drewbhoy

Mellenside is in the perfect position for cairn. Good all round views especially of Bennachie to the south. This was, at one time, described as a “fine cairn” being over 30 meters in width. Now the remaining stones are in the middle of a copse with some field clearance to keep them company. At least two of the larger stones are earthfast and are probably kerbs. Sadly most of the stones have probably been used in the building of dykes and farms.

This is easily found and fortunately a very short, flat walk of about 200 meters. Leave Colpy, on the A96, taking the A920 to Oldmeldrum. Take the first right, marked Williamston and head south on the Lawerence Road (a drovers road which was possibly used by the Italian chaps and their pals). Turn left, going up a very steep road, and the location of Culsalmond Church can be seen, previously this had been home to a RSC. Along the road is the Mummers Rieve cairn. There is plenty of parking at the Mellenside signpost. Look right and the copse of trees can be seen in the middle of a flat field.

Visited 25/1/2010.

After the stuffiness of an over heated waiting room and the brain dead numbness of the magazines fresh air was needed and an easy option required. Kintore Golf Club came to the rescue. Take the B977 from Kintore and follow the signs to the golf course. I drove past the club house and pulled into the first right.

The cairn is a short walk over the hill and is according to Canmore, 40m by 35m and 31/2 meters at it’s highest. It is to the credit of the club that when Bronze Age artefacts began to appear that course reconstruction was halted and then changed. On a clear day the towns of Kintore and Inverurie are clearly visible as are Bennachie and the Tyrebagger. The River Don meanders along the Garioch countryside at the valley floor.

On the way back I didn’t manage to drive past the club house. I was forced to partake of some refreshment and watch some football. Oh the strain!

Visited 23/1/2010.

With the ‘Crutches On Ice’ show in full swing I ventured to the Midmill Cairn and what a comical I sight I must have looked. Then again I’d resigned myself to the loony bin a long time ago.

Midmill Industrial Estate is on the south eastern outskirts of Kintore. If taking a car drive follow the signposts and drive to end of the marked road. Park in the overspill car park. The cairn is clearly visible being quite near a warehouse. From the car park it is a short walk of about 400 meters. The image on Canmore shows how this area has changed, Kintore has expanded massively and the industrial estate didn’t exist.

Originally the cairn stood at 65 meters, aligned ESE-WNW, in length but after extensive quarrying it now stands at 27 meters long, 20 meters wide and 31/2 meters high being made from earth and boulders. It is now mainly grass covered. A cist, which once could be seen, has been covered in field clearance. Possibly one kerb remains and another stone, 11/2 meters in length, might have stood.

Damage of a more recent nature has also unfortunately taken place. Some idiot on a quad bike has raced up and down the western flank damaging plant life as well as the cairn. Tuach Hill, home to a stone circle, is less than 1/2 mile away to the east.

After that it was back to the car with a couple of workmen having a good laugh at my expense. Thankfully no photos of me!

Visited 14/1/2010.

After being driven by blizzards from the Tyrebagger looking for Caskieben Standing Stone (Gouche) probably we walked past it (the farmer says its still there) and the Bakiebutt Cairn, Little Clinterty was a much easier challenge. I turned left at the first roundabout at Blackburn, north west of Aberdeen on the A96, and pulled in at the first road, today it was blocked but on a calmer day plenty room. Little Clinterty is the farm at the bottom of the drive.

As you walk down look east and the pole holding a security light can be seen. Canmore said it had a satellite dish plus honeysuckle and Russian vines. Not today just a covering of beautifully crisp snow. It stands at over 1.8 meters tall looking over to the Tyrebagger.

Hoped to do more today but the weather won. Caskieben, Ferney Brae and the others can wait until another day.

Visited 2/1/2010.

On arriving at Nether Lauchentilly I was fortunate that Bill Anderson and his son returned at the same time. Whilst asking permission to park he immediately offered to drive, in his 4x4, as conditions were dodgy and it was a good 3/4 mile hike to the site. For a change I took the help and jumped into the car.

The stone is under a massive electricity pylon but for it’s protection as Bill explained. Last year the stone finally fell over and to prevent further damage it was pulled under the pylon. It would have stood at over 11/2 meters. He also said that the relevant authorities, i.e. Historic Scotland had been informed. Even better, he’d support the stones re-erection if it moved slightly, and I could see his point, from the level ground to help tractors move more freely as well as protect the stone. As of yet, no reply from the bigwigs. In one of the images Bill stands in the stones original position looking apparently towards Castle Fraser. (see Folklore)

With that we climbed back in and returned. What a nice person, a lesson for all farmers I would think.

