back to ‘reality’.
It was a busy but very productive 3 weeks ‘old stoning’ in which I visited many more sites than I expected. (Thank you Karen).
Also thanks to all of you who have read/suffered all the posts I have written over the last few weeks and no doubt would have been fed up of seeing so many!

Visited 16.6.12

The best place to park is in the forestry commission car park and walk to the stone.

Access to the field is via a wooden gate.

The stone is approximately 1 metre high and has a ‘V’ notched out of the top of it.
The stone is on a small grass knoll.

The stone is visible from the road but it is easier to see when travelling east.

Visited 16.6.12

After enjoying a cuppa in the town of Ballater it was time for a minor detour south.
(There was a craft fair going on when we arrived and I picked up a nice print of Callanish for £10 – would have cost 3 times that in the Callanish visitor centre!)

The stone stands in an open field opposite a house so no fences to climb over for a change!

The stone is approximately 1.7 metres high with green lichen on top.

Worth a look when in the area.

Visited 16.6.12

Although right next to the road this stone is easy to miss as it is amongst trees and can be mistaken for a tree trunk!
Look to the left of the gate.

It is approximately 2 metres tall x 0.8 metres wide at the base.

No lichen for a change!

Visited 16.6.12

This 2 metre tall stone is easy to visit via a metal gate in the corner of the field.

The stone is covered in lichen.

If you would rather not risk the ire of a farmer the stone is easily seen from the road.

Visited 16.6.12

Access is easy although parking on the busy A827 isn’t.

This is a very large Barrow, next to the road, which has a circle of large trees planted on top of it.

A single standing stone sits on top of the Barrow.

Worth a visit as long as you can find somewhere to park!

Visited 16.6.12

Directions:
Next to the A82 (loch side) about 1km south of Ardlui.

The only place to stop on this very busy road is in one of the official parking areas.

There is a grass covered mound approximately 2 metres high x 20 metres across.
Is this the cairn or road spoil?
The O/S map still has the cairn marked on it.

Canmore states:
‘100 west of Loch Lomond. A circular cairn 8.5m wide and 1.3m high’ – 1978

‘The cairn is no longer visible having been buried beneath spoil during widening of the A82 trunk road’ – 1999.

Visited 16.6.12

Despite arriving at 7.00pm the ‘horned one’s’ shop was still open so I didn’t risk parking in the car park after reading the previous field notes.

Karen dropped me at the field gate next to the stone circle and headed off down the road to find somewhere to turn around to pick me up on the way back.
Other than the shop car park there is nowhere obvioulsy near to park.

I walked over to the ruined circle and admired the stones and orange, yellow, green and white lichen which covered them – very pretty.

It was misty and moody looking out over the loch – just as Scotland should be!

Visited 16.6.12

The last time I visited the nearby Croft Moraig stone circle I didn’t know about these standing stones so I just had to pay a visit this time.

We pared at the ‘posh’ entrance which was locked – no problem as you can simply walk around the gates!

The stones are on the left on a raised bank.
The grass was waist high and wet – my legs soon became equally wet.

It was very peaceful with just the sound of bird song.
Rhododenndrons were in bloom and bluebells were all about.

The stones are about 1.5 metres square and the tops were covered in thick wet moss.
One had a large black slug paying a visit!

I am glad I got chance to visit these stones.
Worth a look and access is easy.

Visited 16.6.12

This is one of those sites which when you visit once you know you have to visit again.

This has to be one of the best stone circles in Scotland.

As I walked up to the stones the wind and rain stopped for a few minutes.
Someone up there is looking out for me!

I couldn’t stay long as we were (as ever) behind schedule but I just had to visit as this really is a fabuolus ‘must see’ site.

I promised myself that next time I will stay for an approriate length of time.

As I got back to the car the rain started again!

Visited 16.6.12

A fairly easy site to access and worth a stop off on the long road to / from Aberdeen.

Park at the church and take the path running along the riverside to the left of the church.
Once you have walked past the church you have to scramble up the grass hill to get to the stone.

The stone is approx 1.7m tall x 0.5m wide.
The stone has white, yellow and green lichen on it – very pretty!

There are wonderful views to be had down the valley overlooking the river and mountains and an old stone bridge.

Visited 16.6.12

The stone is in a private garden and the sign on the gate states ‘No Access’ so the only option is to view from said gate – which is easy enough.
The stone sits on a small mound in the middle of the garden.

