In the 2nd walk of their weekend in Rothesay, 12 members of Biggar Ramblers set out on an ‘Archaeology Walk’. Having driven up a narrow lane with great views on the west of the island from Ettrick Bay, the walk started by a small farm at Glecknabrae. After following a track for a short distance, a path was taken across fields and into a lovely bluebell wood, lit by sun rays percolating through the trees. A little further on and the ancient site of Cairnbaan was reached – this was about 30 metres long and consisted of several cists, or small chambers. After enjoying a coffee break here, the group descended through the woods and back to the main track.
After walking along the track for a while, a short detour was taken down to a shingle beach where there were great views across the water to Kames. Back on the track, a bit further on and the group could see a cluster of rocks. This was St Michael’s Grave, another chambered cairn dating back to between 4000 and 2000 BC. Continuing along the track and after passing a white cottage, a path was taken uphill across open grassland. Eventually near some gorse bushes a group of standing stones were spotted. This was Glenvoiden Cairn, thought to be 5000 years old. Having viewed the cairn, the group returned to the track, walking up to a farm where they cut across fields towards the shore and the remains of St Michael’s chapel within a walled enclosure. After walking round the enclosure inspecting some of the grave stones, it was time for a well-earned lunch break, looking across the water to the attractive village of Tighnabruaich.
Having seen all the archaeological features of the walk, the group now retraced their steps along the track and back to the cars at Glecknabrae and drove back to the Ettrick Bay café where they reviewed all they had seen over a welcome cup of tea.