drewbhoy

Just to the north of Hatton Of Fintray and opposite the old church a tarred road leads to Home Farm. Stop about 1/4 mile and look north/uphill. This is a steady climb of another 1/4 mile to another cairn with views of Bennachie and the River Don.

This cairn has been battered, how it survives is nothing short of a miracle. It must have been massive. At one time it was used for beacon fires and now it houses a shed and another structure that shows some cairn material. Trenches showing robbery remain as well. Now it stands at some 24 meters wide and 1.8 meters tall seemingly defying all that was set against it.

Proudly it still stands despite the ages, hopefully it will remain a very long time yet. It’s defiance incredible!

Visited 29/3/2011.

This is a very easy cairn to find and one that I’ve been to many times. The cairn at one time was over 25 meters in diameter but now is held within a dry stane dyke over a meter in height. It has been recycled as a War Memorial for the First World War and now stands at 17 meters wide and has a height of over 2 meters.

I’ve been here many times as part of my duties as a musician/cornettist is to play the Last Post and Revielle on Armistice Day, this being one of the places I sometimes play. I never realised this was a cairn until Patrick Will, in one of his rambling but informative stories (this old man of Ythan is a living history book) said to find info about Donald’s Hillock, as usual he was right.

It is just south of the village of Hatton Of Fintray, a fitting monument to the ancients and those who went away and never came back during the terrible times of the First World War. Ancient and modern have joined together to enjoy truly wonderful views of the River Don and Tyrebagger Hill. Hopefully the villagers will continue to look after this very historic site.

Visited 29/3/2011.

A long time ago, according to Fred Coles, a large standing stone also stood here but unfortunately that has gone along with the cist and several urns. It is 13 meters wide and 0.8 high proudly looking down into the Deveron valley. This area is cairn central and quite a lot survive despite agriculture. Sadly tho, Denhead Wood has been used as a bit of a rubbish tip, various old machinery, plastic bags, concrete. (some of which has made it onto the cairn.)

Fortunately the present farmer, Hamish Slater, is quite proud of the cairn on his land and has had some of the rubbish taken away.

Carlinkist looks down on the River Deveron and the Turriff to Dunlugas/Eden minor road. Leave Turriff on the B9025 Aberchirder (Foggie) road and turn north just before the Deveron Bridge. Pull in at Boghead Farm and follow the track east up the hill to the clump of trees. The cairn is situated on the southern side.

Visited 27/3/2011.

Head south from Rhynie on the A97 until the B9002. Take this road, which goes past two very old churches and Castle Craig (my brother wrote a book about this) and keep going until Longlands. This croft has been modernised, however about 500 meters further on is Whitehillock croft which, unfortunately, is completely ruined. Fortunately the site’s standing stone still proudly stands almost acting as marker to indicate the start of Aberdeenshire. (I was tempted to say Drewland, Mr SC!)

I parked on the track to Whitehillock and climbed down to valley bottom. The Burn Of Craig is at the bottom, taking advantage of my long legs I jumped. There are narrower bits for shorter people. Then walk thru a boggy bit and then up to the stone.

It is a beautifully shaped gray granite and is 1.22 meters tall. Almost shaped like a wizard’s hat.

Visited 24/3/2011.

Ord Hill is in a stunning location stuck between two hillforts, surrounded by stone circles, cup marked rocks (many found by Tiompan) and more cairns.

Leave Rhynie, on the A97 south from Huntly, and take the Wheedlemont minor road at the south end of the square. Follow this road to the Templand farm signpost. Fairly easily found as Upper Ord Stone Circle is in the second field up from the road. The cairn is at the southern shoulder of Ord Hill looking down onto the circle.

In 1866 a cist was removed by a tenant farmer and further mutilation has continued by sheep and rabbits. The rabbit damage allows us to see how the cairn was constructed. At ten meters in diameter the cairn is best preserved in the south east (so Canmore says). I love this area, this being my fourth visit this year, and there is more to discover so I guess I’ll be back fairly soon.

