drewbhoy

Tombeg can be found just beside the B993 on the minor road leading to Balvack. Sadly the inhabitants at Tombeg farm have long gone and the place is in serious ruin apart from two sets of beehives still looked after by their owners. I parked at the farm and walked back down to the road and turned left, south, for only 10 meters. Look closely and the stone can be seen standing proudly amongst the trees on the Tombeg side. It is beautiful spot with many large boulders lying about.

Spoilt for choice in this area as some of the North East’s best circles are nearby. Beware of the nettles!

Visited 16/07/09.

On a day of some severe drenchings this was the last stop on the way home. Head 1 mile north from Oldmeldrum on the A947 and turn left at the Balcairn/Balgove crossroads. Travel for another 11/2 miles until the farm of Balcairn is reached.

With permission I parked and continued down the road until a farm track to the left appears. Walk about 100 meters and some gates on the left can be seen. The stone sits facing towards Bennachie 200 meters uphill in a field. Many years ago a second stone stood some 50 meters away but unfortunately it was removed. I would advise wellingtons as the cattle have churned the gate entrance into a quagmire. The lane isn’t much better.

Visited 16/07/09.

I spied this stone unintentionally whilst driving to a nearby recording studio and since then haven’t been able to find out anything about it. But exist it does. At Pitcaple leave the A96 go thru Whiteford and turn towards Wartle at Durno.

The stone stands in a field to the east 50 meters from the road. I parked opposite the farm walked down the track then back uphill to avoid annoying the horses. It stands almost 6 feet high by 2 feet wide and has superb views of Bennachie.

Visited 12/06/09.

This standing stone is situated about 1 mile to the south-west of the circle at the Backhill Of Drachlaw. Leave the B9024 at the Shielburn signpost and follow the road to it’s conclusion at the Newton Of Fortrie. The stone, which stands at almost 6 feet in height 4 feet in width, is in a field 50 meters to the south of the farm.

Visited 12/07/09.

Patrick Will, from the Mill Of Kelly, told me to look at gateposts on my way up here. Most of the other stones have found different jobs. He was right. I counted at least seven stones all probably from this circle being used for the purpose he mentioned. The one remaining stone still remains in the wall and is now covered in jabby things, both natural and man-made.

If using the car follow the directions as for the Wood of Shivas. Walk slightly to north of the wood and follow the old dry stane dyke west. Some rocky outcrops are in the field after the stone but big cows were taking to much of an interest in the two of us.

Visited 7/07/09.

Leave the A920 at the Edinglassie road, 2 miles from Huntly on the way to Dufftown, and keep going until the Mains Of Artloch. Go another 500 meters and the Hill Of Backside is found. Plenty of room to park.

Climb for about 300 meters following the ridge of a destroyed stone wall. At its end is the kerb cairn. There are four kerbs in their original place with others laying strewn. 4 stones a meter or so in length lay beside each other a few meters north of the cairn. A pity that ploughing and other agricultural damage has happened here as probably most of the original stones remain. The cairn is reasonably intact apart from some damage done by rabbits.

The cows here certainly behaved better than their pals at West Hatton keeping a close watch from a distance. The scenery looking up and down the Deveron valley is quite wonderful. One of the nicest Backsides I’ve seen!!

Visited 11/07/09.

From the village of Largue, really a row of houses plus a school on the B9001, turn towards Auchaber Church. At the church turn left up the hill. About 1 mile from here two woods are entered, Aucharnie on the left Auchaber to the right. For cars there is enough room to park safely.

Enter the wood and walk down the middle for about 100 meters. To the left are the two stones that are the original site. Another granite stone 50 meters right, a meter in length, and another two 50 meters further downhill, similar length also granite, are supposed to have made up the rest of the circle.

Visited 2/07/09.

Leave Kintore by the B977. Instead of heading over the bridge head straight on towards Deystone and eventually Kinellar Church (flanker in the wall place!!) is reached. Turn right, at the church, and pass Cairntradlin Farm. Fortunately a new road, not on the OS, has been made, take it turning right in the process. Travel a 1/4 mile approx and pull in. The standing stone is about 100 meters to the left. Follow the tractor marks and no crops will be harmed.

