Although not on the scale of Grey Mare’s Tail, Dob’s Linn – with its secluded waterfall and steep cliffs – is a scenic location in its own right. The site also has a fascinating history. It reputedly takes its name from Halbert Dobson, a 17th-century Covenanter who hid from government troops here during a period of conflict in Scottish history known as ‘The Killing Time’. However, Dob’s Linn is most well known as an internationally important geological site and is famous for its fossil graptolites.
Graptolites were small colonial marine organisms that flourished in the sea between 520 and 350 million years ago. They became extinct during the Carboniferous period. In 1864, amateur geologist Charles Lapworth was working here when he made an important discovery. He realised that you can discover the age of a layer of rock by studying the graptolite fossils within it. This site is still used for dating rocks of a similar age from around the world.
There are no managed paths at Dob’s Linn. Please check the Events page if you’d like to join a ranger-led ‘fossil hunt’ during the summer months. All fossil collectors should follow the Scottish Fossil Code.
