Adopt a Monument

Ardnadam Heritage Trail Upgrade

Cowal Archaeological and Historical Society (CAHS) has a long standing association with AaM, since creating the  Ardnadam Heritage Trail near Dunoon in 1983 with help from CSA. The trail passes through Ardnadam Glen, a beautiful area of cultural and natural significance that features a range of archaeological sites ranging from Neolithic settlement to modern small-scale industry. 

The main adopted site, excavated during the 1960s and 70s by CAHS, contains Neolithic and Iron Age settlement together with the remains of a medieval chapel, some 'cell' graves and a surrounding early Christian enclosure. The surrounding landscape features 39 'recessed platforms' representing, predominantly, early historic settlement sites (many are later used for small scale industry in the 18th and 19th century for the production of Charcoal).

The trail has proved immensely popular over the last 15 years. As a result the path network has suffered wear and tear and is now less accessible, particularly for those with limited mobility. CAHS and Adopt-a-Monument have teamed up with the British Trust for Conservation Volunteers (BTCV) to give the trail a new lease of life.  Funding is being sought to pay for a full upgrade of the path network.

In the meantime, funding from Historic Scotland has enabled BTCV work parties to assist CAHS in keeping the trail and its many archaeological sites free from vegetation. This combines the fields of nature and heritage conservation and includes a training programme to equip conservation volunteers with new skills in archaeological recognition, survey and interpretation. In addition, an Awards for All grant has been awarded to the group that will pay for new interpretation along the trail.

CSA is delighted to work in partnership with BTCV, an organisation with over fifty years of experience in deilvering community conservation projects. For more information about BTCV click here.

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