markj99

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.

Directions: Travel E along the A75 for c. 3 miles from the roundabout at Newton Stewart. to reach the Kirroughtree /Palnure junction. Continue E for c. 0.4 mile to an unsigned left turn. Follow this narrow lane for c. 0.4 mile to reach Cairnsmore Estate. Bear left for c. 0.2 miles to a right turn into Graddoch Bridge Parking Lane. Walk to the end of the lane, turn right and follow the signs for Cairnmore of Fleet. The walk is a 10 mile ascent and descent of Cairnsmore of Fleet taking in three cairns. My route is viewable on Cairnsmore of Fleet Cairns.

Directions: Travel E along the A75 for c. 3 miles from the roundabout at Newton Stewart. to reach the Kirroughtree /Palnure junction. Continue E for c. 0.4 mile to an unsigned left turn. Follow this narrow lane for c. 0.4 mile to reach Cairnsmore Estate. Bear left for c. 0.2 miles to a right turn into Graddoch Bridge Parking Lane. Walk to the end of the lane, turn right and follow the signs for Cairnmore of Fleet. The walk is a 10 mile ascent and descent of Cairnsmore of Fleet taking in three cairns. My route is viewable on Cairnsmore of Fleet Cairns.

Directions to Airyolland W Cairn: Take the Elrig turn off the A747. Follow the road through Elrig for c. 1.9 miles to reach a left turn onto a dead-end lane signed for Barhobble Church Site. Travel c. 140 yards down the lane to a concrete lay-by on the left. Walk c. 400 yards NW to a gateway on the left. A green lane heading W starts here. Follow the green lane for c. 400 yards to reach a gate. Continue on the lane for c. 130 yards to a double gateway on the left. Go through the SW gate. Follow the stone wall S for c. 370 yards to reach Airyolland E Cairn, 15 yards W of the wall. Airyolland W Cairn is c. 50 yards SW of Airyolland E Cairn. My walking route is viewable on Airyolland Cairns.

Directions to Airyolland W Cairn: Take the Elrig turn off the A747. Follow the road through Elrig for c. 1.9 miles to reach a left turn onto a dead-end lane signed for Barhobble Church Site. Travel c. 140 yards down the lane to a concrete lay-by on the left. Walk c. 400 yards NW to a gateway on the left. A green lane heading W starts here. Follow the green lane for c. 400 yards to reach a gate. Continue on the lane for c. 130 yards to a double gateway on the left. Go through the SW gate. Follow the stone wall S for c. 370 yards to reach Airyolland E Cairn, 15 yards W of the wall. Airyolland W Cairn is c. 50 yards SW of Airyolland E Cairn. My walking route is viewable on Airyolland Cairns.

Directions to Balmalloch Chambered Cairn: Take the dead-end Forest Road at Blair Farm off the A714 c. 0.5 mile SE of Barrhill. Follow this narrow lane for c. 2.7 miles to Darnaconnar Farm at NX 27654 83371. There are three options from here. If you have a 4x4 you can follow the track running N from here or go by off-road bike or walk if necessary. The track is little used and overgrown in the centre. Follow the track for c. 0.8 miles to Balmalloch ruin at the end of the road. Walk NW along a path between trees for c. 120 yards to reach a forest clearing. Balmalloch Cairnfield is located c. 100 yard W from here. The area is planted with small pine trees. Balmalloch Chambered Cairn is c. 350 yards NW of this point across ditches and small trees. Make your best way towards NX 26393 84533 to reach Balmalloch Chambered Cairn.

Directions to Laggan Cairn (Barrhill): Take the dead-end Forest Road at Blair Farm off the A714 c. 0.5 mile SE of Barrhill. Follow this narrow lane for c. 1 mile to a ruined house on the left of the road at NX 25692 82407. Park up and follow an overgrown track NW for c. 600 yards to a corner at NX 25263 82699. Walk N towards a gate in a deer fence. Walk W through rough boggy ground for c. 150 yards to the deer fence. Follow the deer fence N through similar terrain for c. 300 yards to Laggan Cairn (Barrhill) at NX 25354 82970.

Directions to Barnshangan Cairns: 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. Park on Main Street. Walk straight on at the top of Main Street for c. 300 yards to reach Barnshangan Farm track. Follow the farm track for c. 0.6 mile to a gate on the right at NX 18156 65377. Head S into the field for 75 yards then SE towards a gate into an adjacent field. Barnshangan W Cairn is c. 75 yards NE from here. Return to the farm track then walk c. 400 yards E to NX 18429 65423. Barnshangan E Cairn is c. 50 yards to the right, next to a dry stane dyke.

Visited 25.10.23

Laggan Cairn (Barrhill) is located in a recently planted forest c. 1.3 miles ENE of Barrhill, a village in South Ayrshire. Laggan is a ruin on Forest Road off the A714. The sub-circular cairn is on a slope with a grassy perimeter running from NW to SE up to 1 yard high. The central hollow retains several stones surrounded by ferns. I estimated the diameter of the cairn to be 18 yards. This corresponds to the 16 yards quoted in Canmore 62530.

