greywether

Surrounded by trees and overgrown with bracken, this unprepossessing site is rather puzzling.

It is listed as a recumbent stone circle and there is certainly a large (3.4m long) recumbent stone in the right location. There is no evidence of the flankers and the recumbent, which currently lies in a position with a flat level surface uppermost, doesn’t look like your typical RSC recumbent.

There are some circle stones although they were difficult to find in the bracken. The centre is filled with a massive cairn which towers above the recumbent.

Visited 21 October 2005

This recumbent stone circle is well away from the rest of the pack but is certainly worth a visit.

The E flanker is still standing but its neighbour and the recumbent have fallen. Like many of the southern RSCs, the recumbent and flankers are joined to the ring cairn rather than the stone circle which sits on a wider radius. Two stones from the circle are still standing.

This site can be added to the list of stone circles which can be visited by the less abled. The access from the parking area is clear and, on this visit, the grass round the circle had been cut to allow closer access. Nice.

Visited 17 October 2005

You can avoid the worst of this site by not entering the gorse-covered enclosure right away and following the field wall clockwise (assuming you have approached from the S) until it straightens out close to where the remains of the circle are visible.

It doesn’t make the circle any more interesting though.

Visited 18 October 2005

This is not the most impressive of recumbent stone circles. The recumbent has gone, both flankers are down and the views aren’t great. But it does, like Balquhain, have an outlier so that makes it unusual and interesting.

The 2.3m outlier lies to the N of the site in an area where the line of the circle is difficult to establish because of the absence of stones but the grading rules of RSCs mean that this cannot be a circle stone.

The prior existence of the recumbent was confirmed to Coles when he surveyed the site in the early 20th century. The tenant farmer claimed it had been removed by a neighbouring farmer.

It was wet when I visited this site. I’d had several attempts at finding the right tractor tracks to lead me to the site (they’re opposite the caravan). My boots were thick with mud. Mrs G had given up. Maybe these explain why I’m I bit downbeat about this site. Try it on a good day!

Visited 20 October 2005

Agree entirely with Merrick’s assessment that this is a sight you should not miss.

On paper, it sounds tame. A recumbent and one circle stone were not enough stones to include it in the list of target sites for my March trip... but this punches well above its weight.

The view has been well covered in Merrick’s post. The massive recumbent (second only to the lofty Tyrebagger in height) dominates the site. It’s amazing it’s still standing because, like most recumbents, it simply sits on the ground surface. Cattle rubbing and trampling have failed to shift its estimated 12 tons. There are suggestions of cupmarks on its outer surface.

Ask at Loanend farm. They suggested driving up to near the site where there is a verge to park on.

Visited 20 October 2005

Inschfield Farm seemed to be the correct place to ask permission on this visit. Two routes were offered: our chosen one through the farm then up to the right (which had just been harvested) or park at a layby a little NW of the farm entrance then up through two fields.

Visited 18 October 2005

The field boundary and fence mentioned in previous posts have now gone – making it more difficult, presumably, to get access when the field is in crop.

Visited 18 October 2005

Petite, panoramic... and pink.

That just about sums up this recumbent stone circle. It has a wonderful setting in a plantation which now has very few trees.

Not all the stones are pink but the most prominent ones are – including the recumbent and flankers and two stones on the E still upright.

The fallen recumbent measures only 1.6 x 0.7m and the still upright E flanker stands to the dizzy height of 0.7m.

There are views over Bennachie and Mither Tap to the N.

Access from the path at NJ 589144 (where you can park) then via the southern plantation fence line.

Visited 20 October 2005

There was no sign of the “discarded cack” on this visit – just the “beautifully tranquil place”

Visited 18 October 2005

The ruined farmhouse is now a rather grand residence not connected with the farm. Happily, the landowner was working in the next field and was able to put us right before we went badly wrong.

The only access to the field which leads to the circle is now via the gate on the public road (where parking is also possible).

