drewbhoy

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.

I reached Backley by approaching from the north leaving the B9001 following the road to Wartle then Durno. At Durno turn in a north easterly direction, Backley is on the first farm track to the right (north). I parked at the farm, with permission.

The remains of the Bronze Age cairn, and I emphasise remains, are on the south east of the hill. All that is left is a small mound about 11 meters wide standing at a 1/2 meter in height at it’s tallest. Maybe one kerb remains along with a scattering of stones lying on the grass rise. Bennachie is bang in front and probably played a part in it’s positioning, as with another discovery I made.

Visited 24/04/2010.

The former Church Of Scotland minister at Aberchirder the Rev. Bob Jones told me about this stone as well as the history of various circles in the area. Canmore says it might be fairly modern but he insisted that it was the real thing and possibly might have been removed from nearby Marnoch Church or Bellmans Wood.

It overlooks the River Deveron and is in prime stone circle country so the old chap is probably correct. Certainly people in the village of Aberchirder are keen to emphasise its age.

It stands at a good six feet on height. Leave Aberchirder going south, Foggieloan to us locals, on the A97 immediately turning left after crossing the River Deveron at the Marnoch Bridge.

Visited 23/04/2010.

When visiting Broomend Henge you can see the henge plus two original stones and the Pictish symbol stone. In the same field there is one of the stones that formed an avenue leading to another circle.

I’ve often wondered about the fourth stone and today my curiousity was cured. It is in a private garden about 50-60 meters from the single stone heading towards the now (sadly) defunct paper mill behind a fence, bushes and trees. Nobody was in so I jumped the fence and took a couple of foties. That now leaves Caskieben as the one stone I’ve to find in the Tyrebagger to Broomend mystery.

Visited 22/04/2010.

The High Law is an easily found to the east of the A975 south of Cruden Bay on the farm track after Kiplaw Farm. Just up the road is Slains Castle the inspiration for some guy called Dracula.

Like a lot of cairns/circles in this area agriculture has taken its toll but it still survives. To the north west it has been quarried, to the south west a water tank has been built and the wall mentioned by Canmore has long since gone to be replaced by a fallen down barb wire fence. A trip hazard for my clumsy feet.

Remarkably the views are stunning with great scenery all round even as far as the Grampian mountains. This would explain why it had been used a beacon in days gone by. Contained within its 23 meters width and its height at over 31/2 meters was a cist, in the midst of the cairn stones. When opened it was empty suggesting an earlier excavation. However the real miracle is that it still exists just a short walk from the track.

Visited 19/4/2010.

The maze of roads in this corner of the North East make this a hard but worthwhile place to find. Travel north from Newburgh, on the A975 taking the first minor road north west after the B9003 Collieston road. (Slains primary school is at the junction.) Keep going in a northerly direction past the ruins of St. Adamnan’s Chapel until this road ends. Then turn left then right ands keep going until a clump of trees can be seen at the top of the hill opposite Pitlurg farm.

It is only a short walk to the Neolithic round barrow from the road. Today that was a good thing as the weather returned to it’s normal freezing conditions with odd ball showers of hail and sleet.

The barrow is almost 20 meters from North to South and is 15 meters wide. Some rig and furrows have encroached onto the site However it still stands at over 11/2 meters in height being made up of earth and small stones. Trees also remain within the enclosure giving a sense of age. Canmore says a wall surrounds the site, it also is covered in turf and grass. One or two biggish stones are all that can be seen. This place has an ancient feel as it looks down onto the North Sea. Although it doesn’t seem high the views here pretty excellent. Bennachie can even be seen, the builders had built and chosen wisely.

Visited 19/4/2010.

Travel east from Methlick on the B9005 stopping at the bridge that leads to a quarry. This quarry is still in use and a locked gate means that the rest of the journey is on foot.

The cairn is situated on a small hill on land littered by rocks and bog. Also there are hut circles, causeways, a standing stone and maybe the remnants of a circle. There is also another cairn but a severe dowsing in rain sent me back over of the bridge to the cover of the car. A pile of stones indicates the cairn which is mostly grass covered being almost 10 meters in width and less than a meter high.

