markj99

Visited 26.07.24

Lagwine Cairn is located c. 0.5 mile N of Carsphairn in Dumfries and Galloway. According to Canmore ID 63880, the oval cairn originally measured 30.0m E-W by 25.0m N-S. There has been some stone robbing, probably for the construction of a sheepfold c. 50 yards NE of the cairn. However, a ridge of apparently undisturbed stones survives, measuring c. 50 feet E-W, 30 feet N-S and 4 feet high. Scattered stones are visible on the N and S Arcs. On the W Arc there is a low circular stone structure measuring c. 3 feet internally with a wall up to 3 feet thick and 1 foot high.

Visited 17.07.24

Duniewick Hillfort is constructed on Duniewick Crag, a large natural knoll on the NE slopes of Knockdolian, c. 2 miles NE of Ballantrae in South Ayrshire. Dunniewick Crag has near vertical rocky flanks on the S and E providing natural defence. There are steep grassy slopes on the N and W, supplemented by a ditch at the base of the crag. The ditch measures up to 10 feet wide and 4 feet deep. Access to the summit is via an angled rock slab on the W flank. The summit plain slopes gently S-N. It has extensive grass cover making observation difficult. There is an earth rampart round the perimeter with a gap in the W flank for the entrance. Canmore ID 61960 estimates that the rampart is “up to 5.6m in thickness and 0.9m in height”. Canmore further states that the enclosure measures c. 30m E-W and 25m N-S. The enclosure is flat and featureless.

Visited 14.07.24

Knockeen Cairn is located c. 2 miles ENE of Barr Village in South Ayrshire. It lies in rough pasture on the S edge of a strip of trees, screening it from the road. The round mound measures c. 66 feet in diameter and 5 feet high. There are no stones visible on the grassy surface except for a cluster of embedded small stones in the NW quadrant. There is a hollow in the centre of the cairn measuring c. 4 feet in diameter and 0.5 feet deep. It is probable that the centre of the cairn has been excavated. This is the only trace of disturbance on the mound. Canmore ID 71385 has further details of Knockeen Cairn.

Visited 14.07.24

There is an isolated cairn on the summit of Pinbreck Hill, located c. 5 miles E of Barr Village in South Ayrshire. The oval cairn measures c. 40 feet NW-SE and 35 feet NE-SW, reaching up to 3 feet high. It has been largely robbed of stones leaving a grassy surface studded with embedded small stones. The kerb of the cairn is delineated by intermittent embedded medium-sized stones. A modern cairn, measuring c. 1.5 feet high, has been constructed in the centre of the mound around a rusting iron fence post. Canmore ID 63060 has further details of Pinbreck Hill Cairn. There are extensive 360° views from the summit of Pinbreck Hill, compensation for a tussocky walk up a c. 30° slope.

Visited 23.06.24

There was a cairn on the summit of Cairn Hill, c. 0.33 miles N of Cairnryan in Dumfries and Galloway. According to Canmore ID 60646, all that remained in 1985 was “a spread of stones measuring 25m in diameter and rising up to 0.3m in height around the edges.” On my visit I observed a grassy circle c. 25 yards in diameter c. 15 yards ESE of the summit trig point. There were no stones visible on the surface or underfoot.

Canmore states that Cairn Hill (Cairnryan) Cairn is also known as Cairn Multibrugh.

Visited 16.06.24

Drummuckloch Hill Cairn is located in rough pasture c. 0.75 miles E of Cairnryan in Dumfries and Galloway. The ruined cairn is obscured by clumps of marsh grass. Canmore ID 60677 states that the mound “measures 7m in diameter by a maximum of 0.4m in height.”

There may be a relationship between Drummuckloch Hill Cairn and Drummuckloch Hill Standing Stone which lies c. 70 yards SSE of the stone.

Visited 16.06.24

Drummuckloch Hill Standing Stone is located in rough pasture c. 0.75 miles E of Cairnryan in Dumfries and Galloway. The undressed stone slab measures c. 4.5 feet in height with a c. 3 x 1.5 feet cross section. The long axis is orientated NNW-SSE. A modern dry stane dyke has been constructed c. 6 feet W of the stone, running c. 30 yards ENE to the nearest boundary wall. Drummuckloch Hill Standing Stone is listed as Canmore ID 60678.

There may be a relationship between Drummuckloch Hill Standing Stone and Drummuckloch Hill Cairn which lies c. 70 yards SSE of the stone.