Visited 25.10.23

Balmalloch Chambered Cairn is located in a pine forest clearing c. 2.5 miles NE of Barrhill, a village in South Ayrshire. The stony mound measures c. 20 yards in diameter and 2.5 yards high. Excavation pits are visible on the S and W arcs of the cairn. Two chambers have been exposed by the removal of stones: one in the SE quadrant, the other in the NW quadrant. The larger NW chamber is covered by a split capstone measuring c. 6 x 6 feet. There is no visible passage. The smaller SE chamber has a capstone measuring 4.5 x 3 feet. There may have been a passage ENE of the SE chamber.

Given its rural location, it is not surprising that Balmalloch Chambered Cairn has survived relatively well. There are details of the cairn on Canmore ID 62520.

Balmalloch Cairnfield is c. 200 yards SE of Balmalloch Chambered Cairn.

Visited 25.10.23

Balmalloch Cairnfield is located in a pine forest clearing c. 2.5 miles NE of Barrhill, a village in South Ayrshire. The extensive site is centred on NX 2648 8439. According to Canmore ID 62526 there were around 23 small cairns. The largest measured c. 6m in diameter and 0.8m high.

Unfortunately, Balmalloch Cairnfield has been furrowed and planted with pine trees. This has effectively destroyed the site. I couldn’t see any remaining mounds on my visit on 25.10.23. When the trees are harvested in due course there will be further damage to Balmalloch Cairnfield.

Balmalloch Chambered Cairn is c. 200 yards NW of Balmalloch Cairnfield.

Visited 25.10.23

Barnshangan W Cairn is located c. 700 yards W of Barnshangan Farm, c. 0.65 miles NE of New Luce in Dumfries and Galloway. Until recently, the small field in which it is located was used to enclose Beef Cattle. As a result the ground was churned to mud. The cattle have been moved and the field has grassed over. The low mound is almost invisible in the pasture. Viewed from W, there is a ridge c. 1 foot high. Otherwise the cairn has been reduced to ground level. A 1986 visit listed in Canmore ID 61370 estimated the diameter of Barnshangan W Cairn to be 20m but this is difficult to confirm in its current state. Field clearance stones, previously dumped on the cairn, have been removed (as noted in a comment in Canmore ID 61370). There are no visible stones on the grassy surface of the low mound.

Barnshangan W Cairn has a companion cairn, Barnshangan E Cairn, located c. 165 yards E. The E cairn is better preserved with scattered stones on its surface.

Visited 06.10.23

St Mirren’s Well is located c. 1 mile N of Kilsyth, in North Lanarkshire. The natural spring has been enclosed in a water tank distributing the water to Colzium according to Canmore ID 45896. A stone slab with 1687 deeply inscribed on the top is exposed on the W corner of the water tank. There is a piped outflow SE of the tank leading down a series of stone steps to a small pool of water. This pool feeds a boggy area around it. This is the new location for St Mirren Well, c. 20 yards SE of the water tank.

Visited 20.09.23

I was suffering from Stone-Fatigue after a week in and around Carnac. I opted to drive for 3 hours to Cairn de Barnenez as a relaxing change. The monument was well sign-posted. The entry fee was a reasonable 6 euros. The epic scale of Cairn de Barnenez was intimidating at first. There are 11 parallel dolmens in the cairn running SE-NW, however all but one of the passages are closed to the public. It took me 45 minutes to fully capture the essence of the monument. Cairn de Barnenez is a recommended visit.

Visited 19.09.23

Like Jane, I struggle with the concept of rectangular “Stone Circles”. I am conditioned to expect rectangular structures to be modern and stone circles to be ancient. I had the same problem with Quadlatiere du Manio. I left Cromlech de Crucuno with more questions than answers.

Visited 19.09.23

Dolmen de Crucuno is very easy to visit. It is situated adjacent to a house in the centre of Crucuno, a hamlet between Plouharnel and Erdeven. You can park 10m away from the monument. These facts don’t make Dolmen de Crucuno any less impressive when you are standing beside it. A giant capstone measuring c. 7.5m long and weighing an estimated 40 tons is supported by 9 large orthostats.

Take the Crucuno turn off the D781 at the Toul Siac’h roundabout. After c. 0.8km turn right into a car park in the centre of the village opposite the dolmen.

Visited 19.09.23

If you are near Carnac, Dolmens de Rondossec are a must-visit. There are three dolmens buried in a circular mound, measuring 20m in diameter, in the centre of Plouharnel. The dolmens run in parallel on a NNW-SSE axis.

The eastern dolmen is c. 13m in length with a northern chamber measuring c. 3m x 4m. The chamber is partially covered by a massive capstone. There is a small lateral chamber, west of the main chamber measuring c. 1m x 2m.

The central dolmen measures c. 11m in length. The covered passage measures c. 6m and the large chamber measures c. 5m long. It is covered by two massive capstones.

