Stones leading towards the prominent mound at the top of the alignment (Scale 1m). View from south west.
A fan-shaped multiple stone row measuring 35m long, including at least 17 small and medium-sized stones arranged in at least 7 separate lines and situated on the southern side of a prominent knoll with restricted views of the sea. The row is orientated ENE to WSW and there is a probable cairn at the upper ENE end of the row. The row forms part of a cluster including at least 9 stone rows near Loch Watenan and has definable visual links with the sea, nearby cairns, chambered cairns and stone rows.
Location
| Scotland | Caithness | Northern Scotland | ND 31256 40434 |
| Lat 58.346997 Long -3.1760815 | |||
Map showing the location of Clash-an-dam stone row.
Map showing the position of Clash-an-dam, the other stone rows and other sites around Watenan (Source: Canmore).
Characteristics
| Type: Multiple | Length: 35m |
| No. of stones: 17 | Size of stones: Small and medium |
| Orientation: 67° | Altitude: 109m |
| Upper end: Cairn | Lower end: – |
| Straight (Yes or No) : | Sea View: Yes |
| Context: Stone alignment | |
| Notes: 7 rows | |
Other Information
| Public Access: Yes |
| Land Status: |
| Scheduled Ancient Monument: No |
Identification
Category: Plausible. No doubts have been expressed regarding the prehistoric interpretation of this row.
Typology
This stone row is of Type M10. Information on this form of stone row and other rows of this type is available here.
Photographs
The stone alignment in the vicinity of the fence. View from south (Scale 1m).
Looking across the upper part of the alignment. View from the west. Dense heather makes it difficult to see many of the stones. The prominent mound is the focus of the alignment and may represent a cairn (Scale 1m).
Landscape Reveal
The landscape reveal from the alignment towards the Cairn O’ Get.
Much of the area around the Cairn O’ Get (ND 31325 41127) is hidden from the lower lengths of the alignment and appears as you walk uphill. The area around the Cairn O’ Get is rich in broadly contemporary monuments and the position and alignment of these rows means that they are revealed as you walk up the row. Such reveals are a typical feature of rows in Great Britain. The prominent chambered cairn known as Cairn Hanach (ND 30996 40852) has a skyline position from all points on the alignment and therefore takes no part in this reveal. A discussion of the sea views from the Clash-an-dam stone alignment is available here.
Access Information
This is a tricky one to get to. Car parking is available at ND 31885 40851. Follow the old railway line south to ND 31592 40498. From here walk uphill across uneven open moorland. Alternatively access may be available from the nearby Groat’s Loch, South stone row.
Online Resources
Timeline
VISITED:- 3rd September 2016
FIRST PUBLISHED:- 13th February 2016
LAST UPDATED:- 21st November 2020
The Stone Rows of Great Britain 