drewbhoy

Finding this cairn showed real signs of stupidity and signs of a never give up nature. How I didn’t injure myself doing this walk, a very naff description of events, is nothing short of a miracle.

Things started well, went east from Dinnet on the A93, turning north at St James. Follow this track until the tar runs out but keep going until the next turning, the last house, and pull in. From here follow the track north until the remains of farmers croft. Turn east and up thru the trees. From here a nightmare begins. Basically hack your way thru ferny things like trees, after 1 hour I was knackered climbing Mulloch Hill. I couldn’t turn back and I was never going to be able to climb to the top so I headed towards trees in the south east. Another hour of hacking and tramping before I reached them. At least it was easier to walk beneath the branches. The cairn is easily enough found.

Basically a cairn of big boulders. Sitting at 15 meters wide and at it’s tallest 0.7 meters. I thought there was a trace of a kerb thanks to some bigger stones near the edge of the cairn. One thing for sure was the silence, I don’t think I heard a thing apart from me glugging from a water bottle! There was no point in going on, Id intended visiting 8 sites but could only manage one. There is no easy way here. Agonisingly the hilltop was close but it might as well have been miles away. The way back down was just as difficult. Eventually I made it back to the car battered and bruised. The pub in Tarland made for a safe haven. Next time I’ll approach from the north at Ordie.

(for a bonus Paul Anderson, who wrote a piece of music for the stone circles was playing. The trumpet player and violinist compared notes.)

Visited 5/08/2010.

Several boulder kerbs remain in place of this robbed cairn set on top of small hillock in the middle of a field near Migvie Church. Sadly a lot of damage has been done with all types of rubbish, field clearance, wood chips etc flung on top. Also a cattle feeder, thats 3 sites with cattle feeders dumped on them all in the same area. Same farmer?

From the A97 travel east on the Migvie road pulling in at the farm just after the kirk. The cairn is in the field to the south.

Visited 3/08/2010.

Drummy is the home to the Blue Cairn and Corrachree kerb cairn as well as a number of hut circles, three of which I managed to find. Unfortunately others were covered in heather/ferns or in amongst boggy stuff. So basically follow the directions to Corrachree and then use your eyes. There is also a cairn with fallen monoliths but that was hidden from view on the day I visited, plus I was rather damp. There is always another day!

Visited 2/08/2010

Follow the directions for Corrachree, the remains of this cairn are a small distance to the east. Originally this was a tall cairn but most of the stones have gone leaving a circular bank 23 meters wide. 4 kerbs remain in place looking down onto the village of Tarland.

Further to east there is a more modern cairn dedicated to a woman who died before her time. Her husband must have loved her very much to erect this in an awkward place. Maybe the old ways of remembering those departed hasn’t gone altogether.

Visited 2/08/2010.

In fact the stone hasn’t been painted white for twenty years, and then an old guy of whom I asked directions promptly told me about the connections to Lumphanan and the Macbeth story. Then he said I sounded like a ‘Turra Loon’ (I am) and had a strong Buchan accent. This rapidly changed as I was on my way down to the football in the East End of Glasgow.

Aerial foties suggest that this might be in an enclosure, but nothing on the ground indicates this. Still the stone stands 6ft 9 inches with the white paint gradually fading away. It looks over to the Mearns Hills, including Millplough and a heap of cairns. Although in a prominent position it can’t be seen from the dual carriageway below, the A90. I pulled in at Mondynes and climbed the hill heading north west, the old guy keeping me right before I went.

With that done I resumed my journey, the first home game of the season, south.

Visited 4/08/2010.

History tells us that this must have been a massive cairn But forestry and power lines have badly damaged the surrounds. Most of the stones have long gone. What remains is a circular bank almost 20 meters in width almost resembling a small fort. A cist sits in the middle but couldn’t be seen thanks to turf, ferns and nettles.

Heading north from Logie Coldstone this is the next place up from the famous Blue Cairn RSC with its massive recumbent. I asked permission to park at Knocksoul farm and was given directions from the elderly occupant. Climb the hill behind the farm heading for the hydro electrics clearing, for their cables. Reach the south east corner of the wood then head in a north westerly direction.

Visited 2/08/2010.