This is an interesting and historic place. Quite clearly this was a major settlement and, for me, it would be great to go back in time just to catch a glimpse of what it really looked like. Throw in Mill Of Kelly, Shethin, Schivas, Ythsie, Fedderate and the Candle Stone for good measure, a great days hunting!

Visited 17/4/2010.

The cairn is surrounded by many hut circles centred on NJ880364. I’d hoped to take images of most of them but a torrential downpour sent me running back to car after spying the first hut circle. Various hut circles, causeways etc. are on the banks of the River Ythan. So a fine excuse to go back!

Visited 17/4/2010.

Head west from Insch on the B9022 towards Kennethmont turning north at the Weets signpost. Cross the railway bridge and stop at the second cottage on the left hand side. There is room to park, I asked permission. The hut circles of this settlement are in the field behind which is reasonably flat. Walking thru the first field is an ankle breaker. There are two hut circles here as follows:

NJ5702 3022.
This is the largest of the two being some 12 meters wide and a 1/2 meter tall. The surrounding bank is 2-3 meters in width with a possible entrance in the south east. It is easy to spot the difference as this one doesn’t resemble a duck pond.

NJ5704 3025.
This one does resemble a duck pond but is probably in better condition. It is almost 11 meters wide and a 1/2 meter in height. The bank is some 3 meters in width with entrance once again to the south east.

The field containing the hut circles has many small cairns dotted about. Just to the south is a very stony field which contains the remnants of a medieval ferm toun. So a historic area indeed!

Visited 15/4/2010.

Leave the A96 north of the Oyne fork turning west at the small village of Colpy taking the Largie road. Turn south for a 1/4 mile at the Wrangham road. Fallow Hill is easily spotted on the left hand side being the small hill with trees on its top. These roads are single track and farm traffic can be a hold up.

Stop at the first group of trees on Wrangham road and follow the dry stane dyke to the small wood. The barrow is straight in front at high end of the hill, with great views of Bennachie and Dunnydeer etc. It is some 8 meters at its maximum width and half a meter in height at its tallest. Beware the rabbits and badgers have had a field day in this wood, so watch your feet. In reality there isn’t much to see here but its a pleasant short work nothing strenuous. Another small piece in a very large jigsaw.

Visited 15/4/2010.

After bombing up the road after todays disaster I headed first for Craig Dorney Hillfort, this the second visit in much better weather conditions. The walk from the road isn’t far but after recent snow there was still some tricky places – snow/bogs.

There are three lines of natural defences, the original architects weren’t stupid, with steep rocks covering the north, south and west. The remains of a rampart and an ancient path encircling the hill can still be seen. Also still standing guard is a massive glacerial, keeping an eager eye on the valley below. To be fair there is good all round views. As the Who sang ‘You can see for miles and miles and miles.........‘

Re-visited 10/4/2010.

After driving from Luton to Glasgow for the match (then wanting to jump from a moving car) I thought it best to advantage of early KO (in more ways than one) to get up the road quickly and make good use of the sunlight on a beautiful/terrible Spring day.

Leaving the A96 at Huntly join the A920 Dufftown road turning down the Haugh Of Glass road. At the war memorial/village hall turn south. Go past Nether Dumeath RSC stopping just after Beldorney Farm at the rennovated but un-named house. The kerb cairn is on the small hill to the east.

Thru the gates and head diagonally across the field to another gate. The cairn is in front, some 5 meters wide with a fairly continuous kerb of plus 20 stones, some are covered in moss. Also the centre has been hollowed. As usual the scenery in this part of the world is beautiful with spectacular views of Craig Dorney Hillfort, which had taken most of my temper with a very fast climb.

Ah well, time for dogs abuse in the pub! Grrrr!

Visited 10/4/2010.

Bennachie translated from the Gaelic means ‘Hill Of The Breast’ which is an obvious reference to the Mither Tap, the ranges most famous peak. It is also famous for the stunning hillfort. Words can hardly describe this place. The walls are massive and shelter the Maidens Causeway which leads to the Maiden Castle at the foot of the hill. They also stretch most of the way round the peak the other defences being natural, it must have virtually impossible to attack. Being on the roof of Aberdeenshire the all round views are stunning and luckily I see this place every day. One flaw tho, no running water nearby except some melt streams. (no problem recently!)

