drewbhoy

There are many hut circles and little cairns in these woods near Kintore. This must have been a sizeable community. There could be up 20 huts here. The entrances all face south. Unfortunately forestry has taken over and many have been ruined or destroyed, some been run over by huge logging machines. I only found four but will return to find the rest.

I parked at the forestry commission track opposite the entrance to Greenlands farm. Good boots needed, this is ankle breaker country. Plenty of wildlife to see as well. After Hatton Of Fintray on the B977, leaving from Dyce, take the road north to Inverurie.

Visited 3/10/09.

This site has caused confusion for a long time in the town and amongst the people who take an interest in ancient things. Pub conservations often have an element of truth and in this case was proved correct. A ring cairn does exist at Woodside but this isn’t it, Canmores one is possibly 1/4 mile thru the woods to the west. Only running short of time, rain and dodgy footwear prevented further search for it. But I know where it hides.

Mrs. Shand kindly gave directions, she stays at Woodside farm, to both is interested in local history also explained many things. This ring cairn has no stones left but the cairn can be seen and the middle is hollowed out in a circular shape. But kerbs have been here possibly white quartz as a nearby pile proves. The inner kerb is about 10 feet in diameter, the outer being over double that. The height of cairn between kerbs is about three feet and is tree covered. Some damage has been done to northern side by a tractor. Unfortunately my photographic skills aren’t up to much so anybody wanting to do the place justice can get in contact thru the normal means. As for me I’m away to find the other ring.

Just to add to the confusion there is mean’t to be a stone circle near Delgatie Castle, fustrating cause I worked there some time ago. Add in a barrow and yet another cairn and the search becomes even better. Even more annoying they are all less than a mile from my front door!

From Turriff head north on the A947 towards Banff. Take first road heading east marked Delgaty and Cuminestown. Woodside farm is the first farm on the left at the end of the road. I asked permission to have a look round which was kindly given. Follow the track, east, behind the house until it’s end. Behind the cairn is the boundary fence. I was warned about the Highland Cattle but they seemed quite happy resting in the watery sun. Only a 1/4 mile walk but wear wellies!

Visited 30/9/09.

The northern side of this cairn is pretty well covered in grass with very little erosion. However on the south side the erosion is spectacular and probably man and animal made. Godsman makes mention of the cairn in his book as well as the Law Of Balgreen and the stone circles at Clochforbie and Auchnagorth, although the OS omit it from their maps. According to the farmer one kerb remains of the Bronze Age cairn. Sad and inspiring at the same time this cairn will gradually erode away, at least the photos will prove it existed.

From Macduff travel east towards Fraserburgh on the A98, turning south at the Pitgair signpost. Follow this road until it ends at Fisherie, turning left. The Mill Of Fisherie is signposted a further 200 yards along the road with the cairn clearly visible.

Visited 26/9/09.

This at some stage must have been a massive stone cairn, now only a small pile remains. There are loads of dry stane dykes in the area and its easy to see where the material to build them had come from. Visually the view looking north towards Macduff and Banff is stunning. At the valleys bottom runs the River Deveron, which enters the Moray Firth between these two burghs.

Leave the A947 at Macduff, near the cemetery, taking the road marked Myrus Circle, heading south west. After a mile a water reservoir is reached. The cairn is to the west. Best to use the gate before the resevoir and follow the dry stane dyke towards the three tallest trees. The cairn is on top of a raised mound. The empty space indicating the cairn’s original size. Not much to see but view is good on a nice day.

Visited 25/9/09.

Heading west from Insch on the B9002, take the road opposite Kennethmont primary school indicating Duncanstone. This road also goes past Ardlair RSC and it’s standing stones. Take the first right, after Ardlair, but be warned this road (I did say road!!) is tarred in places but there are also some very deep potholes. So a stomach turner! Tofthills is the fourth farm down the road.

The cup marked, on two faces, and cross incised, on the top, stone can be found near the garage or the gate to the back door. If parking a car you’ll very likely park next to the stone. I asked permission from the occupant, she was very friendly and interested as her husband is also interested in ancient things. Her pet dog also made me welcome. Canmore says 24 cup marks and they are correct. It is probable that the stone came from the destroyed circle at nearby Holywell. Well worth a look!

Visited 24/9/09.

From the Green Castle at Portknockie I walked the 11/2 miles westwards to Tronach Point along the well looked after coastal path. This is the same path that is a shambles further east at Cleaved Head, Macduff. I always find it strange that different reigons look after things in different ways, but that’s another matter!

