There’s a lot we don’t know about the marked stones at Drumtroddan. They could have been carved at any point between 3500 and 1000 BC, but by whom and for what purpose is a mystery. The close proximity of this rock art to the Drumtroddan Standing Stones suggests the two sites may have occurred at the same time.
The three groups of cup-and-ring-marked rocks at Drumtroddan probably belong to the Neolithic or early Bronze Age. Similar rock art occurs across Scotland, and has also been found in north-east England, north-west Spain, Brittany and Ireland.
Rock art designs were carefully executed using hard stone tools, and often densely cover large expanses of rock face. Recurring patterns across Scotland include: cup marks, cup-and-ring marks, spirals , stars, and linear grooves
Axes are occasionally depicted, but the markings are mostly abstract. There are no animal or human figures, and few indicators of function or meaning.
Mysteries etched in stone The carved stones at Drumtroddan are among the most visible legacies of this area’s ancient inhabitants. They are part of a regional group of cup and ring markings known in Galloway.
One plausible explanation for such monuments is as territorial markers – they’re usually sited in conspicuous locations with good views.
The meaning of the symbols is entirely lost, though theories abound. These include connections with mapping, with metal prospecting and with prehistoric belief systems. But the carvings probably had an immediate and practical use to the people who carved them, and they may not have been intended as ‘art’ as we understand it.
Location: This can be either by using the B7021 or the A747. The Stones are signposted opposite Drumtroddan farm by Historic Scotland.
Enter Drumtroddan Farm (single track road) and head towards the farm buildings. There is a very small dedicated car parking area with a courtesy tip box. To find the stones, head up the farm to the gated field. During the summer there may be young cows in the field which may put people off visiting the stones. The cows are inquisitive creatures and generally harmless, however caution should be taken at all times.
To visit the Drumtroddan Standing Stones, we do not recommend continuing further in the fields, there is a better access route by car to see them.
How to get there from The Old Smiddy: Drumtroddan farm. 7.1 miles (12 mins) via B7021. What3words: goods.prelude.loitering
