Scotland
Cairn Liath and Yarrows

	Scotland is not short of ancient sites, but this concentration of brochs, cairns and standing stones on the Caithness East Coast is exceptional. Camster Cairns, Cairn of Get, the Hill of many Stones, Cairn Liath and Yarrows all lie within a radius of about 20 miles. Most of the pictures on this page were taken at Yarrows, a conglomeration of ancient stones and buildings lying 2 miles off the A9 Inverness/John O'Groats road. Cairn Liath (below) is even more accesible, standing right beside the A9 with a convenient car park accessible directly off the main road.

Cairn Liath is an Iron Age enclosure dating back to the turn of our era and recalling the early days of farming in Scotland. This fortified farmstead lies close to the coast and (from our point of view) conveniently alongside the main A9 road one mile north of Dunrobin castle. A path leads across the road from the car park, which is situated on the inland side of the road. Admission is free and visitors can walk in and around this ancient site.
	South Yarrows broch (left) is the first feature on a 2 mile (4 km) trail that leads around the principal archaeological features of the site. South Yarrows broch is less well preserved than Cairn Liath, but still conveys a sense of the lakeside existence of its ancient inhabitants. It was excavated in 1868 and dated to late Iron Age.
	The Round House shown on the left (middle distance) is an example of several of the type preserved at Yarrows and dated to the Neolithic period (possibly 1,000 BC). The cairns at Yarrows, like the one in the foreground, could be much older.
	The broch shown on the left stands at a high point, offering memorable views, and is the final ruin to be seen on the marked trail. The pleasure of my visit was enhanced by a flying display by two eagles, witnessed from this point.
The car park at Yarrows has limited space, but demand is seldom enough to create a problem. Trail maps are provided in a weather-protected box beside the car park at the point where the trail begins. It takes 2 or 3 hours to complete the trail, depending on your level of fitness and the time spent at each feature. Whether your interest is in ancient sites or scenic walks, Yarrows is worth diverting from your route.
© Derrick Phillips 2004

Scotland Cairn Liath and Yarrows

Scotland
Cairn Liath and Yarrows