Nothing much now remains of the Iron Age fort except that it’s defences where mostly natural sheer cliff face. Entrance from the coast depended on the tide being in or out, and even then landing would be some achievement considering the bay is full of dangerous rocks. Several dangerous paths track up and down steep grassy banks next to some severe drops. Not for the faint hearted.

Visited 21/9/09.

Portknockie, which means hilly port, is very pretty little village found on the Moray coast situated on the A942. The Iron Age fort is very easily found as it overlooks the harbour and village. Fortunately the locals have a good sense of history and have a marker board indicating the forts location.

A fairly steep climb leads into the forts interior. Look west and the fort at Tronach Point can be seen. Southern ramparts remain whilst the other three sides are protected by cliffs. Within the fort are the remains of a fairly substantial building and several large holes possibly for large wooden posts. Many caves are also in the area. The harbour is on the forts western side.

It’s good to see the local community actively take part in looking after ancient history. In fact the fishing industry is taken very seriously here as several monuments indicate. No bad thing!

Visited 21/9/09.

This barrow is to be found at the southern tip of Pitglassie wood. If walking from the northern barrow use the fields the way is barred by furze (jabby things), bog and fences. It is over ten meters in width and maybe a hut circle, according to Canmore. However it is easy to see why this place is here as there are excellent views to Bennachie, Knock and Noth as well as being surrounded by stone circles and standing stones. Chris had a theory about Broomend of Crichie, Inverurie being the center of a wheel with spokes leading to different sites. Perhaps these barrows are something similar cause there is a lot going on.

(To be fair the local farmer was going to get rid of all the trees and use the land for agricultural purposes. Thanks to the historic interest he hasn’t.)

Visited 7/09/09.

With a cold and flu symptons affecting schools I had plenty time to investigate this Iron Age fort.

Leave the main road just south of Boddam at the Cadet signpost. Pull into the right at the gateway 200 meters away. Follow the path for 500 meters, past the ruins of Boddam Castle, heading towards the coast. This path, in parts boggy, leads to Dundonnie, a north eastern stack.

The fort is reached by crossing on a narrow pathway/coll. Be careful when climbing up and down the paths are slippy and muddy. A rampart covers most of the western side of the stack curving round and continues along the northern flank. Turf banks have been added. This fort must have been quite considerable in size as the stack is a 160 meters in length by 60 meters wide. At least two buildings stood in the forts centre, it’s highest point, one of which has had a seat built on top of it. Three sides north, south and east are protected by sheer cliff face. The nearest natural harbour being north at Peterhead bay.

Visited 2/09/09.

This is situated about 100 meters to the north of the RSC nearer to the farm, on the Northern slopes of the Hill Of Fiddes. Another complete mess greeted me here as well. One stone bravely stands, 1 meters high 11/2 meters wide, whilst others have been toppled. Some have been covered in field clearance and some are overgrown. It’s a shame!

Visited 1/09/09.

I hadn’t looked behind this RSC the last time I was here. How I wished I hadn’t done this time! It’s hard to slag most farmers but this is a complete shambles. Circle stones have been flung on top of field/cairn clearance. Even a wind turbine, I did see that first time, must have required the moving of some stones although they had probably been already moved. It doesn’t even work!! Parts of farm machinery and waste heaps are close by.

Surely there must be laws against the vandalism of this nature. Angry now!

Re-visited 1/09/09.

This cairn is about 11 1/2 meters wide by 31/2 meters in height. Built on top of a natural mound several scattered kerbs can be seen with only two still in place. Quite a bit of erosion has happened rabbits and hares have ably assisted in this. It is encircled by a rather ruined dry stane dyke. Some trees also grow on the cairn. However it was built in a very tranquil place with nice views across to Balmedie and south to Aberdeen.

I parked at the small wood inbetween Balmedie and Belhelvie on the B977. (Beside and opposite the mobile phone masts) The cairn can be seen quite clearly from the road. Three fences, one stream, Eigie Burn, needs to be jumped and a 1/2 mile walk over rural Aberdeenshire. On a nice day like today, lovely.

Visited 1/09/09.

I approached this site from the north which proved to be an obstacle course. On the way back it was easier as I managed to find a bridge that crossed a stream instead of jumping. Gates instead of barbed wire fences. All the usuals. Take the first minor road east north of Methlick on the B9170. Keep going until this road ends at the Mill Of Sessnie. Walk back to Sessnie Croft and walk thru the field, over the bridge climbing the hill in front which will lead to a track. Turn south for 1/2 mile. The barrow is on the eastern side.