Visited 31/12/09.

The final cairn of the day and it was beginning to get dangerously dark. We scrambled, over 500 meters from Glenshee 3, the last uphill often waist deep in snow drifts. Footing underneath was dodgy but we battered on. It was worth it, the sun had gone but the moon was up shining brightly. Also shining, the lights of Huntly, to the east, and Keith, to the north.

Westfolds, no riders of Rohan here, is also known as the Poor Man. It is more likely to be a natural mound than a cairn and measures at almost 17 meters wide by 11/2 meters tall and sits on the top of Norry Hill.

A very pleasant end to the day and suddenly all in the world was well. One big problem, the temperature was -16, our water bottles had frozen in our rucksacks. The descent took forever crossing bogs, streams, fences, tree stumps and very deep snow but eventually we found the track at Parkhall, from there down to the A920, back to the car and heat. Several hours after we’d started we’d finished equipment and bodies still intact.

Visited 21/12/09.

The real reason for this days climbing was Cairnborrow the three cairns at Glenshee, a pure fluke but great luck even if it added miles and aches to our journey. We’d hoped to go to Craig Dorney, hillfort, for the Solstice but ended up in one of the most beautiful places I’ve ever seen.

Images of the cairn were taken showing the sun setting and the moon rising. This cairn is some 15 meters wide and almost 2 meters high. Boulders and earth were used in the construction, and along with snow lay undisturbed except for two intrepid walkers. (more commonly known as idiots!!)

One extra cairn to go, temperature still -11.

Visited 21/12/09.

500 meters west and the long cairn can be found. To get here two deserted small farms must be past, they sit desolate like a ghost town unused for decades. I often wonder if some of the ancient tales were past down generation to generation only to vanish because of modernisation. Who knows?

Anyway this is the middle cairn of the group of three and looks straight down Park Hall valley to the Deveron way below. At some stage the long cairn was 45 meters in length but has met with some severe treatment. At least it still survives.

A much needed cup of tea and onto the next cairn only a short distance away. As for the temperature it had dropped to -11.

Visited 21/12/09.

At the start of the walk we parked opposite Mains Of Cairnborrow and made our way to the two Backtack sites. After this we walked, climbed, fell and struggled to Newton Hill/Cairnborrow, no paths or roads here binoculars definitely needed. From here till the end of the walk snow was often at our waists and drifts very deep, emphasis on very. However the Mad Man had done his homework, mountain rescue had been phoned just in case. He is after all a member so I was in safe hands.

We made our way west, down the hill, thru a bog, jumped a burn and struggled manfully uphill. At the top a deserted farm hinted that long gone eyes watched, but only cows were visible.

This cairn at it’s widest is 27 meters wide and 4 meters tall at it’s highest. It is made from boulders and earth along with todays helping of snow. Some of it is natural which mean’t that the ancient builders had worked along with nature. The so-called tail is also natural. Situated at the top of the Park Burn, which runs into the River Deveron, valley it dominates the landscape along with it’s nearby pals.

To add to the fun I spotted another cairn perhaps a 1/2 mile away. We decided to attempt that as well. Still -10.

Visited 21/12/09.

This badly robbed cairn is about 15 metres wide and 0.5 meters tall. A walk of about 500 meters north is required from Backtack Farm, the cairn sitting on top of the rounded Backtack Hill.

Sadly the cairn has been badly trashed and only 1 earthfast kerb remains in place. Other kerbs can be found easily enough as they are lying all over the place. A serious amount of hacking has happened here and to add to the misery fencing is on the western edge.

A complete tragedy of a site considering lots of nearby excellent cairns. Still at least it survives for the time being unlike the nearby Hill Of Milleath (Gingomyres) RSC.

From here we walked, west, over to Cairnborrow.

Visited 21/12/09

Cairnborrow is only a few meters away so this is really easy to find, difficult to reach like it’s near neighbour. This cairn is some 18 meters wide and reaches a height of 2 meters. There are 3 kerbs on the western side but they hid in the snow.

Now the real fun was about to begin as we walked north to the three cairns in the distance. I’d no plans to go to these and at the time I’d no clue to their names.

