How I Got Stoned on Kilmartin Glen Prehistoric Site

 “How many museums can you go to where you can examine a Bronze Age pot and look out of the window and see the burial mound where it came from?” Tony Robinson, Time Team 

Ballymeanoch Standing Stones

             
        Kilmartin was on my list for one and only reason:  standing stones. I have always been fascinated with these mysterious relicts from the past. Just nobody can figure out why the same pattern (dolmens, kromlehs, standing stones) is to be found on the island, in France, Eastern Europe, Caucasus and god only knows where else. They are, beyond doubt, connected with the position of the constellations and probably represent some sort of ancient wisdom.         If you are in Kilmartin for a day (as it was my case) you have to limit your choice and check out a certain number of the available 150 prehistoric monuments. But, in case you are staying for longer go ahead and try to cover the whole region.

Cairn

Nether Largie Standing Stones

         Basically, what I did was a circle, starting from the center and following the pathway behind the church going south. It took me roughly 4 hours of moderate walk. I passed the cairns and then the first portion of standing stones. No blah-blah, take a look at the pictures below.

Marks on the Stone

           I tried to look for the Cup and Ring marked Rock around Stockavullin. I couldn’t see any indication so I decided to go back on the route (to Dunadd Fort). I don’t want to pick on the Scottish folks but a few more signs on the trail could have reassured me I was in the right direction.          My walk went on passing a few small estates and numerous herds. When I reached the river, I thought it would be better to turn left and slowly start to go back. As out of nowhere, I came across a sign Moine Mhor (I know it sounds like the Lord of the Rings) Nature Reserve. I could not skip this.

Ballymeanoch Row 

        After some time, I heard in the distance vehicles rumbling. Main road is close. I was 80% convinced I had missed the Ballymeanoch group of standing stones. Once again the god of the Scottish Warrior had mercy on me. There they were, right in front of my eyes, scattered around, as if on a giant chessboard. I grabbed this opportunity to touch the megaliths in hope of obtaining some of their magnetism.           You can call me a stingy ..... but I don’t like spending money for drinks and stuff when I am on a trip. But, in these surroundings, I really felt I could spend a few pounds for a cup of tea and home-made cake. So, back in the center of Kilmartin, I gave my modest share in preserving the local customs and heritage. Make sure you don’t miss the lunar stone and the churchyard with the collection of medieval carved grave slabs, close to the bus station.
                                       Anyway, my overall impression: aye 10 out of 10.