This stone stands at about 11/2 meters tall and has, to my eyes, no markings on it. I know Chris has a theory about Tyrebagger and line of straight stones, taking in the circles at Tuach and Cairnhall, leading to the destroyed circle at Inverurie and the henge at Broomend. I think it goes even further taking in Brandsbutt, some more standing stones eventually ending at Balquhain. This stone would be part of the straight line. Who knows but there is a lot going on here!

Visited 9/07/09.

Go thru Kirkton of Skene and take the first tarred road left over the Auchronie Hill going past the standing stone of the same name. Go to the end of this road and turn left. The site is a further 1/2 mile and space has been provided for at least two cars to park.

Open the gate and you will face a modern wall surrounding the white stone which has been concreted into the ground. It is some 41/2 feet wide and 21/2 feet high. Although this stone has been here a long time it has “Drum Stone/1411/Harlaw” inscribed.

Visited 9/07/09.

I entered the town of Westhill from the north, a well used short cut for commuters, and turned left at the roundabout, in the centre of the town. As the town ends any decent tarred road ends to be replaced by one of the worst roads I’ve ever driven. The next 1/2 mile was slow and punishing for both the car’s and my health. The road thankfully finishes, turn uphill pulling in to the side as road widens on the ridge of the hill. Helpfully a wooden step has been provided to gain access to the field. The cairn is a short walk of about 50 meters.

The long cairn is in the field to the left and has been heavily robbed. It might have been a chamber cairn, certainly according to Canmore a cist was removed. Today it retains it’s original shape being some 52 meters in length and 12 meters wide. At the east end some larger boulders certainly hint at a larger monument. However some newer field clearance has been flung on top and cows can clamber all over it.

As for the cows, they weren’t as friendly as their cousins at Auchronie on this occasion. A gate had been left open at the bottom of their field and they piled onto the cairn as I was taking photographs. Being a bit of a wimp I jumped the fence into the lower field and made my way back to the road.

Visited 9/07/09.

Nothing much to add to what Chris says. You can park at the houses further down and walk along an old path heading east. Then walk south along the dry stane dyke, climb over another and the site is reached. There are some massive piles of field clearance here and it wouldn’t be surprising if the missing stones are buried here. The other unusual thing is that two of stones stand beside but are not part of the wall. The other stone being further into the field. As for the site record.....

Visited 9/07/09.

Head west from Westhill on the A944 turning right, north, onto the B979. Go thru the village of Kirkton of Skene taking the next tarred road left when back into the countryside. This road climbs the Auchronie Hill. The standing stone, which stands at about 11/2 meters tall, is about 1/4 mile away from the junction. Unfortunately the cows, who today weren’t in a bad mood, at least at this place, use it as a back scratcher.

It seems that the stone looks longingly towards the Tyrebagger and the famous circle situated on the other side of the hill. Still, it looks safe and strong enough being only a short distance from the road.

Visited 9/07/09.

Canmore say this site is covered in furze, bushes and jabby things. They should also put in a warning for invisible rabbit holes, this place is an ankle breaker but not today. It’s impossible to make anything out on the hill itself because of the vegetation. If there is a kerb cairn I couldn’t find it although there are some rocky outcrops.

To get here leave the A96, north of Inverurie, at Pitcaple and make for the village of Durno. Take the first left as the village is entered. Ask permission at East Law farm to park. The occupants are friendly people and climbed the hill, as well, which is directly behind their farm.

Visited 5/07/09.

Turn towards Insch from the A96 using the B992 taking the first left up a hill past Little Lediken. Stop when a clump of trees can be seen to the left about 1/2 mile. The cairn, which is almost 10 meters wide, is amongst the trees. It has been well robbed and is now turf covered. Most of the contents are probably in the dry stane dyke which partially surrounds the site. Once again excellent all round views including Bennachie, Tap O Noth and Dunnydeer.

From the B992 to this point the road is tarred leaving a short 50 meter walk to the site. Only a couple of fences to climb. At South Lediken the road reverts to track so I turned and went back the way I had come. People driving tractors waved as I parked so I don’t think they are to bothered about visitors.

