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A chalybeate spring is found on the slopes of Hartfell above Moffat. The word “chalybeate” is derived from the Latin word for steel, “chalybs” and refers to the high mineral content of the waters. Chalybeate springs are found extensively throughout Britain (and the world and were prized for their health giving properties.
Perhaps of more direct interest is the connection with Merlyn whose story appears interwoven with that of Kentigern. In the historical annals Myrddin/Merlyn is described as the bard to Gwenddoleu, a king in the Brythonic speaking lands of Southern Scotland and North West England. At the battle of Arfderydd or Arthuret in 573 AD Gwenddolue is killed. Appalled by the carnage of the, battle Merlin seeks refuge in the forests of Caledon in Southern Scotland and takes up abode in a cave on Hartfell (located near the spring). It is reputed that Kentigern met Merlyn there and debated with him eventually converting him to Christianity. However this is more likely to be based on Christian propaganda. Nevertheless there is strong evidence that Merlyn did coexist with Kentigern and that they were powerful figures on opposite sides of a Christian/Druidic conflict. They would have been aware of each other and conscious of the threat that each posed in the struggle for religious supremacy. We shall come across references to Merlin again in our journey northwards.
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