However the pub being shut, in Rhynie, at lunch time is a nuisance so the shop in the square has to do. Good butteries tho!

Visited 24/3/2011.

White Hill is one of these places that reeks with history. This area has had a turbulent past, the Battle of Tillyangus being one of many battles in the area. This must be one of the few places that can take in the three high points of the North East, Knock to the north, Tap O Noth to the west and Bennachie to the east. Inbetween 8 hillforts can be spotted which makes me wonder if this was really an outlook post for Tap O Noth. Cairnmore is less than a mile away.

From Clatt head west towards towards Rhynie and turn at the Smallburn track following the track to the footpath. I parked at the second farm. To the south is White Hill and the enclosure sits at the top. The circular shape of the enclosure can still be made out as the remnants of the wall remain. Legend has it that this might have been a Druid’s circle that was filled in. No stones of any size remain but if it was location must have been the prime objective.

A good way to recharge the batteries after a bad weekend on the sporting front!

Visited 21/3/2011.

This cairn or what remains of it can be seen directly behind the Leslie Flying Club. Situated on the lower slopes of Hawk Hill. Further up is the RSC famous for it’s massive recumbent stone. Since it was getting darker and very cold I headed back to the car and will return on a better day.

Leave Premnay, B992, head west towards Leslie/Clatt, the trees are directly behind the air strip to the south. Much easier to go to Edingarioch farm, which saves jumping the Gadie Burn.

Visited 14/3/2011.

This cairn is almost forgotten thanks to the 4 more famous cairns on nearby Tullos Hill, now 5 cairns thanks to Ian Suddaby’s discoveries. The cairn at Kincorth remains but has been half removed by the construction of a path.

The cairn itself is almost 6 meters wide and 0.5m tall. It is best preserved on the southern side. Some kerbs remain in place despite the path and the houking. It looks towards Tollo Hill on its southern side.

Going up Wellington Road, the A956, to Altens leave at the Hareness roundabout and take the sharp turn to Redwood Road, then take the first road north, Abbotswell, and find the hill walks. Once on Kincorth Hill head west, past another cairn, until the first sharp corner. Follow the walkers path west over some rocks and bogs. This will lead straight to the cairn.

Visited 28/2/2011.

Revisited 18/1/2018.

This cist/ring/kerb cairn has been badly robbed thru the centuries but still exists in the lovely location Tollohill which overlooks the River Dee. As canmore says (see links) some stones are scattered, some are missing whilst others remain intact. The capstone is worth a look itself.

This was the perfect remedy for a rather hellish Sunday. Just to the south of Aberdeen take the South Deeside Road, B9077, then take the first minor road south marked Banchory-Devenick. One mile on and the car park for the Tollohill Wood walks can be found. Take the south most path and head north/downhill the cist is next to the path, to the left. To be fair whoever looks after these paths should be congratulated after the winters battering they are in remarkably good condition just like the cist.

Visited 28/2/2011.

This is a very difficult site to find as it is overgrown and in amongst jabby bushes. Several kerbs remain and I pulled back 4 clumps of turf to reveal kerbs. On the south eastern side the kerbs can be felt underfoot. It is 6 meters wide and 0.6 meters tall. It also has been hollowed out at some point. Even though there isn’t much to see there is plenty in the area. Braeneil is next door and the RSC at Castle Fraser is along the road which also has several standing stones nearby.

I parked inbetween the Greenburn and Achath farms. The hill on the east side of the road being Lumphanan Hill. Luckily enough I found old railway sleepers crossing the ditch. Over the fence, thru the field, keep to the edge of the wood (east side) and keep going until the trees thin out. Fortunately the site has a gap in amongst the jabby stuff. Climbing further up hill reveals lots of wee cairns and many rocks. Sadly no rock art was found.