Worth a quick look when passing.

Visited 16.6.12

Now, where on earth has this stone disappeared to?

I walked up and down. And up and down again.
I did see a fallen stone but I don’t think this was it as it looked too small.

It should have been easy to spot being right next to the roadside but I couldn’t find it.
I hope nothing has happened to it?
Hopefully it was hidden in a bush or something?

Visited 16.6.12

The stone is very easy to visit and spot as it is right next to the road.

It is covered in black and green lichen so is quite colourful.

Visited 16.6.12

4th stone circle of the morning – can’t be bad!

We parked at the cemetery and the others stayed in the car while I walked up through the oak trees to the stone circle. (5 minute walk)
After the last 3 weeks it was nice to be able to walk through trees for a change!

The stone circle itself is tiny – only about 5 metres across.
2 stones are about 0.5m high – 1 of pink stone
3 stones are about 1m high.
All the stones are covered in lichen.

This is a lovely little circle and well worth stopping off to visit.

Visited 16.6.12

Just up the road from Elsie the Greater stone circle.
Also visible from the road and also appears to have been built on a slight mound

The rain kept a’ coming down!

There are 3 stones standing and you will need to navigate a wall and barbed wire fence if you want to go in a straight line!

Although the site is overgrown it is worth a look when visiting the other two stone circles in the area.
There can’t be many places with 3 stone circles in such a small area.
Must have been an important place in ancient times?

Visited 16.6.12

Just up the road from the wonderful Nine Stanes stone circle.
The circle is visible from the road on what appears to be a slight mound.

By now the drizzle had turned to heavy rain so I didn’t hang around long.

Access to the circle is via a wooden gate which is falling apart.

There are 7 standing stones plus the recumbent.

Well worth a visit.

Visited 16.6.12

This is a fantastic stone circle to visit and a ‘must see’ site.

The circle is visible from the road amongst the trees although the sign refers to it as Mulloch Stone Circle. You can park next to a gate and follow the path to the circle.

Despite the drizzle and the mist/fog it is a lovely place to visit and must be quite magical on a nice day.

There are 7 standing stones, 1 fallen flanker and the recumbent stone.
Most of the stones are covered in moss.

Visited 16.6.12

Well, here we are, back on mainland Scotland with all roads heading south (sort of)
After a restful overnight sleep in the ferry cabin followed by breakfast it was time to head home.
Of course, being several hundred miles from home does give ample opportunity for a bit of ‘old stoning’ on the way!

First up was the huge Cairnlee Cairn on the outskirts of Aberdeen.

The directions I would give is:
Turn into Cairn Road off the A93.
When you reach the T-junction turn right into Manse Road and then left into Cairn Crescent.

This is a seriously large cairn and well worth visiting.
It is quite amazing that the cairn has survived so well when all around has been developed.
I would estimate it to be 4 metres high x 20 metres across.

The info board refers to the cairn as the Bieldside Cairn.

Visited 15.6.12

My last site visit on Shetland – and I couldn’t find the stone!

We parked in a layby near the entrance to the hotel opposite and Karen and the children stayed in the car while I carefully crossed the road and headed up the steep grassy hill.

My walk uphill was slow – partly because it was so steep but also with the realisation that this was my last site before catching the overnight ferry to Aberdeen.
Rabbits were in abundance and scattered as I approached.

The hill is covered in large boulders with quartz running through them although I couldn’t see anything which was an obvious standing stone.
Perhaps the stone is only small and I couldn’t see it amongst the erratics?

But with views like this from the top of the hill I really didn’t mind.
The views were stunning – hills, lochs, the sea, islands all visible in the distance.
The sky was blue with white fluffy clouds – contrasting with the dark blue waters below.

After the Western Isles, Orkney and now Shetland I am physically tired but emotionally recharged.
I have been so lucky to have had the opportunity to visit these places.
Shetland is a wonderful island to visit and will always has a place in my heart.
I hope to return one day. If you ever get the chance to visit – do it. You won’t be disappointed.

I head back down hill towards the car and ultimately home with a heavy heart……

Visited 15.6.12

This is a huge stone that you can’t miss!

It is approached via a scenic drive down a single track road south of the A971
Only in Shetland would such a minor road be in such good condition!

The stone is rectangular in shape and the top is covered in ‘hairy’ lichen.
Quartz veins run through the stone.
There are two large slabs of stone and several large boulders near the standing stone.