Visited 21/12/09.

After climbing up the Hill Of Backtack in what can only be described as dodgy conditions the Mad Man of Glass and myself took the decision to press on and cross the valley to Newton Hill. Although the snow was deep and cruel, we didn’t see King Wenceslas, we ploughed on and climbed the hill walking past the Newton Hill cairn to the Long cairn,

The cairn itself is some 50 meters wide and 35 meters in length. All the other details are in the Link below. As always, in this part of the Deveron valley, the views are spectacular as was the later sunset.

Looking north as well as the nearby cairn another three cairns loomed in the distance. Both of us are experienced climbers so we pressed on as it grew colder and colder. (-10)

Visited 21/12/09.

From the “pheasant prison” walk east, this cairn is thankfully undisturbed. But for how long? It’s eastern side is covered in colourful ferns whilst the other directions are moss and grass covered. Several quartz rocks can also be seen sticking their heads thru the moss as if gasping for air. At present Canmore are correct in saying the cairn is 9 meters wide and 2 meters tall. With the snow flaking down this cairn was a peaceful end to a day that started with raging seas and heavy snow.

Visited 30/11/09.

Follow as for Foulford Bridge and follow the North East track keeping an eye for the now defunct pheasant prison, this badly robbed Bronze Age cairn, next to the unused prison, is almost destroyed on it’s western flank with only a scattering of small stones. What’s left on the eastern side rises to 2 meters tall being a 11 meters in width. Even here there has been a trench dug out.

Visited 30/11/09.

This Neolithic Long Cairn, which surprisingly couldn’t be found by the Canmore people, is no more than 200 meters north of the A98 about a 1/2 mile east of the Buckie junction. What is difficult is the job of taking decent pictures because of the overgrowth. Eventually I found two spots that showed at least the bottom of the cairn. At the eastern end some stones can be seen after a battle with various “jabby things”.

Plenty car parking as a lay by is on the opposite side of the road.

Visited 30/11/09.

There is a maze of country tracks to walk before reaching the cairn so take an OS map of the area. Even then, some of the tracks can’t be found. Travelling west on the A98 after the Cullen Bay Hotel (pretty good as is the ice cream shop in Cullen) take the first farm track south. With permission I parked at Bruntown farm.

After what seemed ages I found the Foulford Bridge which crosses a small burn, at least it’s on the map. There is a track that goes North East, which heads in the general direction of the other two cairns, but I headed thru the heather/bog/fallen trees and luckily walked straight to the cairn.

The cairn is made of boulders and earth being covered in moss, grass and trees. It has been dug out leaving a trench 5 meters long and 2 meters wide. However this does let the visitor see how the cairn was constructed. At it’s widest it is 14 meters being some 2 meters tall. Not the most spectacular of finds but a pleasant walk despite heavy snow showers.

Visited 30/11/09.

This place is a bit of a nightmare to find within the maze of roads in the Cushnie valley. Leave the A980 just south of the Muir Of Fowlis taking the minor road, west, to Leochel-Cushnie. Keep going until this road ends, then turn north, the next road east and don’t turn the corner keep going. The signpost, on the photo, can be seen at the top of another minor road, follow this until it turns into a farm track. From here you can drive to South Brideswell or walk. I took one look at the road and walked.

I counted 14 stones remaining in place of the outer ring, others having been robbed their places still noticeable by holes in the ground. It is almost 23 meters wide, unfortunately agriculture has caused damage to the southern side, tractor tracks. Canmore suggests that the central round cairn, some 14 meters wide, was made during a second phase of building. Whenever it was built it isn’t very high coming to less than a meter after the usual destructions.

Nearby is another cairn, and the hut circles of an ancient settlement. A hard place to find but well worth the effort. Some beautiful countryside is an added bonus, no rain was an unexpected bonus!

Visited 26/11/09.

This the largest of the cairns is situated within an ancient settlement being only a few metres from the ring cairn. It has been badly robbed, being now close to fourteen meters wide. As well as granites it contains a few quartzs.

In the same field are several hut circles and clearance cairns. Directions to this site are given on the field notes for the ring cairn.

Visited 26/11/09.

Carnaveron is about 2 miles south of the Gallow Hill, near Alford on the same minor road. I followed the the farm track until the first major corner finding plenty of room to pull in.

