A few weeks back I posted some pics of Lunan Bay. A lovely sweep of beach between Arbroath and Montrose. About a mile or so inland from there is the village of Lunan. I love this little spot where the bridge runs over the Lunan Burn (or Lunan Water to be more accurate) and the road sweeps round and up to the little church.
This is the view from the bridge looking west, a tranquil spot which I clearly remember visiting with a fishing rod many, many years ago. In fact, I don't think I've actually been here since that day. I was about 15 I think. My pal from school and I must have got the bus from Arbroath and walked out here. One of those halcyon days which sticks in your memory!
Looking over the other side of the bridge, I certainly don't remember these guys being there......nice spot for them though. They seem as happy as pigs in s***.
Looking north from the bridge, you can catch a glimpse of the wee church in the trees.
Regular visitors to this blog will know by now that I'm a sucker for little country churchyards.
This one was so peaceful. Not a soul around and only the birdsong broke the silence.
What is it about lichen covered stonework that so fascinates?
I loved this cross lying in it's bed of unkempt weeds.
I tried the door, but it was locked....... sorry!
About a mile or so up the road from the church stands this ruined castley thing. It probably has a name.....
..... but don't ask me what it is!
This one was so peaceful. Not a soul around and only the birdsong broke the silence.
What is it about lichen covered stonework that so fascinates?
I loved this cross lying in it's bed of unkempt weeds.
I tried the door, but it was locked....... sorry!
About a mile or so up the road from the church stands this ruined castley thing. It probably has a name.....
..... but don't ask me what it is!
Hi Neil,
ReplyDeleteLovely countryside!
I like that little church..and the ruins..what ever it is :)
Fantastic shots, wonderful scenery, I love them all! What a great tour, Neil! Do wish I could visit here, lovely place!
ReplyDeleteHave a good week!
Sylvia
That post definitely qualified as scenic!
ReplyDeleteGreat post, Neil.
ReplyDeleteThat castley thing... I read about this when I took an archaeology course and I'm surprised that you're not familiar with it and its origins. It's fascinating...
There are conflicting viewpoints over its exact origins but the traditional view held by modern archaelogists is that is was built in approximately 2500 B.C. by the pharaoh Khafra.
It was as built as temple guardian for one of his wives, Queen Meresankh who had been sent there after the pharaoh received a message from Sekhmet, the Goddess of War.
What very interesting is that the geographic relationship of the Great Sphinx of Giza, the Pyramids and this 'castley thing' directly corresponds with the three stars that make up the constellation 'Orion's Belt.' And it is Orion, the God of Hunting who, from the skies above, saw 'his belt' laid upon the earth. Curious, he descended from the heavens and into the clutches of the awaiting Goddess Sekhmet.
Her plan worked! She ultimately hunted down the God of Hunting by cunningly toying with his belt. They, of course, fell in love and decided to settle down, giving up war and hunting. Sekhmet threw Orion's belt back up into the sky (hence the consellation) and they opened a nice country pub that served up the best fish n chips for miles around.
According to some researchers, Sekhmet and Orion are buried beneath that 'castley thing', otherwise known as the Ancient Sphinx of Angus!
Thank you Neil for a scenic tour full of such variety. You have given us everything from tranquil fishing spots (ignore the pigs), quirky bridges, cute churches (I hate how they are locked), and stunning stone carvings complete with lichen, but no gargoyles this time. I love the castly thing and can see how ms toast burner mistook it for the Sphinx especially in the second shot. Should have gone to Specsavers!!
ReplyDeletemtb - In view of your obvious archaeological talents and indisputable historical accuracy, I take pleasure in offering you the position of Archaeology and Anthropology Consultant to Light and Dark.
ReplyDeleteUnfortunately, due to the recession and things the post carries no salary whatsoever.
Have your people contact my people to see if an 'alternative' method of remuneration can be achieved........
Chris - Are you casting aspertions on the abilities of my Archaeology and Anthropology Consultant?.......Specsavers indeed!
Sorry about the gargoyles...... must do better!
Love the picture of the church windows which are eying the green cupcakes just in front! Odd too is the fact that I just spent a day taking pictures of old churches and gravestones...must be Orion.
ReplyDeleteHa! Neil, I see by your adding the real name of the castley thing in this post's title that you accept that my rigourous academentia credentials are sound. I am truly honoured by that and by your offer of a "career advancement opportunity" (wink wink, nudge nudge).
ReplyDeleteI will respond with acceptance... once I figure out who 'my people' are... can I use my shrink? ;-)
BTW... beautiful photos, Mr Tasker.
Lovely landscapes and so many wonderful photos.
ReplyDeleteI love that peaceful churchyard with the blue sky and clouds in the background.
Spooky - This weekend I revisited a stretch of the Tay used to (mis)spend my summers on up until about the same age. It's a strange experience... parts of the riverbank have changed much in 25 years but the beach is exactly the same (except it had small children running around on it - something my 15 year old self would not have countenanced!)
ReplyDeleteGroovy pics as ever, Neil.
ReplyDeleteI used to mistakenly think Angus was a bit dull and only good for annoying a carload of cats by screamin out "Whole Lotta Rosie" every time i saw signs flor it (i.e. on the way in). I still do that by the way.
It's clearly a crackin wee county.
It is lovely countryside and seeing the pigs is neat too. The church yard is pretty along with the stonework. Thanks for sharing your pretty scenes.
ReplyDeleteWho me? wouldn't dream of it, I wish her all the best in her new position!
ReplyDeleteSusan - green cup cakes indeed..... like it!
ReplyDeleteMrs W - Could this be a sign of an impending Mid Life Crisis? Revisiting old haunts and all that? ......hmmmmm. Next thing you'll be looking wistfully at large motor cycles.....or is that just me?
Naldo - 'Whole Lotta Rosie' eh? Angus would be chuffed with that!
Eileeninmd - Glad you liked the neat piggies.
Chris - LMAO! I'm sayin' nuthin'
I heard that laugh!
ReplyDeleteOh that's definitely just you! My memories of riding pillion are not good. Scary. Strangely I have no desire to ever get back on an organ donor mobile.
ReplyDeleteDo you remember the days (did you ever know them?) when anyone could go into any church at any time of the day? I loved being able to do that but now all the little churches and chapels are locked and barred unless the vicar/priest/chaplain happens to be around. That is so sad. Love your photos, as ever.
ReplyDeleteJabblog - I have to say that it's normally the case that churches are open around here. This was unusual. I was seriously miffed when I tried the door and found it locked.
ReplyDelete