Head west from the Knock Soul cairn over uneven turf until the clearing in the wood. There are three hut circles here but only one was visible today as it was built on top of a cairn. At 12.5 meters wide and 0.5 meters tall, this is the biggest of the hut circles. Glorious views looking south onto Milton Of Whitehouse.

Visited 2/08/2010.

Head direct north from Knock Hill and you will walk straight into this small cairn which nestles between two hills. (same field) Some kerbs remain with height of the cairn being 0.4 meters and width being 6 meters.

From here back to Fernyhowe is fairly easy. A track heading west should be followed until a track heading south can be found. This evenually leads to behind the bunch of cottages at Fernyhowe. Fernyhowe, Knockargety Fort, Knock Hill and Corblelack a walk containing some easy bits, climbs, bogs, fences, streams and track. A fine way to spend a morning.

Visited 31/07/2010.

Take the road west just befor entering Tarland from the south and pull in after the caravan/camp site. There are two cairns and a settlement on the Drummy Hill. Thru a field, then cross a bog and up the heathery hill.

This cairn is the furthest west on the hill. Canmore suggest that this was 12 meters but I’d say some robbing has gone on since 1968 leaving only the central ring of kerbs, some 6 meters in width. By this stage of exploring the Tarland area I’m convinced that ancients must of liked it here. Everywhere I look I find cairns, souterrains etc, etc........

Visited 2/08/2010.

All that remains of this cairn is a few boulders and a mound that is less than 0.5 meters tall. The scatter of stones measures 8 meters but this cairn has been badly robbed. Still, the views over to Morven and Logie Coldstone/Kinord are Grampian at it’s best.

From Meikle Tom, name of the cairn and hill, walk to the south west crest of the hill, about 250 meters.

Visted 2/08/2010.

This at one time must have been an impressive site/sight. Time has seen greatly reduced but the steep climb is worthwhile if just for the view over Morven (a mountain to the west 2,600 ft with an ancient cairn on top, next time in the area for this one.) It is 19 meters having at least 13 earthfast kerbs in place. Some of the pictured boulders may well be kerbs moved by farm machinery and dumped in the middle. At its highest the cairn stands at just over 0.5 meters.

From Migvie crossroads head east taking the first farm track north to Blackmill farm. From here it is a steep climb up the track thru two gates. The cairn is just short of the tree line. Very friendly cows, they ignored me altogether.

2/08/2010.

Unfortunately this site has collapsed leaving faint markings on the ground. One of the biggish stones can be seen but the rest are buried under earth, trees and nettles. To make matters worse the farmer is beginning to use the site as a skip. A cattle feeder and barbed being abandoned within the sites fence. Never mind plenty of nearby cairns to see.

Go north of Logie Coldstone on the A97 taking the second road east, signposted Migvie. Keep going until the first crossroads. The site is within a clump of trees to the north west, in the middle of a field.

Visited 2/08/2010.

From Loch Kinord car park follow the road to the lochs for a few yards until a wooden post can be seen to the north. Follow the path here, thru the gate and the settlement is another 50 yards or so. Its a pity the ferns have taken over as a lot of enclosures, small cairns etc. are hidden from view. Hopefully the links section will give some idea of whats here. Winter time would probably be the best time for this place.

Visited 31/07/2010.

The main ring cairn at Altries is set amongst another 4 much smaller ring cairns. I found three of them, presumably the fourth was under vegetation or has been damaged beyond recognition. The widest of these is 4 meters in width.

Visited 1/08/2010.

From Blaikiewell I cycled west to Altries. Here is the most direct route. Leave the B9077 heading south on the B979 taking the second minor road west. Altries is on the first track in a north westerly direction. Permission was given to leave the transport. the ring cairn is atop a small hill 90 meters to the east.

This must have been some place. Unfortunately time has ravaged it but there is still enough here to set your mind wondering at what was. The ring isn’t circular its oval being almost 20 meters wide narrowing to 18 meters in width, the outer banks tallest height is 0.6 meters and at least twelve kerbs remain of the outer ring. All the stones of the inner ring have gone. Good views all round especially to the west and the Grampian mountains.

Visited 1/08/2010.

These are the easiest directions to this place. As for me I cycled from Stranog. From Milltimber take the B979, south and over the Dee, then go west on the B9077 taking the first minor road south. Take the next minor road south, very narrow, pulling in immediately after Durris forest. Plenty of room for cars and bikes as this is a stables. I asked permission to leave my stuff.

