First time in Aberdeenshire. . soon!

Aberdeenshire 30

Image by greywether

suave harv Jun 16, 2005 22:15:48

I've taking a week off soon. I'm leaving the Midlands on Sunday afternoon and travelling North. Coming back the following Saturday. I've set five days aside to see Stone Circles. Cheers!!!
I have a mate who says I can stop in his house in Aberdeenshire (7 miles south of Aberdeen). So I'm going on a circle-fest. Just me & my red van, some maps and an anorak.
Which are the 'Must see' circles? I've already put East(er) Aquhorthies, Loanhead Of Daviot and Midmar Kirk on my list. But I'll have quite a few days there. any recommendations? The TMA book raves about the Dunnideer Area. Am I best to try around there?
I also want to see some sites by churches. Xtianised sites.
Also, would you spend all five days in Aberdeenshire, or would you do some Perth and Dundee type sites. . I've just started planning my week and my mind's boggled by what's around Perth. There's a HUGE concentration of circles there. I'm planning to do a bit of travelling, and would like to stop in some pubs as well. I envisage 5 full days in the area.
What would you do? Spend it all in Aberdeenshire or do Perth too? I've never been to either before.
I know I'll only be scratching the surface, whatever I do.
Sounds like bliss though, doesn't it?

suave harv Jun 16, 2005 22:23:19

Replying to suave harv

Oh, I forgot to ask. Aside from the Megaliths. . what's Aberdeenshire like?

Rune Jun 17, 2005 00:27:41

Replying to suave harv

Sounds like a wonderful trip, Harv :-)

During your visit, or if anyone else already knows, please could you let me know which, if any of the Aberdeen circles have easy access, say 100 yards from the nearest parking place over fairly flat ground.

I'm thinking of staying near Inverurie later in the year for 3 days to visit as many as poss but my partner has very limited mobility and I'd like to visit as many as I can that he can get to, too.

Is there anywhere on the 'net or in a book that lists accessibility of sites or is it a case of looking up each site individually?

Rune

BigSweetie Jun 17, 2005 10:59:05

Replying to suave harv

Hi Harv,

I'd recommend a jaunt into Perthshire, but then I would say that as it's my favourite place in the world! I wouldn't bother coming down Dundee way though, after Aberdeenshire and Perthshire you'd be disappointed

I'll send you an e-mail off-list

Cheers
Andy

greywether Jun 17, 2005 11:36:46

Replying to suave harv

Of the recumbents, there are, I reckon, 59 which are still recognisable as recumbents. The other 40 or so are either destroyed or reduced to typically one standing stone.

You could spend a good 5 days exploring that lot plus the other non-RSC circles.

I have an Excel spreadsheet with details of these 59. Grid refs, NMR refs, dimensions, condition details and some astronomical data. If you can take Excel and want a copy, let me know.

Also, more notes here on RSCs http://www.themodernantiquarian.com/post/36258

And if you're up that way, you might want to check out some pictish stones
http://www.users.globalnet.co.uk/~stones/picts/ and elsewhere.

juliree Jun 17, 2005 13:46:48

Replying to suave harv

Hi Harv,
I live in Aberdeenshire between Dunnideer and the Tap o'Noth and can thoroughly recommend staying in Aberdeenshire, there's so much to see, I live here and haven't seen everything! Many years ago now, I made a website including a page for the symbol stones and circles around here. Here is the webpage http://www.womblies.20m.com/recumbant_stone_circle.htm
the site is dreadfully out of date ( we don't do B&B, that was an experiment when I was looking at alternative sources of income and I haven't got round to updating the site!) but it has some pictures and info you may find useful. Tomorrow there is a midsummer festival at a recreated RSC which looks great fun... here is the website www.sacredway.co.uk If you're up this way, and how could you not visit Dunnideer, drop in for a cuppa! A pity you're going back on Saturday as I am having a Solstice Stramash at the wee circle I madeat the bottom of our field...ah well maybe next time!!
Julie