On a day that would have Mr G and the Postie proud we made our way from Oxen Craig to the Mither Tap. But this can be reached by a few paths from the various centres surrounding the range. All of them are excellent and fairly well maintained being in reasonable condition despite the recent heavy snows. Snow still hangs about in deep drifts.

This is a must visit place, truly the most visible monument in the area. You can’t miss it.......literally!

George, once again showed his posing qualities, led from the western approach. After that Mel led the way back down, we’d walked for more than ten miles. Time like the squalls had flown past. Brilliant day!

Visited 22/3/2010.

When you look at Bennachie the pointy shaped one (technical terms of the highest quality) Mither Tap at 1699 ft looks highest. However it isn’t, Oxen Craig stands at 1733 feet and on its peak is a cairn with fantastic views especially of the Mither Tap but also all the way to Tap O Noth, Durn, Knock and the nearer hillforts.

The cairn originally stood at 12 meters in width and was at least one meter high. Some of the stones have been used to make a shelter and who could blame these early shepherds/quarry workers. The weather can change quickly in these parts. Last week there was still over a foot of snow lying.

From Tillymuick look up and follow your nose or use an OS map or Bennachie guide. The paths are fairly steep but quite well maintained. Wrap up tho, normally it is very cold and exposed at the top.

Easy for Mel and George (who posed on Little Oxen Craig), they run up and down these hills for fun. Not me, I walk and then forget to stop!

Visited 22/3/2010.

Leave the B9002 after Oyne turning east at Premnay/Leslie junction. Follow this road until the refurbished church. A path heading south crossing the Gadie burn leads eventually to the ancient village, in a large clearing in the woods. Best to take an OS/Phillips map.

Canmore correctly suggests that this was a hillfort but it is more likely to be a small village with fortifications. Unfortunately this is a site covered in grass, heather and gorse but there is more than enough even for the untrained eyes. Several hut circles can be seen, including two with obvious build work still standing. A massive rampart must have surrounded the settlement. This can be best viewed on the eastern flank.

Some damage has been done by de-forestation but to be fair the site is well protected. As for the rampart an entrance can be seen on the best kept remains being 4-5 feet wide. A full scale excavation could find many objects here. However the best place to see the fort/settlement is way above on the way to the Oxen Craig cairn. Just before the cairn is Little Oxen Craig, one of Bennachies quarries. It looks straight down onto the site giving a full scale insight to builders intentions.

Other forts are clearly visible, views up and down the valley, access to a small stream and agricultural systems. Very clever, very sensible.

Thanks to Mel and her dog George for showing the way, and for making sure I didn’t go to slow!

Visited 22/3/2010.

This stone is only ten meters from the tragic cairn at the Hawk Law being possibly one of the stones that once stood there. Bennachie is in clear view as are hillforts at Barra and further afield at Dunnydeer and Tap O Noth. Now it stands at a jaunty angle and if standing at attention would be 1.5 meters tall.

Follow the directions for the Hawk Law and the stone will be easily found.

Visted 21/3/2010.

Sadly this cairn is all but destroyed. In the past a circle was supposed to have surrounded the site basking in the view of Bennachie. At present it is encircled by trees and a dry stane dyke most probably made up of the cairn. Some of the stones in the dyke certainly look like they might have stood a some stage. Urns found at the site were taken to nearby museum. To make matters worse some farm wastage is also being dumped onto to it. Quite sad despite the scenery Barra, Bennachie et al. However a few yards away a somewhat different picture, The Hillhead of Barra stone.

Going south from Oldmeldrum on the B9170 take the first minor road east, indicated Kirkton Of Bourtie. Climb the hill and turn south pulling in at the trees. Within the trees are the remnants of the cairn which also has possibly two kerbs in place. Further up the road are the RSC’s at Bourtie and Sheldon, the Pipers Stone and the back path to the Barra Hillfort.

Visited 21/03/2010.