There are good views to be had up and down the loch.

Well worth a visit if you are ever in the area – top stone!

Visited 14.6.12

Directions:
From Staneydale Temple continue south along the minor road. The Chambered Cairn is on the left shortly before you reach Setter. You can park in the passing place.

Step over the field fence and it’s a stiff climb up to the Chambered Cairn.
Head towards the highest point to find the Cairn.

It was sunny but blowing a gale.
The views from the top are wonderful – great views over the loch and down the valley.

As for the Cairn itself there are 3 very large stones in the middle of the cairn which may be the remains of a cist? There are many smaller stones scattered about.

Canmore states:
‘A Heel-shaped chambered cairn lies on a rocky outcrop at the end of a spur. Little of the cairn remains. The length of the cairn is 22ft with a maximum width of 24ft. The façade stones have flat outer faces and stand 1ft 3inch to 2ft high. Some of the stones of the chamber survive in situ projecting through the turf, the tallest being 1ft 3inch’.

Visited 14.6.12

Directions:
From Walls head west past the school and when you come to the fork in the road go left.
You will eventually see the stone on your right next to a ruined farm house.

The stone is approximately 2 metres high and the top half is covered in ‘hairy’ lichen.

Canmore states:
‘An irregular shaped standing stone. Quadrangular at base, with a girth of 10inch and rising to a height of 7ft 2inch. Its position is somewhat unusual for a prehistoric monument of this kind and it may have been erected as a boundary marker or for some similar purpose’.

Visited 15.6.12

Directions:
From Hamnavoe (B9074) take the minor road south to the hamlet of Bridge End.
Take the left fork after the telephone box and the stone is in a field on your left. Easily spotted and access is via a simple hop over the fence.

This is a beautiful area of Shetland and is well worth a visit.

In my humble opinion this is the best standing stone on Shetland.

It is approx 2.5m high x 1.5m across and covered in masses of ‘hairy’ lichen

The stone is in a stunning location (ignoring the nearby buildings) with fantastic views of lochs and mountains.

Great stone – great spot.
In a word – visit!

Visited 15.6.12

Directions:
From Hamnavoe (B9074) take the minor road south to the hamlet of Bridge End.
Turn left at the memorial and park at the next turning on the left.
You will see the standing stone from the junction.
There is plenty of room to park and it is a short, flat walk with no fence to cross.

Walking over to the stone I scared a rabbit who ran and hid behind the stone – not a good choice of hiding place!

Ignoring the nearby sheep pens the stone has pretty decent views.

The stone is approximately 1.5m high x 1m wide.
Covered in masses of green ‘hairy’ lichen and sheep wool.

Canmore reports that when visited in 1930the stone stood 7ft high but since then the top has broken off.

Worth a visit when in the area.

Visited 15.6.12

Directions:
Right next to the road at the junction of the B9074 and A970. Near Scalloway.

Easy to spot as a large grass covered mound – on the left when heading north.

Canmore states:
‘A turf covered mound 17m in diameter and 2m high with a hollow centre’.

Visited 15.6.12

The stone is easy to find being directly opposite the entrance to a golf course.

It is on a slight raised mound and is covered in the ever present ‘hairy’ lichen.

There are good views down the valley – now overlooking the golf course.

(I forgot to make a note of how tall the stone was – sorry!)

Visited 15.6.12

I know this is a reconstructed site but if you want to get a ‘feel’ of how a Broch would have looked when in use you can do a lot worse than come here.

Access is very easy – park at the garage opposite and it is a nice flat walk along the path.

There are lots of nooks and crannies to wander about in and it doesn’t take too much imagination to see how this place would have worked.

Despite the urban setting, if you look straight ahead across the loch, you could be just about anywhere.

Don’t be put off with the fact it’s a reconstruction, this site is definitely worth a visit.

Visited 14.6.12

Directions:
Next to the A971 – a bit south of the Scord of Brouster ancient village.

The Chambered Cairn is easily seen next to the road.
You can park in the passing place directly opposite and a quick hop over the fence and you are there.
The site is now no more than a mass of large jumbled stones.

Canmore states:
‘A cairn about 84ft in diameter, unusually large for Shetland. It has been greatly robbed and is now reduced to a large mass of irregular boulders. At the centre there is a pile of cairn material 3ft high, amongst which it is possible to trace the tops of a number of larger stones set upright, which appear to form the NW half of a circular chamber about 8ft in diameter’.

