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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

Once again haed north thru Westhills, go past South Auchinclech, until the crossroads. From here turn right onto the B979, going past Auchinclech stone circle, until the signpost indicating Tertowie. Travel along this road for a mile, approx, pulling in at the road to Tertowie house. The stone is to the north.

Climb the fence, aided by a dry stane dyke, to the next fence and dyke over this then look east. Over the next fence and dyke, arrival. Tyrebagger hill dominates this part of Aberdeenshire, home to the famous RSC and The Slacks cairn. (as well as a standing stone I’ve yet to find) Standing at 11/2 meters tall it has great views centred on the mentioned hill. There are many excellent areas of flat rock rock nearby, I checked the lot but no rock art could be seen by my amateur eyes.

Visted 4/07/2010.

Travel north thru Westhills following the signs for Blackburn. About mile later is the road to South Auchinclech farm. Go down this and look east at the first cottage, the stone should be about 40 meters away standing at the moment in a ‘perk o tatties’.

Locals say this stone leads the way to Tyrebagger and the famous hill can be clearly seen to the north. It stands at almost 11/2 meters tall and is surrounded by ancient landmarks. So a well worth the effort for a quick look.

Visted 4/07/2010.

The second cairn on Bar Hill is some 40 meters south of the summit. Easily spotted as it is fenced. Like its near neighbour it is covered in turf and has been hollowed, probably an excavation. It is also crowned with various jabby things so I left it undisturbed. At 11 meters wide and half a meter in height it looks down onto the River Deveron which in turn leads me home.

Visited 2/07/2010.

This cairn has been badly damaged over the years. It has been excavated with the hollow indicating the work done. It is 10 meters wide and about a half meter tall. The wooden shed that Canmore mentions has long gone. Views are of the Deveron valley and several hills with sites can be seen, Backtack, Cairnborrow, Glenshee and Knock Hill. Unfotunately the boulders pictured are field clearance. I looked for the hut circles but they have vanished underneath heavy growth or they have been demolished by farm machinery.

Travel east on the A920, from Huntly, taking the first minor road south eastish, marked Edinglassie. About a mile on take the first minor road direct south and pull in at the entrance to Bowman Hillock. In the overgrown field is the stone circle with the same name. (also known as Garran Burn) From here jump the gate and climb in a south easterly direction, this leads to a track, which in turn leads to the top of the hill and the first cairn. Not a steep climb this time!

Visited 2/07/2010.

Possibly several cairns existed here at some point but only the remnants of one remain. Good views are all around giving a faint reminder of far better, historically speaking, times.

What is left is a shell of a cairn which was near 4 meters in width standing at just over a 1/2 meter tall. Some good folks in the past surrounded the site with a dry stane dyke at 9 meters in width. The site is overgrown, possibly a winter visit might glean more details. Unfortunately when heavy rain or snow happens the site becomes a bog. Fortunately, today it was dry so no unexpected drenching.

The easiest way to find the cairn is heading west past the Boyndlie Hall on the A98 and take the second minor road north. Blink and this will be missed. Follow the road, thru Hindstones farm, till it ends. Then head west taking the first track south, to Crookahill, the cairn is to the east at the end of the first straight. The area is fenced. Although badly damaged it is still inspiring as Bennachie could be spied in the gathering gloom.

Visited 30/06/2010.

Near the bottom of Knock on its south eastern side there are a few hut circles of which this is the best preserved. Canmore says the hut is 13 meters NW-SE and a 11 meters traversely with the huts entrance on the south eastern side. The surrounding bank is heather covered being 3 meters wide and 1 meter tall. Forestation seems to have been fairly kind, then again I didn’t see the other huts (or the stone circle) to make any further comment.

Once again a beautiful part of the NE, this time looking back to the Monk’s Cairn, which I had just visited. From Glenbarry on the A95 take the first minor road heading in a north westerly direction. About 1/2 a mile along this road there is a track heading north. Follow this, past the new fencing, until the first style. Climb this then head back west for 100 meters approx, the hut is just to the north of the so called path, look for a pile of dried out tree trunks.

Visited 28/06/2010.

The Monks’s Cairn is set in one of the most beautiful parts of the North East of Scotland with tremendous views north and east. With a free night, not often that happens, I headed up to Moray via the A95 heading west. Take the second minor road south after B9117 meets the A95. This leads thru the hamlet of Garrowood, keep going east under the railway bridge stopping at the second forestry track indicated by the Balloch Wood sign.

