Visited 31.7.16
Directions:
From Tarbert take the A83 south and then the B8024 turn off. The stone is found about 2 miles along the B8024 on your left (east). Easily seen from the road.
Access is by hopping over a rusty metal gate.
The wooden fence is still there and this 2m stone is further protected by waist high nettles. Not good when wearing shorts! The surface of the stone is covered in green lichen.
This is a very easy stone to visit (and well worth it) if you ever happen to find yourself in Tarbert - which is in itself a nice place to visit.
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Visited 31.7.16
As Postie says these stones are well looked after in the small but pretty village of Kames. Even the grass bank where two of the stones reside is well trimmed and neat looking. The one behind bars is also suitably manicured.
Watch out for the speed of cars on the road running through Kames - particularly at ferry departure times. As Greywether says, you pass the stones along the road if you only fancy a 'drive by'.
Nice little place Kames.
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Visited 2.8.16
Directions:
Follow Mr G's advice although I would add that it is not a water works you pass but in fact an electricity sub power station. If you continue walking along the track you will pass stables on your left and a field gate is immediately on your right - this allows easy access to the site.
Well, here I am again in the footsteps of Mr G - a little over two weeks since he was here. It's a small world!
There is little I can add to Mr G's fine notes other than when Dafydd peered under the capstone he was convinced he could see cup and ring marks! As you can imagine I got very excited about this and eagerly tried to see for myself. Much trampling down of vegetation and lying on the floor at various angles followed. Unfortunately all I could see was the natural uneven contours of the stone. However, Dafydd is still convinced the marks are there. I think he is mistaken but his eyesight is better than mine to be fair! Perhaps another TMAer can visit and confirm I am right? :)
Either was this is a fine tomb to visit and one which is easy enough to access. The ground is likley to be boggy in wet wheather - bring yer boots.
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Visited 2.8.16
Directions:
Driving along the B836 you will come to a horseshoe bend at the head of Loch Scriven. At this point (next to a bridge going over the burn) is a track north leading to a farm. The stones are easily seen in the field on your right, near the farm house.
You can access the field to the stones via a gate. The field was full of sheep and cows on my visit. As well as views down towards the loch the stones are surrounded on 3 sides by hills. It reminded me of being in Killmartin Glen - reason enough to visit these stones when passing on your way to catch the ferry to Bute.
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Visited 31.7.16
Directions:
The cairn can be easily seen in a field next to the Colintraive ferry terminal which takes you over to Bute.
Whilst waiting for the ferry why not visit this large (if a bit mangled) grass covered cairn? As well as having good views over to Bute the cairn also has two hawthorn trees growing out of it which look quite nice.
Canmore states:
The cairn measures 13m x 12m x 1m in height. It stands on a stony platform about 1m above the level of the field. There are two possible kerb stones on the SW side. The centre of the cairn has been extensively disturbed.
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Visited 1.8.16
Directions:
Visible from the B875 (south) on Ettrick Bay.
We parked outside a rather run down house and I walked back up the road, hopped over the metal field gate and walked over to the stones. Access to the circle is via a weathered wooden kissing gate. The stones being fenced in for their protection no doubt.
Looking at Mr G's photos a lot of growth has occurred since his visit. The stones were surrounded by tall rough grass. In fact, the two small 'stumps' of stone were only visible once I had trampled the grass down.
To concur with Mr G, I also liked this circle - a lot. The views over to Arran are lovely. I am sure this point wasn't last to the builders of the circle. The 'modern' large old tree now sharing the scene with the stones merely adds to its charm.
Ettrick Bay is a very popular beach destination on Bute (we also liked it - superb views over to Arran - at the risk of repeating myself) and it is well worth paying a visit to this circle at the same time.
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Visited 1.8.16
Directions:
Visible from the B875 (south) on Ettrick Bay.
We parked next to the field gate and I simply hopped over the gate and walked over to the stone. The field had already been harvested so no problems with access.
The stone is about 2m high and has a chunk missing from its shoulder. It looked natural to my untrained eye. Surprisingly enough it didn't have the usual 'hairy' lichen on it you usually find on the Scottish islands. Ettrick Bay stone circle can be seen in the distance, with the sea beyond that. Nice stone.
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Visited 1.8.16
Directions:
From the delightful Ettrick Bay take the minor road north along the shore. Just before you reach the parking area (where the road narrows) you will see a metal field gate on your right. The chambered cairn is visible from this gate - 2 minute walk away.
It appears I an following in the footsteps of Mr G with these reports. I am sure there are worse people to follow!
I have to disagree with Greywether about this site. I think it is well worth visiting, even if you don't get chance to visit the other sites in the area (like me!).