Visited 12.06.24

Eagle Cairn (Cardryne) is a ruined cairn in Dumfries and Galloway with a spectacular panorama including sea views and the Mull of Galloway Lighthouse. The mound has been bisected by a dry stane dyke running NNE to SSW. The western half is better preserved, measuring c. 12 feet wide of the dry stane dyke up to 1 feet high with embedded stones scattered in the grassy surface. The eastern half has been reduced to a prominence in the field, measuring c. 1 foot high and 6 feet wide of the dry stane dyke. Further information is available in Canmore ID 61065.

The route to the cairn is cross country starting at a lay-by at NX 1192 3301 opposite Cardryne Croft. Follow a farm track NE then walk round the perimeter of a field to a gate, detour round rough ground towards the ruined cairn. My route is viewable on Eagle Cairn (Cardryne).

Directions to Millmoan Hill Cairn

There is a minor junction off the A77 at NX 0820 7530, c. 80 yards SW of the Dupin Farm junction on the Glen App straight. There is room for one car to park at the locked gate. It is the start of a forest track winding uphill for c. 1.3 miles to a modern fire tower. Millmoan Hill Cairn is located c. 100 yards S in a wide clearing. My route can be viewed on Millmoan Hill Cairn. (I saw several deer grazing on my way back as this is a road less travelled.)

Visited 16.05.24

Millmoan Hill Cairn is an isolated site surrounded by forestry, c. 1 mile E of Glenapp Church in South Ayrshire. A large sheepfold has been constructed round the cairn using original stones, leaving the W arc clear. A line of scattered stones is visible on the W arc. The N arc has been bisected by the NE and NW enclosures. A large circular hollow has been excavated in the SE quadrant measuring c. 4m across and 1m deep. Canmore ID 60913 states that the mound measures “up to 21m in diameter and 1.8m in height”.

Visited 03.05.24

Drummanmoan Loan Cairn is located in open moorland c. 3 miles N of Penwhirn Reservoir in Dumfries and Galloway. This lonely green mound is hidden from view by marsh grass except on the N arc. The subcircular cairn measures c. 25 feet across and 2 feet high. A low scattering of stones on the W arc may be the remains of a collapsed modern cairn, described in Canmore ID 61902. The centre of the mound is occupied by a circular hollow of marsh grass.

If you like a yomp over bleak moorland, this is your bag. Park up at NX 1275 7270 on the Lagafater Lodge dead-end single track road. Follow the W bank of the Laganabeastie Burn N for c. 0.5 mile to reach an enclosure above the burn. Head NW along rough ATV tracks. The cairn is obscured by a ring of marsh grass on approach making GPS navigation essential. Return by the reverse route. My route can be viewed on Drummanmoan Loan Cairn. Having travelled so far from civilisation, it would be a mistake not to visit Laganabeastie Cairns, which are located in pasture c. 200 yards E of the Stone Bridge.

Visited 03.09.21

As Gladman suggested, the house adjacent to Sarsgrum Cairn has been renovated. The A838 is now part of the NC500 leading to more traffic passing the cairn, however it is still relatively easy to stop and view the cairn.

Directions to Friar’s Kirk NW Cairn: Follow the directions to Drumanwherran S Cairn Cemetery. Take a 4x4 track N from the modern shepherd’s cairn until you reach NX 11116 72105, where a vague track heads WNW . Head W downhill for c. 175 yards to reach Drumanwherran N Cairn. An extended pathless route NNW leads to Friar’s Kirk Cairns. Wellies and GPS navigation are strongly recommended. My route can be seen on Friar’s Kirk Cairns via Drumanwherran N Cairn.

Directions to Friar’s Kirk SE Cairn: Follow the directions to Drumanwherran S Cairn Cemetery. Take a 4x4 track N from the modern shepherd’s cairn until you reach NX 11116 72105, where a vague track heads WNW . Head W downhill for c. 175 yards to reach Drumanwherran N Cairn. An extended pathless route NNW leads to Friar’s Kirk Cairns. Wellies and GPS navigation are strongly recommended. My route can be seen on Friar’s Kirk Cairns via Drumanwherran N Cairn.