With the music of Arne, Purcell, Schubert, Schumann from todays Moray Music Festival in Elgin and the sound of Stiff Little Fingers (Aberdeen Tues 17th) still birling in my head some much needed fresh air was needed.

The 2 remaining stones, both standing over 1.7 meters tall, of a circle near Llanbryde provided the perfect escape. Sadly the other stones were destroyed to build a railway bridge. Still it must have some place in the past.

Heading west from Fochabers on A96 turn south just before the first Llanbryde roundabout over the railway bridge marked Greenfields. The garden centre has a tearoom. Follow the footpath sign until the tar track runs out, the stones are in the field slightly to the south.

With that it was back Elgin for the songs of Britten, Grieg and Strauss. Sometimes I love my job!

Visited 18/03/2010

The Ythan valley provides a lot of Aberdeenshires ancient sites and this is another fine example. Although robbed of most of the stones it still stands amongst the trees on the south slopes of Laverock Hill at East Kinharrachie farm near Ellon overlooking the River Ythan. Leave Ellon heading west on the B9005, the cairn is in the first clump of trees to the north.

This must have a beautiful place with significant views all round including Bennachie. Nowadays it is grass covered and stands at almost 13 meters wide, 1.2 meters high with the centre robbed. Like Den Of Howie there is something that says, in my head, that this place is very, very old. In this valley anything is possible.

Visited 17/10/2010.

There are four kerb cairns at the Den Of Howe in various states of existence. Leave the A952 north of Mintlaw taking the road east to Fetterangus. Go thru the village and follow the signpost to Den o’ Howie at the crossroads. Go past the farm and stop amongst the trees at the first track heading north. From here, walk, the site is a 1/2 mile, the second clearing to the east/left. The minor road ends at Cairnorchie farm so a bit of a double back. Follow the track, after the minor road, leads to the car parks for the White Cow Cairn and Louden Wood RSC.

Kerb 1.

This is a magnificent kerb of 7 continuous stones. As with all the cairns a fair amount of moss had to be moved before the remains became visible.

Kerb 2.

Is a few meters to the east of kerb 1 and has three stones remaining. Two stones are underneath a young fir tree whilst the third lies out in the open.

Kerb 3.

Further to south east is the third cairn. 5 stones rest side by side. In the middle there seems to be a pit with a stone sat in the middle. then again it might just be glacerial. I had to move the most amount of moss/heather at this cairn.

Kerb 4.

Slightly to the south of Kerb 3, this cairn only has two stones remaining.

This place is like a small Forvie. It feels old and I got the feeling that more cairns kerb or otherwise might be found in this ancient and lovely part of the world. However the density of the trees make it hard to look. I only hope that the Forestry people take extreme care when taking down trees and are careful not to destroy any sites.

These woods also contain the Louden Wood RSC some distance in an easterly direction. There is a better chance to find the circle as there are no signposts here to direct you to the wrong place!

Visited 16/3/2010.

Keep going south on the A97 at Mossat, past Kildrummy Castle until the minor road heading west. Turn up this for a 1/2 mile and stop at the the first track. We parked and walked up the steep hill taking the sharp corner north for a further 3/4 of a mile. Fortunately the forestry track was clear of snow and a pleasant walk was had to the cairn. The sun was out with heat seeping into the frozen landscape. Spring is on its way but it has its work cut out the snow in the fields is mostly all over 2 feet in depth. Much deeper in some parts as we later found out.

However this track has caused a bit of damage to the eastern side of the cairn. It now stands at 14 meters wide and is less than a meter tall. A dry stane dyke runs over it and a boundary marker stone also stands here. Once again a very beautiful place.

Canmore says 150 meters from the Morlich steading and the OS indicates a road to it. Once upon a time there was but not now as the steading has been, sadly, empty for years.

Visited 8/03/2010.

With the snow gradually melting I decided to leave early and head down to Strathdon, at the moment my favourite area. On the way two cairns at Smallburn would meet our feet. Only one was visited as the snow became very deep and there is another day.

At 8 meters in width and less than a 1/2 meter high this cairn has been badly robbed. However there is a possible kerb on the cairns east side. Also the cairn has been hollowed out but today it nature made it whole. The snow filled it in and all was at peace.