The barrow is has a ditch surrounding it which has all but filled up. Ground from the track to the barrow is also quite swampy in places. All the other details are in the Canmore pages, type Bellmuir. This area has many hut circles, causeways, a standing stone and probably most importantly the River Ythan. There are also rocky outcrops all over the place.

This place with its surroundings does have an aura about it. I know several sites have been excavated in the area and there’s a sense of maybe better things to come. Better to go on a nice day, and for a change when I visited it was.

Visited 23/07/09.

Crathie Point is one of a number of cliff forts in the area. The Iron Age forts at Durn Hill, Portknockie and Burghead being the nearest. All that is left at this magnificent setting is a northern rampart and a ditch at the southern point. Maybe the ruined wall is the remnants of the entrance. Both sides of the fort are sheer cliff face. Therefore the nearest natural harbour is at Sandend, 1 mile east.

To reach here leave the A98 before Cullen and follow the signs for Findlater Castle. Car parking is there. Just follow the path, the Buchan Coastal Walk, past the doocot and castle (which in it’s day must have been some place, stunning!) for about 1 mile. The ruins of the old wall/entrance mark the start of the fort. A very worthwhile walk and the coastal scenery is wonderful!

Visited 24/8/09.

Syd Halkett, the owner of Knauchland farm, kindly showed me an OS map from 1904 showing the original position of Kemps Cairn. The lid of the cist is kept beside a dry stane dyke up the small hill to the east of the steadings. It is 11/2 (approx) meters in length. Whoever was buried here must have been important as the views are wonderful.

Going south from Glenbarry, on the B9022, take the second minor road east and stop at Mid Knauchland farm. Ask permission from Syd and his wife, who are nice people and will give plenty of local information when asked.

Rhiannon deserves most of the credit as she pointed out that the cist was there in folklore notes for the nearby Conjure Cairn. Thank you!

Visited 24/08/09.

Bennachie is a the highest point in the rural part of Aberdeenshire and dominates the skyline from all over the North East. Several paths lead up it. The Lords Throat, Bennachie vistor centre, the Rowantree (Maiden Castle and Mither Tap hillfort) and the Back O Bennachie at Oyne. The Garioch walk also meanders over the several peaks of the hill. There are also two Gouk Stones, ancient settlements, cairns and Archeolink. More famously the battle of Mons Graupius, from which the region gets its name, was supposedly fought between the Picts and Romans. It is easy to see why the “ancients” held the place in reverence. Also the legendary Jock O Bennachie giant stories are still well known up here. The hills at Barra, Dunnydeer and Tap O Noth all faced his wrath. Truly magical and always will be.

Most of the paths are well worn but the climb is steeper nearer the top. The Rowantree path leads straight to the Mither Tap hillfort, with Maiden Castle fort being located near the car park. On a clear day the views stretch all the way to the coast.

Visited loads.

To the north of the Ringing Stone the Hill Of New Leslie stands looking up and down the Gadie Burn valley. This at one time must have been one of the biggest forts in the area although hardly any remains can be seen. Earthworks, barely visible, are on the northern slopes but most have long gone mainly thanks to agriculture. The best evidence for the fort is on aerial images so up goes the Canmore post.

As is usual, up here, the Tap O Noth and Bennachie can be seen. The climb is fairly steep but rewarding for the views at the top.

Visited 16/08/09.

After spending a pleasant afternoon at the football I went to the spectacular cliff fort at Cullykhan, near Gardenstown. With the lovely weather it was time well spent.

This place has been used thru time as a Cliff Fort, Castle and Battery. Various ditches and ramparts can be seen as well as some stone work. Like Cleaved Head on the western side is sheer cliff face, on the eastern a natural harbour. To reach the fort a path four feet wide with severe drops either side must be walked. Various finds are described on the Canmore pages below.

Cullykhan is further east than Gardenstown, on the B9031, and is signposted as Fort Fiddes. The road leads to a car park. There are two paths one to the fort, the other to the beach. If taking children heed the warnings signposted, the cliffs are imposing. Just to the west is a natural feature called Hells Lum. Pennan, the setting for Local Hero, can be seen from the fort in the east. Further along this road, near New Aberdour, is the cliff fort at Dundarg.

We won 3-1, still smiling and this place was the icing on the cake.

Visited 15/08/09.