Visited 26/2/2011.

To get here instead of going back to the Tap O Noth car park I headed east following the heather/park line which leads straight to the cairns. A walk of about 1 mile it involves a few fences otherwise under foot conditions are good. To get back to the car I wandered down onto A941.

Newseat 2 is only a few meters north of it’s neighbour but somehow I missed the first time I visited this place. It is in a badly ruined state tho some kerbs survive on it’s southern side. At 7 meters wide and 0.4 high the cairn is grass covered and hollowed out. Magical views especially in winter time.

Visited 17/2/2011.

Half way up the Tap O Noth a massive rock can be seen. It is named after St. Moluag who was a missionary. It is a good 500 yards from the path across boggy heather and many potholes. Nobody would have disturbed him up here and he most certainly would have enjoyed the views. Windy tho!

Visited 17/2/2011.

From the centre of Rhynie take the A941 west and look for the sign post to the Tap O Noth car park. The first stage of the path is grassy and boggy then turn west. At the moment the path is now a mud bath thanks to the construction of a man made lake. After a 1/2 mile of this the path turns north and starts to climb and improve. This is on the sheltered side and there still is a lot of snow on the path but as the path goes to the front of the hill the snow lessens.

The summit of the Tap O Noth supposedly an extinct volcano, the 2nd highest hillfort in Scotland, has a rampart surrounding it. On the southern side the rocks are vitrified. The reason for building it is obvious – the all round views. To the north the fort at Durn Hill, to the eastern side various hillforts including Wheedlemont, Cairnmore, Dunnydeer, Hill of Christ’s Kirk and Mither Tap can all be seen.

This is a very pleasant climb, steep in bits but the weather is changeable. Today the climb was fine but on the next hill north a blizzard raged as can be seen in some of the pics.

Visited 17/2/2011.

Tillyching 2 NJ60160499

This is a well shaped and turf covered cairn. It survives at 6m wide and 0.6m high. From Tillyching 1 go through the nearby gate and turn left.

Visited 10/2/2011.

Revisited 8/6/2017.

Tillyching 3 NJ60140498

The last time I visited here I couldn’t find the third cairn as the site was covered in vegetation. This time it was much easier to find. Somehow the jabby stuff had gone to reveal several small kerbs still in situ. It stands at approximately 6m wide and is no more than 0.4m high.

Visited 8/6/2017.

From Lumphanan I walked east along the A980 until the second farm track heading north. Once again it was hard to believe that on Tuesday this area was under 2-3 inches of snow. However the much improved conditions, it was sunny (very), had melted most of it away. Take the track going up the hill which leads past Tillyching farm following the edge of aqwood. Keep going until the track, more like a stream, runs out. To the east there is another wood follow the fence, climb the gate and the cairns are in front.

Tillyching 1 is quite easily spotted as the circular pile of stones isn’t grass covered. Sensible farmworkers rebuilt the cairn after it’s excavation in the 1800’s. It now stands at 41/2 meters wide and is 0.9 meters tall. The views are spectacular looking over to the Highlands and down Deeside. Being a Spring like day it was also nice to see plenty of snowdrops growing amongst the trees.

Visited 10/2/2011.

Go south from the village of Auchleven (parish of Premnay) and stop at the Towmill track on the B992. This part of the road is known as the Brindy and marks the western end of the Bennachie range. There is a small car park here for people who walk the Gordon Way. On the other side of the road there are wooden steps on to the Gordon Way.

Two days ago this area had been under 2 inches of snow and I’d been chased back down the first hill, The Brindy, by a blizzard. However most of the snow had gone for todays visit. The climb is quite steep. Fortunately a frost had saved the area from being a mudbath so underfoot conditions were fine. At the top of the Brindy Hill keep going straight as turning right leads eventually to Auchleven.