The surviving cist, in situ, with capstone, makes the trip worthwhile in itself. Once you factor in the superb coastal views over to the mountains of Arran it becomes an obvious place to seek out.
After spending a glorious day on the beach in the warm sunshine (a rarity no doubt) it was a great way to end the day. My last site on Bute before heading back to the mainland. Bute is an easy island to visit and small enough that you could see all the main sites in a day if you so wished. We had two nights which seemed just about right. I also managed to knock another 3 Historic Scotland sites off the list for good measure! :)
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Visited 1.8.2016
Directions:
At the southern end of Bute take the minor road south off the A844 near Kingarth. This is signposted for St Blane's Church (Historic Scotland site). You will drive past trees to our left. Take the first turning you come to on your left which leads to a small parking area next to the trees. From the parking area follow the 'path' through the ferns, into the trees, to discover the circle.
There is an information board at the car park showing the circle (and other sites) but the sign from the roadside has fallen down (hence the reason we drove past the parking area - twice!) It is only a 1 minute walk to the stones.
it has to be said, there is something special about seeing standing stones in a woodland setting - even if it is a plantation. The sun was shining brightly but the density of the trees left the circle in a sort of twilight. The first stone you come to has a metal bar helping to keep it standing. It is covered by the wet spongy moss you find in this environment. The other two stones are studded with quartz chips - some quite large. The smallest stone is built into a mound which allows all the stones to be of a similar height. This is something I can't remember seeing before? Was this part of 'restoration work' in the past or is this original? The large stone which has split in two reminds me of the stones forming the Ring of Brodger for some reason.
Either way, this is a cracking site to visit and one I would highly recommend. Once you find the parking area this is a very easy stone circle to access. Enjoy!
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Visited 30.7.16
Directions:
Once off the ferry head north along the only road on the island - A846. You will eventually come to Tarbert and a turning to the east with a large sign informing you this is a private road! Although you may not be able to drive down the road you can of course walk down it!
This large 2m+ standing stone is next to the turning in a field of sheep. Accessed via the usual field gate. The stone is covered with 'hairy' lichen and stands on an obvious low mound. There are lovely views out over Tarbert Bay.
A short distance along the 'private road' can be seen the old cemetery. Unfortunately I didn't have time to explore this. I did however see several deer - the only ones we saw on our visit to the beautiful island of Jura.
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Failed visit 30.7.2016
Directions:
From the ferry terminal take the A846 north (it's the only road on the island!) When you reach Knockrome take the minor road towards Ardfernal. You will shortly come to a rough track leading south towards the shore - park here. The stones are either side of this track.
At least that is what my O/S map shows! I couldn't spot either stone. The terrain here is poor. In addition to the normal bog-like wet conditions underfoot you also have to content with chest high vegetation and many small trees and large bushes. I traipsed around, fighting my way through the very long grass, vainly hoping to spot the stones. The smaller stone (said to be 1.3m high) is shown right next to the track but I couldn't see it amongst the bushes and trees. Neither could i see the stone a little further away (said to be 1.8m high) No doubt the stones are here somewhere - but unfortunately they got the better of me!
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Visited 30.7.16
Directions:
Head south out of Port Charlotte along the A847. You will shortly come to the Kilchoman Community Park / camp site on your left. There is a large car park. This ruined tomb can be seen in rough grass between two football pitches, surrounded by tents.
Although there is an information board giving details about the tomb I would imagine that most of the campers were oblivious to this ancient tomb in their midst. As Merrick correctly states, this site has the feel of being unloved, uncared for and largely forgotten. At least the unkempt long grass affords some protection? Also of course, at least it is still with us!
Although it is worth viewing when in the area, the tomb at Cragabus is a much better visiting experience.
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Visited 30.7.16
This fine stone is easily seen when driving along the A847, just west of the junction with the B8017. There is plenty of room to park on the wide grass verge. Access to the field is via a metal field gate - so an easy stone to visit. There are fine views to be had across Loch Indaal.
Was this stone erected as a 'marker' for sea-going travelers? It would make sense?
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Visited 26.7.2016
Directions:
A short distance north of the A712 / A713 junction at New Galloway. The stone is easily seen from the A713 on the western side of the road.
This stone is easy to access. You can pull in at the open field entrance and it is only a very short walk to the stone. This fine grey stone is 2m+ tall and well worth a look if you are ever in the area.
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Failed visit 28.7.16
It was early evening on our last night on Arran and I fancied a walk along the sea front at Brodick to see if I could spot any otters. This is where I had been fortunate to see two last year. It was a lovely evening and the sun shone on the mist covered mountains to the north - a really beautiful sight. Arran is a beautiful island. Anyway, I thought I would take the opportunity to seek out the Moyish standing stone.