Visited 4/07/09.

Take the Banff road, the A97, from Huntly and after 1/2 mile turn of towards Brideswell. Climb the hill stopping at the top when Newtongarry Wood has been reached. If using a car there is plenty room to pull in on the north side. This is the same side as the barrow.

Walk up the middle of the sparse wood, climbing two fences until a clearing is reached. The barrow is in front being almost 52 meters in length. Its builders had an eye for scenery as this is a beautiful resting place. Turf covers the barrow now.

A further 30 meters along the hilltop there is another smaller round cairn also turf covered. Some of it has been destroyed by animals which makes a change to humans.

A walk of about 1 mile. A wonderful calm place.

Visited 2/07/09.

Pretty hard to beat Mr Hogans (to serious for me and at school I was told the battle was at nearby Cruden Bay) comments. The farmer has signposted the cairn-good, put a path to and all round the cairn -good and left it open at one end so that cows could get in and chase me back to the car-not so good. Otherwise everything that Mr Hogan describes is there except the mess on my boots!

Visited 31/06/09.

Longside is sited on the A950 and near the centre of the village turn north onto Station Road, then Station Terrace following the road as it turns left. Keep going until a signpost marked Ardlaw footpath is seen. Be sensible and leave the car. Walk for about 1/4 mile and some gates will be reached. Turn left entering the field on the right and walk diagonally across this field to another gate. The kerb cairn is found in the next field about 50 meters in.

Luckily for me the farmer drove me in his 4x4 to the location. He was genuinely proud that this ancient monument was on his land. 4 stones of the kerb remain with others probably hiding beneath the turf and heather. A circular raised mound is behind the stones giving the hint of something larger. Indeed this would be the perfect spot for a RSC because of tremendous all round views. To add weight to that argument near the gate, in the same field, are massive boulders which have obviously been cleared away. Sadly I didn’t see any cup marks. Trees at some stage had also grown here but only stumps remained.

The farmer also added that he had stopped ploughing these fields as he ploughed large boulders on almost every occasion. In the next field, nearer South Dumpston, there is also loads of stones which I’ll have a look at later.

Good on the farmer!

Visited 31/06/09.

There are two cairns here, both close to each other but in totally different surroundings. Leave the A98 just after the A950 junction and take the road to Pennan. Cummerton Farm is about 31/2 miles away. Stop just after the farm at the next gate, right side going north, for plenty of car parking space.

To the right is the badly mutilated and robbed cairn which is going to gradually vanish. However the shape of the cairn can still just be made out and cairn material can still be seen sprinkled on top of the small hillock.

Visited 29/6/09.

Castle Hills are two naturally built mounds near to Upper Boyndlie farm. Leave the A98 at Boyndlie Hall, the farm is a mile down the road. Take the track opposite Upper Boyndlie and continue for 1/4 mile. Here the track widens leaving plenty room for car parking.

The two castle hills are on the left and are called the Eastern and Western. Loads of discoveries have have been found here, see the link, and they have been taken to Aberdeen Museum.

On the western hill can be found the cist, a stone which measures 1.4mx0.6m. From the track to the hills is short but steepish climb. Easy to see why have their names. Today was very warm and sunny, but on a cloudy/misty day I would imagine this place might be quite scary!

Visited 29/06/09.

Although this cairn is called Cairneywhing it is actually in a field on the opposite side of the A98. Turn from the A98, after the A950 junction, and head north for 1/4 mile on the Pennan road. Gonar Farm is to the left, the cairn is 50 meters into a field to the right. The best way to describe this is to imagine Berrybrae minus it’s circle. A small dry stane dyke, along with trees and a barbed wire fence, surround the cairn which has been well robbed leaving a small grassy mound. The wall being probably built with cairn material. On the plus side are the views. Locally it is known as “Picts House”.

Visited 29/6/09.

This 2 meter high granite stone is all that is left of a rumoured circle and it still stands taller than the crops. It is in the perfect place for such a monument and has good views of Bennachie.

