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Scotland
Loudon WoodStone Circle
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Coles says in his writings that this was a hard place to find and the locals didn't have much of a clue either! When I finally found the circle after several visits of looking in the wrong woods, walking the wrong way I ignored all given directions and asked at one of the houses before the official car park. A lady answered and she explained that it was about a 3/4 mile behind her house and gave the proper directions. With my friend John Porter we reached the site only to find a white witch, complete with strange hat and robe, doing some funny things with a divining stick. The witch said that he was looking for denergy-looking for energy coming from the rocks and had been at Auchmachar in the morning as well. He also had placed lots of white markers on the ground on places energy had been felt. Pagans also visit Louden Wood, probably because it is well hidden. I've never seen anything like this before and to be honest I'd thought he'd lost touch with reality. However some of the suggestions and plans found in the "Tims World" web site suggest that there is something about divining rocks. Maybe it isn't so far fetched after all. 3/5/08 |
Posted by drewbhoy12th May 2009ce Edited 18th May 2009ce |
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I never met an RSC I didn't like, and this was no exception. Lots of fun walking up and down the conifer plantation was had in trying to find it, but it was well worth the effort. The photos tell most of the story, but can't convey how big the ring was, and how impressive it must have been when complete. Several complete stones are laying, fallen, and the stumps remain of the others. The recumbent has a banded crack running around it, which suggests it may not remain whole for many more winters: see it while you can. Of the three remaining stones still upright, they seemed an example of each of the common types you seem to see at most sites in NE Scotland. The flanker is a rounded stone, with a tapering top, one of the stones is definitely triangular, and the other is oblong, with squared sides. Given the re-occurence of these shapes (to my eyes at least) across the RSC's I wonder if the stones were shaped and erected to a common specification in addition to the grading of heights, quartz pavements, cup-marks & SSW alingment of the recumbents. Nothing was random. This site is now signposted from the road, but you are left very much on your own in the forest. I would recommend: OS map, compass if your SOD is not up to much, waterproof boots in all but the driest conditions and waterproof clothing. The forest tracks are ok, but the grass can be thigh high when you leave them. You will see that the circle is marked to the north of the main track, opposite a southerly track. When you stand at this junction, two paths to the north will greet you: take the left hand one and in 75-100m look for a path to the left-this will take you to the circle in less than 30m. I would say that the circle is slightly to the west of where it is shown on the map. Should you visit? If you've one day to fit in as many sites as possible. then no. If you're here for the week, then absolutely - it is an essential companion to Strichen, Berrybrae, Aikey Brae and Netherton. |
Posted by Chris8th October 2006ce |
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When I was last here (1987), there was no wood - at least surrounding the circle. So it's the opposite of Aikey Brae. Win some, lose some. Not a great site - and not helped by the trees. Recumbent, one upright and one fallen flanker and two other upright stones. See it if you're in the area. Access. Park at NJ 957 504. Follow the forest tracks, as shown on Landranger, to approach the circle from the S. On the track into the forest to reach the site, watch out for a left turn after about 50m. Easily missed! One gate but rather rough going in the forest. Visited 19th March 2005 |
Posted by greywether22nd March 2005ce Edited 22nd March 2005ce |
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Aberdeenshire Council MapThis gives a more accurate location for the circle. Note the extra tracks marked compared to the OS. |
Posted by Chris 9th October 2006ce |
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