Leave the A96, south of Inverurie or north of Kintore, at the Thainstone Agricultural Centre. Take the second minor road to the right for a mile turning left at the first farm. Follow this road to it’s conclusion and turn left. The stone is situated to the south a short distance from the track.

At last there hasn’t been angry looking cattle to stop me getting to the stone. This time sheep peacefully kept watch. Camies stone, grey granite, stands at 11/4 meters high and has good views of the Garioch. The remains of Cairnton stone circle are on the other side of the A96.

Visited 13/08/09.

When this stone was erected I’m sure the that they didn’t mean what was going to happen centuries later. People where executed at this stone as it stands over 2 meters in height. A dry stane dyke has been added either side. Unfortunately it’s mid section is also covered in barbed wire. For those who committed “lesser crimes” the nearby ‘The Pit’ was used, being a small pool you don’t need to think to hard to picture what happened here.

Take the B9031, heading north from it’s junction with the B9032, and stop just before the next crossroads. The stone is part of a wall in the fields to the west. Good views of the Moray Firth.

Visited 12/08/09.

Dundarg Fort sits beside a ruined chapel and castle. Ditches and banks protect the fort at the southern boundary. The castle extended one of the ditches to make a moat. Within in the fort post holes can be found. Once again superb all round views of the Moray Firth.

Going west from New Aberdour take the first minor road north. When this road ends turn west and stop at the next tarred road north. The road is marked private so I pulled my car into the verge to avoid any complaint. From here walk the 1/4 mile to Dundarg House. The path to the east leads to ruined castle and chapel, to the west leads to the fort and the beach.

Visited 12/08/09.

The wood containing two barrows sits on the eastern hill overlooking the farm of Mid Pitglassie. However the best access is found by approaching from Corrydown farm, the site of an RSC. Follow the directions to that site, the barrow is in amongst the trees to the south. Keep to the tractor tracks and nobody will be annoyed.

Nothing to much can be seen in the clearing except for the hints of a small raised mound. Some stones, from the barrow, can also be seen on the surface. But the site is mainly turf covered. The best place to find info about the Neolithic and Bronze age finds are in the superb archaeological notes by Alexandra Shepherd’s team. Excavation took place during 1978. I’ll post these on the Links section.

No fewer than 15 stone circles/cairns surround this site including another barrow at the southern end of the wood. But I’ll look for that another day.

Visited 10/08/09.

Car parking, for this site, can be found at the sadly unused and abused Tarlair Outdoor Swimming pool, Macduff. I remember, as a child, this place being crowded in the 70’s and later playing at it’s music festivals. Fortunately the Moray Firth coastal path, going east, is still used and leads straight to the fort after a short climb. At the top is the 14th tee, Macduff Golf Course, slightly further on is the 13th hole.

The first of the ditches is immediately behind the hole on the coastal side. Two ditches can be seen, one easily one more filled in. This small fort was probably wooden with tremendous all round views. A natural harbour can be seen on the eastern side whilst sheer cliff face is to the west. Therefore only one way in, one way out.

Watch out for falling golf balls at the unlucky 13th.

Visited 10/08/09.

Go to the Rowan Tree car park near the Chapel Of Garioch and the Maiden Stone, look left when entering. Walk through the quarry following the fairly steep track. This will lead straight to the fort. On the way some seriously large rocks would have hopefully been used to help with the defences.

The fort is almost 40 meters wide and has a later built enclosure/roundhouse inside. A ditch and rampart surround the site with much robbed walls still visible. Entrance to the fort was from the south.

Nearby is small grave yard probably connected to the nearby Pittrodie House.

Mither Tap is obviously more famous but this is a fine site well worth a visit.

Visited 9/08/09.

Re-visited 1/6/2017

This well weathered stone sits on the roadside near to East Blairbowie farm. It stands at 1.2 meters in height and has great views of Bennachie.

Leave the A96 north of Inverurie at the Balquhain/Chapel of Garioch junction. Look down into the valley and Balquhain RSC can be seen. Leave this road at next minor road heading south, marked Dubstone. The stone sits beside the first passing place on the west side.

Visited 9/08/09.

The farmer at Broadsea Farm was kind enough to show me to all the four marked stones. Canmore, whose decriptions I’ve posted below, say that there are three. They also describe them as carved and possibly cup marked. I thought they looked more like Bulluan Stones. Two of the stones having markings on both sides which means some of the cups can’t be seen. None of these stones sit in their original position.

Travel south from the Chapel of Garioch taking the third minor road east. Broadsea is signposted at this junction and is the first farm on the road, 1/2 mile away.