Tap O Noth looked magnificent across the valley. Easy to see the placement of the cairn.

Also a special thanks to Paul Butler, who lives nearby quite literally at the end of the road, for his help. I should warn him that I’ll be back for the other cairn.

Visited 8/3/2010.

On top of Lumphart Hill is a very ruined cairn which has been badly robbed because of its use as a quarry in days gone by. Possibly one kerb remains but the rest have gone. The cairn stood up 14 meters in width with east/west edges standing at almost 1 meter. Magnificent views of Bennachie and Garioch are all around. Nearby is a cup marked rock found by Tiompan at Cuttlecraigs.

I left the B9001 heading north from Inverurie towards Rothienorman at the Oldmeldrum junction heading east. Take the first minor road north, towards Daviot, and park at the Cuttlecraigs entance. Plenty of room at the disused quarry. Climb over the hill, then over the next till the summit of next hill, Lumphart. A walk of a 1/2 mile.

Unfortunately as one of the foties show the hollowed out cairn has other uses. Various sleepers and farm waste have been burnt here. Tragic considering the beauty of the place!

Visited 6/3/2010.

(Thanks to Patrick for the tip.)

Went up again in rather different conditions than the last time. Obviously there is a lot of snow, it started snowing again during this visit.

On the cross incised stone there is also the initials C.M., probably a previous farmer or the guy who carved the cross. I like this place and the snow seemed to amplify it’s beauty.

Re-visited 4/3/2010.

A stone circle moved and placed in a wall has long been the subject of myth and speculation amongst the inhabitants of Turriff and Inverkeithney. For many years I was led to believe that the walls at Laithers and Muiresk might provide an answer. However one of my friends asked about Drachlaw, Carlin, Sheilburn etc. Standard answer check TMA, check Canmore and Scotlands places. He phones back and says which one at Drachlaw. Immediately the Sherlock Holmes in me went to work. On checking there was a circle that stood at West Drachlaw, so returning from Huntly gave me an excuse to investigate.

The Backhill of Drachlaw farm is 3 miles west of Turriff on the B9024, on the track just to the north. Turn at the Drachlaw farm signpost, the complete stone circle clearly visible from the road. Drive up the entrance to the farm and stop. The stones are in the dyke to the left. 4 stones are in the wall, 1 was removed to form a gatepost a further 100 yards west. The missing sixth stone has also turned up. An outbuilding collapsed during storms so the lintel was removed and used as the other gatepost. At least it has been given it’s original job as a standing stone, it did stand in a circle 28 feet in diameter, albeit not quite in the same place and different employment.

Yet another investigation closed, Sherlock would be proud! (I hope)

Visited 22/2/2010.

Whilst parking at Newton farm I was approached by the farmer who asked what I was about to do. I replied that I was looking for a nearby cairn. The answer to that was that he’d show me something better. Intrigued we walked the half mile west from the farm to the site.

In an area teeming with RSCs this location was perfect. It is on the same side of the valley as Dunnydeer and more famously Stonehead. Now I thought I knew about most of sites up here but how did I miss this. The recumbent stone is massive being over 5 meters in length, 11/4 meters tall the same wide. Chokes appeared to holding the stone level underneath. Looking carefully to the hills in the south west it appeared, to me, that the recumbent was aligned to the nearby Correen Hills. Also one flanker remains lying on the ground, when standing this would have been well over two meters. Some cairn material remains but was hidden by the deep snow.

The farmer has said that he will look out all the details, old plans and maps, he can for my next visit, he also added that as far as he knew these stones had always been there. This time the cairn will be found and hopefully more light will be shed on these stones which I think must be the remains of a ruined RSC.

Visited 20/2/2010.

The remnants of this once massive cairn, also called the White Cairn, can be seen in a field just north of Brankston Farm. From the A96 at Colpy head west following the Largie signpost. Turn right at the junction, heading further west past Lenchie farm. Brankston is a 1/2 mile further on the opposite side of the road. If driving park here, then cross the road, over the gate with the cairn being 40 meters into the field.