I first attempted to reach the stone from the back of the houses to the east. All this achieved is wet and muddy boots and my route blocked by a combination of impassible high gorse hedges and several electric fenced horse paddocks.
I then walked back down the hill, past the houses, and attempted a route via the children's play area. I climbed over the fence at the back but was again beaten back by the hedge / stream / brambles etc.
My third attempt was from the west, along a footpath from Brodick to Lamlash. The walk was much easier but again my way was blocked by electric / barbed wire fenced horse paddocks.
In the end I gave up and went back to 'otter spotting' - something else I failed to do! This standing stone was very close the the B+B we were staying in but as they say - 'so near, yet so far.....'
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27.7.2016
Hurrah - the wheelie bins are no more!
The stone looks far more stately as a result :)
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Visited 28.7.16
Directions:
Take the minor road west across the island out of Lamlash. This is known as the Ross Road. The cairn is opposite a house, next to a forestry picnic area with wooden benches.
It is amazing how quickly the weather can change on the Scottish islands. One minute we were in warm sunshine, the next the hill clouds had descended and we were in a real 'pea souper'. This was the last site on my stay on the beautiful island of Arran and everyone was tired after a long days adventures.
I thought I had spotted the cairn as a gorse and fern covered mound but after re-checking the map once we had got back to the B+B I think I was slightly too far east and what I was looking at was a natural feature? I certainly couldn't see a stadning stone although this could have been hidden by said gorse/ferns?
CANMORE states:
The cairn survives as a tapered turf-covered oblong mound with maximum dimensions of 21m NE-SW by 18m NW-SE and a height of 1.5m. The single 1m high standing stone is within the suggested limits of the cairn material, but its purpose is not obvious.
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Visited 29.7.16
Directions:
Take the minor road west out of Port Ellen towards the Oa. This road is narrow with passing places. When you reach Lower Gragabus the ruined tomb is immediately next to the road on your left (south). You can park in a passing place a little further down the road.
The tomb is on the top of a rise and the road appears to have sliced off the northern edge of it. Access to the field is simply by stepping over a half-fallen old rust fence.
I thought this site was superb. The standing stone is about 4ft high and covered in the lovely 'hairy' lichen you often find in northern Scotland and the Isles. The outline of the chamber is easy to see and there are many large kerb stones on its southern edge still in situ. There is also a lovely large slab of stone which is largely made up of a pink quartz.
Although this is only my first afternoon on the island (another days adventures awaits tomorrow!) I would say this is a 'must see' site if you ever happen to be anywhere near Port Ellen.
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Visited 29.7.2016
Directions:
Head south out of Port Askaig along the A846. When you reach Ballygrant take the minor road south. The stones are easy to spot, near the road, next to a farm. This road gets progressively rougher the further south you drive.
Due o problems with the ferries it was with great relief that we (eventually) managed to reach Islay - a place I had wanted to visit for a long time.
This was my first 'old stone' site to visit and not a bad one to start with. The stones are approximately 4ft high, both leaning to the south. The stones have been fenced in within the field to protect them. The stones look well weathered and suitably old.
Well worth a look when in the area.
CANMORE states:
Two standing stones of local limestone, situated 2.4m apart. The west stone is triangular at the base, measuring 0.65m by 0.9m by 1.5m.
The east stone is also triangular and measures 0.8m by 0.8m by 1.7m. A pronounced natural fissure has caused part of the stone to break off.
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Visited 25.6.16
Directions:
You can park outside the chapel in the hamlet of Rhos-Goch. The barrow is in the field behind the chapel.
At first I walked through the chapel graveyard in the hope of seeing the barrow in the neighboring field (the graveyard is on a slight rise). However, due to the high hedgerow this was not possible. I then walked a short distance down the main road and came to a field gate.
Unfortunately I could see no trace of the barrow.
Either I was looking in the wrong place or it has been ploughed out?
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I have visited both historic and prehistoric sites for a number of years but since 'discovering' this website my visits have spiralled out of control!
I am now out 'exploring' as often as possible and have been to many wonderful places I didn't even know existed before using this website.
Having visited all the CADW sites I am now trying to visit all the E.H. sites and as many H.S. sites as possible.
In trying to achieve these goals I get to travel all around the country and with it the chance to visit as many sites as possible mentioned on this fine website. I hope some of you find my contributions a little helpful?
I have certainly found the contributions made by others to be both very informative and often quite amusing!
I must also mention the lovely Karen whom without her help, encouragement and understanding I would not be able to visit half of the places I do.
I am forever grateful.
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