At one side is a mature forest on the other Christmas trees grow. Sadly one Christmas tree, complete with tag and price, had been left lying on the ground. Keep going until the deer fence and turn north following the fence. If you stick to the path eventually you will reach the cairn at Knock Saul.

The cairn is situated on the peak of Satter Hill with fantastic views all round. Unfortunately most of the stones have been removed to make dry stane dykes but some original material is still there. On top of this stones have been built to make a wind break. This cairn I estimate would have been about 8 meters wide, how high would have to be guess work. Also there are many rocks possibly one, I saw, with cup marks. The next time Tiompan is up in the area I will lead him to this place.

But a very beautiful and thoughtful place. It was great to be back in the hills.

Visited 5/2/2011.

Sadly nothing now remains of the henge as it has been ‘ploughed out’ over the years. But it’s location was prehistoric central. Bennachie can be seen, Dilly Hill cairn and standing stones opposite, Blairbowie standing stone is a 1/2 mile away whilst Balquhain and Easter Aquhorthies RSC’s are nearby as is the Whitecross cairn. Now a darker brown patch indicates it’s position and as Tiompan suggests there is nothing much to see but as for location it is spot on. A shame as a lot is going on but agriculture, as normal in this corner, had the final say.

Visited 3/2/2011.

The second of the Bronze Age burial cairns is ten meters to the north east. It is slightly smaller being 4 meters wide and 0.3 meters tall. There is a possible kerb on the southern flank.

Visited 13/01/2011.

This can be approached from the east (from the A96) or from the west (the B9002). Brownhills farm is on the east side of the hill.

The cairns are on top of the hill behind and date from the Bronze Age. Bennachie is to the south in area covered with cairns, standing stones and RSC,s. Also my good friend from Tealing might want to hunt here. There are many flat surfaces so a summer time search is required.

As for the cairn it is now covered in grass, is some 5 meters wide and 0.4 tall. But it’s builders had the right idea. Whoever was in this burial cairn rests in a beautiful place.

Visited 13/01/2011.

Go south from Kintore, on the B977, past Leylodge (home to several standing stones and it’s RSC) and turn east at the Broomhill Stores. On the hill behind the store is the modern Breemies RSC. I kept going until the first farm track north and parked the car at the top. Luckily the owner was at the top of the road collecting her mail. The track was a skating rink. She also mentioned that they had been stranded for several weeks with kindly neighbours bringing in much needed supplies.

Instead of walking the 3/4 mile on the track we walked back to the farmhouse via the fields. Once the thaw comes this will be another mud bath. The stone is situated to the North East of the house in the middle of a field with it’s slopes facing northwards and towards Bennachie. At 2.6 meters, this granite stone can be see for miles but not from the B977.

After a few photos I climbed back up the hill to South Fornet via several fences and a ditch. In amongst the trees some wee deer played and ignored me altogether. By the time I climbed back down it was growing dark so Thursdays walking was complete. Back to the car avoiding the ice rink!

Visited 13/01/2011.

There are two hut circles near the Slacks burial cairn. Unfortunately the site at NJ84311420 has taken a bit of a battering by forest agriculture and nature – fallen trees.

The hut circle in the photos is no more than a few steps away from the cairn. It is almost 9 meters wide, the bank width is 1.5 meters with a height of 0.5 meters. All sections are grass grown with the light covering of snow making it look like a cake with icing sugar. How I missed this on my first visit seems bizarre but miss it I did.

Normally the road to the Slacks car park is fine but today it was a skating rink. The paths to and fro hardly used except for some hardy souls and their dogs.

Visited 8/01/2011.

Taking the Brandsbutt road out of Inverurie I walked to Conglas farm. There I walked through the farm and underneath the railway. The stone looks like it is aligned to the Miter Tap but is in Prehistoric central. Balhalgardy is on top of the hill in front, Balquhain is to the valley heading west, Dilly Hill behind, Barra Hill east along with many circles and standing stones all with a view of Bennachie. Today the walk was pleasant as the ground was frozen, if not this would be a mud bath. Probably about 2 miles walk, there and back.