Leave the B993 at Keithhall taking the road to Dyce, go thru the village of Kinmuck and turn first left towards Peathill farm. About 1/4 of mile down this road cars can be parked, on the right. The stone, which leans at a precarious angle, is in the next field, keep to the tractor marks.

Visited 28/06/09.

Head from Banff to Huntly on the A97 stopping at the first lay by. The cairn is found by climbing up the Hill of Alvah, west side, thru the trees moving past some field clearance. Once there several mounds are in front, the cairn has large stones on it’s south eastern side. Originally two cairns stood here but one has been completely destroyed. Canmore states it was built during the Bronze Age. Stirling Cairn is over the other side of the hill towards the east.

Alternatively a walk starts at Duff House, Banff which leads to Bridge Of Alvah, visit Stirling Cairn then climb over to the cairns on the western side.

Visited 26/6/09.

Very easy fieldnotes. From the A96 north of Inverurie follow the road to Chapel Of Garioch, going past Balquhain RSC. From here go south following the signposts to the Bennachie Vistor Centre. The walks are indicated on large signs, indeed the walk is known as the Gouk Stane walk. Plenty of car parking.

Visited May 09.

The Law Cairn is situated just north of the A98 after the A950, towards New Pitsligo, signpost. Take the first track after Craigmaud farm, left, and follow it for a 1/2 mile. Supposedly two roads are here but they have long since grown over. However there is a rusty gate, to the right, and the cairn is about a 50 meter walk. Very overgrown to start but as the site is reached it clears. It is 60 feet wide and surrounded by a dry stane dyke, some three feet in height. with the cairn reaching 5 feet. The middle of the cairn is hollowed out. Good views looking over to New Pitsligo. Other scenery is blocked out by small trees. No sign of rubbish as mentioned in Canmore.

Back to the main road and another 200 meters or so further along a signpost saying the Law Cairn can be seen. This track is a dead end and the road to the cairn has vanished. Slightly misleading as I found out.

By the time I found it the night and mist was setting in. Looks like another visit.

Visited 24/6/09.

It was -10 when we, the two Johns + me, visited the Clava Cairns. A walk down from Culloden, a sad place, warmed us up. All posts say what I would say except that there is a badly ruined ring cairn on the other side of the road opposite the car park entrance. Treaclechops has the right idea.

Visited 24/12/08.

The views are still there and trees haven’t grown back. This is a spectacular place with magnificent views. Leave the A944 at Tillyfourie joining the B993 and follow the signposts. Keep going to the end of the forest track, cross the field and Deer Park at Monymusk is found.

Visited July 08 and frequently since. Good walks and cycling.

Leave Kennethmont, situated on the B9002, using the road opposite the primary school. Ardlair farm is about a mile from here. The farmer has signposted the route. Up the hill for some pretty decent views. The two outliers are supposed to have pictish markings, but I couldn’t make out anything. Still it’s worth a visit.

Visited September 08.

The last time I was up here the circle was a bit of shambles. The fence was ruined, cow droppings and one of the cows had pushed one of the circle stones over. However the fence has been put back up and the droppings removed therefore the place is much tidier.

On the south of Strichen leaving by the A981. Immediately after crossing the North Ugie Water follow the signs to the stone circle. After finding this go try and find Louden Wood!

Re-visited 17/06/09. (As Chris says it is a nice place)

Rhynie is situated on the A97 south of Huntly. Make for the square, easily spotted as the church is there, and leave by Moss Road. Follow this road, passing Templand and Upper Ord, for approx two miles looking to the left. The circle is in the field only a short distance from the road. One stone still proudly stands, another lays fallen whilst two have dragged away to beside the road being now hidden amongst bushes. Must have been impressive!

Visited August 08.

Since Greywether’s visit in 05 several changes have happened. My first visit included walking past a pig farm with all kinds of....dodgy stuff to walk thru. The second time, the place had been churned up by tractors making the place a mud bath. However on this occasion the site was animal and mud free.

Old Rayne is found by leaving the A96 at Pitmachie. Go past the hotel, sadly now closed, and leave the village at the Market Cross. The circle is less than a mile in a field to the left. One stone remains upright with the rest fallen.

