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Time Travel to Ancient Days on the Machars

Driving Route

Time Travel to Ancient Days on the Machars

Driving

Jutting out into the Solway Firth, the Machars peninsula is an area steeped in ancient history and adorned with remnants of its Iron Age past. Discover our collection of mesmerizing sites that offer a glimpse into the lives of those who once inhabited these lands.

This area is abundant with evidence of Iron Age occupation and the Romans called the native people here the “Novantae”. There was trading and contact with the Roman Empire, although there is no evidence of military camps here on the Machars peninsula. Immerse yourself in the rich tapestry of the past as you journey to hilltop fortified sites, discover crannogs – loch dwellings on piles – at the inland lochs and ponder the mystery of an excellent standing stone circle. As you explore allow yourself to envision the bustling communities that once thrived here. Uncover layers of history, connecting the dots between the settlers who left their mark on this captivating landscape.

NB. Go prepared for walking in the outdoors over rough terrain with adequate footwear and supplies and appropriate maps and compass. Specific GPS coordinates are given in some cases where the sites are within a larger postcode. Phone signals are not always reliable so please ensure you have a back up.

Downloads:
Time Travel to Ancient Days on the Machars.gpx
Our best efforts have been made to ensure the accuracy of data, however the data and geographic information contained along route lines and on maps should be used for informational purposes only.

What you'll see

Image of Torhouse Stone Circle

Torhouse Stone Circle - Near Wigtown

Ancient, Ruins

Roam among a rich prehistoric landscape at one of the best-preserved stone circles in Scotland.

Image of Eggerness Point/Castle Site

Eggerness Point/Castle Site - Garlieston

Ancient, Roman & Iron Age, Wartime

Occupation from both prehistoric and early historic periods is evidenced by cup and ring markings and by the discovery of rock carvings.

Image of Isle of Whithorn Promontory Fort

Isle of Whithorn Promontory Fort - Newton Stewart

Ancient, Early Christian, Roman & Iron Age, Ruins

The small square tower is actually located within a small pre-Roman fort sitiated at the tip of the peninsula, with multiple defences on the land-ward…

Image of Rispain Camp

Rispain Camp - Whithorn

Ancient, Museums & Exhibitions, Roman & Iron Age, Ruins

Rispain Camp, thought by Victorians to be a Roman fort, was excavated in the 1970’s and 1980’s and discovered to be a fortified Celtic farmstead

Image of Fell of Barhullion

Fell of Barhullion - Port William

Ancient, Roman & Iron Age, Ruins

The Fell of Barhullion is a prominent landmark in the West Machars and the summit is occupied by a hillfort with double walls and defensive…

Image of Barsalloch Fort

Barsalloch Fort - Monreith, Port William

Ancient, Ruins

A horseshoe-shaped promontory fort on a raised beach, enclosed by grassy sloping double walls with medial ditch; spectacular views after a steep climb.

Image of White Loch of Myrton

White Loch of Myrton - Port William

Ancient, Castles & Stately Homes, Ruins

The White Loch, believed to be magical, is part of the Monreith Estate, owned by the Maxwells since the 17th Century. It is the site…

Image of Drumtroddan Standing Stones

Drumtroddan Standing Stones - Port William

Ancient

The Drumtroddan Stones are around 4000 years old.

Image of Whitefield Loch

Whitefield Loch - Glenluce

Ancient, Roman & Iron Age, Ruins

The tree-covered crannog known as Dorman's Island can be viewed from the fishernmen's path from the west. There is a second crannog in the Loch.

Image of Knock Fell

Knock Fell - Glenluce

Ancient, Roman & Iron Age, Ruins

The summit of Knock fell, a prominent hill in the North Machars, is enclosed to form oval stone walled fort; traces of walls remain on…