As night came down a crescent moon parked itself above the stone. The atmosphere of the place changed, the silence beautiful, time seemed to stand still. Perhaps all of these years ago it did.

Visited 8/01/2011.

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.

Visited 10/12/2010.

After a suitable lunch at the nearby Bognie Arms I walked back along the A97 to Yonder Bognie farm, jumped a couple of fences and made it to the circle. Abeit I was waist deep in snow. I’ve been here many times before but today it was extra quiet, extra beautiful and much more atmospheric. It was almost if the circle was at peace with itself almost enjoying the silence. All due to the weather and the A97 being devoid of traffic.

Visited 4/12/2010.

Some 5 miles west from Turriff on the B9025 Aberchirder road is the north road to Crannabogs. Today it was blocked so I decided to brave the elements. It was well worthwhile the views towards Turriff, north to Banff, south to Bennachie and west to the Highlands being covered in a stunning blanket of white. From the junction I walked/waded to Crannabogs Farm. Look north and the mound can be spotted on the crest of Gallows Hill, the boundary between Marnoch and Forglen. Normally the mound is over ten meters wide, 1 meter high and has a ditch dug out on one side. Today it looked complete and sparkling in its important position. Whoever Tam was I don’t know but a nearby wood, near Burreldales four poster, is also named after him.

However the weather had the final say, all of a sudden it started to blizzard and the wind picked up causing more depth and drifts. Eventually I made it back to car thankful for snow sticks, waterproofs and Tjj’s advice, the Long Johns indeed kept me warm!

Visited 4/12/2010.

After some light refreshment in Gairlogie I decided to go for a wee stroll down to Cullerlie with a couple of mates. By the time we arrived we had been drenched but the atmosphere in the gloomy dark made up for the difficulties. Maybe this place should viewed like this as many have said that it’s ‘show status’ detracts but tonight it was eerie even scary at the same time welcoming, the stones looking like old friends having a natter. Westhills and Aberdeen glowed in the distance like faraway bonfires, maybe long ago similar scenes would have been seen. With that we walked back somehow avoiding being knocked down by boy/girl racers using this as an alternative route as the main road into Peterculter was closed.

Visited 21/11/2010.

It hasn’t been decided if this is natural or man made. One thing is that the locals believe that fairies and elves meet up here. Strange lights have been reported in the area. On my visit no strange goings on happened. It is 18 meters wide and 1.5 meters tall.

From the village of Glenkindie take the minor road east and follow the signs to Muir Of Fowlis. Elphhillock is on the northern side of the road, down the hill near the banks of the Loanend Burn opposite the steading with the same name.

Visited 14/10/2010.

Head south from the coastal village of New Aberdour taking the Glasslaw/Cowbog road. After approximately a 1/2 mile take the first farm track east then south to Sunnybrae Farm.

To the west of the road is a bog which has had several attempts at drainage. A new ditch has recently been dug as well. The crannog sits near the edge of the bog near to the track with its causeway heading in a north easterly direction. A cairn on the nearby hill has been completely ploughed out, a pity because Bennachie can somehow be seen from here. Not much of a walk and not much to see but Dundarg cliff fort is nearby!

Visited 12/11/2010.

From the standing stones head to the top of the hill past some very large flat rocks. Unfortunately I couldn’t find any rock art. The burial cairn has all but been removed and replaced by one of these modern jobbies which I dislike. (same feelings as Gladdie)

To say it has totally gone might be wrong as on the eastern flank boulders still remain along with odd humps and lumps so an aerial photo would be a good thing. Unfortunately for me I left my camera on the 3rd standing stone so another climb needed. Good boots as the land is fairly boggy.

Visited 23/10/2010.

A short distance from the stone circle/kerb/cairn at the Chapel Of Sink is the legendary Ark Stone. Many think, and I agree, that it is the recumbent from the nearby site. It seems very sad that they had to move it.

