Simulating the Western Seaways

Summary Recent debates on the introduction of Neolithic features to Britain have emphasized the role of the western maritime routes and the possibility of direct or indirect connections from Brittany to Ireland and Argyll. Here we present the results of simulation modelling of maritime voyaging by paddled or sail‐powered boat, indicating the likely lengths of the journeys that would have been required. The issue of direct travel vs. short crossings and coasting is explored, and the implications for specific connections, such as those posited to account for cattle remains in a pre‐Neolithic context in Ireland, are considered.