The cairn is on the west ridge of the hill behind and has been badly robbed and is barely recognisable. However at least 5 kerbs are in place with probably more hidden amongst the bushes and gorse. Canmore estimates that the cairn would have been 34 meters wide and 0.6 meters high. To make matters worse cows have wandered everywhere churning up the grass and deposited their markers everywhere. So be warned and take more than one pair of boots!

Up and down the hill is no more than a mile. Scenery looking down onto the Muir Of Fowlis village is lovely.

Visited 26/11/09.

Entering Alford from the east on the A944, find Greystone Road near the town centre. Travel the length of this road, going past the Auld Kirk Of Alford (ring cairn) and turn left (south). Gallow Hill farm is the first road to the right, west, with the stone situated slightly more than 200 meters north west into a field behind the farmhouse.

The stone is 1.85 meters in height and looks down onto the River Don and is perhaps aligned to Bennachie clearly visible to the east. It looks like somebody took a drill to the top of the stone. Today was a good day, it didn’t rain.

Visited 26/11/09.

Travel west along the A941 towards Dufftown, Newseat is the first farm on the road, to the right. Climb up the hill for a 1/2 mile behind the farm, beyond the rusting hut. If you keep going up and up the walk will lead straight up the Tap O Noth.

At least six kerb stones of an inner ring are still earthfast, alternatively it could be a hut circle. There also appears to be an outer ring with at least two stones of over a meter in height fallen. This might possibly be a ring cairn and looks down onto the village of Rhynie. On the way back down I met an elderly chap, who lives at Newseat farm, who told me all about the Giants Stone.

Visited 23/11/09.

When parking for visiting the Bell Knowe, hear Rhynie, there is a hut that contains three Pictish stones each with beautiful carvings. On the back of the tallest, called Rhynie 5, there are numerous cup marks suggesting that the Picts were recycling stones used by their Neolithic forebears. The stone is connected to the wall with an iron rod making the taking of photos very tricky indeed. As I’ve said elsewhere the wooden shack covering these stones is a disgrace and hardly gives the stones any protection!

Visited 23/11/09.

Leave Rhynie via the A941, Cabrach/Dufftown, and stop at the Mains of Lesmoir a couple of miles west. Plenty parking space here. Then walk further, 100 meters west, along the road where a track can be found heading south over the hill. This is also necessary as the Lesmoir Burn is in spate and this is the only bridge this side of the hill. (This could be found by walking thru Templand to the south, Wheedlemont, Upper Ord etc.)

The cairn can be seen quite clearly between two hills which are covered in rocks and hut circles perhaps. At 19 meters wide and 3 meters high the grass covered cairn has views that are magnificent with Tap O Noth clearly dominating the area. Originally used for burial the cairn was used as a Gallows in feudal disputes. The cairn is still known as Gallows Hill. Today it was peaceful and the sun was out. But not for long!

Visited 23/11/09.

The Giants Stone is much nearer Newseat Farm than Scardargue it’s alternative name and the footprint is very weathered. This was found on the way to the Newseat Cairn heading west from Rhynie on the A941, Cabrach road.

Visited 23/11/09.

Cheers Rhiannon!

The Bell Knowe, a Bronze Age cairn, is slightly to the south of Rhynie on the A97, eastern side. Best to park the Rhynie grave yard, complete with Pictish stones (one with cup marks). The cairn is unmissable. However at the moment walking to the cairn is impossible as the surrounding land is owned by the manse, as the occupant at Coach House said. By this he mean’t the Church of Scotland and is open between April and October. The site is surrounded by a deer fence and several padlocked gates. There was a lot of ribbons and such like attached to the fence, votive offerings perhaps.

Visited, nearly, 23/11/09.

Just south of Glenbarry, on the A95, take the road east indicated Edingight/Sillyearn. Then take the next minor road left until Knockbog farm is reached. Paths up the Knock Hill are here. Use the path until after the second wooden bridge and jump the fence in front and go north. The stone can’t be seen at this point. Keep going over the next ridge , the stone will be above. This is a land of heather, ferns, moss and bogs. With all the recent rain very boggy. (emphasis on very!!)

This large rock which has been used for various things isn’t white, it has been painted in memory of a sheep dog called Trimmy. One thing it does have is tremendous views to the south, east and west. Fortunately the weather was fairly clear during my climb unlike all the streams and boggy bits which I seemed to find with great ease.

Visited 16/11/09.