From there head south following the tree line past a pile of field clearance, probably most the cairn has been dumped here, to the top of the hill. The cairn is at the forest’s most eastern point. One half, the east side, of the cairn has been flattened whilst the other half has fir trees growing on top of it. However some of the boulder kerbs remain in place. With the stone scattering it is fairly easy to make out the cairns diameter, 14 meters. The western half of the cairn still stands at just over 1/2 meter. With that it was back down the hill accompanied by some interested horses.

Visited 1/08/2010.

A further 100 meters east a smaller cairn can be found. Time hasn’t been kind as all matter of destruction has applied. Fortunately something still remains. A mound about six meters wide stands at 30 centimetres tall. Surprisingly two kerbs remain in place on the eastern side.

Unfortunately some other cairns, of various sizes, have been smashed to bits.

Visited 1/08/2010.

Just south of Portlethen on the A90 take the minor road west towards Durris, two RSCs are at the start of this road. This is a terrible road, full of twists and hidden points so if driving please take into account slow moving farm traffic. It is also used by many cyclists, like me! Keep going until the second minor road north . Take this and park at the filled in quarry, popular with anglers. Stranog Hill is on the opposite side.

Over the gate and head slightly west past an old quarry. Granite lintils litter the area, what a waste of beautiful stone and workmanship. Over a fence and up the hill.

Canmore don’t say much but I think they must have been here when it was overgrown. There does seem to be a double kerb going around the cairn, tho this has been badly damaged. A small bank exists between these kerbs. At its maximum it stands at 10 meters wide and half a meter tall. Great all round views at this very under rated site. Had a good look for rock art as there are a few rock plates here suitable but my eyes spied none.

Visited 1/08/2010.

Going south from on the B979, leaving the B9077 near Maryculter, take the second minor road west. Go past Altries and the hamlet of Airyhillock pulling in at the first track heading south. A nice and not very steep walk comes next.

The stone stands with a dry stane dyke built each side of it. It stands at 11/2 meters tall being aligned to Bennachie to the north west. The stone known as the wife stands slightly to the west and is shorter.

visited 31/07/2010.

There is no easy route from Knockargety Hillfort to this cairn. So climb down the northern flank and walk towards the west on the forestry road. To the north a gate appears, over this recrossing the bog to another gate. From there its over the fence and to the top of the hill in front, Knock Hill

The cairn is almost destroyed but is almost 12 meters wide with a circular bank. Perhaps a couple of kerbs remain in place. Nearby are the complete shambles of smaller ruined cairns and hut circles. Smashed to bits by tractors etc. A shame but the scenery is still good.

Visited 31/07/2010,

The ramparts at the west and east ends of this fort were never completed, which can be seen at their best on the eastern side. But what a place to build a fort, glorious all round views in countryside overspilling with loads of things for the prehistoric eyes to see.

From Ferneyhowe cairn it would be easy to say straight up the hill. There is no path from this side so its over the deer fence across a bog and over the next deer fence. Add in a barbed wire fence then quite a steep climb and you’ve made it. The path in the fort is part of the Tarland Walk system and takes the walker back to the village of the same name.

Visited 31/07/2010.

With Turriff Show weekend upon us, the North East has its normal summer weather sun and downpour, and down in Deeside it’s exactly the same.

Turn east along a newly resurfaced farm track, just south of Blelack farm on the A97. This track leads to a number of cottages the last of which is Ferny Howe. The cairn is to the south east of this house. Water proofs and decent boots are needed as this is the starting point for another three sites in a long circular, or should have been, route.

The long cairn stands at some 16 meters wide and is almost a meter tall. Various rubbish has been added so it looks taller. Canmore says no kerbs can be seen but I disagree. At least 1 earthfast boulder sits on the eastern flank and probably if some the turf and extra materials was moved some more might be found. The mountains to the west are spectacular but at this moment shrouded in mist.

Visited 31/07/2010.

When the Canmore people visited here they happened to be unlucky as the site was covered in dense woodland. However they must have known about my intentions to visit as most of the trees that covered the fort had been removed. Small lochs protect the fort to the east, north and south. To the west are two small ramparts, clearly visible, about a meter high on the western flank. The forts entrance is also to be found here.

