Knapdale
Our short break at the Stonefield Castle was only for two nights, so on our second morning we had to pack up and head for home. We took a detour through Knapdale (Gaelic cnap (hill) and dall (field) – the area of Argyll immediately north of Kintyre) stopping at Kilberry.
This was November 11th and, as we arrived at the church just after 11 am, we thought there might be a Remembrance Service on. However, a notice on the gate told us the service wasn’t till 2pm so we were able to have our own moment of remembrance in the beautifully prepared church.
Kilberry also has a collection of medieval grave slabs, dated from 14th to 16th centuries. It’s thought that they came from a burial ground beneath the current bowling green where human bones were found in the 1920s.
Finally, we enjoyed magnificent views over the Isle of Jura before our detour ended and we took the road home to Glasgow. We had another trip planned for the following weekend – Dundee.
The Glasgow Gallivanter 
Not only are the carved gravestones interesting, but the multicoloured aged rock wall where they are displayed provides an attractive backdrop.
Jude
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Yes, that’s true!
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Those old stones look interesting.
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They were indeed.
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Fabulous detour 🙂
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Yes it was! I’m amazed that I am still discovering parts of Scotland that I have never seen.
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Could you ever see it all . . .so many footpaths, lochs and dead end roads to explore let alone the villages and hamlets!
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I can try!
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hee hee, I hope so as that way I get to see lots too through your fabulous blog posts 😀
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I had no idea Kilberry had a lovely little church – my only memory of it is the caravan site by the beach where I spent a couple of very enjoyable holidays as a young teenager!
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Ah well, priorities change with age!
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This is very true! 🙂
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Those grave slabs are so interesting. Lovely detour.
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Yes, it’s good to find something interesting to see instead of having to go straight home.
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Hi Anabel – we used to live near Knaphill in Surrey – and perhaps that’s where the name came from – always interesting to mull about. Delightful little church – still you had time to take things in – and aren’t those gravestones fascinating … a delight to see – cheers Hilary
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That could well be, in which case Knaphill would be Hillhill!
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Interesting weekend road trip. I thought the grave slabs look like knights but I can’t find anything in the history of the place. The oldest church in South Australia is Holy Trinity Anglican Church, built in Adelaide in 1837
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I think they are knights too, but I don’t know who. 1837 – just yesterday, comparatively speaking!
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I love those medieval grave slabs, especially the skull and crossbones!
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Yes, I was taken with that one!
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Well that was certainly a worthwhile detour! The amount of travel that you and your husband have experienced really is inspiring!
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Thank you, I’m so pleased you feel that way!
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The grave slabs are in amazing condition. It seems that when you live somewhere with a long history, you’re going to be bumping into it at every turn!
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No shortage of history here! They really are amazing stones, I agree.
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The Kilberry stones are so lovely. I am so glad they have been looked after.
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They seem to be very well preserved, yes, which is great.
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You truly are my “travel hero”, Anabel.
You greatly inspire me to add more journeys and adventure into my retirement!
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Why, thank you! That’s very flattering.
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That western seaboard area has an abundance of carved gravestones. Must have been a regular main highway for Vikings, Irish and early Scottish sailors back then, well populated, and a real hub of the trading network before cities evolved here. They re-introduced beavers to Knapdale some years ago and they are doing well by all accounts.
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Must have been – lots of areas now lightly populated were once world-hubs, eg Orkney. Didn’t know about the beavers, that’s good.
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I enjoyed your adventure around the islands. Hopefully we’ll get to follow in your tracks one day. The grave slabs are interesting and how great that they are now protected from the weather.
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I hope so! Yes, the stones are well sheltered, but still accessible.
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The views to Jura look stunning. Those and the stones were well worth stopping for. Looking forward to hearing what you think of Dundee. I’m there again at the weekend, as it happens.
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I have started on Dundee, I am so behind! I’ve never been to Jura, but I’m hoping to get there later in the year.
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I’ve never been either. I’ve seen photos and paintings which tempt me to go. As for Dundee, I go through fits and starts with writing blog posts too. Life tends to get in the way. I’m sure it will be worth the wait.
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I hope so!
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I also love the grave slabs. Quite impressive!
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Aren’t they?!
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A nice travel detour and I love those old gravestones especially the ones wi5 the old knights. One wonders who they were.
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They are quite amazing – so well preserved considering how old they are.
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Another great trip, looking forward to reading what you thought of Dundee. Not been but back in Scotland in May for 5 weeks so time for a few trips then between working.
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I hope you can get some hints from the Glasgow Gallivanter! Give us a shout if you’re in or near Glasgow.
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The grave slabs are very impressive. They have a lot of presence, as well they should.
Have a fine week!
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It’s amazing to think how old they are – and how well preserved.
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That’s a nice Remembrance Day display. I have to echo what a commenter said above – you do seem to have a lot of energy! Always out and about 🙂
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Plenty of wet Sundays when we sit with our feet up! Just not very interesting to write about 😉
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You are certainly making the most of every corner of Scotland this winter, Anabel. I’m glad you were able to have your own moment of remembrance in the little church.
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Doing our best! And just been on a break to Yorkshire too – almost international 😉
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Wow, you are really on the go! I’m glad, for our sakes! 🙂
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Well, not as well travelled as you!
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It seems I’ve been stuck in this house forever over our long and rainy/snowy winter!
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Spring is coming! Let’s hope.
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At this very moment, it’s snowing and it’s forecast we’ll have 3-6″ by the end of the day. Spring seems like a distant dream now!
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Oh no, poor you!
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And then yesterday, Thursday, the sun came out and the temps rose to 50F, and we now have ugly patches of melting snow everywhere! I’m ready for spring. 🙂
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Where in Yorkshire? 🙂 🙂 You’ve got me eating chocolate again!
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Sheffield! Doesn’t sound the most obvious place for a weekend, but John had a meeting there on Friday. We met there as students in the dark ages and as I haven’t been back for 25 years now seemed like a good time.
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We have a very good friend on Sharrow Vale Rd- her husband runs The Porter, and I hope to visit them this summer 🙂 🙂
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Ah, that’s t’other side of Ecclesall Road – we didn’t venture that way.
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Wow! I love to have your energy!! Usually, at the end of a trip, I need to go home and rest for a month 😉
Have a wonderful day!
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November was exceptional, two trips in a row. It just depends on when John can take time off. I don’t remember it being too tiring though, we survived!
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