Leave the A95, heading south, after Glenbarry (alas a closed pub) turning left on the Edingight/Sillyearn road. Knock Hill is to the north and clearly visible as is the White Stone on it’s western flank. Take the second left, then a right on these twisty minor roads. Go up the hill to Oakenknowes Farm, the road from hell leads to that farm. The occupants at this house are very kind and allowed me to park.

Walk up the hill until another road is met. This is the historic Bowman’s Road, more of which in it’s site, turn left until the road/path runs out. This is when the fun begins. Jump the stream and climb the hill, half way move out of the wood and into the clearance. I followed a tree forester machines tracks, I don’t know how I didn’t manage to break my ankles. Keep going over the hill down the other side heading to the tree line. Turn right for about 1/2 mile and look to the top of the hill eventually the cairn comes into view.

This, I would think, might be another cairn that will vanish without trace. However at the moment tree stumps with yellow ribbons indicate the ancient monument. Canmore are optimistic saying 15 meters wide, but the height of 11/2 meters is close. It is made up of white quartzs and earth, it’s centre has been dug out but there it remains in what would be beautiful place if not for the forestry. Treebeard would not be pleased!!

Being short of time I decided to take a more direct route back down. This plan was quite good for a while until I walked into a Christmas tree wood. Drenched within seconds, the next 1/2 mile or so was hellish, falling into boggy bits, branches in the face and for good measure several little streams to jump. However help was at hand as the occupants gave me dry track suit bottoms and socks, inviting me in for a cup of tea plus more info about the Bowman’s Road. Hurrah and heat!!

Visited 8/12/09.

Mr Hogan’s notes are extensive so my notes will be brief. At the moment the fields are so saturated with the recent rain getting there is like swimming in a mud bath. He’s right about the views. As well as Cairn Lee the cairns at Fisherie and Balgreen are nearby. Windy, soaked and caked with with mud, great fun!!

Visited 14/11/09.

This cairn overlooks the villages of Pitmachie and Old Rayne along with the busy A96. As can be seen it is grass covered, sometimes cow covered, and is 9 meters in width, half a meter high. It wasn’t a day to look about but there are a few rocky outcrops, it would be good to do a Tiompan, Cian etc...

When leaving Pitmachie on the A96, going north, turn left at the telephone exchange. Follow the track until the quarry, the remains of the cairn are on the hill behind. This ground at the best of times is boggy, so maybe it’s better to follow the tree line to the hill top, then walk north (climbing one fence) on firmer ground.

Visited 25/10/09.

Originally this had been a much larger cairn perhaps treble it’s current size, which Canmore says is 14 meters, I measured 9 but who’s arguing. It is set in surreal surroundings in amongst hills that look like mottes. Beyond is the Mill Of Brux, the River Don and the Lang Stane.

Leave the A97 after the Kildrummy Kirk, cross and follow the River Don stopping at Brux. A track leads from the mill, follow this until the quarry turning south and uphill at the fence. (If you walk straight on a ruined cottage is at the roads end) Follow the “path” which leads over the two of the “mottes” and straight to the cairn. There are several field clearance cairns on the hillside.

Visited 19/10/09.

(After taking the wrong road I noticed two dogs running in a field, sheep dogs in training I thought. Wrong, as an irate and frankly muscle bound shepherd appeared and gave me a screaming match for letting my dogs run amok. He was quite right except for the fact...I don’t own any dogs! However when he saw somebody shouting on the dogs....................)

Follow the directions to Cairn Ley then walk to the top of the hill. Fichlie is on the ridge of Glaschul Hill on the tree line. Once again superb views of the Don valley even on a misty/rainy day.

The cairn is 24 meters wide and some 21/2 meters in height. As can be seen in the images the centre has been hollowed, due to an excavation during 1880. It also looks like several shelters have also been made.

Lovely location, lovely site!

Visited 19/10/09.

This wonderfully positioned cairn has tremendous views of the Don valley and was of considerable size, at it’s widest 33 meters, 3 meters in height. However time hasn’t served it well as it has been robbed then field clearance has been dumped on it.

Cairn Ley can be found up the Glaschul Hill opposite Ley farm, it can be seen from the road, a good 600 meters or so. Take care behind the cairn as it is badly drained and marshy.

Leave the A97 after Kildrummy Kirk, taking the Brux road. Take the second road in a south westerly direction. Enough room for parking at the entrance to Ley Farm.

