drewbhoy

Follow the B9025 from Turriff to Aberchirder road and leave it at the Bogton junction. Go through the hamlet, past the garden centre another 1/2 mile and the first of the entrances to Carnousie Castle, at the lodge, is reached just after the sharp corner. Go onto the track and keep going until a crossroads is reached. To the right is the castle. It is better to ask permission as there are often shooting parties in the area. Back to the track and move downhill until a road, to your left, appears. Climb the gate and follow the tree line back uphill, climb a fence through another gate and the site(s) are reached.

Cairn Ennit

Like the Carlin Stone it’s builders have taken advantage of a massive boulder and used it to make a similar RSC. Much smaller stones were used to form the circle, which can be just about seen. There has been an archaeological dig, at this site, as indicated by a sign. Slightly to the north is....

Whitehill Wood

All of the stones in this ring appear to be fallen. In Burl’s book it says that two stand but they unfortunately are just about level with the ground. I counted 10 stones but there could be more as there are several more lying outside the circle.

Total walk is about 31/2 miles. Good boots as the walk can be “boggy”.

The road to Mid Knauchland farm is to the south of Glenbarry on the B9022, take the second road to the east, the farm is up the second track north. the largely ruined cairn is situated in the wood beside the farm. Lots of large stones are strewn on the ground some which might have stood but it’s hard to tell. Near the top of the woods there is a double kerb cairn with some of the kerbs still earthfast. One thing not in question is the view, all three major hills in the area can be seen quite clearly, namely Bennachie, Knock and Tap O Noth.

As for the church, when asking permission to look around the farmer mentioned that there was the ruins of an old church. What remains do exist are in a rectangular shape with one end open. They certainly do look like the starting point for some type of building. Syd Halkett, who allowed permission, said that in some of the rock piles monk holes had been found. These must have tough men.

Visited 24/8/09.

Roddanstone, also known as the Cummers Stone, can be found a couple of miles south of Arn Hill and 1/4 mile to the west of the B9022. A single stone remains standing of this probable RSC, being 4 feet tall. Two other stones appear to have fallen whilst others might be glacerial or have simply been dumped in the same vicinity.

Visited 4/5/09

Backhill of Drachlaw is wonderful stone circle situated at the farm of the same name. The stones, there are 5, range from 3 to 4 feet in height. It is about 4 miles from Turriff, heading towards Huntly, and can be seen from the B9024, just along from the Carlin Stone. There is a short, flat walk of about 50 meters.

Visited and driven past frequently.

Bellman’s Wood can be found south of Aberchirder, known locally as Foggie, to west of the A97 at Myreside Farm, about a 1/2 mile short of the B9117. The remains of the circle can be found in the field next to the Bellman’s Wood. It is in a pretty poor condition with both flankers fallen. Field clearance has been piled amongst the remaining stones. At least two stones, according to the elderly farmer, are in the foundations of the main barn. However it has beautiful views overlooking the River Deveron and Marnoch Kirk, with it’s stones, is less than a mile away.

Visited August 08.

Stoneyfield is quite difficult to find as it is situated near Huntly in amongst a maze of Drumblade country roads. The easiest and most direct route is to leave the A96, from Huntly to Aberdeen, at the second road heading north after the A97 junction. This is signposted, Thomastown. At arriving at the first crossroads turn right and keep going until Stoneyfield farm is reached. The circle is to the left of the farm. Two stones remain erect, 3 feet in height, with several lying bunched beside them. Take care as this field is often occupied by horses!

Visited Summer 08.

Upper Third is situated beside the farm of same name beside the Thornliebank to Fisherford road. No more than 20 meters into a field. Two stones remain one stands and possibly the other has fallen.

Visited or driven past almost every Thursday.

Leave Auchleven, on the B992, and turn east towards Clatt at the crossroads in the middle of the village. Leslie is the first place to arrive at and from here turn north at the crossroads. Braehead farm is just after the Insch junction. Behind the farm and a 1/4 mile hike steepish uphill walk will take the visitor to the remaining recumbent. What a view up and down the Oyne/Clatt valley. The recumbent is just over 6 feet tall. Flankers and other stones, numbering 4, from the circle have gone but probably not to far as a pile of stones is visible only a few hundred yards south of the site. Possibly they could be found within the field clearance and boulders.

Visited 30/4/09

All that remains of this former RSC is a single flanker which stands at 7 feet tall. Enter the Kirkton Of Oyne, from the A96, by the B9022. The site is behind the old church, past the manse, at the end of the tarred road, no more than a few meters into the field. Bennachie is to the south, views north are blocked by houses, east looks towards the Mill of Carden and west is blocked by a hill. Must have impressive in its prime!

Visited 30/4/09.

