Row of stones leading up the hill towards the central standing stone. View from south.
A fan-shaped multiple stone row measuring 23m long, including at least 51 small and medium-sized stones arranged in 7 separate lines situated at the eastern end of a terrace overlooking the Strath of Kildonan. The row is orientated north west to south east 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 89274 23466 |
| Lat 58.18617602 Long -3.88482542 | |||
Map showing the location of Learable Hill, Row 4.
Plan of the Learable Hill stone alignments. (Source: Survey by Royal Commission). Original available here.
Characteristics
| Type: Multiple | Length: 23m |
| No. of stones: 51 | Size of stones: Small and medium |
| Orientation: 145° | Altitude: 160m |
| Upper end: Cairn? | Lower end: – |
| Straight (Yes or No) : No | Sea View: No |
| Context: Cairns, standing stone, stone alignments and stone circle | |
| Notes: 7 rows. Views to north are concealed by rising ground. | |
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
Row of stones leading up the southern slope of Learable Hill. View from south (Scale 1m).
Three stones forming part of the western side of the alignment. View from south east (Scale 1m).
The western row is the most complete and photogenic. View from south (Scale 1m).
Stone row approaching the summit of Learable Hill. Standing stone and cairns on the skyline. View from south (Scale 1m).
View from above and the south east of the western part of the alignment (Scale 1m).
View from above and the south of the western part of the alignment (Scale 1m).
View from above and the south east of the alignment (Scale 1m).
View from above and south of one of the central rows (Scale 1m).
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 