By foot head south for a 1/2 mile, then take the track east basically going back to Garrowood south of the railway line. Today its warm and fleas have had an excellent feed, but in winter this would probably be a nightmare. (so I’ll go back then). Keep going until the track has a severe corner and piles of logs are all around. After a short climb a lonely looking gate can be seen. The cairn is only a few metres away.

It is then that you realise how clever the builders have been. The views are stunning. The forestry people have kept their side of the bargain as the cairn appears relatively undamaged. It is 9 meters wide, standing 1.5 meters on the east and 1 meter on the west. Today it is covered in ferns and heather but some of the stones still poke their noses thru.

This is an easy walk thru beautiful countryside that I’m proud to say is on my doorstep. Today has been a good day.

Visited 28/06/2010.

Head east from Gardenstown along the B9031 towards Macduff. After some very severe twists and steep drops/climbs follow the signpost to St John’s Church. The road/track leads to car park the rest of the journey is by foot. Follow the path to church, well worth a look if only for the view, taking the path downhill immediately before the church. Follow this for at least a mile jumping over (made a change from not into!) the Kirk Burn. (just after the second wooden bridge) From here to the top is very steep and I would advise that you don’t walk alone on this route. If there is a fall then it will be all the way back down.

Remnants of ditches can be seen and vitrified rock has been found. It is easy to see why this was built – the views are spectacular with clear views all round, very similar to the fairly close Troup e.g. the meeting place of three valleys. Natural harbours can be seen at both sides, plus fresh water from the burn, an ideal place for a fort.

The way back down proved to be dangerous but safe but yet again very steep. Luckily we had ropes and tackle for the steepest parts. When at the top a much easier route would be to park at Findon farm and walk north westerly thru the fields.

Not for me tho, no fun!

Visited 26/06/2010.

At Pennan, the Local Hero village, travel south on the minor road for two miles, past the Cummertown cairns, until a radio mast can be seen to the east. At that point on the western side their is a forked track, take the track that goes in a south westerly direction. Follow this for a 1/2 mile and then its cross country. I headed straight east, the heather is knee deep until the first small valley. Fortunately the stream is dry so I followed the bed north which leads to the Stormy Burn. This is more of a bog so watch were you place your feet. The climb at the other side is short and very steep. Head east again, cross another burn, climb a fence and make for the top of the hill then turn south. The fort is in the junction of three valleys being located in a very beautiful place.

Canmore have fortunately put up aerial foties (see links) which gives a good idea of the forts shape. The east and west ramparts are just visible but are crowned with ferns and whin bushes, the entrance to the fort being in the north. Various hut circles are nearby so another visit will be required. However the fort is still used. As I walked thru the fort a wily badger watched me the whole time from underneath a jabby thing. Only hiding when I tried to take a fotie. Deer ran about the forts interior and to the northern side foxes ran about playing in the heather. This is an unspoilt part of the NE so I hope it stays that way.

So after some quality silence it was time to head back. After seeing some red squirrels at the first burn crossing things went somewhat pear shaped. As well as getting lost it was beginning to get dark. Eventually I found a path heading in a north easterly direction but my luck had ran out. The previously mentioned Stormy Burn had a victim as I stumbled down the steep bank and landed up to my waist in water and boggy muck. What mess and what a stink. The walk to the car being a squelchy nightmare. At least I had towels, water and a change of clothes in the car!

Visited 23/06/2010.

From the first Hill Of Cairns cairn keep walking in a south westerly direction. Somehow this cairn still remains.......just. A wall has been built thru the middle of it, a fence also does the same, field clearance has been dumped on top as well as trees plus cow damage. Just about everything that could be done to it has been done. Still it remains at 14 meters wide with a top height of less than a meter. Some of the original cairn material remains and it would be a safe bet if there was a kerb it would still be here, unfortunately ripped up and flung amongst the clearance. Unfortunately no rock art on the dumped rocks.

Sometimes I wonder why the ancient peoples built their monuments. When I turned round to a see mist covered Knock Hill I found out.

Visited 21/06/2010.

Head east towards Rothiemay on the B9117 taking the 3rd minor road north. Follow this road to the top and pull in at the forestry commission track. These are the same directions for the Cairns of Beith, for them follow the track south. For the hill of cairns head in a south westerly direction.