Directions to Drumanwherran N Cairn: Follow the directions to Drumanwherran S Cairn Cemetery. Take a 4x4 track N from the modern shepherd’s cairn until you reach NX 11116 72105, where a vague track heads WNW . Head W downhill for c. 175 yards to reach Drumanwherran N Cairn. An extended pathless route NNW leads to Friar’s Kirk Cairns. Wellies and GPS navigation are strongly recommended. My route can be seen on Friar’s Kirk Cairns via Drumanwherran N Cairn.

Directions to Claywarnies Cairn: Follow the directions to Drumanwherran S Cairn Cemetery. Head NW across a burn and boggy moorland to a forest ride beginning at NX 10911 71685. Walk W along the ride for c. 600 yards to reach a wide clearing. Head WNW for 50 yards across the clearing to a forest ride. Follow it for c. 150 yards to reach Claywarnies Cairn in a round clearing. Wellies and GPS Navigation are strongly recommended. My route can be viewed on Claywarnies Cairn.

Directions to Altigoukie Burn Cairn: Take the W turn to Glenluce off the A75. Turn left for New Luce after 0.2 mile. Stay on this road for c. 5 miles to reach New Luce. Go straight on at the top of Main Street for 1.3 miles to reach Barlure Farm track. There is a room for one car to park at the junction. Walk along Barlure Farm track for c. 225 yards to reach a cattle grid. There is a sign which reads “Start of path to Kilfeddar farm – Distance 2.9km”. Continue W along the track for c. 150 yards to the centre of Barlure Farm. Turn left at the farmhouse heading downhill through pasture to Barlure Farm Railway Bridge. (There was a pool of water one foot deep under the bridge: lucky I was wearing wellies!) Head NW along the muddy track beside the railway line. Continue along this track for 0.8 miles to NX 15845 67587, 100 yards before it crosses a stream. Head NE across rough pasture for the railway line for c. 0.5 miles. When the glen narrows cross a fence, head W for Altigoukie Burn in boggy moorland. Altigoukie Burn Burnt Mound is located on the S bank of the burn at NX 1633 6810. Altigoukie Burn Cairn lies c. 110 yards NW from the burnt mound. My route can be viewed on Altigoukie Burn Cairn and Burnt Mound.

Directions to Drumanwherran S Cairn Cemetery: The access to the cairn cemetery is complicated by the construction of a nearby windfarm which may cause future restrictions. The following route is currently open: Take the unsigned New Luce turn off the straight on the A77 at NX 08557 63769, c. 0.3 miles N of the A751 Innermessan junction. There are traffic cones on the road restricting it to one lane. Follow this road for c. 5.3 miles to reach the disused Penwhirn Filter Station. Continue past the Penwhirn houses for c. 200 yards to a dead-end single track left turn over a bridge. This is the road to Lagafater Lodge. Take this road for c. 1 mile to reach Darnigap Farm. A track leading W into forestry starts opposite Dalnigap Farm. It is possible to park 50 yards up this track. The track runs for c. 1.2 miles through the trees. Follow this track on bike or foot to reach the dead-end. The track becomes a forest ride which is boggy underfoot. Follow this NW for c. 0.4 miles to the end of the forest ride. Head W for c. 50 yards to cross the burn at a narrow channel. Head NW through boggy rushes towards a prominent natural mound. Canmore Id : 61893 is c. 40 yards N, a circle covered in rushes. Follow a rough 4x4 track N for c. 120 yards to reach a small grassy cairn, Canmore Id : 61892. The most obvious landmark on Drumanwherrran Moor is c. 50 yard N along the 4x4 track. It is a modern Shepherds Cairn measuring c.10 feet high in the centre of a large robbed cairn, listed as Canmore Id : 61935. Take a 4x4 track heading W from here, passing a natural mound then bear S to Canmore Id : 61894, a grassy cairn with a recumbent slab in its centre. My walking route can be viewed on Drumanwherran S Cairns.

Visited 17.02.24

I’ve passed by The Witching Stone countless times, however, the field was usually in crop or I was on my way to somewhere. Yesterday, while travelling home from a Bill Bailey concert, I noticed that the field enclosing The Witching Stone was being drained so it seemed like a good opportunity to finally visit the standing stone.

My first difficulty was finding a place to park on the busy A77. After some trial and error I parked down the track to the cottages S of the Old Alginate factory at Dipple. The lane is a high tide detour off the Ayrshire Coastal Path. There is room to park just beyond the cottages. The track leads onto the beach. After following the coast S for c. 0.5 mile I headed to a gate in the NW corner of the field. The Witching Stone was c. 150 yards SE from the gateway across a sodden field (I had wellies on obviously).

