39. Witch Craig Wall and viewpoint near Beecraigs Country Park
A stone shelter incorporates 43 rock specimens from locations in Central Scotland which can be seen from this site.
A stone shelter incorporates 43 rock specimens from locations in Central Scotland which can be seen from this site.
On the upper slopes of the Witch Craig, a stone shelter of unique design creates a fantastic view point. The Witch Craig Wall reflects the agricultural heritage of the area with its circular sheep fanks and many dry stone dykes. The wall incorporates 43 rock specimens from locations visible from this site and thus illustrates the geodiversity of the Midland Valley in this one place.
In the nearby stone dyke, there is a "Refuge Stone". This is one of several which formerly created a circle at a radius of one mile from the central stone in Torphichen Preceptory. In Medieval times sanctuary could be claimed within this area.
Witch Craig Wall is situated above Witch Craig Wood to the south of Beecraigs Country Park and about 1km north-east of Cairnpapple Hill. The site can be reached from the car park at the nearby Scottish Korean War Memorial lying to the south-west, on a minor road which runs south from the west side of Beecraigs Country Park. The area is perfect for short walks, with impressive views that extend from Bass Rock in the east to Arran in the west. The site is private land, so please respect dykes and fences. Nearby geodiversity sites are Cairnpapple Hill (20), Wairdlaw Quarry (21) and Torphichen Hill (46). A separate leaflet gives more details of the site: Witch Craig Wall: Geology and wildlife [2MB]