One of the highlights of the coastal track in South Scotland, the Cairnholy Chambered Cairns are a great example of tombs for the neolithic period. Early farmers built them to bury their dead over centuries. One of the best site to admire Stone Cairns Scotland.
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Cainrholy Chambered Cairns Scotland - video
Before I share pictures and more information about both sites, here is a brief video to give you a sense for the place.
INFO & PLANNING TIPS - Cairnholy
The 2 tombs were built by early farming people living in the area during the neolithic period between 6000 and 4000 years ago. They were designed to house the remains of many people and were in use over many centuries. They may not have been built at the same time but seem to have been used during the same period.
Chambered Cairns are common to part of Scotland, Ireland and the Atlantic coast of Europe. Those Stone cairns required a major building commitment by the community.
As written on the boards: "Little is known about the burials themselves because the acid soil conditions have dissolved almost all the bones before the excavations in 1949. But objects buried highlighted long disance contacts for these primitive people."
TIPS FOR TRAVEL PLANNING ADDICTS
Getting to Cairnholy Chambered Cairns
- On the coast between the town of Newton Stewart and Castle Douglas, near the village of Kirkdale
- Once on the small road to Cairn Holy, first pick the right hand path, then at the next Y pick left and at the last Y pick right. There are signs but some are really small
The GPS coordinates and location on a practical map are available on the Travel Guide eBook: The Road Trip Guide Scotland
Visiting Cairnholy
- Cairnholy I is next to the parking
- Cairnholy II is 150 meter up the track - easy walking
- No amenities, just a parking
- Free entrance
Reaching the Chambered Cairns Scotland
The cairns are indicated from the main road. 5 min of driving on a single track road is required before reaching the parking. But as it is not a main touristic site, you will not cross many people.
Cairnholy I
Both tombs are essentially very similar, built to the same basic design but Cairnholy I is more important and with a curved facade of standing stones around the forecourt in front of the tomb.
Cairnholy II
A short track leads to the second chambered cairn. Smaller but on higher ground and with great views!
Cairnholy II is simpler than the other chambered tomb. The entrance is between two large portal stones which lead to an antechamber. Beyond is a seal chamber covered by a capstone.
A beautiful surrounding scenery
I also recommend getting up there on a clear day for the surrounding scenery: the green hills and farming land, and views over the South Scottish coastline.
Want to see more of SCOTLAND?
Discover more things to do & places to see in my Travel Scotland Destination Guide.
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