The Witching Stone, as it is known locally, is a natural pointed boulder leaning c. 30 degrees SE. It is set upright with broad sides on a NE-SW axis. The stone measures c. 4 x 3 x 1 feet. The overall height is reduced to c. 3.5 feet by the lean. It is located at NS 19924 01730 (transcribed from OS Aerial Mapping).

There is no obvious reason why this rather ordinary stone has been preserved in the field. It is not listed on Canmore and a Google search for Witching Stone Girvan produced no relevant result.

Visited 11.02.24

Friar’s Kirk NW Cairn is located on open moorland c. 3 miles NNW of Penwhirn Reservoir in Dumfries and Galloway. The round grassy mound has small stones studded on the surface. The N half of the cairn has a hollow up to 1 foot deep. Conversely, there is a loose mound of stones c. 6 feet wide by 1.5 feet high on the S arc. A large slab measuring c. 3x2x0.33 feet lies on the mound, towards the centre of the cairn. The slab could be a remnant of a cist. The overall dimensions of the cairn are c. 36 feet across by 3 feet high.

Friar’s Kirk SE Cairn lies c. 270 yards SE of Friar’s Kirk NW Cairn. Further details of Friar’s Kirk NW Cairn are available in Canmore ID 61882.

Visited 11.02.24

Friar’s Kirk SE Cairn is located on open moorland c. 3 miles NNW of Penwhirn Reservoir in Dumfries and Galloway. The round grassy mound has small stones scattered on the surface, concentrated on a round stone structure built around a hollow in the E arc. The ruined structure has an internal diameter of c. 3 feet with a wall c. 1 feet wide. The overall dimensions of the cairn are c. 40 feet across by 2 feet high.

Friar’s Kirk NW Cairn lies c. 270 yards NW of Friar’s Kirk SE Cairn. According to Canmore ID 61924, Friar’s Kirk SE Cairn is c. 120m NW of Friar’s Kirk Enclosure, a ruined sheepfold.

Visited 10.02.24

Claywarnies Cairn is located in a forest clearing c. 2 miles NW of Penwhirn Reservoir in Dumfries and Galloway. The large sub-circular mound has been extensively modified by man over time. Several enclosures have been constructed on and around the cairn, presumably using original cairn stones. There is a rectangular enclosure outside the N perimeter, a cluster of stones on the S arc and a ruined enclosure in the W half. The cairn, which measures c. 66 feet in diameter and 3 feet high, is covered in rushes obscuring any surface stones.

Canmore ID 61891 has details of Claywarnies Cairn, including a survey carried out in 1985.

Visited 11.02.24

Drumanwherran N Cairn lies c. 700 yards NNW of Drumanwherran S Cairn Cemetery, c. 2 miles NNW of Penwhirn Reservoir in Dumfries and Galloway. It is located on the W slope of Drummanwherran.

The round cairn measures c. 18 feet in diameter and 1 foot high. The rough surface of the mound is covered in green rushes, making it stand out from the brown moorland. There are no stones visible on the cairn except for a cluster of small stones embedded on the E perimeter.

Further details are available in Canmore ID 61895.

Visited 10.02.24

There is a group of 4 cairns located in a rectangular area, measuring c. 175 by 130 yards, on Drumanwherran moor c. 1.5 miles NNW of Penwhirn Reservoir. The largest cairn lies on the NE corner of the boggy moorland rectangle. It is the most prominent landmark due to a modern shepherds cairn erected in the centre of the grassy mound. The OS grid reference quoted above refers to this cairn.

Canmore ID 61935 describes a large round cairn measuring c. 75 feet in diameter and 4 feet high. The grassy surface is studded with small stones. A modern shepherds cairn measuring c. 10 feet high has been erected in the centre of the mound. This may account for a hollow up to c. 1 foot deep in the N half. Additionally, there is a small stone structure built onto the S perimeter.

Canmore ID 61892 suggests that “a peat-covered mound measuring 7.5m in diameter and 0.5m in height”, c. 50 yards S of Canmore ID 61935, “is probably a cairn”. In situ, the rough tussocky green mound stands out in the brown moorland lending credence to its status.

Canmore ID 61893 lies c. 175 yards S of Canmore ID 61935. The cairn is a sub-circular hollow of rushes measuring c. 24 feet across and 1 foot deep.