There are no paths so take care in amongst the ferns and forest waste. Keep going for a 1/2 mile and the cairn be found in a small forest clearing. It is some 15 meters wide and possibly 1 meter tall. Unfortunately it has been badly damaged by the foresters. But somehow it survives but like almost 30 other cairns, in the immediate area, it will eventually vanish.

Visited 21/06/2010.

This massive glacial erratic is situated in the Harestone Moss and probably has some local folklore that I can’t find. The Hare Cairn and the Temple Stones at Potterton are in the area as is Mundurno.

Just north of the small village of Whitecairns, take the second minor road east. Pull in immediately after the trees on the south side. From here its over the gate and follow the fence south. Unfortunately the massive stone has a rubbish dump of farm waste beginning to gather to its south.

Whilst prancing about I was befriended by some horses who didn’t seem to mind my presence. Luckily I had some apples in my rucksack so they ended up being quite content.

Visited 19/06/2010.

Head south from the Hatton of Fintray, past the Gouk Stone, and take the first minor road east. Take care on this road as it is very twisty and has many pot holes. Go to the top of the hill, past Bendauch, and the forestry commission car park for The Slacks can be seen.

A track is found at the southern end. Follow this until a fork in the path is reached. Both paths lead to cairn. Keep going until a path heading east or west (depending on which track at the fork you take) is found. This leads straight to the cairn.

At some 23 meters wide and 2 meters tall this is a very beautiful yet private location hidden amongst the trees. To be fair, the forestry people appear to look after this cairn which is to their credit. The cairns top has been disturbed but that doesn’t detract from the feeling of age about this place. Like nearby Elrick this is a great place for contemplation and simple silence.

Visited 19/6/2010.

South of Newmachar on the A947 is the B979. Take this and head west for a mile taking the first minor road north. Go a 1/2 mile after after the first junction. Monykebbuck standing stone is in the west, Elrick cairn is some 200 meters to the east.

The cairn is some 20 meters wide by 11/2 meters at its tallest. It is protected and encircled by a fairly ruined dry stane dyke. Cairn material can be seen on the eastern flank. Very easy to find and no barbed wire fences.

A nice place to stop and chill out on a nice day. After that head into Beekies Neuk in Newmachar.

Visited 17/06/2010.

From Upper Broomhill the Barmekin is a fairly steep climb. I headed cross country from the track, a mistake, and headed for burnt heather which led part of the way up the hill. After this ran out the real fun began no paths, as Bill Watt said, knee deep heather and unseen holes at least two at waist deep. For quite a few yards I was able to sing in a much higher key. It is steeper than it looks but 3/4s of the way I found the/a path which led to the top. It must be said that this path is hardly ever used but at least there are no holes.

After a steepish climb the walls suddenly come into view. This is quite simply a magnificent site, one of the best (in Britain I’d say) with its 5 walls. The top two walls can be seen quite clearly all round the hill with many parts of original building remaining. It has to be said that the three other walls can be seen but are grass and heather covered but they are complete and also circle the hill entirely. Big stones can be seen dotted up and down the slopes which made me wonder if they were used for hidden bow/spearmen. Still they made a handy seat.

I’ve often wondered if the various tribes were allied as the fort at Mither Tap is quite clearly seen as can some of Dee forts. More astonishingly Durn Hill at Portsoy can just be made out some forty miles to the north. Beacons, warnings of attack who knows?

One thing I do know is that aerial photos would be the ideal here. It made the sadness, about the condition, of the Broomhill and Orde sites go away a little bit.

Luckily for me I’d found a path and followed it as zig zagged to the bottom of hill. This path would lead to Culfosie Farm, two weeks earlier the farmer here said that it was nothing but a pile of stones.............wrong!!!!!!!!!! So I headed back north following the track back to Middle Broomhill.

On the Sunday thunder and lightning had attacked Bennachie, even the phone was affected, but by Monday the rain had gone. However Mr Watts advice in his fieldnotes hold good, water proofs are essential when visiting this wonderful site.

Visited 13/06/2010.

A few meters closer to the start of the Barmekin climb and two hut circles can be found or in my case tripped into. Unfortunately both of these have been badly damaged by deforestation.

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This is quite near to the track and indentifiable thanks to basically being a green circle with banks. It is close to being 9 meters wide.

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A few more meters and this hut circle can be found. Not so badly damaged the outer bank still remains with what looks like an entrance in the eastern wall. Some stone material remains.

