Looking for something different, something that you know most people will not have seen? Are their places out there that are truly hidden, not rubbish or a pile of ruins?
Well, I bring you a monument to a guy called James Loch. This monument is so unknown that if you ask Google or GhatGPT to tell you about it, it brings up information about Ben Braggie and The Mannie! That particular monument although linked, it’s completely different. It sits on that hill overlooking Dunrobin Castle/Golspie and can be seen from many miles away.
If you do find information on it, then it seems to be officially called “Uppat James Loch Memorial”, or it’s generally known to locals as Loch’s monument. That’s if even the locals know about it and if they do, many won’t have seen it or know where exactly it is! This is very much a hidden monument!
So if you are in the area of Dunrobin Castle and looking for something else, then this is it! It’s so close that you actually get a very good view of the castle, from an angle that isn’t so common (due to no one walking this route). So stick this down on your bucket list for things to see and do around Sutherland and even Scotland.
Back when the monument was made it was said to have had brilliant panoramic views of the castle and the Moray firth. But as I’m sure you can tell from the photos in this post, It is now surrounded by trees.
Map – Show me where!
So below is the location and map. If you look closely it’s fairly clear why so many do not know about it (or those that do aren’t sure how to get to it). As you head north from Golspie, after passing the broch on your right (south side of the road) you turn going past Strathsteven Cottage, there is a small road (not quite dirt track) that you can drive up. Tourists may think it’s private as there is zero signage. But head up anyway and just a little bit up the road you will be at a dirt ground area that is used for parking. (marked P for parking by me).
From there the monument is a short walk on a forest track. Follow it around and when you can see Dunrobin in the distance, look for a very overgrown track heading up off the main forest track you are on. Follow this for a small amount and you will eventually see the monument. It’s very hard to see until you are right at it due to the trees.
Warning
Ticks! Like all areas in the highlands, be VERY prepared as depending on clothing you are fairly likely to pick up ticks whenever you are walking through any rough ground. Check during walking, and especially after the walk. Not uncommon for them to be on your clothes for a day or so before they make way off and onto you! So even after a day or so later do check again.
Check here about removing them and identifying them.
