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All the United Kingdom Scotland Glasgow Auld Wives Lifts
AO Edited

Auld Wives Lifts

Three large boulders covered in mysterious carvings and graffiti.

Glasgow, Scotland

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Graham Walker
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The Auld Wives Lifts   grahamstewartwalker / Atlas Obscura User
The Auld Wives Lifts from the opposite side with views over Glasgow in the background   grahamstewartwalker / Atlas Obscura User
Carved face 1   grahamstewartwalker / Atlas Obscura User
Carved face 2   grahamstewartwalker / Atlas Obscura User
View through the gap with Victorian graffiti   grahamstewartwalker / Atlas Obscura User
Face   42mingus / Atlas Obscura User
  SEANETTA / Atlas Obscura User
  ssm67alba / Atlas Obscura User
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About

Situated in the countryside around Baldernock, the Auld Wives Lifts are a local legend. Nobody is quite sure (or can agree) on what they are, what they were for, or how they got there.

The ancient configuration of three large stones, one balanced on top of the other two, is located in a natural amphitheater on a heather-covered moorland called Craigmaddie Muir about a mile due north (and slightly east) of the parish of Baldernock.

As well as many carved graffiti signatures by Victorian tourists, the rocks bear at least eight carved ‘green man’ faces that are believed to be extremely old. There is said to be a drain on top of the stone, through which spilled blood would have been channeled. The site was once surrounded by a circle of yew trees, and the hallucinogenic variety of mushrooms grow in the vicinity to this day (all these being Druidic clues).

The setting makes for an unsettling and powerful atmosphere. It has been speculated that the Auld Wives and their setting were a Pictish equivalent of the Roman Forum to the druids who worshipped there, a site of great religious significance at which human sacrifice could have taken place. Some geologists propose that the Auld Wives are an erratic, a chance configuration of boulders left by a glacier. It can be left up to the visitor's discretion what they want to believe.

Related Tags

Rocks Local History Legends Graffiti Geology

Know Before You Go

Approach only from the east across the high dry ground, thus preserving the privacy (and muddy tracks) of the farmer who lives next to the site. Whilst in the area it would also interesting to explore the nearby Linn caves at Blairskaith Linn which are a 15 minute walk away.

 

The immediate vicinity of the stones is very wet and muddy. Tight-fitting waterproof boots are essential and HIGHLY recommended. Try and choose a dry day, preferably summertime,  as the surrounding area is exceptionally soggy. 

 

Not sure of the most legitimate and accessible route.  Google Maps takes you to Craigmaddie Muir Holiday Let. The surrounding is fairly remote and there are houses dotted about, including aforementioned farmhouse. Proceed with caution and have an adventurous spirit.

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Added By

grahamstewartwalker

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Dror, SEANETTA, Osage, ssm67alba...

  • Dror
  • SEANETTA
  • Osage
  • ssm67alba
  • 42mingus

Published

June 22, 2020

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Sources
  • https://douglasthompson.wordpress.com/2012/11/12/auld-wives-lifts/
  • https://www.ancient-scotland.co.uk/site/259
  • https://www.cambridge.org/core/services/aop-cambridge-core/content/view/76C412622F49BD866F25AC7717EFB28E/S0003598X00071441a.pdf/div-class-title-the-auld-wives-lifts-div.pdf
Auld Wives Lifts
Glasgow, Scotland, G66 7AR
United Kingdom
55.960311, -4.27323

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