Canmore ID 61894 has details of a robbed round cairn c. 130 yards WSW of Canmore ID 61935. The mound, which measures c. 27 feet in diameter and 1.5 feet high, has a grassy central plateau. A large slab measuring c. 3x2x0.5 feet lies on the W arc, possibly a remnant of a destroyed cist.

Visited 01.02.24

Altigoukie Burn Burnt Mound is located c. 2.5 miles NNW of New Luce in Dumfries and Galloway. It lies c. 50 yards NW of the Stranraer railway line, on the S bank of Altigoukie Burn. According to Canmore ID 61415 the burnt mound “measures 7m from E to W by 4.5m transversely and is up to 0.6m in height”. The visible burnt stones noted in Canmore were obscured by vegetation on my visit.

Altigoukie Burn Cairn lies c. 110 yards NW of Altigoukie Burn Burnt Mound.

Visited 01/02/24

Altigoukie Burn Cairn is located in moorland c. 2.5 miles NNW of New Luce in Dumfries and Galloway. The grassy round cairn lies c. 150 yards NW of the Stranraer railway line. There are no visible stones on the mound which measures c. 54 feet in diameter by 3 feet high. The cairn has a central hollow up to 1 foot deep. Canmore ID 61425 has a full description of Altigoukie Burn Cairn.

Kilfeddar Farm Cairn is c. 0.5 mile NE of Altigoukie Burn Cairn.

Directions to Kilfeddar Farm Cairn: Take the W turn to Glenluce off the A75. Turn left for New Luce after 0.2 mile. Stay on this road for c. 5 miles to reach New Luce. Go straight on at the top of Main Street for 1.3 miles to reach Barlure Farm track. There is a room for one car to park at the junction. Walk along Barlure Farm track for c. 225 yards to reach a cattle grid. There is a sign which reads “Start of path to Kilfeddar farm – Distance 2.9km”. Continue W along the track for c. 150 yards to the centre of Barlure Farm. Turn left at the farmhouse heading downhill through pasture to Barlure Farm Railway Bridge. (There was a pool of water one foot deep under the bridge: lucky I was wearing wellies!) Head NW along the muddy track beside the railway line. Continue along this track for 1.3 miles to Kilfeddar Farm ruin. Head NE for c. 225 yards towards a gate in an adjacent field. Kilfeddar Farm Cairn is c. 160 yards NE from the gateway, down a sloping field. My route can be viewed on Kilfedder Farm Cairn.

Visited 01.02.24

Kilfeddar Farm Cairn is located in pasture c. 3 miles NNW of New Luce in Dumfries and Galloway. It is on a slope c. 350 yards NE of Kilfeddar Farm ruin. The round cairn was originally c. 60 feet in diameter, however, small to medium-sized field clearance stones deposited on the SE and NW arcs have changed it into an oval mound measuring “25.7m from NW to SE by 16.5m transversely and up to 1.4m in height” according to Canmore ID 61414. My estimated measurements of the cairn accord with the Canmore dimensions. The centre of the cairn retains a layer of small stones with a patina of age suggesting that they may be original stones.

It may be only a 4 mile walk there and back to the Brockloch Fell Cairn, however its location in an isolated forest surrounded by difficult terrain make this a nightmare to find. Wellies are essential for a burn crossing and GPS navigation strongly recommended. There were several trees partially blocking access on the forest track and narrow forest lane on my visit. My route can be followed on Brockloch Fell Cairn.

Directions to Brockloch Fell Cairn: The access to the cairn is complicated by the construction of a nearby windfarm which may cause future restrictions. The following route is currently open: Take the unsigned New Luce turn off the straight on the A77 at NX 08557 63769, c. 0.3 miles N of the A751 Innermessan junction. There are traffic cones on the road restricting it to one lane. Follow this road for c. 5.3 miles to reach the disused Penwhirn Filter Station. Continue past the Penwhirn houses for c. 200 yards to a dead-end single track left turn over a bridge. This is the road to Lagafater Lodge. Take this road for c. 1 mile to reach Darnigap Farm. A track leading W into forestry starts opposite Dalnigap Farm. It is possible to park 50 yards up this track. The track runs for c. 1.2 miles through the trees. Follow this track on bike or foot to reach the dead-end. The track becomes a forest ride which is boggy underfoot. Follow this NW for 0.3 miles to reach a forest lane heading SW. Take the narrow grassy lane for c. 0.2 mile to reach open moorland. Head W across boggy ground, crossing a burn, towards a corner in the forest at NX 1105 7096. Follow the forest edge SW for c. 300 yards then head S for c. 50 yards into replanted forestry to a stony cairn surrounded by small trees.

