Baluachraig Rock Art

And a short walk from the carpark for the previous site was this spectacular sheet of rock...the symbolism of the marks remains a mystery, but similar symbols are found in other parts of Scotland, Ireland, Wales, Portugal and Spain.

Nether Largie South, Dunchraigaig Cairn and Ballymeanoch Standing Stones

Just along from Temple Wood is Nether Largie South - another burial cairn but this one has an accessible chamber...

A short drive away and we were at Dunchraigaig Cairn...another pile of stones, with a slight opening...

Ad then on to the spectacular Ballymeanoch standing stones ....

More cup and ring marks...

Kilmartin: Nether Largie Standing Stones and Temple Wood

After visiting Kilmartin Museum, which really is excellent, we headed off to see some of the prehistoric sites ... those that we could get to after last night's rain, that is! I'm not going to just regurgitate information on these sites, but leave it to you to research if you want to go beyond the photos....

The stones are arranged in a unique X shape. 

Cup and ring markings showing clearly.....apparently there are 23. Although it was built 3200 years ago - the cup and ring marks are thought to be 1500 years older.

After the standing stones, we walked across to Temple Wood.....

The artist's interpretation of these sites really help you to imagine what the sites were like....

The site has two stone circles.

The Temple Wood Stone Circle's use began before 3000BC, when it was just a circle of timber posts, which were replaced by stones at a later date. .

The Cist - that held the burial remains.

Kilmichael Glassary Rock Art

A rather damp afternoon as we begin our exploration of the Lochgilphead area... and a visit to the cup and ring rock art at Kilmichael Glassary. I think the damp and the fact that the cups were overflowing with rainwater, enhanced the site! It still isn't known exactly what the marks signify or were used to, but they have been dated to 1800 - 1000 BC - Bronze Age. 

There are 150 carvings on the rocks. 

The keyhole shapes aren't found elsewhere in the area.

Waiting in the rain! 

Karst: an artistic response to limestone scenery

Over the last few, well several, maybe even many, months, I have been working on a collection of textile pieces for a collaborative exhibition based on Karst landscapes. I have been working with Kay Leech who is a well known textile artist and today we got to hang the exhibition at Shambellie House, just outside Dumfries. So, here are the videos and photos of our work .... Now the eagle eyed will notice there aren't any labels yet - there will be by the time the exhibition opens on September 18th. It runs until 4th October, open daily 10 - 4, entry is £5 and includes tea/coffee and cake/ scone. Our exhibition is part of a much bigger quilt exhibition, so there's plenty to see. 

High Snockrigg, Robinson, Hindscarth, Dale Head and Robinson again!

A belting day out. With today being the one decent day for weather this week, we headed to the fells. We parked at Newlands Hause and then straight up onto the flank of High Snockrigg (great name!) before heading to the summit for some cracking views over Buttermere and beyond. Then back down and over Buttermere Moss, which was rather damp, and then up onto Robinson. After Robinson it was along onto Littledale Edge and some lovely arctic/alpine plants. We then turned left and onto Hindscarth before back tracking a little and onto the lumpy ridge that leads to Dale Head. Dale Head offers some superb 360 degree views that cover the whole of the Lakes. After lunch it was back and over Robinson again, before the rather steep descent back to Newlands Hause - after a real bog plodge over Buttermere Moss...

Looking down Newlands.

Heading up High Snockrigg, overlooking Buttermere and Crummock.

Overlooking Buttermere and Fleetwith Pike.

White Worm Lichen (Thamnolia) Alpine Clubmoss, Alpine Club Moss in cone, and Fir Clubmoss.

From Robinson, looking to Hindscarth on the left and then along the ridge to Dale Head.

Along the ridge to Dale Head.,,,where we turned left for Hindscarth.

The first Pink-footed Geese of the year flying over Hindscarth.

Rocky on the top.

Looking form Hindscarth towards Dale Head.

Great Gable over Honister.

Towards Little Town.

Looking back towards Hindscarth and Robinson.

Towards the Langdale Pikes, where Tom and Natalie were on the tops.

Rocky on Dale Head.

Fungi.

Back up and over Robinson.

Great Gable and Herdies, quintessential Lakeland. 

And back down - the steep face of Robinson coming into the sun.