Leave the B9119 just south of Tarland taking the minor road west. (If going into the village take care as the bridge narrows and is a bit of a blind spot.) Keep going until the 2nd tarred road north. Follow this to Hopewell Lodge, walk along the northern side of the wall heading west. A loch will be seen, the fort is behind.

Visited 31/07/2010.

Most of the earthhouse appears to be above ground rather than underneath. It appears the slabs normally placed on top where actually wood therefore only the boulders of the walls remain. The sites structure and shape can be by the depressions in the turf. Fortunately none of these are deep enough to trouble the ankles.

Just south of Logie Coldstone, on the A97, take the first minor road west for about a mile. The disused Milton Of Whitehouse farmhouse is the first farm on the north side, of the road, clear of trees. Thru the gate, cross the field over another fence and the souterrain is in a small clump of trees. Follow the track north.

Visited 30/07/2010.

Travelling east along the A93 from Ballater stop at the car park for the ruined Tulloch church. (Pictish stone in the graveyard) The souterrain is in the middle of the next field, east. Although the field is in crop I walked down the tractor marks to site.

The site is fenced, or has a falling down fence. Next to the east fence the entrance can be seen but the area is inaccessible. Several slabs can be found. I did my best to break my legs as there are deep holes so take care and watch how you place your feet. For a change I survived intact. For details about what is inside the scary dark place see links.

Visited 30/07/2010.

After arriving very late in Glasgow last night, a wee stop was needed to clear the brain on the way back up the road, the scenic route.

At Balmoral leave the A93 and take the famous South Deeside road, heading east. The Scurriestone stands close to the road, south side, a stones throw from the River Dee. This has a beautiful location and Ballater is faraway. So a very good place.

Visted 30/07/2010.

Leave the A93 at Dinnet and head north on the A97. Turn west at the first tarred towards Muir Of Dinnet nature reserve. A notice board and leaflets can be found at the car park. There are several walks around the lochs. The crannog is on the north east part of the loch.

All the walks are fairly flat so if the weather is good a pleasant time taking in other sites can also be had, including the settlement near the car park.

Visited 30/07/2010.

The remains of this cairn sit on the aptly named Stoneyhill. There are many piles of field clearance which made me wonder if something else stood here. All that is left is a 6 meter wide cairn that stands at 0.4 meters high. One possible kerb remains earthfast on the western side. Bennachie dominates the skyline to the west.

Leave the A947 at Whiterashes and head towards Inverurie on the B993 stopping at Fawells farm. Stoneyhill is the small climb opposite.

Visited 24/07/2010

This is an easily found standing stone and what a beaut it is as is its near neighbour at Woodend. This is much more accessible. Leave the B993 after Kemnay and turn south towards Craigearn pulling in at the second drive on the east side. Walk a short distance to a gate, the Lang Stane stands impressively in the middle of the field. If there weren’t trees magnificent views of Bennachie would be seen.

No witches to be seen today. If there was a stone circle here, if all the stones had similar stature, what a place this must have been.

Visited 24/07/2010.

After speaking to Patrick Will, the old man of Methlick, I had to find this stone as it formed part of the Castle Fraser RSC, Lauchintilly Standing Stone, the Knock and South Leylodge RSC line of ancient monuments. He was right.

This stone sits in a middle of a field looking down onto Castle Fraser. It stands at almost 11/2 meters and is almost 1 meter wide at it’s base. Coming from the RSC side go past the stone row and keep going until the wood finishes on the east side of the road. Turn east towards Braeneil Farm and keep going until the road ends. From there its over a gate and fence straight north. A lovely setting and loads of history nearby.

Visited 24/07/2010.

After going thru Kemnay, via the Gushet Neuk, on the B993 head south on the minor road to Craigearn. Keep going past the sign to Castle Fraser until Woodend farm. Here there are two tracks. Take the first, an estate road, which leads to a man made lake. Go round the lake until the north west corner. Climb over the fence and head in a north westerly direction. Thru the more grown trees straight to a clearing. The stone is in the middle of the clearing still standing impressively.

Sadly near the lake there was a Larsen trap, recently discussed on the forum, with two crows flapping madly inside. Fairly soon they somehow were freed.

Now go to Castle Fraser and the RSC.

Visited 24/07/2010.