Visited 28.01.23

Brockloch Fell Cairn is a round stony mound in replanted forestry c. 1 mile NW of Penwhirn Reservoir in Dumfries and Galloway. The cairn, measuring c. 39 feet in diameter and 4 feet high, is surrounded by small trees. A small stone enclosure has been constructed on the NW perimeter and a trench has been excavated along the NE-SW axis bisecting the mound. Further details of the site are available on Canmore ID 61880.

Visited 18.01.24

Grey Hill (Shennas) Cairn is difficult to access due to its location in boggy moorland. I deliberately chose a cold day in January hoping for frozen ground underfoot. I would recommend a winter or a dry summer visit.
The access to the cairn is further complicated by the construction of a nearby windfarm which may cause future restrictions. The following route is currently open: Take the unsigned New Luce turn off the straight on the A77 at NX 08557 63769, c. 0.3 miles N of the A751 Innermessan junction. There are traffic cones on the road restricting it to one lane. Follow this road for c. 5.3 miles to reach the disused Penwhirn Filter Station. Continue past the Penwhirn houses for c. 200 yards to a dead-end single track left turn over a bridge. This is the road to Lagafater Lodge. Take this road for c. 1.5 miles to reach NX 12683 71548. There is a grass lay-by on the left at the edge of a forest just before a cattle grid. Walk through the cattle grid then turn right, following a dry stone dyke round the edge of the forest for c. 600 yards to cross a stream at NX 13149 71645, then head NNE across boggy moorland for c. 400 yards towards a green mound. My route is viewable on Grey Hill (Shennas) Cairn.
Wellies, dry weather and persistence are essential for this difficult walk.

Visited 18.01.24

There is a cairn in moorland on Grey Hill c. 1.7 miles N of Penwhirn Reservoir in Dumfries and Galloway. The sub-circular cairn is in an oval grass clearing in open moorland c. 0.5 miles E of the dead-end single track road to Lagafater Lodge. The cairn has been reduced to a grassy mound c. 40 feet in diameter and 2 feet high. There are two deposits of stones on the surface of the cairn. There is a low line of stones c. 4 feet wide and 1 foot high on a N-S axis in the centre of the mound, possibly remains of a wall. On the E arc there is a loose mound of stones c. 9 feet in diameter and 3 feet high. A smaller cluster of stones remain on the NE perimeter.
Canmore ID 61937 describes the footings of two shieling bothies on the NW and S sides of the cairn: There is a low platform of stones on the S arc however the NW arc is flat and featureless.

Directions to Airyhemming E: Take the W exit to Glenluce off the A75. Turn left for New Luce/Glenluce Abbey after c. 0.2 mile. Follow the New Luce road for c. 1.4 miles to reach Glenluce Abbey. Travel c. 130 yards further to reach a narrow road on the left. Follow the narrow lane for c. 0.2 mile to cross Boreland Bridge. Continue for 0.2 miles to a narrow road on the right signed for Boreland and Airyhemming. Take the right turn passing under a railway bridge then park in a lay-by beside the railway line c. 100 yards after the bridge. The route to Airyhemming E and W Cairns starts along the farm track then turns into a rough field leading to a farm track parallel to the Airyhemming Cairns. My walk to from here is viewable on Airyhemming Cairns.

Torhousekie Farm Cairn has survived in better condition than the E cairns which have been erased from the landscape. The overall footprint of the cairn is intact and there are original stones scattered on the centre of the low mound.

It is possible to park in a gateway on the B733 at NX 3790 5669. Head N across the field for c. 130 yards to a gate in the dry stane dyke. Torhousekie Farm Cairn is c. 70 yards SW of here parallel to the dry stane dyke. My route is viewable on Torhouse Farm Cairn.

Directions: Take the Park of Brandedleys turn off the A75 on the SW edge of Crocketford. Follow the road for c. 0.8 mile to Auchengibbert Farm. Bear left to Kirkgungeon for c. 0.2 mile to a passing place on the left. Park up and follow a vague path along the margin of the field to the W bank of Milton Loch. My route is viewable on Milton Loch Crannogs.

