The Druid’s Temple in Ripon is not actually a temple, but rather a nineteenth-century folly. William Danby (owner of Swinton Estate and nearby Swinton Park at the time) built it to alleviate local unemployment, paying workers a shilling a day for their labour. Despite its origin being common knowledge, myths and rumours of mystic practices have sprung up over its lifetime. For most now though, the…
Built in 1717, the old packhorse bridge across the River Dulnain at Carrbridge is the oldest known stone bridge in the Highlands – and one of the most iconic visitor attractions in the Cairngorms. The bridge was built to allow funeral processions to access Duthil Church when the river was in spate. Because of this, the bridge was known locally as 'the coffin bridge'. To get…
Eilean Donan is a small tidal island situated at the confluence of three sea lochs. The name Eilean Donan, or island of Donan, is most probably called after the 6th century Irish Saint, Bishop Donan who came to Scotland around 580 AD. There are several churches dedicated to Donan in the area and it is likely that he formed a small cell or community on the island…
If you're passing through Fort William, do stop off to look around Old Inverlochy Castle. Although now in ruins, this has been the backdrop for two major historical events, the first and second battles of Inverlochy. To visit, park in the on-site car park (56°49'56.5"N 5°04'50.4"W) and walk. You can continue through the castle for a nice picnic spot by the river.
I’ve been wanting to visit this place for a while, so I took a little detour when I was passing the area. I was lucky with the tide, though not as much with the weather. You may also get to spot some rare orchids here. To get here, park at Talacre beach car park (53°21'12.1"N 3°18'59.6"W) if it's open, otherwise use one of the car parks…
I spent a short evening in Aberystwyth when picking my sister up from a coach there. I have to say it was pleasantly relaxed, and passing the time in the castle grounds was a pleasure. A small climb on the castle ruins, a picnic looking out over the ocean and dusk sky, and the time flew by. To visit, you can easily walk from Aberystwyth train…
An easy walk with lots of ruins. Probably prettier during the day with better light than on a grey evening. 70 acres of woodland, reservoirs, ancient monuments and ruined factories. It has a rich industrial past and its factories played a big part in the Industrial Revolution. We parked in a small (free) car park (53°16'59.5"N 3°12'58.8"W) and followed the paths running from it which access…
Dinas Rock and Gunpowder works Dinas Rock (Craig y Dinas) is a limestone cliff which once held an ancient fort on its flat top; in more recent times, the surrounding area homed a gunpowder works and you can still see the ruins of the old industrial buildings. To get here: Park free of charge in Dinas Rock car park (51°45’33.8″N 3°34’43.4″W). There is a map in…
A tiny castle, worth popping in if you’re passing by (it’s free after all) but I wouldn’t necessarily go out of my way to see it. To get there: Park in the layby across the road (52°00’10.8″N 3°14’27.3″W).
A partly ruined former Augustinian priory in the picturesque Vale of Ewyas. Get a drink from the attached hotel’s bar, stretch out amongst the ruins, and relax to the sounds of sheep. A beautiful setting for a break from walking, or a perfect start and endpoint for a day of exploring. Keep an eye out for swallows nesting in the church too. We also found a…
The Clydach Ironworks site is situated in Clydach Gorge and consists of excavated and semi-restored ruins of a blast furnace. The works were built in the late 18th century and operated until 1860. They had a significant influence on the industrial and social development of the area: Llanelly Quarry supplied the Clydach Ironworks with limestone, and subsequently lime. Also in the area is a viaduct, limeworks,…
Silbury Hill is a prehistoric artificial chalk mound comparing roughly in height and volume to the contemporary Egyptian pyramids. We parked at Silbury Hill car park, which has a viewpoint directly off of it, and took a walk around the hill. We then continued to West Kennet Long Barrow – one of the largest and most impressive Neolithic chambered tombs in Britain, built in around 3650…