Also in the area are signs of cultivation and small cairnfields.

Time for a climb!

Visited 14/06/2010

South from Dunecht, on the B977, turn west at the Old Wester Echt signpost. (just after the RSC). Go past the farm and stop at the next cottage.

Don’t walk into the high fenced area thru the deer gate, this is the only gate that works so I walked all round the area before arriving at square 1. Follow the track till the next track heading south. Keep on this track till the Barmekin Hill comes into view. Head up hill and east following the burnt heather. To left is the Barmekin to the right is a small hill on top of which are the remains of a badly ruined cairn.

It is badly robbed to almost non existence but its outer edges remain with possibly one kerb in place. Some cairn material remains scattered amongst the heather. But remain it does...........just. A tree marks the centre of the monument.

The cairn is named after King Orde the Pictish leader, who died here, in a battle against the Scots. Any remains of a cist and its capstone have long since gone.

Visited 14/06/2010.

Head south from Kintore on the, well used by me, B977. At Leylodge take the Lauchentilly road west and pull in after 100 meters at the first gate.

The standing stone is the field to the south at some 11/2 meters tall. I’d never spied this stone until today but had repeatedly scanned the area when driving past.

The Lauchentilly road has the fallen stone of the same name at its end, The Knock and South Leylodge RSC plus a couple of rubbing stones near the old primary school.

Visited 14/06/2010.

Edintore is best described as a disgrace, I don’t care who’s to blame but something surely could have been done to save some of it.

Canmore describes it as badly mutilated. They where being kind. Nothing hardly remains, a slight rise in the ground with one or two stones poking their heads out. It would be better if this was flattened altogether than leave this shambles.

Apart from being a mud bath, one half planted in trees, 99% of stones removed (including perhaps a RSC), trampled to smithereens by cattle, man and machine have done the rest, there is always the view.......there isn’t............ more trees. As with Caird’s Wood, nearby, thankfully the Whiteleys aren’t far away.

Parked just short of Edintore farm at the trees which you can follow up hill until the gate. Turn west for the muddy swimming pool and knackered cairns. Keep going uphill for the Whiteleys.

Visited 7/06/2010.

I was told before that this cairn ‘wis in a fair state’. After the disaster of Edintore I shouldn’t have been surprised. From Edintore walk in a north easterly direction thru the mud bath following the young tree line until it meets the older trees.

It is impossible to say to much about this place as trees are planted on one side, there are barbed wire fences everywhere, machinery damage and in previous times cattle have trampled all over. At one time the views must have magnificent but like the cairn it has been obliterated by the trees.

It must have been over 14 meters wide and height is about 1 meter, even height is hard to tell because of the jabby things sitting on top. Thankfully the two other cairns at Whiteley are in far better condition.

Visited 7/05/2010.

These are all cup marks found on the descent of Oxen Craig on the South West. A new path has now been built which is much safer. I’ll put all the awkward finds from that date into these fieldnotes to save from adding sites.

Stone 1

Has 5 cup marks of varying sizes. Can be found at the bottom of the south western descent on the old path west.

Stone 2

On a ledge approx 1/2 way down towards the south east. 6 cup marks of varying size.

Stone 3

Possibly a massive cup mark on the first overhang of the descent.

Stone 4

On the next overhang another possible massive cup mark.

Stone 5

Two weather worn cup marks at the foot of the decent.

Stone 6

One well preserved cup mark, almost next to Stone 5.

Stone 7

4 different sized cup marks on a rock half way down. Fairly flat panel.

Stone 8

Has three different sized cup marks. Stone 7 is next to this one.

Stone 9

As the path levels out this is the first stone. 5 cup marks plus 3 weathered efforts.

Stone 10

A solitary cup mark to be found on a rock at the base of the descent.

Stone 11

Lying next to stone 10 this stone has 3 cup marks and one that is weathered.

Next time I go up I’ll take somebody who knows what they are talking about, but each of the peaks on Bennachie might have rock art. It is likely that there are hundreds more places on Oxen Craig with cup marks and I know for sure that Watch Craig has.........

Visited 3/06/2010.

Just a few meters on from the Oxen 1 is a piece of living rock with 3 good cups. Plus two well weathered efforts.

Visited 3/05/2010.