Directions: Take the Park of Brandedleys turn off the A75 on the SW edge of Crocketford. Follow the road for c. 0.8 mile to Auchengibbert Farm. Bear left to Kirkgungeon for c. 0.2 mile to a passing place on the left. Park up and follow a vague path along the margin of the field to the W bank of Milton Loch. My route is viewable on Milton Loch Crannogs.

Directions: Take the Park of Brandedleys turn off the A75 on the SW edge of Crocketford. Follow the road for c. 0.8 mile to Auchengibbert Farm. Bear left to Kirkgungeon for c. 0.8 mile to a lay-by at the junction with Little Milton farm road on the left. Park up and walk for c. 250 yards down the farm road to a large lay-by on the left. Head W through the trees to the loch’s edge. Milton Loch SE Crannog is c. 20 yards off the E bank. My route is viewable on Milton Loch SE Crannog.

Visited 24.05.23

Lochrutton Loch Crannog is not spectacular, however, it is an easy walk on a path to view the crannog from the E bank of the loch.

Directions: Take the Lochfoot turn off the A75 at the Drummore Roundabout c. 3 miles W of Dumfries. After c. 0.7 mile you will reach a crossroads. Continue straight onto an unsigned narrow road for c. 0.3 miles to reach a lay-by on the left. A path for Lochrutton Loch starts here, heading W along a fence. As the path heads through a dry stane dyke turn left, heading S through the field towards a wooded promontory on the loch edge. The path continues W along the promontory for c. 100 yards to the water’s edge. The crannog is a small isle in the middle of the loch, populated by several small trees, SW of the promontory. My walk can be viewed on Lochrutton Loch.

Directions to Captain’s Bridge (Drummochreen) W: Take the B741 Dailly road off the A77, N of Girvan. After c. 5 miles stay straight on for Maybole at the Dailly junction. Continue towards Maybole for c. 1.7 miles to a farm junction on the left at NS 28593 03605. Park up and walk c. 120 yards W along the dirt track to a green track on the left. Walk 5 yards along the green track. Look left to see the outer bank and ditch of the fort. Climb over the bank to enter the enclosure of Captain’s Bridge (Drummochreen) W fort.

Direction to Caerketton Hill Cairn: I parked at NT 24954 66968, a car park at the Hillend Ski Centre junction with the A702 on the S edge of Edinburgh. A path leading W starts here, before it turns to the SW. This path leads up to an elevated ridge which commands impressive views of Edinburgh. Caerketton Fort and Cairn are accessed by this moderately steep route. My route can be viewed on Caerketton Hill Cairn.

Directions to Hillend Fort: I parked at NT 24954 66968, a car park at the Hillend Ski Centre junction with the A702 on the S edge of Edinburgh. A path leading W starts here, before it turns to the SW. This path leads up to an elevated ridge which commands impressive views of Edinburgh. Caerketton Fort and Cairn are accessed by this moderately steep route. My route can be viewed on Caerketton Hill Cairn.

Directions to Loch Heron Crannog: Take the North Street turn (signed for Whitecairn Farm Caravan Park) off Main Street in Glenluce. Follow this narrow road for c. 7 miles to reach a minor crossroads at Three Lochs Holiday Park. Take the right turn opposite the holiday park entrance onto a single track road. Follow the road for c. 0.25 mile to a lay-by on the right. The crannog can be viewed from here.

Directions to Moss Knowes from South: Take the A714 Girvan at the N end of Victoria Street in Newton Stewart. Follow the road for c. 8.4 miles to Bargrennan. Take the right turn to Glentrool Village. Follow the road for c. 9.3 miles to a Y-junction. Bear right for c. 4.7 miles to reach Stinchar Bridge. There is a right turn signed for Forest Drive. Take this narrow road for c. 1.2 miles to a dead-end. Park up and follow the Carrick Forest Drive for c. 1.7 miles to reach a right turn just before Loch Riecawr. Take the right turn heading S for c. 1.1 miles to reach Moss Knowes Rocking Stone. It is c. 25 yards SE of the forest track in an open area of felled forest.

Directions to Moss Knowes from North: Take the B7045 Straiton left turn off the A77 just S of Minishant. Stay on the B7045 for c. 3.9 miles to a Y-junction on the edge of Kirkmichael. Bear right along the B7045 for c. 4 miles to Straiton. Follow the Newton Stewart road straight through Straiton for c. 7.3 miles to reach Stinchar Bridge. There is a left turn signed for Forest Drive. Take this narrow road for c. 1.2 miles to a dead-end. Park up and follow the Carrick Forest Drive for c. 1.7 miles to reach a right turn just before Loch Riecawr. Take the right turn heading S for c. 1.1 miles to reach Moss Knowes Rocking Stone. It is c. 25 yards SE of the forest track in an open area of felled forest.