This circle is more commonly known as Candle Hill and this is a common feature in the area. RSC’s at Ardoyne and near Insch are built on hills with the same name.

Visited 21/06/09.

This a stunning stone, in stunning place with stunning views of Bennachie. There are two ways, I know, to get here. Walk from the Hatton Of Ardoyne RSC towards Oyne is most definitely the wisest. The route I chose on this occasion included crossing a railway so beware of the trains. Opposite the Back Of Bennachie road, on the B9002 at Oyne, a road leads to Bogandy Farm. I parked here with permission. Climb over the fence and head up the hill crossing the railway. The now inhabited farm at Westerton of Petmathen is reached. Follow the track up the left hand side thru the trees. Once in the clear the stone is in the field to the left. It stands at more than 21/2 meters high and is more than 11/2 meters wide. This is beautiful place with the sound of birds of prey flying above keeping the visitor company. There is no evidence to suggest that a circle stood here but at least one stone nearer the farm, being used to hold up the gate, hints at possibly something bigger. Plenty of large stones lay all over the place.

The farm at Westerton Of Penmathen has an interesting title on the front door ” SQUADRON LEADER PHILLIP LEITH D.F.C. U.E. M.Sc., WESTERTON OF PETMATHEN.

Re-visited 21/06/09.

Travel east from MacDuff on the A96 and cairns of Melrose, Lee and Longman are close. Keep going thru Longmanhill until the sign post to Fortrie. Stay on this road, south, until the crossroads then turn left. Go past Balgreen farm and stop at the next farm track on the right. The cairn which resembles a motte is in amongst the trees being only a short walk. This is also a place at which time has stood still, the trees almost protecting the cairn, the only intrusion being a small shed for firewood.

The cairn itself is 27 meters wide and 4 meters high, with the top being flat and 7 meters wide. It is made of earth and small stones but is now covered in grass. Years ago people believed that fairies used this place as a meeting place. As is usual up here don’t pronounce the word as it looks say ‘Bah Green’ quickly.

Visited 20/6/09.

This is best visited as part of the hunt for Louden Wood RSC and the White Cow Wood Ring Cairn. The road to Gaval farm is the first road east/right north of the White Cow Woods. Gaval farm is signposted and the one stone stands about 20 meters into a field bang in front. As I was just about to leave a man who was driving a tractor stopped at the farm junction and said that the stone at the gatepost to this field and another across the road came from the circle. He then mentioned a cairn on Mormond Hill, but today it was pouring so another day for that one. As is well known apprentice masons did some vandalism to the recumbent, tragedy as once again good views.

Visited 17/6/09.

This can be seen from the petrol station at Port Elphinstone. Two stones are original, the third, furthest right, has Pictish markings and was moved there during the construction of the railway. A long time ago there was an avenue of stones leading to a RSC. Two of these stones remain, one beside the henge, the other in the garden at the paper mill end towards Kintore.

Seen every week, as like others I often sit and have some lunch!

The Cryla Wood walks are the most direct route to the circle. These can be found by heading down the road opposite the end of the B9106 at its junction with the A950. Climb to the top of the hill. Cairn to the left, the circle to the right beside a tree and a pile of field clearance/circle stones. Two stones remain one in the field, one beside the tree of an original nine. Once again excellent views and feeling of what if!

Visited 16/6/09.

Insch is found on the B992 which goes thru the centre of the small Garioch town. Dunnydeer is signposted, the road goes past the chip shop, with the car park about 1 mile away. Two paths reach the circle but one walk, for the fit, can cover both the hill fort and the circle. The climb up to the fort is quite short but also very steep with stunning views at the top. Across the valley is the Hill Of Christ’s Kirk another former fort. Bennachie and Tap O Noth, as always it seems, can also be seen.

Follow the path to the tall wooden gates, the circle is another 500 yards. Only the recumbent and the two “shoogily” flankers remain. Follow the path down the tree line to the road. Move east towards Insch back to car park. Obviously this would be easy route to the circle as it is only a gentle slope. A signpost marked Standing Stones shows the way. It is about another mile back to the car park. Total walk 3 miles and there are plenty of nearby RSCs so plenty of leg work to be done.

