Just finished this 5-metre-long drystone seating area on the banks of a loch.
It stands about 1.5m tall and will hold a single piece of oak across the three protruding stones to form a bench.
The idea was to create something rooted in the land, not just placed on it. Sheltered, steady, and quietly purposeful. A place to pause and reflect.
Built by hand, no mortar, just time, attention, and stone. All materials sourced locally.
I just want to be the kind of woman who posts a photo of a drystone wall (that she built), then a picture of a bird, then a thirst trap, you know?
Long day. Tired, HOT, (what is this weather? (Not complaining!)) ready to wash the stone grit from my eyes, nose, mouth, armpits, between my toes...you get the idea.
But the wall is looking great. And back to it tomorrow. Every stone placed by hand.
Back to drystone after a break. And it's not a bad view from the banker*. I have my Merlin Bird App on and a pair of binoculars nearby. Dreamy, really.
*A sturdy, tall table where we shape stone.
Garden project from a couple of years ago, which is getting a bit of a revamp. I had a few bits of large, squarish stone knocking about - and no clients' gardens to immediately use them in - so dropped a sunken seating area into my own garden.
The obvious firepit is an old lorry wheel that got washed up on the beach, and rolled/dragged half a mile back to the car. We have so many firepit devices, though, that I turned it into a planter for orange/red coloured flowers (none of the photos of which survived a PC failure).
The chickens have largely turned it into a fort, so I'm planning a surprise diversion (mainly sweetcorn at the other end of the garden) to reclaim it. This may be an ongoing battle of wills.
As a small way to say thank you for all the support for my book 'Drystone - A Life Rebuilt', I’ve made a free, downloadable, & (if I do say so myself) beautiful drystone guide. Read more below and share far and wide!
@Ivor. The sandstone faces with the healthiest orange lichen are original. That’s difficult to match and blend. It will a dry stone art project in the river for you. #drystone, #getoutside.
@Ivor. I see. The photograph and alt text describe the issues well. Thank you. I did not realize the wall is built right on bedrock in this case. #drystone, #getoutside.
@Ivor The underpinning process sounds like removing wall blocks to the bottom course to improve the foundation. Can you share more about underpinning? #getoutside, #drystone.
I am one of very few female drystone wallers in Scotland & the world. Below are some things I've worked on. I am very often inspired by traditional drystone structures like planticrus and sheep stells and enjoy bringing their beauty and functionality into our modern lives.
For more nerdy stone stuff...
The Auchnafree Millennium Circle. An old sheep stell that was rebuilt in 1999 by Norman Dawson, a shepherd on Auchnafree, to mark the Millennium. What a beautiful, lasting contribution Norman has made to the hills where he worked for many a year.
Just a reminder that I wrote a comprehensive, two part guide to drystone walling.
Even if you don't build something, the info will leave you with a whole new appreciation for the walls around you.
Give it a read, and then a try! I'm here to answer any of your questions.
With an interesting history and an incredibly atmospheric site, Arichonan clearance village is a very special place where so much of the lives that were lived here can still be seen, and felt.
Click through for more information on Arichonan and lots of photos.
https://www.thedrystonecompany.com/drystone-diary/arichonan-clearance-village-argyll
Kirkton Chapel was built in the 13th century and overlooks Loch Craignish in Argyll.
While we were very interested in the chapel, and sculptured stones within, I think we spent just as long looking at the drystone walls that surround the graveyard.
https://www.thedrystonecompany.com/drystone-diary/kirkton-chapel-and-gravestones-craignish
I'm one of very few female drystone wallers in the world.
Drystone isn't just for old, white men muttering something about how things were better when they were a boy.
It is also for forward-thinking babes who can't tolerate the sensation of wearing a bra.
Read my drystone guide & join me! (bra optional)
https://www.thedrystonecompany.com/drystone-diary/how-to-build-a-drystone-wall-part-two
After Part One of How To Build A Drystone Wall was so well received, I thought I'd hustle to finish Part Two which covers retaining walls, copes, cheekends & throughs.
Between Part One and Part Two there should be enough information to build your first drystone wall!
If you have any questions just ask. It will also help me make the information I provide clearer.
https://www.thedrystonecompany.com/drystone-diary/how-to-build-a-drystone-wall-part-two
I don't believe in gatekeeping knowledge, especially not knowledge that forms part of our intangible cultural heritage.
Drystone built some of the very first structures on our planet. As useful now as it was then.
So, here's a beginner's guide.
https://www.thedrystonecompany.com/drystone-diary/how-to-build-a-drystone-wall-part-one
The deserted township of Craignavar is one of my favourite places in Scotland. One of those very special places where the past has yet to settle into the ground.
More info and photos at the link.
https://www.thedrystonecompany.com/drystone-diary/craignavar-deserted-township-in-perthshire
A lovely cycle to visit a burial ground, a bronze age chambered cairn, and a huge, drystone sheep stell that was rebuilt by a local shepherd to celebrate the Millennium. All set in the beautiful surroundings of Glenalmond, Perthshire.
More photos and info at the link.