Near the cairn on Oxen Craig there is a socket possibly for a standing stone. On the same rock I counted 10 badly worn cup marks after pulling back some turf more were discovered. Probably more on this rock. Varying sizes of cup

Visited 3/06/2010.

On a rock just back from the edge overlooking Little Oxen Craig’s quarry. There are 8 badly weathered cup marks of various sizes.

Visited 3/06/2010.

Canmore report that two nearby cairns were destroyed during the 1850s on the top of North Kirkhill. Surprisingly they somehow missed this one. If they didn’t they’ve called it a different name for something on the same hill.

Anyway 5 kerbs remain in place. The cairn is almost 12 meters in width and at its highest would be 1 meter tall. Excavations or hollowing has occurred but it definitely still exists.

Leave Maud heading east on the B9029 taking the second minor road to lead south. Go past Benwells, scene of a destroyed cairn and possibly a circle, and pull in at the next farm track. (to Clackriach farm) The cairn is on top of the hill to the east. A short climb of a 1/4 mile. It was wonderful and warm today for a change! On the next hill east is Aikey Brae RSC.

Worth a look!

Visited 2/06/2010.

Heading north from Crimond take the first minor road east from the A90. The first farm, Netherton, has a complete RSC. At the next farm, Greengates (1/2 mile along the road), stop here. I asked permission from the current occupant, who rents the property, to park. He was astonished to learn that such a thing was so close to the house. He didn’t even know about Netherton or Berrybrae.

Once I was finished at being surprised I found the stone no more than 10 meters into a field containing the best behaved cows I’ve ever seen. The stone stands, a gray granite, at 11/2 meters and possibly is an outlier for the Netherton circle.

Visited 2/06/2010.

An easy cairn to find on my way back home from Fraserburgh, Broch in these parts. Leave fraserburgh heading east on the B9031, take the first minor road east before Sandhaven.

Follow this minor road for two miles. The cairn is situated to the left side of the road just before the small village of Peathill.

Canmore tells us that the cairn is 26 meters north to south, 24 meters east to west. All that is left is a badly shaped ruin which in it’s day must have been hugh. Sadly the cairn has been robbed of most of its stones going by the amount of dry stane dykes in the area, tho many stones can be seen on the western edges. In 1785 a cist had been found. The marks of this excavation or perhaps quarrying can be seen with a large hollow in the middle of the cairn.

The road, B9031, leads back to the B9032 which in turn leads to the cliff forts at Dundarg (near New Aberdour), Cullykhan/Fort Fiddes (near Pennan) and eventually Cleaved Head (near Macduff). Be warned this road is a coastal route steep braes and nasty corners. Beautiful coastline tho but take care!

Visited 26/5/2010.

There are supposed to be two cairns here, one large one small. I found the small one which is about 6 meters wide and 1 meter tall. It is mainly grass covered but a few stones poke their heads out. The scenery is stunning as it looks down onto the Deveron valley.

Leave the A97 and take the B9117 towards Rothiemay, which follows the Deveron. Take the first minor to the right and climb all the way to the top and park at forestry works road about 11/2 miles away. From here follow the track until it stops. Head towards the the tree line then walk west the cairn is amongst fallen trees.

Winter and snow/high winds have been cruel, almost every tree will have to come down if they haven’t already fallen. It was a hard enough job finding this cairn, the second is covered in acres of fallen trees. No matter how hard I looked I couldn’t find a way to the highest point. So hopefully the forestry people will take care when moving the trees and not damage the cairns. Luckily I’m in this area every now and again so I intend to watch for the start of the clean up so eventually I can find the second cairn.

Visited 25/5/2010.

After the sharp corner on the A97 going south from Aberchirder the road heads west and downhill. Half way down the hill look south to the other side of the road. The standing stone is next to the fence.

At its base it is 3 feet wide and about 5 feet tall and looks down onto the Arkland Burn which enters the River Deveron near the Marnoch bridge. There are no markings on the stone. So no walk involved, but watch out for speeding lunatics driving far to fast.

Visited 25/5/2010.

I parked at Monthammock farm and walked across the field to the east behind the farm. This is a beautiful place, stunning in many ways also astonishing as I’d never heard about it until coming back up the road from Glasgow today. (I’d to deliver a keyboard to somebody who lived in Durris nearby!) Why oh why is this site not better known complete with a kerb cairn next door, also a cairn.

