"Mine Howe" Top 5 Page for this destination Orkney Off The Beaten Path Tip by leics

In 1946 a local farmer decided to investigate a mysterious mound on his land, discovering a set of steps going deep underground. In 1999 the present owners found the entrance and, later, Time Team (an archaeological TV programme) excavated. 29 stone steps lead to a sunken chamber, with small side chambers on the way. The stonework is incredibly skilful, and a huge ditch has been found surrounding the mound. Dating to the Iron Age or, possibly, earlier Neolithic times, the function of Mine Howe is unknown. Was it a tomb? Entry to the underworld? A place of initiation? Visit it and make up your own mind.......there's a good display of archaeological investigations and finds, and you get your own hard hat to make the descent!

Mine Howe is just off the main road at Tankerness.