PLATFORM CAIRNS

In platform cairns the outer kerb is filled by a carefully laid level surface of stone. However, it is very difficult to recognise this type of cairn without excavation, since what appears at first sight to be a flat platform may turn out to be what was left behind when most of the stones of an original heap were taken away.

A cairn on Gray Hill, Monmouthshire, during excavation by University College of Wales Newport. The carefully laid surface inside the kerb at the right-hand side of the picture suggests that it may have been built as a platform cairn.

To see more images of cairns follow the link. Round Barrow & Cairn Gallery