Looking west along the rows (Scale 1m).
A fan-shaped multiple stone row measuring 54m long, including at least 43 small and medium-sized stones arranged in 9 separate lines situated at the eastern end of a terrace overlooking the Strath of Kildonan. The row is orientated east to west and is associated with a number of small cairns which may be broadly contemporary. The row stands in an area with 3 other stone rows, a standing stone, stone circle and further cairns.
Location
| Scotland | Sutherland | Northern Scotland | NC 89205 23530 |
| Lat 58.18673199 Long -3.88602236 | |||
Map showing the location of Learable Hill, Row 2.
Plan of the Learable Hill stone alignments. (Source: Survey by Royal Commission). Original available here.
Characteristics
| Type: Multiple | Length: 54m |
| No. of stones: 43 | Size of stones: Small and medium |
| Orientation: 80° | Altitude: 163m |
| Upper end: Cairn | Lower end: – |
| Straight (Yes or No) : No | Sea View: No |
| Context: Cairns, standing stone, stone alignments and stone circle. | |
| Notes: 9 rows. The tallest stone is 0.50m high, but most are very much smaller. | |
Other Information
| Public Access: Yes |
| Land Status: |
| Scheduled Ancient Monument: Yes |
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
View from above and east (Scale 1m).
View from above and the west (Scale 1m).
A pair of rows forming part of this alignment. View from above and west (Scale 1m).
Western part of the rows. View from above and the east (Scale 1m).
Looking east along the row (Scale 1m). The triangular peaks on the skyline may have been of particular interest to the stone row builders.
Row 2 in the foreground with Row 1 in the background. View from the east (Scale 1m).
The most impressive length of rows in the alignment. View from the west (Scale 1m).
Reveals
Widespread views are available from these rows. Sadly at the time of the visit conditions were unsuitable for a proper examination but distinctive peaks at the limit of visibility may prove fruitful for future research.
Access Information
Car parking is available at NC 90042 23237. From here carefully cross the suspension bridge across the River Helmsdale. Follow the path to the railway crossing. Ensure there are no trains coming before crossing and make sure the gates are carefully closed. Follow the path up the hill to NC 89373 23682 and then walk south west for about 200m.
Online Resources
Megalithic Portal Modern Antiquarian Canmore Historic Environment Record
Other References
Burl, A., 1993, From Carnac to Callanish – The prehistoric rows and avenues of Britain, Ireland and Brittany, Yale University Press, New York and London, pgs. 130 and 224.
Timeline
VISITED:- 1st September 2016
FIRST PUBLISHED:- 13th February 2016
LAST UPDATED:- 2nd January 2018
The Stone Rows of Great Britain 