One thing was against me hunting further, thunder and lightning ensured a thorough drenching for our intrepid hero. So it was back to the safety of the car, tho the lighting show was every bit as good as the previous nights, the music was somewhat scarier!

Visited 23/05/2010.

After climbing Bennachie in the morning forgetting to take my camera and phone from the car. I felt a complete muppet as I found another cup marked rock on Little Oxen Craig. So back down I trudged on my way to the day job.

From Inverurie take the Rothienorman road, B9001 turning east at the Oldmeldrum junction. Auchencleith is the first farm after the crossroads. The rock can be found in amongst field clearance, western edge, next to the road, to the right immediately before the farm. 8 cup marks can be seen. 6 at 3cm wide 1cm deep and 2 at 6cm wide 1cm deep. Once again Bennachie is clearly in view. However this stone has been moved.

Allan Maitland, brother of Bill who owns the farm expained why the rocks had been moved. More than 25 years ago the rocks had been scattered thru the fields. They were gathered together and put into a couple piles. This enabled the field to be used for cattle grazing. What was good about this was that Allan knew about the stone at Balhalgardy and said the markings were similar. Across the road is a cup marked rock at Cuttlecraigs found by somebody who lives in Tealing.

The oasis grows by one, one more coming very soon.

Visited 19/05/2010.

Fieldnotes 2nd Route.

Going east on the A98 from Macduff go past the Turriff (hard to go past this one) and New Byth junctions until Lovie’s quarry. Head to the top of this small hill and pull in. There is enough room, if not there is a layby half way up. The circle is on the south side of the road. Thru gate head diagonally across the field and climb to the next gate. The circle will be visible just follow the track. This is a far better route than the other I mention. No rubbish tip or barbed wire to trip over.

Re-visited 19/05/2010.

The Green Cairn is a hillfort situated to the south west of Fettercairn a stones throw from Balbegno cottage a short walk to the north.

This is/was a superb site, on a superb day (fair degree of hindsight here!!) and one I’ve wanted to visit for a long, long time. A lot of important Scottish history has happened here so a lot of folklore.

The fort is some 50 meters in length by 18 meters wide. Ramparts still exist most of the way round with a possible entrance on the north east. Several trenches can be still be seen, the remains of excavation work. Part of the wall beneath the ramparts contains stonework from original. Vitrified rock can also be seen along with a long dried out bog. This was built with great all round views but would have taken some amount of defending, it isn’t very high, maybe there was a great deal of boggy stuff all round. I’d like to think so.

With that it was away to my favourite part of Scotland in the east end of Glasgow, via Templewood, to watch the modern day Celts.

Visited 4/05/2010.

Templewood is found by leaving the by turning north east onto the minor road after leaving the B966 on the Brechin side of the A90. Follow the road until a wood, keep going until a row of trees appears on the east side. Immediately west is the cairn, a few meters walk.

The cairn itself is in fairly decent condition. Some trees have been clean bowled as only the stumps remain on the grass covered mound. At almost 14 meters wide and 11/2 meters it still remains looking west to the Grampian mountains, especially to Cairn O’ Mount from where I’d came via the Green cairn, a hillfort. Once again a wonderful place so close to a large population centre. Magical!! (so was the result!)

Visited 4/05/2010.

From the main cairn walk down the road for another 50 meters and second cairn appears. It is next to road (immediately west), which has damaged it’s eastern side. Still it remains over 8 meters in width and over a 1/2 meter tall. Most likely it stood like it’s near neighbour but now it is a faint reminder of olden days.

Visited 5/05/2010.

The cairn is situated on the west side on Scotland’s most famous roads, the B974. Normally one of the first roads blocked during winter and almost always the last to re-open. From Strachan head south on the twisty and often steep road. The cairn can’t be missed. It sits on the crest of hill with fantastic views south, the all round scenery is superb.

The cairn is over 15 meters wide and stands at 31/2 meters high. Being in a scenic place the cairn is still used. Flowers are left in respect of those who have passed away. Other offerings have also probably been left. The trig point that sat on top of the cairn has hopefully fallen down and not been vandalised.

Only a few meters walk from the lay by. A perfect stop for fresh air on the way down to Glasgow.

5/05/2010.

What is left of the cairn sits in the middle of the Barmkyn Fort, the only feature in the interior. Only a few scattered stones remain of the 8 meters wide site. A climbers cairn has been built on top. When the vegetation returns it will be very difficult to spot.

Visited 2/05/2010.