Now for the negative note or bum note for my job. Historic Scotland, who do a lot of good work, haven’t been very helpful here. One of the old dykes at the farm has fallen and the framer asked for assistance and aid. Seems reasonable. The “historics” sent tonnes of forms and bumpf but no help. Typical!!

Visited 9/08/09.

Situated at the edge of Aswanley Wood this cairn sits on top of the similarly titled hill. It is some 18 meters in diameter and was covered in grass, although by it’s shape it was obvious that this cairn had been badly robbed. Views up and down the Deveron valley are obscured by the trees. However directly opposite on the other side of the river are the cairns at Cairnborrow, Backtack and Newton Hill.

Leave the A920 at the minor road to Edinglassie, just before the Deveron if coming from Huntly. Follow this road for three miles, past Artloch, taking the first track north after Cairnargat farm. This track peters out to dead end. From here it is on foot following the edge of the wood, south for a 1/4 mile. Probably there would be more to see in the winter months if the roads are open.

Visited 7/08/09.

Strangely Canmore list this in with smaller cairnfield cairns. This cairn is at least 15 meters wide and and at it’s tallest is over 11/2 meters in height being made up of granites and quartize. At least two kerbs can be seen. Unfortunately it has been badly robbed. On the plus side estate workers have surrounded it with a fence and gate. To the south east, the cairn at Artloch can be seen.

I mean’t to find the other cairn at the top of the hill but the heavens opened so I ran back to the car. The car was parked opposite the Mains of Cairnborrow farm, on the A920. Take the track leading uphill, in a north easterly direction, leads straight to the cairn. About a 1/4 mile steady climb.

Visited 7/08/09.

This can be found at the top of the drive to Cairnborrow lodge, near the A920 Dufftown road, on the west side. Originally this stone sat on the other side of the road face down. However it was moved and sits so that all the rock art can be seen.

There are 28 cup marks, 10 with rings and 5 channels. Some of the markings have been badly weathered but I think it’s still a beautiful piece of art.

Visited 7/08/09.

This cairn remains reasonably intact except for a little damage caused by digging rabbits. It is 19 meters wide and 2.5 meters tall. The top of the cairn is flat and has a diameter of 5 meters. Turf and trees cover the site.

Go south from Mintlaw on the A952 taking the first minor road east. Take the track to Greenhill and Fordmouth, south. At the first crossroads head east. The cairn is next to the road, north, sitting on the slopes of the Gallows Hill. So for a change no walk.

Visited 5/08/09.

Follow the direction for Durn Hill as this badly robbed cairn is on it’s eastern slopes. As the path ends climb the fence and go east. After about a 1/2 mile the cairn can be seen.

Like other parts of the hill white quartize lies everywhere and forms the major part of the cairn which must have massive in it’s day. Large grey granites also form the cairn, and some sit encircling the site. The cairn now is only 13 meters wide by 11/2 meters tall. Once again superb views with the outskirts of Banff visible to the east as well as the Hill of Alvah.

After wandering round the Turra Show it was good to feel some fresh air and avoid standing in coo poo!

Visited 3/08/09.

Durn Hill towers over the small port of Portsoy and has good all round views. I parked at the quarry opposite Broomhills farm. From here a path leads so far up the hill then its watch your feet.

The fort is at the top, I went via the cairn, which means I climbed from the east. Earthworks can be seen at NJ573634 and Canmore suggests that there are various cists. Certainly there are plenty of large granite boulders lying about. However the hill is more famous for it’s white quartize, it’s everywhere. It seems that walls and ramparts for the fort were made from this rock.

To the south west the remains of a ditch and wall are visible, a shorter ditch is on the northern side. Two circular structures can also be seen, one as a hollow another built from white quartize, this might be a type of souterrain although I’m not sure.

Canmore says that the fort was unfinished and had three lines of defence. One thing for certain-the North Sea/Moray Firth has a very strong wind! The climb in places is fairly steep and the strength of the wind, today, helped the climber!

Visited 3/08/09.

This is an easily found, probably Bronze Age, cairn found in Lusy Law wood just to the west of Banff. From the middle of Banff find Duncan Street, keep going until it changes to Whinhill Road, go past the chippy and school playing fields until the wood appears on your left.

This path is used mainly by people walking their dogs and young alkies who leave their bottles lying about. About 50 meters into the walk turn left and wade thru the rather tall ferns and weeds until there is a clearing. In the middle there is a small version of the Law of Balgreen being no more than 15 meters wide and 1 meter tall. This is probably better visited during the winter months when all of the undergrowth will have gone.

