All pictures copyright © 1997 Martin McCarthy
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The stone circle of Pobull Fhinn--translated variously as
Finn's People, the White People or the Holy People--stands
on an artificial platform on the south side of Beinn Langais
with scenic views to the south over Loch Langais and to the
east towards the peak of Lì a Deas.
The ring is actually a flattened ellipse, some 38 metres by 28 metres, with the long axis running roughly east-west. At either end of the long axis are pairs of portal stones forming two entrances. It is an easy walk from parking at a nearby hotel and, if you get weather as good as during my visit, is in a beautiful setting. (It may be beautiful in any weather, but I wouldn't know about that!) |
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On the north side of Beinn Langais, and just half a mile
from the stone circle of Pobull Fhinn, is a large circular
cairn 25 metres in diameter and 5 metres high. From the
east side of the tomb a passage leads to a wide chamber.
I recommend staying outside of this tomb if you suffer from claustraphobia, or don't like the dark, or if you have friends who like to play tricks. There is a tale of a visitor to this tomb who squeezed his way in with great effort, and then exited with much greater speed and skill after--so he says--something kicked him in the kidneys. Yes, it's a stupid superstitious story; but after visiting the tomb you can't help but wonder.... |
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A couple of miles north-west of Loch nam Madah (Loch Maddy) is
the hill of Blathaisbhal (Blashaval). A walk of a little under a
mile from the road, up a gentle slope but through very peaty land,
are the three standing stones of Na Fir Bhreige, or The False Men.
There are at least two stories that go with these stones: one is
that they were three men from Skye who were turned to stone by a
witch because they deserted their wives; another is that they are
the graves of three spies who were buried alive.
The stones are approximately in a straight line that runs from the peak of Blathaisbhal to the peak of Maari, almost 2 miles to the north-west. On the southern slopes of Maari are a couple of cairns, and in the col between Maari and Crògearraidh Mor is another standing stone. Many thanks to Joanne Winters for information about the legends associated with this stone row. Have you visited her excellent Internet Guide to Scotland? |