When looking for the RSC at North Keig most people will park at the quarry. Walk down thru the trees and the famous circle is reached. For the fort, Neolithic, walk the opposite direction up the Hill Of Airlie. A walk of about a 1/2 mile. There is a path of sorts.

There are two walls one almost gone and the outer wall. In parts this stone wall is almost 8 meters wide and 1 meter tall. Some stones poke thru the turf. In the south eastern corner a 4 meter gap indicates the entrance. What a place for a fort. Magnificient views down the the Don valley, west to Strathdon, east to Bennachie and north looking towards the Brindy hill and road. (The road to Premnay.)

Also there is the remains of a cairn in the forts middle. The only thing left of the interior.

Visited 2/05/2010.

Bowman’s Rock can be found by parking at the church in the small village of Kirkton Of Rayne. It is short walk of 500 meters to the stone on the track just to the north of the church.

The cup mark can be seen on the second picture but it is badly weathered. Something nags me about this place so I’ll have to go back. What a shame there seems to tractor marks on some of the outcrops. Bennachie is the obvious focal point and wonderful it looks, ironic that next to the rock is a demolished farm building.

Visited 29/04/2010.

This stone is slightly to the east of Bowmans rock and at last I’ve taken the cup mark. (1st pic)

Visited 29/04/2010.

Scotlands Places say this cairn is badly ruined and it is but it has enough to remind us of former glories. Much the same views as its wonderful neighbour. Head west from Both Hill 1 and follow the old dry stane dyke which leads straight to and over the cairn.

The site sits at over 11 metres wide and is 1 metre at its highest. However stones do poke over the heather making it relatively easy to spot.

Visited 30/04/2010.

On the way up to Dufftown to play a gig I had a brain turn and decided to climb Both Hill. Fortunately the boots happened to be in the car. From Huntly travel west along the A920 Dufftown road. Belnaboth farm is slightly to the north, just before the Haugh Of Glass road, and here I asked permission to park.

From the A920 Both Hill looks a fairly gentle. In reality it is a very steep climb first thru grass then deep heather. The hill is covered in holes, stones and bogs, also a couple of small streams for jumping practice.

The cairn is on the summit of the hill with all round views up and down the Deveron valley, north to Knock and west to the Cairngorms. This is an area I have often walked as the area is covered in various cairns. This cairn is over 17 meters in width and almost 2 meters. Some damage has been done to the eastern side and it has been hollowed out to make a sheltering spot for a weary shepherd/Drew.

From here its head west to next cairn. For this time of year its freezing!!

Visited 30/04/2010.

If there is a hard way to do something then I normally find it. Today was no exception, I could of driven to Crowmallie House and had a short 120 meter walk instead I parked near the A96, on a minor road, just short of the Oyne fork. (there is a signpost for the Maiden Stone and Chapel of Garioch, stop at the first passing place on the left. Plenty of room to pull in away from the road)

Follow a path, probably created by shooters, past a second clearing then climb towards the summit. This took longer than expected as the hill is covered in rocks and fairly steep. Happy hunting for Tiompan, I’ll return when I have more time. At one time there also had been a cairn and a stone circle but both had been removed.

The kerb cairn could have gone the same but didn’t as after excavation in 1961 it was rebuilt. Perfectly situated on the summit of Knockollochie Hill in the foothills of Bennachie. The cairn is almost 8 meters in width and 0.3 meters high. Also there is a sculpture of three metallic tall chaps keeping guard.

With that done it was back to the car, so a short walk had turned into a pleasant afternoons hike of about 2 miles.

Visited 29/04/2010.

Cairn 2.

This is found on the north western side of the summit. A small cairn which has been badly damaged some 4 meters in width, standing less than a 1/2 meter tall. The views over to Ben Rhinnes are worth the walk alone.

Cairn 3.

This is found further along the same plateau. Only a small smattering of stones remain on a small rise some 4 meters wide. Somehow I think this is almost the most important site, great views west looking towards the Cairngorms.

Both cairns have been damaged by rabbits, but they in turn have helped us learn how these sites have been constructed.

To be fair most of the hill is covered in small cairns, as well as bogs. This marked the end of the day, only 4 miles back to the car. This time I walked down the eastern side of the hill arriving at Craighall. From there I headed north back to the B9115, then east to Edinstone and the car. No crutches this time!!

Visited 26//04/2010.