Visited 18 October 2005

A Clava ring cairn which was, at one time, hollowed out to make a pond, now dry.

Very overgrown in summer and even a lengthy performance of the trampling-down dance could reveal only a short stretch of kerb on the SW. Three circle stones could be seen – there are supposed to be more. One of the two cup-marked stones was found.

Amongst trees on the road W of Kiltarlity.

8.6.05

Nice kerb cairn with large closely set stones looking better than it did when I last saw it 10 years ago. Then it was only about one quarter visible due to untamed vegetation. Now, thanks probably to further building development in the area, it sits in clear open ground.

The site is not in its original location but was moved when the Kessock Bridge approach road was built.

It was once thought to be a Clava ring cairn, largely on account of the grading of stones towards the SW. However excavation prior to its relocation revealed no inner kerb.

Behind the Community Centre, Ashton Road in the Raigmore Estate, Inverness.

7.6.05

This Clava passage grave has a well-preserved kerb on the S and W sides but not a great deal surviving elsewhere. The passage entrance is marked by two kerbstones set radially to the others. Two broken circle stones remain.

The site is in the croft of Balnagrantach, off the A833. There is room to park off the road just before the gate to the croft. Two gates to the site, neither locked.

8.6.05

Not too much here worth bothering about. Most of the stones are field clearance and only historical evidence can classify it as a Clava cairn.

Visible from the A96.

7.6.05

A Clava passage grave with a fair bit of outer kerb still visible but not much evidence of the passage and chamber. One surviving but broken circle stone.

Through an unlocked gate and up a slight hill.

7.6.05

Not much survives of this Clava ring cairn. Two circle stones (the taller 2.5m) and some bits of inner and outer kerb.

Access in this case was just a straight line from the nearest road. Through some marshy ground, up a hill and over two fences. Unsubtle but quick.

7.6.05

This one eluded me a bit at first but then I discoverd it in a back garden. In fact it IS the back garden, all of it. No one around to ask so the picture is the “best” of a few taken over the wall.

Clava passage grave with the unusual feature of a chamber no wider than the passage and really just a continuation of it.

7.6.05

This Clava ring cairn is worth a visit for two reasons.

It is the largest of the Clava group (27m diameter) and, better still, one of the surviving upright circle stones is an incredible 3.4m high x 3.0 wide.

Large stretches of the outer kerb are still visible but almost nothing of the inner kerb. Cupmarks on a fallen stone to the N.

Access over a low fence from the roadside where parking is possible.

7.6.05

Probably the best preserved Clava passage grave outside of the guardianship sites at Balnuaran and Corrimony. Unusual SE quadrant (just) orientation.

Six circle stones remain upright, the tallest being 2.7m. The passage and chamber are not too clear now but the kerbstones are well preserved.

Ask at the farm. The route involves three gates including a pedestrian one into the grove containing the site.

7.6.05

Three stones, each about 2.5m high running NE/SW not quite in a straight line. They are well spaced and the first and third are not intervisible. Great views over to the Cairngorms.

Ask at Ballintomb farm. Access along the disused railway line until it is blocked by a gate then head right. Two gates, one locked.

6.6.05

A well preserved Clava passage grave which can be a bit overgrown in summer.

The chamber and passage were left open after the 1909 excavation and are still very clear. There are no surviving circle stones.

Turn E off the A95 at NH87991680 and park at the end of the houses. Continue along the track to just before the railway bridge. The site is on your left amongst trees. One gate, which was open on this visit.

6.6.05

An well preserved Clava ring cairn and the most southerly example of a Clava site.

Large outer kerbstones complete for most of the 55m circuit and one upright circle stone 2.9m high. Great views!

Turn W off the A9 at NH85030850 (not on current Landranger). This is immediately after layby 127 (that’s precision for you!) if travelling N. If you miss it, the next exit will also do. You can drive up to the site where there is parking for a riding school. There is a stile into the field.