Visited 3/08/09.

This cairn is over 10 meters wide and stands at 11/2 meters in height. It must also be about 50 meters in length facing towards the nearby Mormond Hill. Some stones surround the perimeter. These might be kerbs or the remains of cairn material. This cairn has been badly robbed and has been weathered thru time by the ravages of the North Sea winds and sand. The surrounding fields are covered in it.

Travel south from Fraserburgh, the Broch up here, and take the second minor road east. Stop at the Fortmartine and Buchan Way for access. A small climb follows to the easily visible cairn.

Visited 17/07/09.

Stupidly I trusted the OS map to be correct and expected a clear climb to cairn which sits near the top of Mormand Hill, behind Mormand farm at Strichen. After walking the first field I was met with an unpassable amount of whins (more like jabby things). Walking back towards the west I eventually found the remains of a path going uphill. This I followed until I chanced a sheep path leading thru the whins, just. More like wading into a ocean of little needles.

This lands onto an old road beside the White Horse, there is a stag on other side plus a former NATO early warning station, beneath the house at the top. This house has the title of Witches Lodge. There is also a smallish cairn beside it.

The cairn is a short distance ,a further 1/4 mile east, being beside the road being almost 50 feet wide. Most of the north eastern kerbs, quartz and granite, are there although some have been disturbed at some point. In the middle the cairn, at 4 feet in height, is covered with some stones, the bottom half being covered in whins. The southern arc has four massive boulders for kerbs. These are hard to locate because of the density of the undergrowth. However the scenery towards east, west and south is staggering, Bennachie and the highlands can be seen in the distance.

It is also called the resting cairn as “mourners used the cairn as a coffin rest stop.” Why up here? Then again why not!

To get back down I followed the road until the whins stopped, almost jumped a ditch and walked/limped another 2 miles to the car. At least it didn’t rain.

(A walk from the center of Strichen also leads to the stag and Witches Lodge. Damn!!)

Visited 30/07/09.

Sad to say that the circle is still overgrown and needs some looking after. When I was there a rainbow appeared and a watery sun lit the place up. Quite magical! (“like a Sparkle in the Rain”, as Jim Kerr would sing) Nipped down the road to see the Greater and the Nine Stanes on the way, eventually, to Cairnshee.

Visited 28/07/09.

Directly opposite the end of B974, at Strachan, a farm track leads uphill to the farm of Upper Shampher. The cairn is another 200 meters up the hill. Either climb the dykes or take the long way by following a, today at least, very muddy farm track. Nobody was in at the farm when I asked permission to park.

The cairn is about 25 meters wide and 3 meters high. It looks like it sits on a terrace or platform which is about 30 meters wide and over 1/2 meter tall. There are also some larger stones at the cairns base which are earthfast and suggest a kerb. Other larger stones seem to have fallen which hints at an outer ring but Canmore doesn’t mention these so I’m probably wrong.

Bucharn is a short distance away being situated on the southern slopes of the same hill, Goauch.

Visited 28/07/09.

Compared to Bucharn this place is a nightmare to find. Head east from the two Eslie’s and turn north at the next tarred road. Travel for about a mile and stop at the first track on the eastern side.

From here I walked until the road ended at the forestry work site. This is where it gets interesting. The first part is fairly steep but mainly ok underfoot if the digger tracks are followed. Once they end keep going until another forestry road is reached. Almost directly in front is a path of sorts that has been battered thru the trees. These are terrible underfoot conditions. Even this ends and for the last few yards it’s basically on your hands and knees. If lucky you’ll have ended up in a clearing with the cairn sitting in it’s midst.

The cairn, which is round in appearance, is about 23 meters wide and over 31/2 meters tall. On it’s southern side there is an enclosure. It is an impressive site. Originally there would have been all round views but these have been replaced by mainly fir trees.

On leaving the site I looked for an easier route down, which was in a north westerly direction. This leads to the main forestry works road, today the road was a river, which eventually leads back to the tarred road.

Visited 28/07/09.

Gladman is correct about the owners of the cottage of this site. They have cut a path, fitted several stiles and a gate to gain access to the site. That was just as well as the relentless rain of this summer started to pour down to give yet another drenching. Glorious views looking down the Dee valley even on a stormy day.

Visited 28/07/09.

Travelling south from Banff on the A97 turn off at the Alvah signpost. Stay on this road for the next 2 miles following the River Deveron south. Go past North and South Sandlaw farms stopping at South Sandlaw cottage. The cairn is directly behind the house beside the small wood.