Continuing on from Ten Rood Wood I made my way to Turfhillock, at the bottom of the hill then turned east back along the B9115. Take the first minor road south, leads to Glass, stopping at the first major ‘kink’ in the road. Janetstown is the hill immediately east.

The last time I was here ended in disaster and the shame of being carried back down the hill, then to the hospital. This time the weather was perfect, less than two weeks before this area had been under 2 feet of snow with the unexpected March winter. In secluded areas the drifts still clung on. But I avoided them and like a Spring lamb, hard to imagine I know, jumped all obstacles in the way.

The cairn is on the eastern side of the summit and with all the cairns in this area the views are breathtaking. My foties don’t do the area justice so you’ll have to come look instead. Looking east the cairn stands at 8 meters in width and stands just over a 1/2 meter tall. The people in the know say two kerbs, I say three. We both agree that stones have been removed as evidenced by empty holes in the ground. The middle of the cairn has also been hollowed.

This is probably a three mile walk from Ten Rood. Somehow I missed two small cairns so its back to them.

Visited 26/04/2010

From the cairn on the top of North Whiteley I walked cross country to Ten Rood Wood, about three miles, completely forgetting to go to the Edintore cairn. (to immersed in whistling Glasvegas tunes!) Cross the minor road at Drumgrain farm heading towards to woods in the west. Under foot conditions were mostly fine and luckily I seemed to find gates. (just a couple of fences) After walking thru a thin strip of trees keep to the fence line. A lot of trees have had the chop. For the cairns protection circle of 9 stumps surrounds the site.

There must have been a large kerb here as at least 5 stones remain. one these has had a ‘dunt’ from a machine and is displaced. It is beside the biggest kerb, a stone almost 11/2 meters in length by a 1/2 meter tall. The cairn itself is some 12 meters in width. Far below in valley is Turfhillock farm, further down the road is the village of Drummuir which has no shop. So stock up before walking.

Edintore will have to wait just a wee while longer.

Visited 27/04/2010.

Walking in a north westerly direction from Whitley A, maybe 300 meters approx, another cairn sits on top of the hill. These cairns marked the start of a very long days walking. For me, the fresh air and scenery, inspiring.

A long, long time ago this must have been some place. Ben Rhinnes, west of Dufftown, Durn and Knock Hills, to the north can be seen. On a good day Bennachie.

The cairn has been built on top of a robbed platform which sits at some 24 meters in diameter. On top of this was placed the cairn at almost 14 meters wide being only a 1/2 meter in height. One kerb remains, thanks to rabbits (I assume), chokes can be seen underneath. Quarrying has damaged both the platform and cairn. A trig point has also been built on top.

Whatever has happened to this place has happened but the vibes remain. I feel in top form, the legs are well, the sun is out and for a change no music just the sound of various birds chirping to themselves. Probably saying who’s the idiot in the green hat! On to the next site.

Visited 27/04/2010.

There isn’t much left of the 10 meters wide cairn except the scenery which is stunning. A 2 meters wide rim survives which has been interrupted by a badly ruined dyke. The centre is hollow and has been obviously robbed but what for isn’t so clear. Apart from the remnants of the wall hardly any dykes are in the proximity. Sadly it looks like the stone crushers have had a field day here. Fortunately all isn’t lost, they can’t take away the views and the original ideas.

Travel south from Keith on the A96 turning east at the B9115 Drummuir road. I stopped just short of Edintore farm. Follow the tree line north, be careful at the boggy bit at the top. Look east and follow the remnants of the dyke towards the small wood. The cairn is a 100 meters before the trees. From the road a fairly steep climb of about a mile.

Visited 26/04/2010.

My second cup marked stone find. This time much closer home, and the sun shone. Lovely!

After finding the cairn I noticed a lot of flat rock surfaces and my luck was in. On the crest of the hill facing towards Bennachie is a rock with 5 cup marks. 3 are very noticable being about 8cm wide and 2cm deep. Two other weather worn cup marks can also be seen. Backley Hill is covered with this type of surface but these were the only cups I could find. However like the fairly close New Craig I wonder whats under the turf. With Bennachie in perfect view.............

I must thank George Gauld and his wife for allowing me to park at the farm. Also for showing me a very old map which indicated the nearby Elspet’s Cairn and a long forgotten about and destroyed stone circle at Crowmallie. So thanks to them, very interesting.

Visited 24/04/2010.