The seemingly bleak moorlands north of the Sand River, like many in the Highlands, harbour the remains of centuries of human activities. Here, though, a trail and marker posts indicate a route that helps to make sense of some of the crumbling stones in this lonely place.
Summary
The route crosses an open hillside of rough grasses and heather. Boggy in places but stone waymarkers help keep you right.
Terrain
Small quarry off B8021 north of Big Sand
[Map of start point, satnav coords and directions]
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1. There is parking in a small quarry on the southwest side of the B802 just after it turns away from the Sand River; the car park is signed for the Trail. Begin the walk by heading back to the bend on the road; to the right of the fenced enclosure and ruin is marker post number 1 which indicates where the walk leaves the road. The ruin on the left was the schoolmaster's barn, dating from around 1876; the schoolmaster lived in a cottage on the other side of the road.
2. Head downhill beside the fence; look out throughout the walk for low stone markers with painted arrows which indicate the route. The path crosses a small burn and then cuts across to a large metal gate, signed 'Welcome to Sands Archaeological Trail'. Go through the gate but just a few metres further along the track turn left (marker) and begin to climb up the heather hillside. Very soon number 2 is reached - the remains on a round-house on the right. Continue climbing steeply to number 3, once the site of another house - this one rectangular and thus likely to have been more recent.
3. The route now cuts across the slope, passing a huge boulder. At number 4, look out for stones in the heather on the left - the remains of a drystone dyke which may date back to prehistoric times. Further on the viewpoint at number 5 shows some old turf dykes and also has an outlook across the wild area at the source of the Sand River to the distant mountains beyond. From here the route slopes diagonally downhill before bearing left once more across a boggier area and climbing a little once more, eventually alongside the remains of a stone dyke.
4. Marker number 6 indicates an old hill field enclosed by stone dykes (those on the right); the grassy ground within was improved by centuries of cultivation. Pass through the stone dyke to the next marker stone and continue past a rocky mound to reach number 7. The remains of a once large building are found a short distance further on, dating back probably to the 17th century; it probably would have belonged to an important tenant such as a tacksman. Continue to number 8, beyond some large boulders; here are the remains of further roundhouses. The route turns to the right here.
5. Stone Marker number 9 indicates the point where the trail begins to turn back. The rectangular building remains below are probably the latest building in the area; they may have belonged to the shepherd Donald Bain who was resident here from 1845. Rather than descend towards the boggy riverside the route back slopes slightly uphill and then contours across the moors back towards the start. Keep looking out for the markers which eventually lead back to the iron gate. Pass through this and then retrace your steps to the road and the quarry.
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