Auld Wife's Grave

Heritage Site in Wigtownshire

Scotland

Auld Wife's Grave

Farm Ruins The ruins of Inchbread farm lie at the foot of the Moors. — Farm Ruins Credit: David Baird

Auld Wife's Grave is a historic site located in Wigtownshire, Scotland. This heritage site holds great significance in the local folklore and history of the region. It is situated in a quiet and picturesque countryside setting, surrounded by rolling hills and lush greenery.

The site itself consists of an ancient burial mound, believed to be a Bronze Age burial cairn. The cairn is approximately 30 meters in diameter and is covered in grass and moss, giving it a mysterious and intriguing appearance. The name "Auld Wife's Grave" is said to have originated from the local legend that an old woman was buried here many centuries ago.

Visitors to Auld Wife's Grave can explore the site and observe the ancient structure up close. The cairn is well-preserved, with its original stone construction still intact. It offers a unique glimpse into the burial practices and rituals of the Bronze Age inhabitants of this area.

The site also offers stunning views of the surrounding countryside, making it a popular spot for nature enthusiasts and hikers. The peaceful atmosphere and tranquil surroundings add to the charm and appeal of Auld Wife's Grave.

Auld Wife's Grave is easily accessible, with a car park located nearby. Information boards are available on-site to provide visitors with historical context and details about the site. It is a must-visit destination for those interested in Scotland's rich cultural heritage and ancient history.

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Auld Wife's Grave Images

Images are sourced within 2km of 54.94/-4.912 or Grid Reference NX1364. Thanks to Geograph Open Source API. All images are credited.

Farm Ruins

The ruins of Inchbread farm lie at the foot of the Moors.

David Baird

Cairn on Auchmantle Fell

Originally there were two cairns on this hill. Muckle (big) cairn and Wee Cairn. Muckle Cairn used to contain a burial cist, but apparently the slabs were removed by a farmer for building material at the beginning of the last century and the cairn had been "almost entirely eradicated" when the inventory for the Royal Commission on Historical Monuments was compiled for Wigtownshire in 1911. This may actually be the remains of Wee Cairn, which was noted at the time to be "surmounted by a modern beacon."

David Baird

Looking towards Drumminnoch

From the northern slopes of Auchmantle Fell. A green patch in the distance, more or less in the middle of the picture, marks the site of an old abandoned farm called Auchie (gaelic achadh - a cultivated field).

David Baird

Craigbower

These are the ruins of a small cottage, unnamed on the present day 1:25000 OS map but marked as Craigbower on an 1848 map. The surrounding land has evidence of extensive cultivation ridges. Luce Bay can just be seen in the distance.

David Baird

Ruins of Craigbower

David Baird

Cultivation ridges near Craigbower

These cultivation ridges were probably formed in the 18th or 19th century, and were known as lazy beds. By the 19th century they were used mainly for growing potatoes.

David Baird