Visited July 08.

Tarland is situated on the B9119 and in its centre is Meglum Road. Follow this road out of the village and take the farm track to the left. The standing stone is the sole survivor of a RSC and can be found about a 1/4 mile up the track next to the road. Slightly further along is a cairn and the remnants at Meglum.

Visited 11/10/08.

I really have Tiompan to thank for these directions because I’d walked past it several times and didn’t use my eyes properly.

The village of Ythabank is on the B9005, from here take the Schivas road north and if in a car park at the disused quarry. Continue walking north until the trees stop entering the wood on the left side. Climb the gate and about sixty meters further on a single tree can be spotted. The cup marked boulder is literally next to the tree. Underfoot conditions are treacherous. This is ankle breaking country as cattle have churned the ground up leaving hidden holes. Add to this the burned bracken and ferns, it makes the stone hard to find.

There are four cup marks on the stone. If you walk further on underfoot conditions become easier and more sites can be found. A hut circle and Fedderat cairn are close at hand as well as plenty of rocky outcrops. I wouldn’t think this is the best example of rock art but the views over the River Ythan make it all worth while. Good boots definitely required.

Visited 8/6/09.

Head north from Logie Coldstone on the A97 and turn left at Loanhead Farm. Parking can be found at the end of the tarred section of this road. Taking advantage of a rather pleasant day I walked from here taking the first right past Ladieswell Cottage. The circle is short walk from here. A small path, to the left, leads to the site which consists of a remarkable recumbent stone, inner cairn, circle stones and a dyked pen. (I’m not really sure what this is) At one time this had been fenced but time had taken its toll. The Ladies Well spring is a short distance to the south.

From here I continued my walk in a circular fashion, no pun intended, arriving at Balgrennie. The residents here explained that several visits had been made by Historic Scotland people with a view to restoration. Nothing has happened yet which is maybe a good thing as at this site history and nature seem to be at ease with each other. The forest and ferns giving the place a real sense of time.

Visted 12/6/09.

The easiest fieldnotes ever. Underneath the memorial, in Huntly Square, are last two stones of a stone circle. Enter Huntly from the roundabout ,on the A97, George V avenue which leads to Gordon Street and the square. The Picts took advantage but their markings have been beaten by natural causes.

In the centre of Huntly.

From Huntly travel south towards the village of Rhynie on the A97. Just before entering the village is the Mill Of Noth farm, left hand side. Parking is available on request. The stones are behind the farm. Go past the wood art, thru the gate and over an barbed wire fence to get close up. They both stand at almost 7 feet tall looking strong and frail at the same time. The road in the background, in one of the pictures, leads to Corrstones.

Visited April 09.

Lagmore east is found beside the A95 at Ballindalloch golf course, at the Bridge Of Avon. There is plenty of car parking space. The site is only a short walk. On the hill above is the more famous Upper Lagmore, if arriving from the north Marionburgh will have been passed. In the past this was a very dangerous road, it has been upgraded in recent times but still needs care.

Visited 23/12/08.

Head north from Torphins on the B993, St. Marnans Road, taking the first left signposted Learney. At the end of this road the standing stone is in the field in front. A walk of about 100 meters, slightly uphill. Parking can be found beside the Mill Of Learney. This granite stone stands at around 5 feet tall and was probably part of a circle. Punters at the nearby pub still say that it was a druids meeting place.

Visited October 08.

Follow the same directions as used for the Hill Of Selbie to reach Little Hillbrae. There are two badly robbed and hollowed out cairns close to each other.

Use the path as described and climb the fence, following the fence to the top of the hill. Climb another fence and turn left heading down the the hill. The first cairn is on the left, head further onto a farm track turn right and the next cairn is a few meters in front.

Not much to see at the cairns but the scenery is stunning. With a pair of binoculars the RSC at Bourtie can be seen.

Visited 8/06/09.

