Scotland the best
Prehistoric sites
Scotland has a long, rich history, going back thousands of years, with many sites worth a visit
Skara Brae
Orkney mainland. Excellent visitor and orientation centre. Can be a windy (500m) walk to this remarkable shoreline site, the subterranean remains of a compact village 5,000 years old. It was engulfed by a sandstorm 600 years later and lay perfectly preserved until uncovered by a laird’s dog after another storm in 1850. historicenvironment.scot 01856 841815
Clava Cairns
Chambered cairns in a grove of trees. They’re really just a pile of stones but the death rattle echo from 5,000 years ago is perceptible, especially when no one else is there. Remoteness probably inhibits New Age attentions and allows more private meditations in this extraterrestrial spot. historicenvironment.scot 01667 460232
Kilmartin Glen
An important, easily accessible area, near Lochgilphead. Possibly start 2km S of Kilmartin and 1km from A816, and across road from car park – 2 distinct stone circles from a long period of history between 3,000– 1,200BC. Story and speculations described on boards. Pastoral countryside and wide skies. Look for the “cup and saucer”! There are 150 other sites in the vicinity (800 ancient monuments). See kilmartin.org. historicenvironment.scot
Glenelg Brochs
Glenelg is 14km from the A87 at Shiel Bridge. The brochs are 5km from Glenelg village in beautiful Glen Beag. The two brochs, Dun Troddan and Dun Telve, are the bestpreserved examples on the mainland of these mysterious 1st-century homesteads. Easy to distinguish the twin stone walls that kept out the cold and the more disagreeable neighbours. Brilliant pub in village historicenvironment.scot 01667 460232