After leaving James Watt's cottage I move onto my next destination.
The next part of the walk takes me towards the ruins of Kinneil Church. This church dates back to the 12th century. At one time it was the centre of a village, no trace remains of that village but some of the church and many of the gravestones still remain for me to see and study.
I cross a small footbridge. Many years ago this stone bridge had only small stones edging the path in order to stop the traveller from falling over. This was replaced by a much higher metal railing during the up grades made by the local council.
I cross a small footbridge. Many years ago this stone bridge had only small stones edging the path in order to stop the traveller from falling over. This was replaced by a much higher metal railing during the up grades made by the local council. As I stand on this foot bridge and look to my left I see a small gully with a river running over flat grey and green stones. The water then falls from a 'step' to another ‘step’ and creates a lovely cascade. This waterfall passes down towards a river that moves under the bridge I now stand on and looking to my right I see the river move and snake its way through, and disappear into, the woods.
I continue my short walk and follow the path around towards the remains of Kinneil Church.
As I approach my destination I get my first peak of the church.
As I approach my destination I get my first peak of the church.
Not much remains now, only the wall that once held the bells, two slots are visible where these bells would have hung. The entrance to the church is still visible, a couple of small stone steps lead down into the body of the ruined building. As I say only one wall remains, but the layout of the church gives you an idea of what would have been. It was not a big church. This church was the centre of a village which no longer remains.
The memory of the village is not lost due to the flat grave stones that are spread about the church ground. Nothing remains of inscriptions due to age, but some engravings can still be made out. As well as erosion by age and weather the inscriptions have also been coated by moss. These stones are wonderful to look at and give some humanity to a piece of history.
Moss covers a lot of the remains.
It is always a thrill to experience something of the past and the
past continues as I make my way
from the church onto a much older part of the journey.
Next on my list is the East Pond and then onto the Antonine Wall.
The memory of the village is not lost due to the flat grave stones that are spread about the church ground. Nothing remains of inscriptions due to age, but some engravings can still be made out. As well as erosion by age and weather the inscriptions have also been coated by moss. These stones are wonderful to look at and give some humanity to a piece of history.Moss covers a lot of the remains.
It is always a thrill to experience something of the past and the
past continues as I make my way
from the church onto a much older part of the journey.Next on my list is the East Pond and then onto the Antonine Wall.
I love your pics and Scotland has a history which I know nothing about. Thank you for bringing it alive for me..
ReplyDeleteHugs
Carol xx