The community of Bourtie have a path that leads to the summit of the Hill Of Barra. I parked beside the old kirk and made my way thru various stiles and fields to reach the the summit. A walk of about 800 meters. This walk isn't so popular as the Oldmeldrum (the Blankets) side, but I would advise it's use, the stone circles at Bourtie and Shieldon are close by as well as the ring cairn on the Hill Of Selbie.
This was a well positioned fort with truly tremendous views over the Garioch area of Grampian. This path approaches from a south easterly direction, the first views being the three ramparts and the entrance. Nature did it's job for the northern defences. Within the fort is Wallaces Stone. Robert the Bruce used it as a base to subjue the Earl of Buchan. Check the 1308 site. Why don't they teach this stuff in schools?
As is usual up here the weather changed instantly and the customary drenching happened on the way down. Don't let that stop you from coming here as this is the heart of rural Aberdeenshire. So a good starting point for anybody's adventures!
A British fortress on Barra-hill in Aberdeenshire.. deserves notice. It is built in an elliptical form; and the ramparts were partly composed of stones, having a large ditch that occupies the summit of the hill, which as it is about two hundred feet above the vale, overlooks the low ground between it and the mountain of Benachie. It was surrounded by three lines of circumvallation. Facing the west the hill rises very steeply; and the middle line is interrupted by rocks; while the only access to the fort is on the eastern side where the ascent is easy; and at this part the entry to the fort is perfectly obvious.
This Caledonian hill-fort is now called by the tradition of the country, Cummin's Camp, from the defeat which the Earl of Buchan there sustained, when attacked by the gallant Bruce.
From 'A History of the Highlands and of the Highland Clans' by James Browne v1 (1849) - which you may read on Google Books.
Plenty info on the two legends that engulf Barra Hill. One I,d heard, Jock O Bennachie, and one I hadn't, the William Wallace connection. Robert the Bruce had plenty to do in this area also.
The battle was fought on May 23rd, 1308. The army of King Robert The Bruce routed that of John Comyn, Earl Of Buchan. Bruce's victory marked the turning point in his bid to become king.
The battle is believed to have taken place on the lower slopes (Oldmeldrum side) of Barra Hill.
This chair shaped stone had previously lay higher up Barra Hill. Legend has it that Bruce, who was ill at the time, watched the battle from it.
This stone was originally on the Hill Of Barra but was moved to a position near the B9170 on the Inverurie side of Oldmeldrum. Shaped like a seat Robert The Bruce, handily feeling ill at the time, is supposed to have sat on it whilst his troops battled against the Earl Of Buchan. Today it is still a busy place as Oldmeldrum and Inverurie have grown in size making sure this road is incredibly busy.
Legend has it that William Wallace, the legendary Scottish freedom fighter, picked up this stone and flung it at Robert The Bruce, the Scottish King. Wallace believed that the Bruce had killed to much men in the North East and in anger heaved this at the King. One problem--Wallace wasn't even here. Nice story though.
Another legend tells of the story that the giant Jock O Bennachie had caught the Tap O Noth wooing one of his girlfriends. In anger this stone was flung, in completely the wrong direction, as the Tap O Noth is northwards, Barra is to the east. Thank goodness he didn't play darts as the Grenago Stone at Oldmeldrum is reported to be another bad aim.
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