Visited 14.6.12

Easily access from the road. A circle of stones.

Canmore states:
‘A circle of bare stones, about 11.5m in diameter and 0.7m high. There are slight traces of a kerb protruding through the tumble, but no internal features’.

Visited 14.6.12

Direction:
On the junction of a minor road south to the village of Walls off the main A971

Very easy site to access being right next to the road.
You just need to hop over the fence.

This cairn is well mangled and has now been reduced to a low mound of stones.
There are many large stones and countless smaller ones.

Two modern (Second World War?) ruined round stone buildings stand right next to the cairn – no prizes for guessing where they got the stone from!

Canmore states:
‘By 1931 the Long Cairn was already much disturbed and the interior completely destroyed. The Long Cairn was further reduced during the war so that the edges are now very indefinite. The site is merely a litter of stones – 2ft maximum height. It appeared to have measured 140ft NE/SW with a max width of 47ft’.

Visited 13.6.12

Probably the most northern British standing stones I will ever visit
Easily spotted from the main A970.

The stones are red/pink coloured and covered in ‘hairy’ lichen.
There is a large flat stone lying on the ground between the two standing stones – a fallen stone?

One standing stone is about 1.5m high x 1 metre across.
The other is about 2.5m high x 1 metre across.

There is certainly a high concentration of stones / cairns in this small area.

Visited 14.6.12

This is a great place to visit!

The site is sign posted and has a parking area.
The sign states it is a 1½ mile walk – it’s not – it’s about half mile and only takes 15 minutes to walk to the site along the ‘path’ through the fields. You have to cross over a small burn.

It was a pleasant walk in the sunshine with only birdsong for company.
It wet weather this would be a very boggy walk so be prepared.

Before getting to the ‘Temple’ I was surprised to come across an information board and a Neolithic house! I sat inside, out of the wind. It was amazing to think that I was sat in someone’s house from 4,500 years ago!

Another surprise was the ‘standing stones’ either side of the ‘Temple’.
These are mentioned on the notice board near the ‘Temple’.
There are 5 stones on the left – forming a rough circle? – the tallest about 1.5m high and covered in ‘hairy’ lichen.
There are 10 stones to the right – a ‘mish mash’ with no obvious shape to them

As for the ‘Temple’ itself it is in very good condition although no doubt restored.
Access is through a small wooden gate.
The wide walls are about 1.5m high and topped with turf.
The inside measurement of the ‘Temple’ is about 5 metres x 10 metres.
In the middle of the room are two stone lined holes which once held wooden posts to support the roof.

I sat inside and tried to contemplate its meaning?
It is an odd place as the walls seem too wide to be domestic – certainly disproportionate to the inside measurements. But there again maybe someone wanted a super strong house?
After all, the much more recent Black Houses have disproportionately wide walls.

Either way, this is a great place to visit and it is certainly an unusual building.
It was no surprise that I had the place to myself as it does feel quite remote when you are here.

The clouds have gathered and it is starting to rain. Time to walk back to the car.
If you ever get the chance, visit this place. You won’t be disappointed.

Visited 14.6.12

There is a small layby you can park in with an information board.

The info board states the farm was in use between 3,000bc and 1,500 bc
The site is signposted.

I walked up the hill and was able to look down on the village.
There are the remains of 3 houses and a cairn. The cairn is about 5 metres across.

The largest house is similar to the one at Stanydale – oval in shape – about 5m x 8m.

I was pleasantly surprised by this site and would certainly recommend a visit.

Visible from the road when approaching from the east but not when directly south of the Cairns.

Canmore describes the three cairns thus:
‘East Cairn – round cairn 47ft in diameter and 5ft high. Much disturbed.
West Cairn – round cairn 50ft in diameter and 3ft high. Much destroyed.
Central Cairn – round cairn 35ft in diameter – a mass of debris’

Visited 14.6.12

Directions:
West of a minor road north of the A971.

Karen stayed in the car with the children while I hopped over the fence and walked across the field up to the Chambered Cairn.

On a wet day the walk across the peat would be very boggy.

The Cairn is now no more than a large jumble of stones, easily visible from the road.

I sat amongst the stones in the warm sunshine and admired the views down the valley.
Birds danced in the air above me.
A lovely spot for a final resting place.

Peat is encroaching onto the stones and there is a lot of moss and lichen to be seen.