Head east from the cairn to the fence then head north. Follow the dyke/fence until the corner at which the Ark Stone acts as a meeting place. As usual brilliant, today very cold and damp, views of Bennachie, particularly the Mither Tap.

Visited 8/11/2010.

Situated in next field south and over the shoulder of Dilly Hill. Even better views on Bennachie, with stone seemingly aligned to the Mither Tap. Sadly the other stones in the picture formerly stood their positions being used as rubbing stones again.

However a chance meeting with an elderly gentleman, who had worked at Conglas farm, ended with the information that Dilly Hill had stones circling it. This is even more interesting that considering that a cairn and settlement existed on the hill. Even more interesting is that a henge, settlement and/or enclosure stood at Middleton. Further investigation needed.

Visited 23/10/2010.

Standing at just over 1 meter tall this stone has spwerb views of the River Urie, Barra and Bennachie, seemingly the stone is aligned to this but has been used as a ‘rubbing stone’. But what a shape, bang on line with Mither Tap.

When parking for Dilly Hill 1 go into the next foeld north, half way up the hill which also has another standing stone. What I didn’t but now know that a remains of a cairn are near the top and a local housing estate was built on top of a probably Bronze Age village.

Visited 23/10/2010.

During the winter earlier this year I came looking for this cairn knowing full well that agriculture might have completely destroyed it. However snow defeated me that time and an unknown RSC more than made up for the non find.

With this field being harvested it was much easier to find. Basically all that is left is the cairn’s base which is oval in shape running at almost 17 meters north to south and 13 meters wide. What remains is about 0.5 meters at its highest. This cairn will vanish but the location is superb. It is surrounded by RSCs, hillforts, cairns and standing stones. Another link in the valley which runs from Tap O Noth down to Bennachie.

From the small town of Insch head east past Dunnydeer and Stonehead. Keep going until Newton of Wardhouse. The site is in the second field in the north side of the road, a walk of no more than 300 meters.

Visited 14/10/2010.

Strathspey siad quite correctly that how the Brownhills cairn, near Turriff, survives is something of a miracle despite intensive agricultural use. In direct contast, the Hill Of Foulzie is a sad story of destruction during the 1800s plus more modern mutilations of quarrying, rubbish tip, agricultural damage. Almost all of the site has gone except for few stones which have been added to by field clearance. It must have been impressive with outstanding views towards Bennachie and Knock. At least several luckier cairns are in sight along with several hill forts.

Going north from Turriff go through King Edward until the next hamlet Keilhill. Turn right following the Balgreen signpost. Balgreen has it’s cairn as does Fisherie further along the road. Foulzie Hill is the first hill climb on the road. Keep going until the White Cottage. The site, somewhat optimistic word, is at the top of the hill behind the trig point some 400 meters from the house.

Visited 16/10/2010.

Follow the directions for the nearby Ardler Wood cairn and from there look in a north westerly direction. The cairn is on the crest of the hill. Unfortunately a lot of damage has been done here by quads, especially on the eastern side. Pity because this must have some place. As usual the scenery all round is stunning. What is left is a grass covered mound sitting at 13 meters wide, with the highest point at half a meter.

The last time I ventured here I was faced with whiteout conditions and was up to my waist in snow. This time nature was happy enough with a fairly warm breeze.

Visited 14/10/2010.

Follow the directions for the Trancie cairn but this time head south from Mill Of Culfork farm. Follow the track until the trees stop then turn east. Somehow get over the Long Burn, there are stones and head to the top of the hill. This is quite a brute of a climb, if I’d looked more closely at the map I’d have found another easier route from the farm. However the scenery more than makes up for this. Simply stunning the top of Cardlunchart looks across to Trancie and beyond. Good all round views.

The cairn itself is fairly small and is on the south eastern slopes of the hill. It sits at just over 6 meters high and 0.3 high. The grass covering this time helps as it is easily found in the heather.

