Monday 8th April 2024

A run on the BSA round Easter Ross following the Pictish Trail (65 miles).

I have only made one web-page previously about a run on my BSA C15. I usually make a YouTube film of journeys on it. I hope to do both this time.



I left home about 10.25 and went to the bank in Alness. I also tried the pharmacy for my prescription which was not there a week after requesting it. I eventually got it on Thursday after having to go to the surgery to see what the problem was. A doctor had processed it but they had not sent it on to the pharmacy. A good thing my life doesn’t depend on it. I then headed by Invergordon, Saltburn and Arabella to Nigg and to the Nigg Old Church.







This is the Nigg Stone. It dates from the end of the 8th century. It was originally by the gate coming into the churchyard. It has been restored.






The pulpit Bible was open at John 3. Of course verse 16 is probably the best known verse in Scripture but I love verse 17. 






I headed by Pitcalnie out to Shandwick to see the next stone.




It is protected in a glass enclosure.






I then moved on to Hilton to see the Hilton of Cadboll stone. 








The stone here is a reconstruction. Some masonry skills to carve that! The stone was removed to Invergordon Castle in the 19th century, before being donated to the British Museum. The latter move was not popular with the Scottish public, and so in 1921 it was transferred to the Museum of Scotland, where it remains today. The original base of the stone can be seen in the new John Ross Visitor Centre in the village.






Just undulations in the turf show there was once a building here.


The fourth Pictish stone for the day is out at Edderton. I had my picnic lunch here.


This is the only stone that is in its original position with access to it. Edderton Cross Slab is located in the old graveyard of the Edderton Church. I’m amazed it has survived as it is carved from red sandstone a very soft material. 




I then headed up to Aultnamain. The Struie Road has been closed for a while. I heard it was due to work on the Telford Bridge on the way down to Ardgay. I thought it should be possible to get to the viewpoint and it would be nice and quiet.


I had the viewpoint all to myself.





The BSA was leaking a considerable amount of oil and didn’t want to go much further. I think from the gearbox. So I headed home. Great to be out on the wee C15 again.