Visited 19/10/09.

The signpost, at least on the visit, should have said 100 meters public mud path! It couldn’t rain much heavier by this time but spirits held as the water proofs did their job.

This cairn is an ancient burial ground on two levels. The biggest being about 25 meters wide and almost a meter high. A crumbling dry stane dyke with some kerbs keep the cairn intact. Internally there is a small rise almost 10 meters wide, surrounded by a partially filled in ditch. Once again the views from here would be superb on a sunny day.

Leave the A97 just after Kildrummy Kirk, turning south east towards Brux. Take the first minor road east after Brux. Cairnoullie is at the top of the hill with the sign on the left.

Visited 19/10/09.

Turn east from the A97 just before Kildrummy Castle on the minor road to St. Bride’s Church. The cairn is next to road on the western side and is easily spotted thanks to tree that sits on top. Only one kerb remains in place whilst others are scattered. Rabbits and the tree make sure erosion occurs.

At one time the locals looked after the cairn, however the fence that once surrounded it has collapsed. The local church is at the end of the road and is worth a look.

Visited 19/10/09.

This souterrain is almost in perfect condition complete with it’s slab roof intact. The Romans get blamed for trashing most of them, but some escaped, Culsh and Ben Newe are both fairly nearby. Unfortunately it is estimated that more than 80 have been destroyed or ploughed in. Clova 1 is very similar to Tealing, the big difference, apart from the roof, being that the Angus model is getting good care from the authorities. This one isn’t which makes the rock art impossible to find to my untrained eye (I should have taken a torch), the entrance and exit are beginning to cover up with earth and weeds.

On looking down into the entrance I must admit to being scared as I entered the doom. Outside it was chucking it down, inside was surprisingly warm. Internally the souterrain is in fine condition with massive slabs above. Hopefully one day this site will be tidied up as it surely must be considered one of the North East’s best kept secrets.

It is over 200 meters, west, from the Muirs Of Kildrummy in the small clump of trees. Ask permission at the farm, the occupants are helpful and pointed out both sites. Take care not to jump the fence and land straight in it!!

Magical place!

Visited 19/10/09.

This lovely but fragile looking standing stone stands at just over 1 meter in height and is red granite. It is 50 meters to the east of Wester Clova farm on the banks of the Mossat Burn, beside the telegraph pole.

Travel south from the Muirs Of Kildrummy taking the first minor road right, west. The road ends at Wester Clova.

Visited 19/10/09.

This stone can be seen from the cairn at the Mill Of Brux. Therefore follow the road in a south easterly direction until Easter Sinnahard farm. I walked to the top of hill to the west of the farm, to avoid scaring cattle, then turned north. Walk the length of the field with stone being in the middle of the next one. It stands all by itself but is spied on by at least four quite close cairns.

Once again, thanks to Rhiannon and her fantastic folklore!

Visited 19/10/09.

Thanks to Rhiannon’s notes I finally tracked down this impressive standing stone. It stands at proudly at 21/2 meters. The rain and the mist giving a hint of some bedevilment. However the stone didn’t fall on me!

Travel south from the Muirs Of Kildrummy farm and take the first left. Continue until this track ends. The is stone is about 300 meters further on. Muddy and slightly boggy today.

Visited 19/10/09.

This is an overgrown site which will soon be consigned to histories scrapbook. It has been badly robbed, rubbish flung on top and is overgrown with whins and weeds. The only thing going for this site is the view, Bennachie rises up to the south so whoever was laid to rest here certainly had a lovely spot. Also one kerb remains of this 4 meter wide cairn, its difficult to decide on height because of all the obstacles.

Leave the A96 just north of Inverurie and follow the signs to Chapel Of Garioch. Turn south at the village taking the third left, Whitecross is signposted. On the hill there is a small wood, the cairn being a few meters south.

Visited 18/10/09.

Having walked the Macduff to Rosehearty route a few times, I decided to visit the Law Of Melrose by another route. Mistake!

Having parked just after the Newton of Melrose, on the B9031 travelling east from Macduff, farm it looked like a fairly short walk to the cairn. What I didn’t predict was the sharp drop into small valley, boggy at best, with three burns to jump, and a short but steep climb on the other side. Throw in a few barbed wire fences and the walk had become an obstacle course, with one person in the race I still managed to come in second! So much for the short cut.