With that it was back down the hill, the legs had survived so it was on to the next destination.

Visited 14/10/2010.

I love this place, the scenery, a decent climb and generally some excellent feelings here. The weather being fairly warm and pleasant helped plus it was in much better condition than what I’d seen at Pitcandlich and High Cairn.

I’ll let Canmore tell you all the details with a link but they don’t describe how to get there. I left the A97 at Glenkindie and turned towards Towie, the standing stone is near the junction. Go thru the small village and keep going until Newton farm. Take the minor road opposite and stop at the Mill Of Culfork. Carlunchart Cairn is nearby as well.

I walked down, east, the road until a quarry opposite which a bridge crosses the Long Burn. Keep going north on a fairly steep climb. The grass covered ditch cairn is at the top of the hill. This is ancient central with cairns, cup marked rocks, standing stones and ancient villages on most of the surrounding hills. I’ve walked many times in this area and this place is now one of favourites.

Visited 14/10/2010.

The remains of these three hut circles are a tragedy and have suffered a similar fate as the nearby cairn. All of them are about 9 meters wide with various bank sizes. Nj43521512 is the best preserved as the northern bank is still there although it is now mostly covered in ferns.

Visited 14/10/2010.

Go thru the village of Glenkindie on A97 heading south and take the first minor road to the right. Head up the hill and take the next right as well. The first farm to the left is Pitcandlich. Luckily the farmer gave me permission to park the car. Unluckily he didn’t know about the cairns or the hut circles up the hill.

Head north up the hill till the trees and make for deer fence. Follow this east until a rusty gate is seen Next to this a gap has been left above the barbed wire fence to climb thru.

Unfortunately the cairn is largely ruined as farm work, forestry and pheasant rearing have battered it. On its west curve quads have flattened it. In a very sad state it remains. On the plus side is the scenery and nearby ancient village. Grass covers the cairn which is some 10 meters wide and 0.5 meters tall.

Visited 14/10/2010.

Going south from Turriff (fine place!) on the A947 leave the road at Birkenhills turning left following the directions to Lendrum. Take the first right, then the first left stopping at the West Brownhills farm. I’d only found about this cairn after a conversation with an old farmer who spoke about various ancient monuments I’d never heard about. (a cist at another Brownhill being another near one to check on.)

Originally this cairn must have been massive and still looks impressive even if a lot of damage has been done to it. Some ploughing damage, pile of rotting wood etc etc but still it survives. I’d guess that it is still over 20 meters wide, 1.5 meters high and mainly grass covered.

Today the North East was a murky damp place to be with underfoot conditions best described as very sodden. From the farm look south to the bottom of the valley. However it would be lovely on a sunny day, I think.

Visited 9/10/2010.

To the north of the Lauchentilly road and up the hill from the other Leylodge School stone this stone stands looking down onto its near neighbour. Closer still is the brilliantly shaped The Knock to the north west, heading east is South Leylodge RSC and to the west the sadly fallen Lauchentilly. So lots going on including a direct line of stones from Castle Fraser involving all of the mentioned.

Fairly easy walk, going slightly uphill with just the underfoot conditions both cow and man made giving cause for concern. All in all a doddle!

Visited 7/10/2010.

Situated in a field just south of the Lauchentilly road just east of the old Leylodge school, long since converted. The red granite stone stands at 1.1 meters and has great views looking east towards South Leylodge RSC. Slightly to the north are the other Leylodge standing stone and the Knock.

Very easy walk but with amount of rain recently poured on top of us boots are essential.

Visited 7/10/2010.

Leave Inverurie going north on the Brandsbutt road going towards the A96 stopping opposite Conglas farm. The stone, which stands at 1.1 meters was noted by Coles, is in the middle of a field to the west of the farm on the lower slopes of Dilly Hill.

