 Cairnpapple Hill is a henge and Bronze Age burial site reconstructed in the Bathgate Hills of West Lothian in southeastern Scotland.
Around 3000BC, a henge was built here made up of a circular ditch about 3.2 feet (1m) deep surrounded by an earth bank almost four feet (1.2m) high, probably intended to screen the interior from view. Within the ditch was a ring of 24 large wooden posts. According to one observer, the finished henge would have looked a little like the stone henge at the Ring of Brodgar in Orkney, but, being less durable than stone, the wooden posts have long since disappeared, leaving only the holes in which they stood.
The reconstruction is unusual in that it attempts to show all the phases of the site. Cairnpapple's henge dates from about 3800 B.C. Centuries later the landscape was chosen for a number of Bronze Age burials. Much later still, it was used for early Christian graves.
A modern concrete dome has been erected over the original cist burials, which erroneously gives the impression of a tumulus.
About the Cairnpapple Hill Cairn and Henge
Megalithic Portal: Cairnpapple Hill
Historic Environment Scotland: Cairnpapple Hill
Canmore: Cairnpapple
Undiscovered Scotland: Cairnpapple Hill
Journey to the Cairnpapple Hill Cairn and Henge
Cairnpapple Hill is approached from the minor road to the east of the site. Stone steps and a grassy fenced path lead from there to the summit of the hill. Upon arrival, the visitor find the cairn and, a small reception and visitor center that is staffed during the summer season by Historic Scotland. The visitor center has a number of interesting artefacts from the site. To access the cairn, a short ladder allows for access to the interior. The site is accessible all year round, but the chamber is only open when the visitor center is staffed. At just over 1,000ft (310m) in height, the hill offers one of the best viewpoints in central Scotland with views extending from Arran in the west to North Berwick Law and Bass Rock in the east.
Streetmap UK NGR NS987718.
Visitors Information
Visitors information for the Cairnpapple Hill Cairn and Henge
may be found at the Undiscovered Scotland website. General tourist information for the area may be found on the Visit West Lothian website.
Additional Photos of the Cairnpapple Hill Cairn and Henge
Roadside Historic Scotland Sign to Cairnpapple Hill Cairn and Henge
Stairs Leading Up to the Cairnpapple Hill Cairn and Henge Site
Path to the Cairnpapple Hill Cairn and Henge Site
Gate Leading to the Cairnpapple Hill Cairn and Henge Site
Approaching the Cairnpapple Hill Cairn and Henge Site
The Visitor Center at the Cairnpapple Hill Cairn and Henge Site
Descriptive Sign at the Cairnpapple Hill Cairn and Henge Site
The Path from the Visitor Center to the Cairnpapple Hill Cairn and Henge
Wooden Post Holes at Cairnpapple Hill Cairn and Henge
Close Up of Wooden Post Hole at Cairnpapple Hill Cairn and Henge
Descending into the Interior of the Cairn at Cairnpapple Hill Cairn and Henge
The Cairn Interior at Cairnpapple Hill Cairn and Henge
Descriptive Sign in the Cairn Interior at Cairnpapple Hill Cairn and Henge
The Tall Upright Stone in the Cairn at Cairnpapple Hill Cairn and Henge
The South Grave in the Interior of the Cairn at Cairnpapple Hill Cairn and Henge
Leaving the Cairnpapple Hill Cairn and Henge
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