6.6.05

Not a great standing stone – 1.8m and rather spoilt by its wooden fence.

But worth a stop if on the way to the much more interesting Carse.

Access Parking right opposite the gate – which wasn’t locked.

Visited 29 May 2005

The photos speak for themselves – three tall, elegant stones in a superb location.

In an area with several stone settings (Ballochroy, Escart), this is my favourite.

Access Parking a little W of the stones. Unlocked gates into each of the fields.

Visited 29 May 2005

I think this may be the best-preserved stone row in Scotland (ignoring things like Callanish avenues, Caithness “fan settings”, etc which are not directly comparable).

I’d planned to visit it twice before on trips to Kintyre but always missed the turning – and there never seemed to be time on the way back. This time I was determined to see it and, wired to the moon, was able to anticipate its location much better.

Five stones running NNE/SSW measuring 2.8m,3.3,2.4,2.1 & 1.1 (broken). There is a gap between them at the wall where a sixth probably stood. Said to be aligned on the major southern moonset.

The owner was very friendly and talked about the many visitors he gets.

A excellent site, worth taking in along with Ballochroy.

Access Not much room at the end of the farm drive so we parked at a gate almost opposite. Short walk up one of the best farm roads I’ve seen!

Visited 29 May 2005

You pass this stone on the way to Stane Alane where it is a short distance from the road over a low fence.

When it upright, it would have been about the same height as the proverbial double decker bus. Aye!

Visited 29 May 2005

Nice slender stone whose apearance is enhanced by being on a bank so you are looking up at it.

Access Dead easy. Leave the A816 Kilmartin road just N of the cemetery at NR852897. Space to park at the turn off but you could get closer. No gates or other obstacles.

On the way there, you will pass the recumbent Achnabreck stone.

Visited 29 May 2005

What a great site to end the trip with!

“Turf covered and overgrown with gorse” was the most recent description I had of this site. Not now though. It’s all gone and you can see clearly all the features of a Clyde cairn.

The portal stones and many of the facade stones remain. There is one axial chamber with well-defined compartments and two lateral chambers. All this and views out to Ailsa Craig. Splendid!

Access You can drive down the farm road where there is room to park just one car at the end. Keep going past the caravan and into the field on your left. One locked gate.

Visited 11 May 2005

A 2.5m high standing stone close to a rather ruined chambered cairn.

A wonderful location with hills on three sides and the open fourth side leading down to Machrie Moor and the sea.

Access. There is a convenient parking space just off the main road on the farm road. You need to go up to the farmhouse to get the footbridge across the stream. There was no reply when I called.

Visited 11 May 2005

If all four-posters were like this, I could get to like them more.

Situated on top of a small rise in perfect weather, this was a great site to end the day with.

There is a 2m high standing stone in a clearing in the forest to the E of the approach to the circle (NR910345).

Access Park at NR904337 and walk a mile up the forest road. Two gates which could be opened.

Visited 10 May 2005

Just about believable as a chambered cairn, this jumble of stones lies on the opposite side of Machrie Water from the stone circles.

Visited 10 May 2005

Said in some accounts to be the remains of a stone circle demolished in 1836, this stone stands 2.7m high near the road.

There is another 2.7m stone nearby (Sannox Bay at NS016456).

Visited 10 May 2005

One of the few chambered cairns in the mountainous N part of Arran.

The remains of a three-compartment chamber and a cist can be seen. Great views of both the surrounding hills and over the Firth of Clyde.

Access Head for the S end of Sannox village. Climb the rocky slope behind the seat and keep going to the top of the slope. Head for the gate in the deer fence. There was a stile here but it is broken. You can still squeeze through over the gate. There is a prominent stone on the rise in front of you – head slightly left of that towards the cairn.