This stone circle can be found at the western side of the Knock Of Alves, home also to a hillfort. It looks like several boulders have been taken advantage of and used to form the site. Today only the sharp topped stone and a fallen neighbour could be seen of the stones that Canmore mention. These other stones are still there as is the boulder they say is an outlier but ferns and other vegetation cover the area. Another visit in Autumn looks likely.

With that it was back to car with one added dimension. Alves is covered in trees and I hadn’t noticed the thunder storms experienced in the Black Isle had moved moved down the coast to Moray. So a severe drenching during the walk north, even a bus shelter proved no help – the roof had been vandalised. Typical!!!

Visited 19/07/2010.

After visiting Inverugie cairn I went south on the B9013 and taking complete leave of my senses left my car at Easterton Farm on the B9013 walking the rest to the Knock Of Alves. Continue to the A96, head a small way east, then cross carefully to the minor road opposite. (Traffic here is fairly horrendous because of the Fochabers and Mosstodloch bypass just east of Elgin) Walk a few meters down the road then turn south along the farm track to Burnside Farm for about 3/4 mile. At this point take the track west, look uphill and York Tower can be seen. Keep going past the quarry, taking the track north climbing a dry stane dyke.

At this point a rarely used path can be seen winding up the hill. This leads to the fort’s interior, any remnants, see links, that might be seen are covered in ferns. But this must have the perfect place for a fort, if the trees hadn’t been there the views would be beautiful, however the trees add to the atmosphere which by now was becoming very warm and humid.

Visited 19/07/2010.

Follow the direction as to the nearby Camus’s Stone. Instead of going west to the stone go straight up the hill in front until the top. Look west and climb over the wall the grass covered cairn is about 20 meters into the small wood.

Lady Dunbar had also been active here removing a stone coffin which is still kept in Durris House. The cairn still stands at 16 meters wide and 2 meters tall, and has several trees growing on it.

Visited 19/07/2010.

I know there this rock art on this stone and another visit will be required but this today was impossible. The north side of the stone had its views covered by show jumping accessories. I could have moved them but with the house nearby I decided against it. Why do people do this? Obviously they don’t have a clue which is a shame because this is a wonderful stone. There are a lot of sites nearby so another visit won’t be a problem.

The easiest way to get here is north on the B9012 from Elgin, then take the minor road west just before the village of Duffus. Take the second minor road north, keep going when road runs out. I parked at Inverugie Farm. Go into the field to the north west and follow the trees west.

I’ll definitely be back as there is another rock art example nearby.

Visited 19/07/2010.

As is usual there is a hard way to climb up to a site and a much easier way back down. This site was to prove to be no exception. Follow the B9013, west of Elgin, north towards Burghead and turn north east at the small village, College Of Roseisle. Take the next minor road direct east. I parked between the farms of West Bank and Mid Bank.

Over the gate, up the side of a field, climb another fence, follow the gap the in the trees to the top of the hill. If you survive the insects the cairn is situated at the top of the hill. But it is worth the trek as the views are fantastic. To north the Moray Firth and the Black Isle, which today was shrouded except for the distant thunder and lightning show. The views south over the Moray plains to the Highlands are equally breathtaking. The cairn itself must have been massive. Even today it is some 36 meters wide and 3 meters tall. On it’s summit is a trig point and a much welcome trunk bench. Two cists were discovered in 1859 during an excavation by the well liked and respected Lady Dunbar of Duffus.

As for the way down follow the track south east. This leads to Mid Bank farm. No fences, no jabby things just the hungry flies. I felt sorry for the horses in the fields, they seemed to having a hard time today. At least I could escape.

Visited 19/07/2010.

To get here I walked from the centre of Charlestown Of Aberlour on the banks of one of Scotland’s best known rivers, the Spey. This is also distillery central so plenty for taste buds to sample.

From the High Street, walk south down Queen Street and keep going up the hill till the tarred road ends. (approx 11/2 miles) Turn east and walk uphill as the first buildings, Hatton, Leachmells alternate name. Over the gate in the next field and the cairn can be seen just south of the buildings.

It is easy to see why this was placed, the views of the Moray highlands are stunning. A stone circle stood here at one point but it was destroyed before 1692 but the kerb cairn defiantly remains. I counted 6 kerbs still in situ. It is 11.5 meters wide and almost 1 meter tall.

Visited 16/07/2010.

From the Tullos cairn I headed back up the hill towards the fence and followed it to it’s end. This leads back to the main track. From here head east till the track a steel gate is reached.