Canmore states:
‘A much robbed, round, chambered cairn, partly overgrown with heather and peat, about 50ft in diameter’

Visited 13.6.12

This Chambered Cairn is a short distance north of the Beorgs of Housetter Standing Stones.

The cairn is easy to spot being near the A970

The cairn is well mangled but still survives to a height of about 1.5 metres x 15 meters long.

It is a mass of pretty pink stones – the same as the larger standing stones.

Canmore states:
‘A heel-shaped cairn with an irregular chamber, lies on the gently sloping moorland at the foot of the steep screes of the Beorgs of Housetter. It is built of pink granite boulders. It has been greatly disturbed by three attempts at excavation and by quarrying for road metal’.

Visited 13.6.12

Directions:
On the left of the A970, just north of Skelberry, north Shetland

I had a quick look at the mound as we headed up to Isbister – the furthest north we would be travelling on our holiday.

A grass covered mound right next to the road.
It appears to have been dug into?

Canmore states:
‘A large horseshoe-shaped burnt mound, measuring 19m x 15m transversely and 2.1m maximum height’.

Visited 13.6.12

Despite being located by a minor road, access is no problem as the road (as all roads on Shetland are) is perfectly tarmaced.

The two stones are 22 paces apart and are heavily covered in ‘hairy’ lichen.
They appear to be pointing towards Hamna Voe bay?

Well worth a visit if you are ever in the area.

Visited 13.6.12

Directions:
North of a rough track off the B9078 in Esha Ness.
If you intend to visit this site DO NOT attempt to drive up the track unless you are in a 4x4.
Park at the junction and walk up – your car suspension will appreciate it!

Failed to find this one.

This is an area of features peat land, covered in heather.
In wet weather it would be a bog. Luckily the weather was dry and sunny.

I did at least see some great coastal views with rock formations out to sea.

Canmore states:
‘A square cairn with a cruciform chamber. Stands in rough pasture on a low ridge known as The Hamars of Houlland. It now stands about 3ft high’.

Visited 13.6.12

Directions:
Right next to a minor road leading to a lighthouse – off the B9078
Next to a loch – just before a cattle grid.

A low grass covered mound approximately 1 metre high x 15 metres across.
Looks to have been dug into?

The coastal views from the lighthouse have to be seen to be believed!

Canmore states:
‘A concentric turf covered mound of burnt stones and black earth’.

Visited 12.6.12

From the road (at the right angle) it does look like the figure of a woman!

It is a short but fairly steep walk up from the road to the stone.

The top half of the stone is covered in ‘hairy’ lichen.
Several large stones are at its base.

There are lovely coastal views to be savoured.

Well worth a look when in the area.

(I forgot to make a note of how tall the stone was! From memory I think it was about 2 meters)

Directions:
Next to a minor road off the B9075

Due to time constraints I settled for a road side view.
The Cairn is easily seen from the road.

Canmore states:
‘A denuded cairn with affine marginal setting of large stones lies about 300 yards west of Loch of Benston. It has a diameter of about 26 ft. It cannot be determined if the cairn was chambered. The surrounding enclosure is almost certainly a field wall, not associated with the cairn’.

Visited 12.6.12

Directions:
Next to a minor road in the hamlet of Garth – off the B9075.

A grass covered mound on top of a large rock/grass mound.
Easily visible from the road.

Canmore states:
‘On the summit of a knoll named ‘The Burrian’ are the mutilated remains of a broch mound c16.5m in diameter and 0.6m high. Large deposits of midden material have been uncovered around the broch’.

Visited 12.6.12

Directions:
Right next to the B907 – to the north of Aith
Near a parking area. Access is via a metal field gate.

This is a lovely little cairn despite being well mangled.
Dug into and full of rabbit holes.

There are many large boulders visible – some two courses high.

There are good views down the valley and well worth a look when in this fairly remote area.

Canmore states:
‘A chambered cairn, 30ft in diameter up to 3ft high. The central chamber is trefoil-shaped and built of massive walling of which no more than 3 courses are visible. Two large displaced slabs lie in the chamber and one in the entrance’ – 1965

Visited 12.6.12

Directions:
At the junction of the B9071 / B9075

A horse-shoe grass covered mound with many stones sticking out of the grass.

Access to the field is via a metal field gate.

Great views down the loch.