Visited 10 May 2005

As I walked up to this site, I thought “You’ll not see much here. It’s in a forest, Morris couldn’t find carvings seen by an earlier researcher and the last report in Canmore talked about advancing heather growth.”

How completely and utterly wrong I was!

Both panels are completely clear of vegetation and you can see not just the art recorded by Sommerville and Morris but also superb designs discovered in 1982.

Altogether, there are about 20 cup and ring motifs all deeply carved and with some interesting variations on the more “normal” designs. The length of the “tails” in some cases is particularly striking.

Altogether, this has to rank amongst the best rock art panels in Scotland. It was certainly the highlight of my trip.

Access There is a forest road and path to the site. Access is off the B880 and there is room to park two cars just off the main road. The forest road has a barrier across it but, otherwise, no obstacles.

Visited 10 May 2005

Not much to see here and, judging from the amount of dead bracken around, there would be even less to see once it starts growing again a few weeks after my visit .

The low-lying stones of a S-facing chamber can be seen with, possibly, a stone to the W representing the end of the facade.

Access Just to add to the notes from Paulus, there is a stile on your left as you approach the ruined house which you should take and then continue in the direction of the house. When you are level with it, turn left and head for the clearing which has been left at the forestry edge – about 100m to the cairn.

Visited 10 May 2005

You can still see the trenches here of the 1961 excavation of the forecourt area which produced a date of approx 2250 bce for the blocking and end of use of the tomb.

The three-compartment chamber is still open but rather overgrown. The main feature is the pair of portal stones – one 2.4m high.

Worth a visit.

Access In a forest walk near Lamlash and at the other end of the cycle path to Carn Ban.

Visited 9 May 2005

This “perfect four-poster” (Burl) sits by the side of a branch of the cycle track to Carn Ban. It is signposted.

Could never really get very excited about four-posters, personally. Too low and too few stones. This one is surrounded by trees and was in the shade so it didn’t really change my opinion.

Visited 9 May 2005

You need a bike or a long, long walk to get to this one. It’s around a 5 mile trip including the long walk in at the end.

I’m not sure it’s worth it. Carn Ban is probably more interesting for what it was than what it is now. It was excavated in the early 20C when the chamber was more or less intact but the excavation was filled in and there is little surface remains to be seen now.

Access The cycle route leaves the Arran circular road (A841) at NR970214. If you continue along it, you will also reach Monamore.

Visited 9 May 2005

Of all the chambered cairns in Arran (around 25), Historic Scotland have to pick this pathetic specimen as the example to display to the public.

OK, the views are great but there are much better sites than this to demonstrate the architecture and use of these monuments. Giant’s Graves, for example, could benefit from some on-site interpretation especially as that and Machrie Moor are the two sites most visited by the general tourist.

Visited 9 May 2005

This Clyde chambered cairn was not discovered until the mid-1970s so is not included in Henshall’s great corpus of Scottish chambered cairns.

It is in reasonable condition. The W lateral chamber still has a roofstone and there is a suggestion of a facade at the S end of the cairn.

Access Not easy to get to. It can be reached from Giant’s Graves by heading NE into the forest until you reach the hill of Torr An Loisgte. Contour round the hill towards the N. On a good day, you should be able to spot the clearing in which the cairn stands. A GPS helps!

Visited 9 May 2005

First site in a three-day trip to Arran and a return visit to the Giant’s Graves after 16 years. I’m sure the climb wasn’t so steep the last time!

Two Clyde chambered cairns. The worderfully megalithic N one being the better preserved with its facade and forecourt (facing N) still clear enough. The main chamber is a joy and there is also a ruined S chamber.

The second cairn faces W.

Visited 9 May 2005

Two round cairns – one of them amongst the best preserved in Scotland.

The Nether Cairn is 15m diameter and 3.5m high and retains its pudding-bowl shape from all angles. Such a joy to see one not mutilated for building dykes or sheep shelters. No trace of a kerb.