Nothing much remains as the cairn has been heavily robbed to make dry stane dykes. Only one large stone and a small pile of stones, possibly field clearance, indicate the cairns existance. Shame as this site has nice views of the Deveron and the Hill Of Alvah.

Visted 20/07/09.

Leave the A920 Huntly to Dufftown road at the Haugh of Glass sign post and follow this road till it’s end. Turn left at the war memorial and travel south for about 3 miles going past the Nether Dumeath RSC. The fort/hill are easily spotted thanks to it’s unusual shape.

There is no path to the top so beware of hidden holes and bogs. At the top a cairn has been built in the midst of the fort. All that remains are ditches and one or two bits of dyke. The view from the top gives spectacular views up and down the Deveron valley. Best visited on a sunny day!

Visited 23/07/09.

Situated opposite the more famous Dunnydeer fort Christ’s Kirk is found on the south side of the B9002. Car parking is available as paths lead to the top with the last stretch being quite steep.
(The Christ’s Kirk, as in church, can be found to the south of the hill beside the farm of the same name.)
The real evidence for this prehistoric fort is with aerial photography which Canmore thankfully provides. Though some of the ditches of this unfinished fort can be seen by the naked eye.

Well worth a visit considering the amount of circles in the immediate area.

Visited 23/07/09.

After the relatively easy climb at Wheedlemont I expected something similar here. First the directions. From the middle of Rhynie this time head east towards Clatt staying on the same road for at least 11/2 miles, turning south at the road in the Parkhead Wood (apt for a Celtic fan I thought). Follow this road to it’s end. There are two tracks at this point, take the track to the right, most used, and walk until the woods end. The fort is to the left and a small gap in the fence allows access to the field. A farmer waved from his tractor as I walked past, he grinned as well.

I walked until the field ended at the wood, climbed the fence and turned left, north. To save being stabbed by the furze, jabby things, I walked thru the trees for about 50 meters.

The northern end of the fort is marked pile of stones of various sizes. This is the only real remnant of the fort except for the summit which is almost clear and oval shaped. To get there is nightmare of climbing thru the jabbies and such. Flies are much more preferable. The heavy vegetation also covers up the the two lines of defence. Entry to the fort is supposedly to the south-east but covered. Views to the south are good but northern sights are hidden by the trees although the Top o’ Noth can be seen by glimpsing thru the treetops.

To get back I followed an old sheep trail which led back to the track without me getting stabbed.

Visited 23/07/09.

Wheedlemont Hillfort, dating from the Iron Age, is on top of the hill, almost 400 meters west, opposite the farm of the same name. From Rhynie village centre take the Moss-Side road, south, go past the two circles and Templand, for about 2 miles.

It’s alias is Cnoc Cailliche which means “witches hill”, some folklore there then. Earthwork and an oval shaped ditch surround most of the summit and are clearly visible to the eye, as is the standing stone and hut circles in the valley below. The ditch at the bottom, to me , looked like an old wall and for a change Canmore and myself agree. As is usual the scenery is stunning with the nearby Tap o’ Noth dominating the area. The only things that attack here nowadays are the legions of flies.

Perhaps not the most important fort but still an excellent vantage point for the whole area.

I’m almost scared to say this but I will, there is a small cairn in the middle of the summit most definitely a hill climbers/walkers effort.

Visited 23/07/09.

As the booklet says there is a haunting quality about this place and it’s true. I found probably 7 kerb cairns in this area which is surrounded by high dunes seemingly removed from the real world. Indeed it seems that the dunes are here to protect the ancient power and monuments. I went looking for the ring cairn and once again found everything else except the original reason for the visit. Thank goodness, it means another visit because in amongst the dunes are cairns and probably more kerbs appearing from nowhere.

Three kerb cairns can be found near to each other. The first cairn to be seen is in reasonable condition, the other two are visible but have some of their structure still covered in sand. But sand and heather can move so one day they might be completely apparent.

Walk fom these kerbs thru a small gap in the sands/dunes and a big boulder will come into view. Beside it are two stones that form the start of another kerb.

From there keep going almost in straight line and another three kerb cairns of varying size come into view. Canmore has the exact OS references so I’ll put up their link as their descriptions will do this better justice than me. From here I doubled back, the wind was picking up and the rain was coming on plus I’d no waterproofs.

I parked just north of Newburgh and the River Ythan at the Greenhill parking area, on the A975. Signposts and booklets show the nature reserve , old church and visitor centre at Stevenson but no indications to the kerbs. So here goes.