The cairn has magnificent all round views, the Moray Firth to the north and excellent views east and west (as far as the Black Isle). Cairn Lee blocks the southern view, it’s views to the south are all the way to Bennachie. Grass covers the cairn which is over 28 meters in diameter and 4 meters high. Legend says that executions happened here, as does Canmore, but on checking, at the nearby and useful Banff Museum, no records of this could be found.

Took the same route back to car with my luck holding out. No visits to the burn...boost!

Visited 16/10/09.

This site, fortunately hasn’t been buried so I didn’t get the unwanted hat trick, is found on top of the Knock Saul Hill which is part of the small Suie range between Leslie and Clatt, Tullynessle to the south. There is a boundary marker beside the cairn indicating this fact. Several shelters have been made in the 12 meter wide cairn. It stands at 1 meter in height. Some stones sit 2 meters out circling the cairn, they might be kerbs but are more likely to be randomly dropped stones.

The views up here are spectacular taking in good views of the Garioch, to the east, Alford to the south, Tap O Noth to the west leaving the north to be hidden by fir trees.

Leave the B992 at Auchleven (Premnay) heading west towards Leslie. At Leslie turn south at the church and keep going until the road ends. I parked before Saul Farm as it is on a private road. Follow the tree line for at least 11/2 miles, tricky stream jump on way, until the Gordon Way is reached. Turn right, west, following the directions to the hills summit, the cairn is beside the path. My walk time was over 2 hours and towards the end it is pretty steep. The path is ok in parts and boggy in others thanks to horses churning up the “dubs”.

Visited 15/10/09.

After yesterdays sad discovery at Westertown little did I expect the same thing to happen again. On the way to Corbie Knap Greenhill farm is passed. So the perfect opportunity to visit. On asking permission to view the site I was told by the farm’s occupant that the farmer had grown tired of ploughing around the stones and had therefore dug a hole and buried them, leaving brown earthy marks. Nothing grows on this patch.

The occupant was genuinely sad but said some stones had been pulled aside and dumped round the farm, during previous site destruction. One had been set up in a neighbouring field, another beside the garden and two dumped in amongst piles of stones and farm waste. The circle must have been made of red and grey granite.

Follow the directions to Corbie Knap, Greenhill is on the north side of the road.

(Maybe safer for me to stay at home tomorrow!)

Visited 14/10/09.

Some 14 meters wide and 11/2 meters tall this cairn defys the elements and agriculture. At least here the farmer has the remains of the cairn, nearby cairns were dismantled for dykes and then ploughed into the land. Inside the cairn there is a cist which was opened then the cairn was rebuilt over it. There is bad damage to the northern side although some kerbs remain. Over the fence/wall and the southern side is more overgrown but at least it still has some shape. The cairn overlooks Cruden Bay and the North Sea so if coming here wrap up, the winds can be cruel.

Turn west, signposted Gask, just before Longhaven north of Hatton on the A90. Follow this road until it’s end, turn right and cairn is on the left about 50 meters into the field on the crest of Gask Hill, just before the Hillhead of Gask farm.

Visited 14/10/09.

When new barns were erected at Corskellie farm four large boulders appeared. After being turned over up to 56 cup and ring marks were found on one of them. Fortunately the farmer placed these near the fence at the minor road, therefore it didn’t suffer the same fate as happened at nearby Westertown.

Travelling south from Aberchirder, on the A97, cross the River Deveron at the Marnoch Bridge. Take the first right. If driving be careful this is a very hilly and twisty road. The minor road goes thru Corskellie farm after two miles. The boulders are easily spotted on the left hand side.

Visited 13/10/09.

Canmore’s description is short and to the point, “Fragments of an urn found in a small tumulus on a muir at Burnside Of Delgaty, were donated to the National Museum Of Antiquities of Scotland, by J. Stuart in 1853.”

The tumulus is small and somehow still exists overlooking the Delgaty Burn. Made from small boulders there appears to be a very small kerb ring on top. Another part of the Delgaty mystery falls into place!

Leave Turriff heading east on the Ardin road and stop immediately after the first bridge. The barrow is a good 300 meters south thru sometimes boggy ground.

Visited 9/10/09.