700m to the NE is the Upper Cairn (NT11005091), a bit higher than Nether Cairn but it has suffered from stone robbing.

Access Off a Right of Way running NE from Garvald Farm. Rough track with several gates but all can be opened.

Visited 2 May 2005

A three-stone row running NNE-SSW beside the A701 between Moffat and J15 of the M74.

The stones look smaller than the dimensions in Canmore; the tallest is more like 1m than the 1.7m quoted. Possibly the ground level has increased following road improvements.

Too cloudy to see if the stones were aligned on anything.

Visited 2 May 2005

This is an interesting enough RSC. Nothing very remarkable about it but it’s in better nick than many.

I usually take copies of Thom’s plans to a site mainly as a handy starting point for my own scribbles. On this one he has the recumbent and flankers in the SE quadrant. They’re not. Makes you wonder, eh?

Anyway, of more interest, he refers to an outlying menhir in the SE having been removed by the farmer and his drawing shows the recumbent and flankers lying inside the circumference of the circle. Not unusual when there is a ring cairn but no evidence of that here.

Access The easiest way into the site is via the farm to the N on the E of the A97. I asked there and, although the circle is not on their land, they were happy to let me cross and to park in their yard.

Visited 17 March 2005

Nice site .... shame about the military jets flying low overhead every 30 seconds.

I stayed just long enough to get some photos then headed off somewhere quieter.

Visited 17 March 2005

There’s just so much here that’s good -
- the extensive view taking in the sea
- the way the recumbent and surviving flanker fit together with near Inca-like precision
- the ring cairn, probably the best surviving example outside the restored Loanhead of Daviot
- the interesting way the recumbent is linked to the ring cairn and not the stone circle.

I’m not going to post plans of all the RSCs (they are referenced here themodernantiquarian.com/post/36258) but this one does help give a clearer picture of what’s going on.

Difficult to argue here that the ring cairn was added after the circle and recently three RSC excavations by Bradley have shown that the ring cairn came first.

Visited 14 March 2005

Not much of interest to see here but since it’s in an area with a large concentration of RSCs you’ll probably pass near to it travelling between other sites. It’s worth stopping at for a quick look.

Access Easy. Park on the minor road at a point just NE of the site. Enter the open grassy area on the N of the road and head up to the left. No gates or fences.

Visited 18 March 2005

Couldn’t get worked up about this RSC.

It might have been the field clearance or the half-hearted flankers or the rather irritating fire-damaged and now speedboat-shaped recumbent. Nothing seemed to fit.

One interesting feature of the site should be the stones at right angles to the inside of the recumbent (unusual but best seen at East Aquhorthies) but the field clearance behind the recumbent makes it difficult to know what you are looking at.

One of the two low outliers to the SE has two Pictish symbols carved on it.

You’ll get all the usual views etc from here but, I’d suggest, not one to go for if you’re pushed for time.

Access. Easy parking near Ardlair Farm. Through one gate for the RSC and over a low fence for the outliers.

Visited 18 March 2005

This is a great site but you really need a good day to fully appreciate it.

In the sun, the 3.1m white quartz outlier would look magnificent. In the dull flat light of the day of my visit, it was just another stone. Similarly the cupmarks needed a lot of faith to see and they just refused to be photographed.

Oh well, at least it wasn’t raining.

Visited 18 March 2005

What an idyllic site.

Sitting here by the stones on a tree stump in a sheltered suntrap with a babbling brook for company, I definitely felt an ode coming on.

Sadly, I’d left my pen and paper in the car so it’s lost forever.

Three-quarters of a four-poster with stones up to 1.5m.

Access. There are various footpaths and tracks to the N which may lead to the circle. I decided to take the direct route by parking at NJ683155 where the stones can be seen and going in by the stream.

There is an unclimbable deer fence along the edge of the field so my way in was by the bridge using what can only be described as a “dreep”.

Happily, it was much easier getting out.

Visited 16 March 2005