This cairn was damaged during the war but it is still visible and stands at 11 meters wide and 1.1 meters tall. It is impossible to get close tho, as hard as tried I couldn’t break thru the jabby things. But at least it’s still here.

With that its a long walk back to the car via Cat Cairn 2. A chance to grab some foties in silence except for the constant hum of vuvu, sorry I mean traffic.

Visited 13/07/2010.

From the Baron’s Cairn keep heading east until another path heads north towards Balnagask (in student days I lived in nearby Torry). The cairn is situated to the west of the path and is well guarded by the jabby things but there is a way thru.

What is obvious is the fact that some people use the cairn going by the remains of flowers. Just a shame that plastic wrappers a left behind tho. The cairn still sits at 19 meters in width being 1.8 meters high. Good views all round again. To be honest I spent most of the time trying to imagine the countryside without Aberdeen. The rivers Don and Dee must have been major players here.

Visited 13/07/2010.

The Baron’s cairn can be seen in east from both of the Cat Cairns so follow the undulating path for a 1/2 mile. Go thru a new steel gate and a path leads to the cairns summit on which a trig point is perched. The much robbed cairn still stands at 19 meters wide and is some 1.3 meters tall. It seems to have been tidied up a bit as saw no fence or bricks that canmore go on about.

Industrial estates are very close, in fact immediately next door. The large brand new fence topped with razor wire making the place seem like a prisoner of war camp. Good views tho.

Visited 13/07/2010.

Some 60 meters in a north east direction from the Cat cairn, follow the path, my luck was in. A kerb cairn had been found and an archaeological team led by Ian Suddaby, of CFA Archaeology was busy uncovering the the newish site.

Ian explained that the site had been discovered in 2004 and Aberdeenshire Council had given the go ahead to excavate the Neolithic site. (The council acting wisely..........) The cairn itself is some 8.3 meters wide and at its tallest is possibly a meter high. Two very large kerbs can be seen to the south east and these seem to continue their way round. This part of the site is still to be uncovered so another visit will be required. The western side is excavated but here the kerb seems to have gone. Also the centre of the cairn has been slightly robbed.

Thanks to Ian Suddaby and his team. Hopefully when they have finished I’ll get a copy of their discoveries and I’ll post them as a link.

Visited 13/07/2010.

Like Fitz I worked in and around Aberdeen for various oil companies. But today was finally the day for the Tullos Hill stravaig.

Moving onto Hareness Road at the roundabout on the A956 I parked near the caravan site on Altens Farm Road. Immediately north of the caravans is a path. Ten minutes later and site can be seen. Basically it is still the same as Fitz describes. I will wax lyrical, since I come from here. There are fantastic views all around. Just a shame some of it is industrial.

Plus I’m going to add a new site. Something very good happened on the way to the Baron’s cairn.

Visited 13/07/2010.

An elderly lady who originally comes from Alford, but now lives in Turriff, told me about this stone. Many years ago her grandfather (along with her) would go for long Sunday afternnoon walks via The Auld Kirk (ring cairn), Gallow Hill (standing stone), North Strone (RSC) and a standing stone at Baldyvin. They must have been fit but its a nice walk which I’ve done a couple of times except for Baldyvin. So with a spare hour and being in the area I went to have a ‘ganner’.

Head east from Alford on the A944 taking the first minor road north. This road will also turn east sharply but head straight on to the farm track. Stop at the first gate on the west. Plenty room to park. From here walk dead straight west and the stone lies on the other side of a high fence. No fears a gate is nearby so access is ok. The stone originally stood in the middle of the field I walked across. It probably was aligned to Bennachie, north east. There are tremendous views of that hill in this area. The stone would have stood at 2 meters high.

It also seems to me that Canmore describe the wrong stone, this stone is a few meters to the north of the stone they mention.

Cheers Marianne.

Visited 11/07/2010.

Mowat Newton 3

The remnants of this ring cairn are scattered amongst plates of living rock, alas I couldn’t find any rock art. Basically all thats left is a small circular ditch, where the stones should be. Only one kerb remains. Sadly a pile of stones a few meters away indicates their final resting place.

Only the views to north, south, and west save this site. This should have been a magnificent place instead it resembles a rubbish dump. Soon this site will vanish perhaps no bad thing considering its former status. Very sad place!

Visited 8/07/2010.

