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Upper Cairn

Heritage Site in Peeblesshire

Scotland

Upper Cairn

Track between Dunsyre and Garvald A good, firm track – at this point anyway.
Track between Dunsyre and Garvald Credit: Alan O'Dowd

Upper Cairn is a historic site located in Peeblesshire, Scotland. Situated on a hilltop, it offers breathtaking views of the surrounding countryside. The site holds significant cultural and historical value, making it a popular destination for tourists and history enthusiasts.

The main feature of Upper Cairn is its well-preserved cairn, a mound of stones used as a burial site during the Bronze Age. The cairn is estimated to be over 4,000 years old, displaying remarkable craftsmanship and architectural knowledge of the time. Its construction is believed to have served as a marker for tribal boundaries or as a memorial for prominent individuals.

Visitors to Upper Cairn can explore the site and observe the cairn up close. The size and structure of the cairn offer insights into the burial practices and spiritual beliefs of the ancient inhabitants of the area. Archaeological excavations have revealed various artifacts, including pottery, tools, and human remains, further enriching our understanding of the site's history.

The surrounding landscape of Upper Cairn is also of great interest. The panoramic views of rolling hills and meandering rivers give visitors a sense of the natural beauty that would have been appreciated by those who once inhabited the area. In addition, the site is located near other notable attractions, such as ancient standing stones and burial mounds, providing a comprehensive experience of the region's rich heritage.

Upper Cairn is a must-visit destination for anyone interested in exploring Scotland's ancient past. Its well-preserved cairn and stunning surroundings offer a glimpse into the lives and customs of our ancestors, making it a truly remarkable heritage site.

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Upper Cairn Images

Images are sourced within 2km of 55.74/-3.425 or Grid Reference NT1050. Thanks to Geograph Open Source API. All images are credited.

Track between Dunsyre and Garvald A good, firm track – at this point anyway.
Track between Dunsyre and Garvald
A good, firm track – at this point anyway.
Footbridge over the West Water A bridge carrying an old right of way on to the moors at the western end of the Pentland Hills.
Footbridge over the West Water
A bridge carrying an old right of way on to the moors at the western end of the Pentland Hills.
Path by the West Water An old right of way on to the moors at the western end of the Pentland Hills.
Path by the West Water
An old right of way on to the moors at the western end of the Pentland Hills.
Road at Garvald The road from Dolphinton approaching the home farm at Garvald.
Road at Garvald
The road from Dolphinton approaching the home farm at Garvald.
Gates and cattle grid, Medwynhead On the track to Slipperfield and West Linton.
Gates and cattle grid, Medwynhead
On the track to Slipperfield and West Linton.
Ford near Medwynhead A ford on the waterworks track between Medwynhead and West Linton.
Ford near Medwynhead
A ford on the waterworks track between Medwynhead and West Linton.
Medwynhead and inversion conditions View from Shaw Hill into the Pentland Hills. Garvald is still under the fog.
Medwynhead and inversion conditions
View from Shaw Hill into the Pentland Hills. Garvald is still under the fog.
Road near Medwynhead The waterworks road from Slipperfield with Mendick Hill ahead.
Road near Medwynhead
The waterworks road from Slipperfield with Mendick Hill ahead.
Trees at Medwynhead On the moorland, seen from the waterworks road.
Trees at Medwynhead
On the moorland, seen from the waterworks road.
Valley of the Medwin Water A level area on the valley floor of the Medwin Water as it heads south, eventually to join the River Clyde.
Valley of the Medwin Water
A level area on the valley floor of the Medwin Water as it heads south, eventually to join the River Clyde.
Pipeline crossing the West Water It looks to be a water pipe; an aqueduct is marked 4km to the west in NT0548.
Pipeline crossing the West Water
It looks to be a water pipe; an aqueduct is marked 4km to the west in NT0548.
West Water near Garvald Not to be confused with the other West Water about 3 km to the east. This burn drains southwards from the slopes of Mid Hill round to Black Law.
West Water near Garvald
Not to be confused with the other West Water about 3 km to the east. This burn drains southwards from the slopes of Mid Hill round to Black Law.
West Water A small cascade on this moorland burn which drains the heathery hills west of the Medwin Water. Not to be confused with the other West Water about 4 km to the east. Dunsyre Hill is in the background.
West Water
A small cascade on this moorland burn which drains the heathery hills west of the Medwin Water. Not to be confused with the other West Water about 4 km to the east. Dunsyre Hill is in the background.
Farm building at Garvald The opposite end of the building is shown in <a href="https://www.geograph.org.uk/photo/2280916">NT0949 : Old farm building with dovecot, Garvald</a>.
Farm building at Garvald
The opposite end of the building is shown in NT0949 : Old farm building with dovecot, Garvald.
Garvald Mains farm Attractive old sandstone buildings around the yard at Garvald.
Garvald Mains farm
Attractive old sandstone buildings around the yard at Garvald.
Field, Garvald
Field, Garvald
Signpost, Garvald The route across the Pentland Hills via the Covenanter's Grave meets the old road from West Linton.
Signpost, Garvald
The route across the Pentland Hills via the Covenanter's Grave meets the old road from West Linton.
The road to Garvald
The road to Garvald
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Upper Cairn is located at Grid Ref: NT1050 (Lat: 55.74, Lng: -3.425)

Unitary Authority: The Scottish Borders

Police Authority: The Lothians and Scottish Borders

What 3 Words

///admits.grapevine.rail. Near West Linton, Scottish Borders

Nearby Locations

Nether Cairn Upper Cairn North Muir

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