Crawick Multiverse, Artistic Landscape

View of Crawick Multiverse Amphitheatre

Crawick Multiverse, near Sanquhar (pronounced “sang·kuh”) is a very interesting place to visit. I had a misconception of it when I first heard of it, thinking it was to do with science and geology. However, it’s actually a piece of “land art”. It was designed to reflect the cosmos in this area that’s celebrated for its dark skies.

An old quarry has been transformed by
Charles Jencks
A renowned cultural theorist, land artist, architectural historian and co-founder of the Maggie’s Cancer Care Centres, Charles Jencks (1939-2019) was commissioned by the Duke of Buccleuch in 2015 to design an inspiring landscape on the former open-cast coal mine.
. The result? Amazing landforms and sculptures that represent parts of the universe.

Crawick Multiverse Central Walkway
Crawick Multiverse Omphalos

Whether you’re interested in cosmology, science, art, or just want to walk your dog, enjoy a picnic, or savour the beautiful landscape, this is well worth a visit.

We took about 3 hours to walk around the whole site at a leisurely pace and stop for a picnic lunch part way around. You can climb on and around almost everything and it is all extremely photogenic.

Crawick Multiverse Milky Way & Andromeda
Crawick Multiverse Central Walkway

We went to the top of everything that was “climbable” making it a reasonably energetic day out. You could choose easier routes around and just view the site without climbing if you needed to; however, to get the full impact and views I suggest that climbing the mounds is well worth it.

We were fortunate with the weather as the entire site is outdoors. There are toilets, but there isn’t really a cafe, just ice creams, snacks and cold drinks available at the ticket office, along with a few small souvenir items.

Overall we found Crawick Multiverse a great experience and it’s definitely worth a visit.

The Coalface Visitor Centre at Crawick Multiverse

Crawick Multiverse features in the June 2024 episode of BBC Countryfile in June 2024, as does nearby Wanlockhead, Scotland’s highest village!

Contact, Links & Reviews

Crawick Multiverse, Sanquhar, Dumfries & Galloway,
DG4 6EG.

https://www.crawickmultiverse.co.uk

01659 50242

info@crawickmultiverse.co.uk

Planning Your Visit

45 miles NNE ~65 min drive DG4 6EG

Opening hours are:
Mon – Thurs (10am – 4pm)
Fri – Sun (10am – 6pm)
However, the site isn’t open all year round, so best to check their website.

Visitors can explore the site any day of the week and can also stay overnight in a motorhome bay.

There are toilets, cold drinks and snacks available at the ticket office, which is part of the “Coalface”.

Google Maps: https://maps.app.goo.gl/EFH5WmqB31BWVVjg8

What 3 Words: briefer.lost.schematic

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