Today it was covered in snow. Now it is a scattering of stones, 15 meters wide, with a small pile of cairn material in the middle. However the views towards Bennachie are superb. The Hill of Skares stands to the north.

On a reflective day it was nice to stand in a reflective place.

Visited 20/2/2010.

This cairn can be found in the woods in front of Leochel-Cushnie parish church. It has a width of almost 13 meters and it’s maximum height is close to one meter.

As I was returning to my car an elderly gentleman, visiting his wife’s grave, explained that there had been another cairn. This had been used to built the dikes surrounding the graveyard. Nothing remains of this cairn.

Visited 15/2/2010.

This cairn about 40 meters, approx, from Monael 1 has one kerb in place. Others might be there but fallen trees have covered them as well as the possible cist cover in the middle of the cairn making visiblity impossible. However the cairn is 7 meters in width and half a meter high. Cairn material scatter the ground all around.

Visited 15/2/2010.

This stone is 1 meter by 1 meter and I recounted the cup marks which came to 27. The widest mark being 5cm and 2cm deep. Most of the cups are this width but the depth varies.

Re-visited 15/2/2010.

Walk another 50 or so meters from the cup marked stone north. This small cairn isn’t marked by the OS but is by Philips. Two, fairly steady, kerbs remain in place whilst others seem to have joined into the main cairn. The cairn is some 4 meters wide and stands, at it’s tallest, at just over 1 meter. Once again it is set in stunning scenery.

Visited 11/2/2010.

Corsindae cairn is some 9 meters wide and a 1/2 meter in height. It is completely grass covered. Surprisingly Canmore doesn’t mention the two kerbs, one of which still stands the correct way. Excellent views to the south, east and west so understandable for the building reasons.

If visiting Midmar RSC (and you should) keep going up the minor road till it ends. At the junction turn left and stop at the Midmar village hall. The cairn and stone are on the hill immediately to the North east of the car park.

Visited 11/2/2010.

This was the first stop of the morning. Clova 2 can be found in the next clump of trees south of Clova. I managed to wedge myself in past the door and immediately wished that I hadn’t. Foxes obviously use this place as their kitchen, it stank with the remains of chickens and rabbits. Probably I was scared as it was pitch dark, stupidly leaving my torch in the car which in turn made me miss a stone covered in cup marks. But that isn’t a problem I’ll be back to this area and the site is a short walk east from the road.

To be fair, the souterrain is a remarkably good condition as the foties show. Crawling around in the dark isn’t much fun but thankfully I’d the sense to wear gloves!

The Canmore link will show what I have to get next time.

Visited 11/2/2010.

Old Kinnernie was found as a fluke as I made my way home from Corsindae at Midmar. The easiest directions are head east from the village of Sauchen, on the A944, and take the second minor road south.

I was heading north and it was by luck that I spotted it. By that time the old leg had had enough so a fotie from the side of the road had to suffice. The cairn is 14 meters wide by 11/2 meters tall. However field clearance has been added. Good location tho!

Visited 11/2/2010.

Park in the Midmar village hall car park. The stone is 3/4 of the way up the hill walking in a North Easterly direction. The remaining kerbs of the cairn will be passed, the boulder, held up by chokes is the next large item on the hill.

Visited 11/2/2010

Just as the A97 leaves the village of Glenkindie pull into the side at the left nearest the last house. Jump the gate and follow the dry stane dyke up the hill until another gate, over this, then a wall and fence climb another 400 meters climb another fence. About 20 meters bang in front is the cup marked stone. (Did I tell you that this...............)

The kerb cairn is east of here by about 60 meters. At least 7 kerbs remain in their original position. I must admit that this is a very scenic place with superb views up and down the Don valley. As I was about to go and visit the second cairn, it started to chuck it down with and knowing how changeable conditions can be I headed back down somewhat reluctantly to the village.

Apart from the obvious good news, the garage and shop have reopened, as the last time I was here it was shut.

Visited 11/2/2010.

The first new find of the year and my first ever find of a cup marked stone. High on Monael Hill overlooking Glenkindie and the River Don. I counted 18 definite cup marks, maybe there are 3 weathered cups but hard to tell even with the naked eye.

