The penultimate post in this mini-series from our holiday in the Rhinns of Galloway last August sees us visiting the Kirkmadrine Stones at Kirkmadrine Chapel, near Sandhead.
When researching the area before our trip I found an article about 'Viking carved stones' in the area, though there was very little information to be found. We did find some basic information on a place called Kirkmadrine however and this chapel was home to eight carved stones of around 1500 years in age, some of the so-called oldest Christian memorials in Scotland.
(It turns out that the actual Viking stone we'd originally hoped to visit is even nearer to our campsite in Ervie-Kirkcolm Church, Stranraer. Hopefully, we'll be able to visit them on this year's trip!)
(It turns out that the actual Viking stone we'd originally hoped to visit is even nearer to our campsite in Ervie-Kirkcolm Church, Stranraer. Hopefully, we'll be able to visit them on this year's trip!)
On the same day as our trip to the Mull of Galloway and Terally Bay (posts linked below), we made a stop off at this quiet little church on the way back to our campsite. Along a single-car country road, it wasn't too difficult to find and the gates to a short wooded path had space for about two cars to park at the side of the road.
As was apparently the theme of the trip, it was also very quiet with only one other person leaving just as we pulled up meaning we had the area to ourselves to explore.
As was apparently the theme of the trip, it was also very quiet with only one other person leaving just as we pulled up meaning we had the area to ourselves to explore.
The other blog posts in this series can be found here:
A stunning little area I'm sure you'll agree and what a perfect day weather-wise too.
As a very quick summary, three of the stones date back to 500s AD, while the others are from the 700s to 1100s AD and the chapel itself was built in around the late 1800s. However, I am linking this article Kirkmadrine Stones Feature Page on Undiscovered Scotland which is chock full of lots more information and photos so do pop over and have a peek if you are interested.
Despite not being religious in the slightest, I, for some reason, am always interested in historic kirks, churches, chapels, graveyards and other related areas so enjoyed this quick little stop after our swim.
As a very quick summary, three of the stones date back to 500s AD, while the others are from the 700s to 1100s AD and the chapel itself was built in around the late 1800s. However, I am linking this article Kirkmadrine Stones Feature Page on Undiscovered Scotland which is chock full of lots more information and photos so do pop over and have a peek if you are interested.
Despite not being religious in the slightest, I, for some reason, am always interested in historic kirks, churches, chapels, graveyards and other related areas so enjoyed this quick little stop after our swim.
The other blog posts in this series can be found here:
No comments:
Post a Comment