Go thru the tree lined avenue, from the car park, for about 1/4 mile, then turn left. Follow this road until the gate, beside a rail carriage and caravan. a further 1/2 mile. Walk about 200 meters and look for a trampled path winding thru the dunes. This goes past several turf covered cairns and climbs the highest dunes. I turned left and walked along the ridge and eventually spied the first of the kerbs. This would be about another mile.

Now I know there must be more and I can’t wait to get back as this must be a place of hugh historical interest. This must be a dream come true for the archeo types.

Fantastic!

Visited 21/07/09.

Leave Banff on the A98 taking the first road to the south, left opposite the Inverboyndlie road. Go past Gowan Hill farm pulling in just at crossroads of two farm tracks. The remains of the circle are to be next to the track going west.

Canmore describes the site as having several stones and that might be right but it doesn’t say how the circle was blitzed. It is obvious just by looking at the stones that they were drilled and then blown up. There also might have been an inner cairn as there at least two kerb stones still in situ. So the circle came to a sad end but it did have tremendous views looking on to the Banff Links and the North Sea beyond. Lots of other finds happened here so I’ll put up the Canmore link.

Two stones are rumoured to have been taken to Colleonard House, on the other side of the hill, to be used as gateposts. I’m not sure as they look manufactured. However they do look old. No walk of any distance involved here.

Visted 20/07/09.

Stirling Cairn is found on the eastern side of the Hill Of Alvah. (there is also a cairn on the western side) Leave the A97, going south, at B9121, signposted Turriff, taking the first left. About 1/4 from the top of hill, eastern side, a track can be which leads to masts. Follow this for 1/2 mile and it leads straight to the cairn.

The cairn stand at about 65 meters in length being almost 8 meters tall at it’s highest. Although some severe mutilation or robbery has taken place there is more than enough here to give a clear picture of the original structure. Two stones remain of the kerb. The views towards Banff and North Sea are tremendous. Whoever this was built for must have been well respected. Even the cows behaved themselves, just!

Visited 20/07/09.

From Aberchirder travel south on the A97 until the signpost to Cornhill. Turn on to this road and immediately go left on to another minor road. Follow the road until the wood after Whitemuir farm, there is plenty room for car parking 100 yards from the start of the wood.

Walk back up the road until the wood ends, then turn left into the field. A further 100 meters and the white quartz stone can be seen, almost like a prisoner trapped within a small square fence. To be fair the farmer has done a good job in looking after this beautiful stone.

Visited 17/07/09.

To the north of Mains of Afforsk there is lay-by in which I parked to have a look of the OS maps. No tracks or anything could be seen but I estimated that I was at least 600 meters north of the farm entrance, which in theory put me closer to the cairn. I walked for at least a mile thru bogs, ditches and burns as well as dead trees and heather until I came to dry stane dyke. Turning right, therefore uphill, and kept going until the wall ran out. However luck was on my side and the forest clearing was just ahead with cairn in the middle.

The cairn is about 15 meters wide and 1 meter high. As Canmore says it has suffered thanks to the forestry work. I couldn’t find any kerbs or stones of any kind except one. This stone was cross incised and had scratch marks on it. Was it worth the hike probably, but after some photos were taken the heavens opened along with thunder and lightning. The speed of the weather changing took me by surprise so a soaking was added to my collection of cuts and bruises.

To be honest I was looking for the ring cairn and became lost. This cairn, luckily for me, appeared from out of nowhere. The ring cairn can wait another day and I’ll stop at Newton of Braco instead!
edit. Not being very wise on the subject the scratch marks are indeed Ogham.
Visited 16/07/09.

This site is on Ardgathen land as the occupant at Greystone hurriedly told me. So I went to Ardgathen and parked. The ring cairn is in a field about 100 meters away walking towards Alford. A brand new fence has been erected so better to walk down the lane to the gate.

All that remains, to my eyes, are the raised circular area, which may or may not be a wall. An outer kerb cairn with four stones can be seen. Admittedly some of these stones are flat to the ground. I counted 10 kerbs, earthfast, close to the circular area which would have made up an inner circle. One massive boulder, looking like seat, resides in the central area along with a couple of smaller ones. Coles said that he saw three rings of stone. The third ring has gone. Great scenery and all round views.

To reach here, drive thru Alford on the A944 turning south at the Kingsford road. Ardgathen is the first farm on the minor road.

Visited 16/07/09.