The western dolmen is much less impressive than the others. It is c. 8m long with a c. 5m covered passage and an inaccessible chamber measuring c. 3m x 2m.

Directions: From Carnac take the D781 towards Erdeven. Follow the D781 through two roundabouts in Plouharnel then turn left onto Rue Hoche to find the tumulus.

Visited 19.09.23

Dolmen de Kergazec is located c. 100m SE of Kergazec, a small village in Morbihan. The exposed dolmen is in reasonable condition, consisting of a large capstone on four supporting orthostats and dry walling. It retains a passage measuring c. 2m long. There is a small capstone on the SE end of the passage.

The best way to find Dolmen de Kergazec is to visit Dolmen de Kernevé then walk c. 150m SW along the C106 to the edge of an open field beside a house. Follow a dirt track heading NNW along the margin of the field for c. 300m to reach Dolmen de Kergazec.

Visited 19.09.23



Dolmen de Kernevé is located c. 10m down a path from Kernevé to Crucuno that starts c. 450m along the C106 from St Antoine roundabout on the D781. A large capstone and several orthostats have been incorporated into a garden wall. There is a convenient lay-by 20m NE of the path.

Dolmen de Kergazac can be found by walking c. 140m SW along the C106 to an open field. The dolmen is visible c. 300m NW from a track starting at the field edge.

Travel c. 1.8km along the C106 to reach Dolmen du Cosquer.

Visited 19.09.23

Dolmen du Cosquer was a relaxed start to the day. The small dolmen is by the roadside in Cosquer, a  hamlet c. 2km N of Plouharnel in Morbihan.

Follow the D781 for c. 2.2km from Plouharnel to the St Antoine roundabout. Take the first exit for C106 Kernevez. After c. 2.3km on this road you will reach Dolmen du Cosquer.

Visited 18.09.23

Allée couverte de Mané Roullarde is located in a private residential area off Rue de Kerisper in Trinité-sur-Mer in Morbihan. It is still an impressive monument despite its ruinous state. The site has been fenced off to protect the site and discourage visitors. The c. 20m long passage retains four capstones and some inaccessible carved stones. The elevated position of Allée couverte de Mané Roullarde on a promontory would have yielded extensive sea views.

In the centre of Trinité-sur-Mer take the D781 Locmariaquer exit off the Alain Barriere Roundabout. After c. 50m bear left onto Rue de Kerisper. Follow this road for c. 150m to reach a private residential lane on the left. Park up as close as possible. Walk c. 150m up the lane to Allée couverte de Mané Roullarde on the right.

Visited 18.09.23

Dolmen de Kermarquer is located c. 100m NW of Kermarquer, a small village in Morbihan. The circular mound, which measures c. 25m in diameter and 1.5m high, contains a dolmen with an unusual double chamber. A passage running ESE for c. 3m has two large capstones. It leads to a main chamber, open to the sky, measuring c. 2.5m square. A lateral chamber, separated by two portal stones, is located S of the main chamber. This subsidiary chamber, measuring c. 1.3m square, retains one capstone.

Take the turn for Kerdeneven off the D186 in Kermarquer. Bear right at a fork after 110m. Continue on this narrow lane for c. 70m to reach a wooden sign for a path to Dolmen de Kermarquer on the right. It is possible to park on the grass verge close to the path. Follow the path NE through the woods for 100m to reach Dolmen de Kermarquer in a clearing.

Visited 18.10.23

Dolmen de Kervilor Mané-Bras is located c. 250m N of Kermarquer, a small village in Morbihan. It consists of a sub-circular mound, measuring c. 30m in diameter, with three dolmens therein. There are two central dolmens with partially covered passages. Dolmen North-Central has a c. 5m passage running from ESE towards a square chamber measuring c. 3m. There is one capstone on the W end of the chamber. The South-Central dolmen has a c. 6m passage running ESE towards a sub-circular chamber measuring c. 3.5m in diameter. There is a large capstone on the junction of the chamber with the passage. Viewed from the E, these dolmen give the mound a pleasing symmetry. It is for that reason that I considered the dolmen on the S edge to be a later addition. Also, it is a simpler construction than the central Dolmens. Dolmen South has a c. 3m passage running SE towards an irregular quadrilateral chamber measuring c. 2m x 1.5m. There are no cover stones on Dolmen South.

I found Dolmen de Kervilor Mané-Bras by accident while looking for Dolmen de Kermarquer. I saw a wooden sign at 47.597594, -3.036248 on the roadside and followed the path through a wood for c. 200m to reach a large mound in a clearing.

Visited 18.09.23

Le Petit Ménec Alignments is a full stop E of the Carnac Alignments. The stone rows wind through a small wood. There is a more intimate atmosphere in this less frequented site than in the popular massive alignments.

At the E end of the D196 after visiting the Kerlescan Alignments turn left along the D186 towards Auray. After c. 300m take the 1st right for Keriolet. Stay on this road for c. 300m to reach a lay-by on the left. The path to Alignements de Petit-Ménec is on the right-hand side of the road.