Willie Shand©This week, Willie heads to the Chapel Rock Well near Weem.
The name Weem comes from the Gaelic “uaimh”, which means “cave”. High in the cliffs that rise behind the village of Weem is a cave that provided shelter to St Cuthbert as long ago as the 7th century.
Although from below the cliffs look quite daunting, an easy but steep climb can take us up to the cave. In it is a well or bath hewn from the living rock. According to tradition, St Cuthbert spent many a night in prayer lying in this bath. It’s the Chapel Rock Well.
Locals have long believed its waters posses special healing powers.
If you stumble upon the entrance to another cave, I wouldn’t be too tempted to venture inside — it’s owned by the devil.
Inside it are untold treasures, which you’re welcome to take. However, to reach them we need to pass through seven iron gates. The gates open without a problem, but as soon as you pass through, they lock behind you!
Weem Wood. Photograph by Willie Shand.
St Cuthbert established a church at Weem. The present old kirk dates back to the 1480s and is just the latest in a line of successors. Inside, is a wee stone cross believed to have been carved by the Saint’s own hand.
It starts from near the entrance to Menzies Castle and this is a great walk for autumn. It leads through beech, elm, larch, ash and chestnut with some grand views away to Aberfeldy.
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