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Standing Stone, Upper Hindhope, Hownam. |
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Description
This, now recumbent, standing stone is situated some 600m north
west of Wester Hindhope farm, at the end of a broad spur
overlooking the upper reaches of the Kale Valley. The stone
measures approx 1.00 x 0.45 x 0.35m. Information from RCAHMS
reveal that the stone was erect at September 1976 but the exact
date when it fell is not known.
Directions
From Hownam continue on minor road due south until Nether
Hindhope. Leaving the car, continue on foot to Upper Hindhope farm
and follow the track that runs north west between the trees and
onto the open moor. The stone can be seen along the fence line.
Parking
On grass verge beside road between Nether Hindhope and Upper
Hindhope.
Fieldnotes
During my visit to this stone, I asked myself just what purpose
this stone might have served? It stands on fairly dry ground, on
a prominent spur at the head of what later becomes the Kale
Valley. The setting is open but not as open were it sighted on
higher ground. However, the setting is relatively sheltered and
would have been a good meeting place for the inhabitants of the
many hill forts on the surrounding hills. As with most parts of
the Cheviot Hills, this area has ancient tracks and earthworks
and, perhaps, this stone was a boundary marker or way-marker.
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