Leave Inverurie on the B9170 heading towards Oldmeldrum. Take the first tarred road to the right and climb to the top of the hill. Little Hillbrae is signposted, with the actual Hill Of Sekbie behind. Keep going until the track stops at the farm. If taking the car ask permission to park and to also climb the fence at the back of the house. A rarely used path leads to the fence. Canmore says 440 meters in a South Easterly direction. Far easier just to walk diagonally across the field to the top corner. The ring cairn is in the next field over another fence. I went to see the nearby cairns first, in the opposite direction so I would estimate about a 11/2 mile walk. (visiting both sites)

The views from here are stunning as they look down on Inverurie, towards Aberdeen and beyond, Bennachie, Tap O Noth and the Knock Hill. Only the Bourtie Hill behind blocks any view.

Unfortunately field clearance has been dumped here but there is enough to imagine that this was an impressive site. The outer ring can be seen in parts, five stones are clearly visible. The inner ring can also be traced thanks to earthfast stones. Canmore says a 3 foot stone is missing from the middle but I found one in amongst the gorse. At the top end of the field another stone of equal height is used as a gatepost.

Must have been impressive before it was robbed!

Visited 8/06/09.

Go south from Hatton Of Fintray on the B979, crossing the Hatton Bridge over the River Don, and take the road to Dyce after passing Kinaldie. Although the stone, at Kinaldie, can be seen steep banks and the main Aberdeen to Inverness railway line block the way. Moving onto the Dyce road go past the council depot and if using a car stop at the first unofficial lay by. It has to be said that this road is a mess. Climb the small brae and the site is a further 1/4 mile in a field.

The stone is now part of a fairly ruined dyke. Standing at 3 meters tall this is a very impressive piece of granite. Canmore says it is shapeless but I disagree. The stone has a triangular top and makes a wonderful addition to the landscape. Great views to the north. Tyrebagger Hill to the south.

Visited 7/06/09.

Just on the right side of the road that connects Insch to Old Leslie, about 1 mile. As Greywether suggests park slightly further up from the site. Two massive stones remain not more than 20 meters from the road. Keep going to Old Leslie, at the end of the road, and Braehead is on top of the hill in front.

Driven past weekly.

Drumfours is tragic case of what might have been. The one remaining stone has fallen beside others possibly field clearance. Less than 20 meters away is another pile of stones. Some look the right type for a circle but who knows? Depressing really!

South from the Bridge of Alford on the A980 go thru the village of Muir of Fowlis and take the Leochel-Cushnie road. Drumfours is indicated to the left. Follow the track to the first severe corner, the remnants are in the field to the right.

Visited 4/06/09

This is a beautiful and tranquil place, Tomnagorn RSC, with three circle stones still standing the others having fallen. The recumbent and east flanker still stand, the west flanker being broken. The inner circle/kerbs can still be seen and is connected to the recumbent.

Coming from the north head south from Milnbank on the B993 and stop at Tomnagorn farm, just after the signposted Bankhead junction. The present owner is a very pleasant chap whom along with his sidekick showed the way to the circle. Parking is available on request at the farm. When entering the farm look up the hill and the remains of a dry stane dyke can be seen. Follow this, go thru two gates and a serene wooded area with the RSC awaits. A total walk of about 1/2 mile.

Visited 4/06/09.

This is quite a difficult place to get to. Leaving Turriff by the B9024 take the Balloch Brae road, first left. You can see the circle and Corrydown. A road, at Uppermill Farm 3rd tarred road on the right (4 miles from Turriff), on some maps has gone and the Glasslaw burn has to be crossed. Far better to go further along the towards Thornliebank, past Pitglassie, turning left to Auchterless at its crossroads with Fortrie (past the Greymuir Cairn). On the way visit Mains of Hatton RSC go past the farm of the same name then turn left/north until the Backhill Of Thomastown. From here I walked the 11/2 miles to the Corrydown farm. The circle is in the field to the right being easily spotted as it is surrounded by a fence.

The recumbent is still in situ with a fallen flanker. Other stones have been moved as the folklore tells. At the northern end there appears to be a small kerb cairn.

I mentioned three sites but at least another five are in the near surrounds. To me, this would make an excellent day. Good boots – varied terrain!

Visited October 08.