Kirkhill: History and Walking Routes

Kirkhill can be explored through two distinct interests: architecture and funerary art around Wardlaw, and routes around The Aird. The historical story includes a funerary chapel with precise dates, a burial vault and a carved grave slab bearing distinctive symbols. Outdoors, the routes range from roads to woodland paths, used by cyclists and horse riders. Plan your holiday around whether you want to focus more on historical details or outdoor activities.

Wardlaw: Architectural History and Funerary Art

Wardlaw Mausoleum is a 17th-century funerary chapel and the only surviving covered part of the former Wardlaw parish church. Two dates help pinpoint the building’s components: the funerary chapel dates from 1634, while its bell turret is dated 1722. There are 88 years between these dates; they refer to different components, not to a single construction year for the mausoleum as a whole.

The mausoleum contains the Lovats’ burial vault, with lead coffins dating from the 18th and early 19th centuries. Later burials thus add another layer to the chapel’s architectural history. Those interested in history can consider both the building’s date and the specific use of the burial vault.

Wardlaw cemetery also contains a carved grave slab bearing a cross, a scissors-like symbol and a book. These three motifs create a different focus from the mausoleum’s dates and architectural features: here, the design of a single grave marker takes centre stage. This offers a distinct way to explore funerary art, alongside the architecture and dating.

Wardlaw Parish Church of Scotland in Kirkhill is attributed to architect Alexander Ross. Another monument in the parish of Kirkhill is Tom-a'-Caisteal, a Scheduled Monument. Together, these sites and buildings offer history-minded travellers a range of subjects: a funerary chapel, a church, a monument and the carved symbols on a grave slab.

Routes and Outdoor Activities

Around The Aird, routes range from roads to woodland paths. Cyclists and horse riders use them. The different surfaces and non-motorised activities offer an alternative to the historical themes. When planning your day, you can treat these as separate priorities rather than assuming that architectural history and outdoor exercise offer the same kind of experience.

Kirkhill is one of the communities in the Core Paths area. These routes provide public access for walking, cycling, horse riding and other non-motorised activities. A well-used section runs between Inchmore and the turn-off for Moniack. As its condition can change, check the route conditions before setting out.

Which interests will shape your choice of accommodation?

If you are travelling with family or in a group, you can decide together whether architectural history and funerary art or outdoor activities should take priority. The historical details offer several specific points of interest, from the dates on the mausoleum to the motifs on the grave slab. If you would rather plan some exercise, you can take your cue from the activities available on the routes.

Discover more destinations: Dornie, John o' Groats, Tomatin, Kyle, Keiss, Bowermadden, Aviemore, Strathan

For the wider travel overview: Highland.