Dalmahoy Hill is located South of Tormain Hill, between the A71 and the A70, adjacent to Kaimes Hill. Both Dalmahoy and Kaimes hills are capped by the remnants of hillforts and other associated remains.
Dalmahoy Hill from Kaimes Hill (Arthur's Seat Top-Right)
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The fort on Dalmahoy Hill apparently occupied an area of around 400 x 100 metres, surrounded by stone walling and terracing, and was probably an offshoot of the larger fort on Kaimes Hill. On the summit of the hill are the remains of a circular structure which formed the central building within the fort. The foundations of this building fit into the natural shape of the summit, utilising the rock outcrops on the North face, with more building being required on the Southern sides. As a result of this design, some of the Southern foundations have slipped down the hillside, leaving the remaining foundations on a slope.
Approaching the Fort from the West
The following two photographs show the circular shape of the central building, as well as demonstrating the slight ridge which caps its circumference.
From the Fort, Looking South, East Side
From the Fort, Looking South, West Side
Much of the foundation work is visible, especially along the Southern sides of the structure, which clearly shows the regularity of the stones used in its construction. Occasionally, rabbits also burrow into the slopes of the fort, uncovering the inner structure of the foundation walls.
Fort Foundations, Central Building, Looking South
Fort Foundations, Central Building, Looking North
Although evidence of the outer walling and terracing is still visible around most of the fort, the best examples of terraces are to be found on the North face of the hill.
The Northern Terrace
While terracing is less visible on the Southern side of the fort, some walling is visible, although difficult to photograph - the line of the Southern wall is indicated just below the two "x" marks on the following photo:
The Southern Wall
There is some ambiguity regarding the precise dating of this hillfort, but it seems likely that it dates from only slightly before or after 2000 years ago. Regardless, the fort's position affords extensive views of the Western half of the Lothians, and most other major hill-based sites in this region can be seen easily from its summit, from Arthur's Seat in the East to Cairnpapple in the West.
Looking North, Across Ratho to the River Forth and Fife
On the natural rock surfaces within the central building are numerous indentations, some of which are thought to be genuine cup-marks, while others may simply be the results of natural erosion.
Cup-marks, Summit
Single Deep Cup Mark?
More Possible Cup-marks?
more to follow...