Visited 11/2/2010.

(I am so chuffed!!!!!!!!!!)

Head south thru Logie Coldstone on the A97, and take the second track to the east after the trees. Please shut the gate behind when driving in. The track is in ok condition. Go thru the farm and a further 1/2 mile leads to the old cemetery with St. Woloch’s Stone standing proudly outside. If there is a Celtic Cross then I didn’t see it. What I did see was the fantastic Strathdee mountains looking magnificent with a covering of snow.

Cheers Rhiannon, excellent stuff!

Visited 11/2/2010.

From the Drum of Wartle crossroads, an excellent pub on the B9001, take the road west to Colpy, the A920. Turn south a couple of miles further on at Kirkton Of Rayne signpost. Keep going up the hill until the Smiddyhowe croft/farm the cairn is in the middle of the field to the west. Easily spotted thanks to the 4 ash trees.

To the south is Bennachie, to the north Rothmaise Hill and the Black Cairn. Further west is the similar cairn at Mellenside.

Nothing much remains of this cairn. It is enclosed by a dry stane dyke probably made from boulders from the cairn. It stands at a half meter in height. All in all rather sad, given it’s fantastic location. At least the farmer seems to leave it alone another faint memory of a once proud past.

Still the pub at the Drum is nearby and I’m no stranger so I’d better say hello.

Visited 8/2/2010.

On my way into Aberdeen at lunch time to catch a bus I stopped at the Pipers Stone near Oldmeldrum. I didn’t know of its existance until Rhiannon’s informative links post. (Thank you) Bourtie is a small hamlet just south of Oldmeldrum, about 1 mile west on the minor road from the A947. To be fair road conditions were not good but the car battled away leaving, thankfully, only a short walk.

The Pipers Stone is in the field before before the church and was used by pipers to greet guests at weddings and the odd funeral. Luckily I know the pipe major for the Oldmeldrum Pipe Band and he has offered to look for any interesting stories which I’ll hopefully post in the folklore column.

The stone itself is well weathered and surrounded with some field clearance. It has a beautiful location looking up and down the Bourtie valley, behind Barra, home to the famous hillfort. With the visit complete I headed back into Aberdeen to catch the bus.

Several hours on, I would think one or two people might be having a laugh at my expense as I sulk on the way back up the road. Time for a snooze!

Visited 2/2/2010.

This is a very ancient place and disoveries from the Mesolithic, Neolithic and Bronze ages have been found here, and along the road at Wester Fintray. One thing at this site is obvious, as at Kintore Golf Club, is the River Don which might explain why there is so much activity in this area.

As for the cup marked stones, that Canmore mention, I think I found one shallow cup mark on a rock, the rest I couldn’t find. There are hundreds of rocks and outcrop here so someone who knows, far better than me, what they’re looking for might have a field day.

One thing I did find was a big rock that looked very much like a recumbent stone aligned perfectly with Bennachie. There are choke stones. The River Don, I would think, also plays an important part.

The cairn is forty feet wide by 4 feet tall. At least 5 kerbs remain in place. However damage has been caused, not only by the rabbits. On the eastern side tractor tracks can quite clearly be seen, on the western side a dry stane dyke has been built.

Once again very easily found. Leave Kintore heading east towards Hatton Of Fintray. Over the bridge (**WARNING This road is often flooded, and has been several times in the last two weeks**) past the golf course, the cairn there is easily seen, go past Waterside and stop at the next house on the left hand side. A short walk further along the road and the site is amongst the trees.

Visited 28/1/2010.

The Hillhead of Suttie is in an area crammed with ancient history. Just to the south are the ancient settlements at Larrick and Newton Wood, to the north Greenlands. This is a place, I think, of significance.

Not so long ago the Postman, Gladman and myself commented on the fact many sites are labelled cairn when the powers that be can’t think of anything else. As the images show there is a Recumbent (western side over 1.2 meters high, 1 meter in width), probably, aligned to Bennachie but the trees are in the way. Several stones form a circle, two of which are visible at the moment some tramping finds others. A cairn some 12 meters wide by 1 meter high sits inside. Inside this a possible hut circle has been built, once again the stones are obscured by grass.