Brilliant views of Bennachie especially the Mither Tap which it seems to be aligned with. Perfect symmetry almost. Also close by is the River Urie, the stones at Drimmies and Dilly Hill as well as Balquhain RSC.

Visited 7/10.2010.

This stone can be found on the southern side of the A96 just north after Inverurie. About a mile, first farm track south, from there a short climb up the Dilly Hill.

The stone itself stands at almost a meter high and has been used as rubbing stone. however I was told look at what it was aligned with. Almost matchs the Mither Tap section of Bennachie. there are numerous standing stones here which are part of Chris’s (and my own) ideas of various strands leaving and surrounding Broomend Of Crichie, this the northern end is pretty close to Balquhain RSC.

Visited 7/10/2010.

After several enquiries with local people, including Patrick Will, it seems that this stone was moved from Shethin Stone Circle during the late 1800s. Fairly obviously it has been used as a gatepost but it hasn’t been damaged. Standing at 4 feet tall it still is an impressive piece of granite.

Can be found at the northern entrance to Shethin farm. Both neighbours spoke and asked loads of questions about the area. Thankfully it was me they spoke to, if Patrick had been there he’d still be there and the locals would have been much richer in the knowledge of their local area. The man is a genius!

Visited 27/09/2010.

Head west from Insch on the B9002, the north side is Dunnydeer and the south side is Hill Of Christ’s Kirk both hillforts. Next west after Christ’s Kirk is the Hill Of Flinders, after that is Fallow Hill.

I asked permission to park at Berrybrae Farm and climbed the gentlish slopes to the top. Several fences of the barbed wire variety and some friendly cows kept me company. Not much now can be seen of the fort, aerial photography shown to me by the lady at Berrybrae, indicates at least one line of defence. On the southern side, faint remains can be seen. This area is hillfort central with Dunnydeer, Hill Of Christ’s Kirk, Mither Tap, Tap O Noth, Cairn More, Hill Of Leslie and Wheedlemont all visible from here. So with that done it was avoid presents left by the cows. Its done nothing but rain up here for weeks but today for a change it stayed reasonably dry.

Visited 24/09/2010.

This cairn is set at the east end of Fallow Hill on what would have been the edge of the fort. Now grass covered it is 8 meters wide and almost 1/2 meter in height. All the usual suspects Noth, Dunnydeer etc etc can be clearly seen from here. The cows proved to be friendly which after recent exploits was a pleasant change.

Visited 24/09/2010.

Continuing with Chris’s spinning wheel theory for Broomend. This standing stone is found to the north of Inverurie at the Brandsbutt junction. Balquhain is also in the distance, which would mean the chain of stones stretching from Tyrebagger. There is another stone in the vicinity at Dubstone.

The stone can be seen from the road and is 1.5 meters high coming to a fairly pointy peak. A walk of no more than a 100 meters. Good scenery to the northern hills, the River Urie and the Battle of Harlaw monument.

Visited 6/9/2010.

Sadly this cairn will gradually fade into memory thanks to farming and deforestry. Marks of damage can already be seen. Still it is 8.5 meters wide standing at 0.5 meters tall, the platform giving an idea of height. Several kerbs remain in place on the western side. The centre of the site shows a rectangular feature despite houking damage. Somehow I contrived to walk back down the hill and forget about a much larger cairn some 60 meters to the south. Doesn’t matter as I would think my feet will be back in this area fairly soon.

Pull into the farm, east, after Migvie church and follow the track heading in a north easterly direction until the fir trees. The cairn is in the trees to the north of the track on the eastern side.

Visited 3/08/2010.

I wondered why these stones were fenced in, not likely they’d escape, but they do seem to have moved. Near Standing Stones farm I looked for a stone circle/kerb cairn but was told the stones were piled up near the standing stone.

They are situated just slightly to west of the standing stone, on the other side of a brand new barbed wire fence.

Visited 31/07/2010.