Canmore states:
‘A cairn standing on an outcrop of rock. At the base it is roughly oblong; the upper part of the mound is almost circular. It’s present height is not more than 10’. Several large stones are exposed at the top – 1930.

The centre of the cairn has now been removed by quarrying – 1968’.

Visited 12.6.12

This is a stunning location – the beach isthmus is something to behold.
White sand / turquoise waters – like something from a Bounty advert!

On the way to the beach we spotted a group of about 20 seals sunning themselves on a secluded cove. We stopped the car and looked down from the top of the cliff. They saw us and shuffled into the water. The sea was so clear we could see them all swimming about – what a sight!

Karen and the children played on the beach while I walked out to the island for a quick look at the chapel ruins. The ruins are fenced off but access is available through a gate.
An information board and bench have been thoughtfully provided.

This is a ‘must see’ site – more for the surroundings than the actual ruins.

Non visit!

This was the only site I had on my 3 week itinerary that I failed to visit.

Due to the times of the sailings I didn’t have chance for a daytime visit so I thought I would go on one of the shorter evening sailings.

We arrived at booking centre only to discover that the evening sailings only operate on Wednesdays and Saturdays! (My fault for not checking in advance)

I therefore had no option but to settle for a very far of view.
On a clear day like today the Broch is actually quite easy to see on the Mousa. Shoreline.

It certainly gives as idea of how it must have looked along the coast when all the Brochs were in use – very impressive sight!

I hope to return to the wonderful Shetland Islands one day – this will be at the top of my ‘hit list’!

Visited 11.6.12

This is a fab place to visit!

After visiting Jarlshof we stopped off at Old Scatness.
Very easy to find; next to the airport on the A970.

We parked in the car park and headed into the visitor centre.
In addition to the usual gifts etc the centre also has ‘Viking’ clothes that both children and adults can dress up in! Dafydd quickly got fully dressed while Sophie (not to miss out) insisted on wearing a hat.

We were then introduced to our guide Vicky – yes it was Vicky the Viking! (she said she has heard every possible joke there is!) Myself, Vicky and Dafydd went outside while Karen had a cuppa.

There were few people about and in affect we had a private tour of the site which was great.
Vicky was very informative and answered any questions we had as we moved all around the Broch. Vicky explained the development of the Broch and I found the talk about the Wheel Houses particularly interesting as I had just been to Jarlshof where they also have them.

We were informed that the Shetland Trust had bought the field next door to the site which has a suspicious looking large ‘mound’ in the middle of it. They hope that it also contains buildings of some sort. They plan to excavate the field when funding allows.

The tour lasted for about 45 minutes and we were then left alone to have a look around the excellent reconstructed buildings – including a Wheel House.
We headed back to the visitor centre we were given a demonstration of weaving by a lady and invited to have a go. But Karen and Sophie had already waiting a long time for use so I had to unfortunately decline the offer.

All the guides were dressed in ‘Viking’ clothes and were very, very friendly – particularly with the children. It was an absolute pleasure to visit Old Scatness and I would heartily recommend a visit.

As an aside can I also recommend a visit to the not too far away Croft Museum – also fab!

Visited 11.6.12

It’s a bit of an adventure visiting this H.S site!
This is one of those places you want to visit in nice weather.
Luckily for me it was a beautiful day of blue skies, white fluffy clouds and light wind.

We parked where the road ends, south of Scatness, and Karen stayed with the children while I headed out towards the headland. It was a pleasant 20 minute walk through green fields of little pink flowers.

The walk is flat and the ‘path’ across the fields is easy enough to follow.
That is until you get further out towards the site when you have to clamber over rocks with the help of a chain-link fence. This would only be possible for those who are fairly mobile. Certainly not suitable for anyone with walking problems or young children.
This would not be a good place to cross in rough weather.

Upon arrival at the site the first thought to strike me is that this doesn’t seem much of a fort.
It doesn’t seem very defensible – but there again what do I know?
There is an outer rampart and two ditches.
The reconstructed walls are about 1.5m high and there is a walkway through the middle with a ‘guard’ chamber each side.

This is one of those places where the location is greater than the remains.
I sat down between the rocky crags out of the wind.
Above me birds were hovering in the pale blue sky.
Below me dark blue waves gently lapped on the rocks – the sea glistened in the afternoon sunshine.
I looked across to Sumburgh Head and observed white sand beaches in the distance.

On a day like today this is a great place to be.