My walking route is viewable on Moss Knowes Rocking Stone.

Directions to Barnsallie Fell: Take the A747 Portwilliam turn off the A75 at Glenluce. Follow the road for c. 1.8 miles to reach a left turn signed for Whithorn Way. Stay on this single track road for c. 1 mile to reach a left turn signed for Craigenveoch via a forest track. There is a lay-by on the edge of the loch after c. 100 yards if you want to park up. Continue on foot or by car for c. 0.2 miles to reach a parking place at Knock of Luce Wood. Walk c. 200 yards W along a grass track leading to a dead-end. Take the loch side path for on the left for c. 200 yards to reach NSF Scotland Woodland Garden. Take a path NW starting at the NSF Scotland info board. Head W towards an obvious gap in the stone wall. Wellies are required from this point. Cross a stream then head N parallel to the stone wall through boggy shrubby ground for c. 100 yards to reach Barnsallie Fell Cairn, shrouded in small trees.

Directions to Cults Loch Crannogs: Take the New Luce turn off the A75 at the petrol station on the SE edge of Castle Kennedy. After c. 0.5 mile take the right turn signed for Nivens Yard. Follow this potholed gravel track for c. 75 yards to a gate on the left. There is room to park at the gate. Walk E through the gate for c. 350 yards to reach a gate into a field on the left. Follow a track NE towards Cults Loch. The Central Crannog can be viewed from the W bank of the loch. The NW Crannog is located on a circular promontory in the NW corner of the loch. My route is viewable on Cults Loch Crannogs. On a cautionary note, there are often beef cattle in the field beside Cults Loch.

Visited 07.06.23

Rillaton N Cairn is located c. 40 yards NNW of Rillaton Barrow on Craddock Moor, c. 0.5 mile N of Minions in Cornwall.

The cairn is preserved as a flat grassy platform delineated by a sub-circular grass bank measuring c. 25 feet in diameter and up to 1 foot high. Rillaton N Cairn is easily missed due to its low stature and the prominence of its illustrious neighbour, Rillaton Barrow. Nevertheless, the location of Rillaton N Cairn surely increases its importance in the landscape.

Rillaton N Cairn is shown on OS Mapping but doesn’t have an Historic England listing.

Directions to Green Island, Milton Loch: Take the Park of Brandedleys turn off the A75 on the SW edge of Crocketford. Follow the road for c. 0.8 mile to Auchengibbert Farm. Bear left to Kirkgunzeon for c. 0.2 mile to a passing place on the left. Park up and follow a vague path along the margin of the field to the W bank of Milton Loch. My route is viewable on Milton Loch Crannogs.

Directions to Captain’s Bridge (Drummochreen) SE: Take the B741 Dailly road off the A77, N of Girvan. After c. 5 miles stay straight on for Maybole at the Dailly junction. Continue towards Maybole for c. 1.7 miles to a farm junction on the left. Park up and walk c. 150 yards SW round the corner to Captain’s Bridge (Drummochreen) SE on the S end of the bridge.

Directions to Cairn Hill (Dalquharran) : Take the B741 Dailly road off the A77, N of Girvan. After c. 5 miles stay straight on for Maybole at the Dailly junction. Continue for 75 yards to park up in estate gates on the right. Walk c. 100 yards S into the estate to reach a path heading E into a wood. Follow the path E for c. 150 yards then head S for c. 50 yards along a path heading into a field. The cairn is c. 130 yards SE of the entrance into the field. On 06.11.23 the field was in crop making a visit impossible.

Directions to East Threave Cairn : Take the B741 Dailly road off the A77, N of Girvan. After c. 5 miles stay straight on for Maybole at the Dailly junction. Continue towards Maybole for c. 1 mile to a minor road on the left, signed to Kirkoswald. Take this single track road for c. 1.2 miles to a sharp left at a farm road with a cattle grid. After c. 0.3 miles on this farm road bear right onto a rough track. Follow this muddy pot holed track for c. 0.6 miles to a gateway on your left at NS 25887 04226. There is room to park on the right. Make your way though the gate towards East Threave Cairn in the grassy field.