From Hatton of Fintray stay on the B977 until a minor road indicates Inverurie. Keep going until the forestry works road, after Larrick, on the left. Park here and follow the track, by foot, for a 1/4 mile. The cairn/RSC is on the right hand side of the track. Fairly easy walk, watch for the puddles and dubs.

Visited 28/1/2010.

This is where folklore and ancient history meet head on. In the field due north is the Camie’s Stone and the Clovenstone is a massive rock where various witches, including Isobel Cockie had their cases judged. (fate dealt more likely!) By this time, my sidekick had arrived so the Mad Man climbed up and down for the images. (His better half having more sense brought along some much needed tea!) Looking up and down at this rock, and I know other people feel things at such places, I felt a sense of foreboding and doom. Maybe because of Deystone, various unfortunate witchs, maybe because of an ancient battle between the locals and the Danes. Dunno! Hard to describe, but similar to the feelings I get when I visit Culloden.

Clovenstone is found traveling north of Kintore on the A96, the farm is signposted. Keep going straight, don’t turn the rock is to the north (150 meters walk max.) just before Clovenstone farm.

Visited 28/1/2010.

Once again a very easy but impressive place to find. Leave Kintore heading south on the B977, just after Leylodge take the Lauchentilly, west, road. South Leylodge RSC is in the field to the right but for The Knock keep going. This road should be renamed Rubbing Stone alley as they are numerous on both sides of the road. Keep going until the Tillybin junction and stop.

Look north, The Knock, is a triangular stone, some 200 meters slightly uphill from the road. According to Coles it had been part of a circle and it’s easy to see why. A rubbing stone is the next field, there is one across the road as well. At the top of the hill there is field clearance with many stones that might have stood in a circle. Branwen has mentioned Canmore and measurement problems, in the intervening years this stone has grown by a half meter. The earlier date says 11/2 meters high by 1998 it was just over 2 meters high. Today it stood at 2.04, they say 2.05 so thats ok. Could be, of course, that the stone has been re-erected.

Good views, historic area South Leylodge at the road’s start, The Knock in the middle and Nether Lauchentilly standing (now fallen) stone at the road’s end.

Visited 28/1/2010.

On a day mostly spent looking for clues about witches and wells at nearby Deystone a few little visits were required. Just to keep the leg ticking over, nothing strenuous yet but it’s coming.

This is a well weathered, vertically aligned weather patterns according to Canmore, stone which stands at 1.4 meters tall by a meter wide. Nothing significant then, wrong. Chris pointed out that there is a straight line of stones/circles from Tyrebagger to Broomend of Crichie and beyond. This is one of the parts of this puzzle or part of the ‘spokes’ of a wheel. (I have the same theories for Pitglassie and Cairndale)

Leave Kintore going south on the Deystone minor road and turn right at the Brae Farm signpost. This is a very good road if you like puddles, pot holes and stomach churners. Keeping going thru the farm and the road improves (it does), keep going until the electricity pylons come into view and look left. The stone is a short walk into a field near Ferneybrae cottage. To leave keep going on and the Kinellar road will be reached. Right for the A96, left for Kinellar Church and it’s RSC.

The list, so far, Tyrebagger, Caskieben, Cairntradlin, Ferneybrae, Tuach Hill, Cairnton and Broomend Of Crichie. There was a stone at Scotstown, near Blackburn, but that has gone!

The Garioch area either side of the River Don is teeming with ancient sites. What a place! Add some folklore, away you go!

Visited 28/1/2010

Follow the directions to the Peathill standing stone and walk another very easy 80 yards to the North East. This barrow, indicated as a tumulus on some maps (reclassified as a cairn by Canmore), is all but gone and will be eventually ploughed out. It is less than 30 cm high and is almost 14 meters in diameter. Only a few stones remain a faint reminder of ancient times.

Very easy to reach and sadly, I would think, soon to vanish! The leg is in one bit but a wee bitty sore, The Boar’s Head Pub is nearby, it would be a shame not to have a look.

Visited 25/1/2010