Mowat Newton 2

This is the furthest north of the almost demolished ring cairns. Most of the stones have been removed but at least 2 kerbs remain with a large boulder perhaps being another. In the middle of the 4 meter wide cairn is a rocky slab , perhaps a cist.

This place is also covered in small cairns, on the slopes of Stot Hill are many field clearance heaps.

Visited 8/07/2010.

Unfortunately this site is a shambles with supposedly 5 ring cairns on it. I could only find 3, the others being covered in gorse or smashed to bits by farm machinery.

The remnants of this cairn are found nearest to the East Newton farm, slightly to the north. The stony mound is now turf covered being 14 meters in width being almost a meter high. It is hollowed out in the centre. 2 large boulders, probably kerbs, remain but look as if they’ve dunted. A small circular track shows where the other kerbs would have sat.

Head west from Lumphanan following the signs to the Peel of Lumphanan. Take the first minor road south, road is a very loose description, East Newton is two miles further on. I asked permission to park which was given.

In reality I was heading for Cairn Mude, on Stot Hill (this farm is on its western slopes) Unfortunately the trees, ferns and jabby things made progress impossible but I know where the cairn is so next time I’ll try from the other side.

Visited 8/07/2010.

At the small village of Muir Of Fowlis on the A980, area covered in ancient sites, take the minor road east signposted Tough (RSC nearby which I’ve yet to visit)

The cairn is situated on the northern side of the road after the track to Guise Farm (the second track north) and can be identified by the group of trees on the skyline. A fairly steepish climb awaits to the well kept if added to cairn.

It stands some 20 meters wide, at least 2 meters tall. Mostly turf covered some cairn material pokes thru. Field clearance has been added to the northern side. With that it was back down the hill only to climb it again. I’d forgotten the fotie machine!

Visited 8/07/2010.

This stone sat for thousands of years before being caught up in Scotland and it’s wars. Legend has it that Macbeth was beheaded here after Macduff’s forces had overtaken their opponent. Sitting beside an old railway line it represents a significant piece of history.

Head south thru Lumphanan, don’t follow the A980 go the opposite way west following the sign for the Peel Of Lumphanan (excellent medieval fort and moat, good place to park as the info board explains much of what happened in the area. The stone sits 300 meters south west over the road with a small climb to the stone. Good views over to the Grampian mountains.

Visited 8/07/2010.

After reading a book about the real story of Macbeth, instead of William Shakespeare’s portrayal (surely the Mel Gibson of his day concerning Scottish history) I decided it was time to find this cairn. (Rhiannon’s folklore giving an also necessary prod)

The cairn is situated 1 mile north west of the village of Lumphanan (good pub) fairly clos to the A980. Pull in at the first track on the north side side of the road. I asked permission to park, so everybody was happy.

Immediately behind the farmhouse, a fairly steepish climb of 500 meters, on Perkhill lies the bronze age cairn with tremendous views up and down the valley. Poor Macbeths body was taken here after being defeated and beheaded by Macduff. At least he had a nice spot to rest. The cairn is 13 meters wide and 3/4s of a meter high. A kerb surrounds most of the site, with a large slab/boulder being a possible cist.

(On the way to cairn a sheepdog and lamb befriended me on my way. The lamb obviously supports Rangers :-( as it seemed to try to trip me up every now and again. On this form the lamb would get in their team now.)

This is an area steeped in history so plenty for the visitor to see and do in this, one of the most scenic parts of Aberdeenshire.

Visited 8/07/2010.

Due to severe forest farming not much can be seen here apart from small parts of rampart on the western side. Heavy growth doesn’t help which make the Canmore notes an excellent read. I found the cup marked stone, or I assume I did, but didn’t see any cup marks so I’ll go back and check properly. But I’ll take a diiferent route here next time at Crichie farm.

With a sidekick in tow we approached from the west parking my car near the B993, west of Inverurie, opposite the Auqhythie minor road. Head east up the forestry track to its end head thru the trees in a south easterly direction. A fence will be reached head south until a path is found. As I climbed the fence I didn’t notice a lower fence which I fell over. Unfortunately for me the fence pinged back up battering the left leg catapaulting me up into the air. However we proceeded and made it to the remains of the fort. On getting back to Turriff, to the docs and painkillers. Good fun this hobby!

Visited 1/07/2010