I don’t like to disagree with the OS people but surely some of their results for this site are misleading. Set on top of a hill, just outside Maud, this kerb cairn and it’s two smaller pals must have been massive, it’s appropriate it’s nickname is “The Giant’s Cairn”. Sadly only some of the kerbs remain but enough remain to give a fair picture. Massive boulders that might have surrounded the site have been pulled and piled into two massive heaps. Some explosive work, ah the local apprentices again fresh from Gaval no doubt, has happened here as quite a lot of boulders have drill marks in them.

Canmore say four, I say five near each other plus at least another six stones are earthfast of the biggest kerb cairn which has been hollowed out. This is quite easily the biggest area for a kerb cairn I’ve ever seen. I’ll put the Canmore link up for comparison.

More interestingly the OS says there are no trace of the two smaller kerb cairns slightly to the north. I have to say they are wrong. Both cairns have several small kerbs surviving and both have been hollowed out. Also both have little straight lines of stones heading north for a short distance. Perhaps an entrance of some sort.

To the south of the cairn there is some erosion. This gives an indication of how the cairn was build, loads of small boulders and earth.

Like Broomend and Pitglassie there is a lot going on here. To the north there is Auchmachar Cairn (visible) and RSC, Louden Wood, White Cow Wood, to the east Aikey Brae, West Crichie, Skelmuir, to the south Auchmaliddie, Old Maud and to the west Culsh (destroyed) and the removed cairns at Atherb. Maybe it’s just my mind doing overtime and running riot, which is nothing unusual, but this is a worthwhile visit. Good all round views of the rural area. Looked for ages amongst the boulders for any rock art but no joy!

Follow the B9106, Victoria Road, going north out of Maud crossing the South Ugie at the Old Maud Bridge. Follow the road until the first severe corner and follow the track up the hill, if coming south the Cairndale signpost will be seen. This is dead straight, stop at the first corner, the cairn(s) are on top of the hill in front. I intended to stay for a few minutes but did a Gladman and remained for about three hours! Right on!, as he would say.

Visited 7/10/09.

With a delivery van going miles astray I took advantage and went back to Woodside of Delgaty to look at the remains of another possible ring cairn. There are plenty of small quartzs and stones that look more like pebbles on a beach. The small cairn looks over towards Bennachie, 20 miles away. Although badly damaged by ploughing the width of cairn is approx 25 meters. Rumours of an excavation have yet to come to fruition.

From Woodside Farm, ask permission from Mrs. Shand, follow the tree line south until the gate. The cairn is clearly visible to the western side some 30 meters into a tattie field at present. Before looking at the cairn look amongst the trees to the left/east.

Near the fence could be a small but undamaged grass covered cairn. I posted an image to see if anybody could throw some light on the matter.

Visited 5/10/09.

Skene’s Wood, Greenlands, Balbithan and Larrick have many hut circles and cairns within them. Like Bellmuir, near Methlick, this must have been a close knit community living in the shadow of Bennachie. Larrick is the old Scots name for Larch, perhaps an indicator to local environs. Unlike the neighbouring villages these hut circles and cairns are to be found in a field only a few meters north of the house at Larrick.

Leave the B977 between Hatton Of Fintray and Kintore, taking the minor road to Inverurie. Larrick is the first track to the left. Parking is available at the house. Probably best to ask permission, as I did in a roundabout way.

The only reason for coming here was a conversation with my accountant who happens to be the accountant for the residents at Larrick. So cheers to John Smith.

Visited 3/10/09.

The community of Bourtie have a path that leads to the summit of the Hill Of Barra. I parked beside the old kirk and made my way thru various stiles and fields to reach the the summit. A walk of about 800 meters. This walk isn’t so popular as the Oldmeldrum (the Blankets) side, but I would advise it’s use, the stone circles at Bourtie and Shieldon are close by as well as the ring cairn on the Hill Of Selbie.

This was a well positioned fort with truly tremendous views over the Garioch area of Grampian. This path approaches from a south easterly direction, the first views being the three ramparts and the entrance. Nature did it’s job for the northern defences. Within the fort is Wallaces Stone. Robert the Bruce used it as a base to subjue the Earl of Buchan. Check the 1308 site. Why don’t they teach this stuff in schools?

As is usual up here the weather changed instantly and the customary drenching happened on the way down. Don’t let that stop you from coming here as this is the heart of rural Aberdeenshire. So a good starting point for anybody’s adventures!

Visted 3/10/09.

This stone can be found in the middle of Barra Hillfort and is a handy shelter. The picture shows the views over to Oldmeldrum.

Visited 3/10/09.