Turn east at Premnay (Auchleven) towards Leslie and Clatt. About 1/2 mile after Leslie Cotetown farm can be found. This stone can be approached by two means. A walk east of Cotetown farm, the farm lane indicated on some maps is long since gone, of 1/2 mile leads to stone. Slightly further along the road, to Clatt, is the entrance to Johnston farm. Follow this farm track and it will lead straight to the Ringing Stone. It stands at an impressive 61/2 feet tall all by itself. To the west the Tap o Noth is seen, to the east Bennachie and to the south the eastern fringe of the Correen Hills all give spectacular views. It looks like it might have been a flanker. History tells us that some of the stones where used in the building of the farm at Cotetown. Today was windy and the sound of the wind on the stone made its name both wise and obvious.

Visited 30/4/09

I walked from Maud to the farm track at Pitfoskie on the B9106 then jumped the gate heading east. On a small the mound the cist cover remains with a possible head stone. Sadly since Old Fred’s day the cist cover has fallen. Still it’s in a nice spot down beside the old railway.

Visited 29/4/09.

Shethin Stone Circle can be found to the east of the farm with the same name within the Fountain Hill field. (north east of Tarves) This is a wonderful setting of smallish stones ranging from 2 to 4 feet in height. Some suggest that this might be a version of a Four Poster similar to Riach. The present farmer looks after the circle and leaves it sitting within a patch of grass. A stone at the northern entrance to the farm and a stone a further 1/2 mile east are said to have been moved from their original positions. Some maps have this marked as a cairn.

Visited May 08.

Leave the village of Maud using the B9106 heading north towards the A950. The B road ends here, directly opposite is signposted the road to Cryla farm. Stop at the forst corner and woodland walks are indicated. Proceed to the top of the hill, about 1/2 mile. On the right is Auchmachar Stone Circle, the recumbent is used as part of the fence, to the left is the cairn about 1/4 from the fence. The Bronze Age cairn is about 50 meters in length, 4 feet in height and approx 2-4 meters wide (depending on position) and with aerial photography resembles a fish. Burned stone can be seen scattered on the ground.

Visited June 08.

Beside the A90, at Dundee, the other comments are all spot on. The scheduled site is now surrounded by a very strong fence. Therefore apart from the weather and aging, vandalism should hopefully be reduced. More information can be found on the notice board at the circle.

Visited 24/4/09

Fedderat cairn is one of a number of remains in the Schivas area. Wild stones scatter the area which has its fair share of hut circles. What remains there are can be seen in a pile of stones covered with grass and whins, with hints of a well robbed circle. Possibly, as suggested by Coles, there might have been a Fedderat stone. Unfortunately that might have vanished but the location more than makes up. The whole area is worth a look! Plus a cup marked stone, I’ll try to find it next time!

Leave the B9005 at Tangland, cross the River Ythan, and follow the river for a mile, stopping at the old quarry just before Ythanbank.

Visited 7/4/09.

From the B993 from Torphins heading north take the first tarred road leading in a westerly direction. At the end of this road the standing stone of Learney will be in front. From the Milltown of Learney travel north for 1/2 mile turning east at the West Learney Lodge, parking at the steadings where the tar road stops. Keep going past the Claypots Cottage until into the trees. The track here is a bit of a shambles. At the first large boulder, on the other side of a wee valley, head south west and the site can be seen in a clearing.

The remains of the site are at least 14m wide and 1.5m tall. The interior still exists with some upright slabs giving an indicator of the chamber. Underneath the turf some rocks of the kerb can be tripped over whilst a couple on the south east arc can be seen to avoid this fate.

Tremendous site!

Visited December 08.

Re-visited 10/2/2017.

The village of Methlick is situated on the split crossroads of the B9005 and the B9170 at the bridge crossing the River Ythan. Head north towards New Deer and turn east at the Auchencrieve signpost. Head for the farm, then turn south towards the river. Walk for approx 1/2 mile and turn east. There is a path beside some barns.

This is a maze of hut circles, furrows, rigs and the standing stone of Bellmuir which stands at 8 feet tall. Facing south, with a choke behind it, it looks like a flanker. Stones have been removed, but still this is a place of incredible history! At least 12 hut circles in the area!

Visited 7/4/09.

Cortie Brae is the remains of circle that stands on top of a man made mound that is about 4-5 feet in height. Two stones remain 1 up and 1 down. A crumbling dyke surrounds and supports it.

The site at Cortie Brae farm sits near the A90 and A952 junction. From the farm it is short walk, 200 meters, to the mound. If taking a car be extra careful as this is one of the North East danger spots, it is a dreadful junction.

Visited 8/4/09

Skelmuir Hill isn’t the easiest place to find as this part of the North East is a maze of roads. The best and most direct route is as follows. Leave the A952 going west after Ardallie Primary School, keep going for at least two miles until a sharp corner turning back east. Stop here! At the gateway a stone at least 7 feet long can be half buried in the ground. Keep going across the field, over the wall and fence for 1/4 mile until the stone can be seen. It is a gray granite stone standing/sloping facing south on the north side of the hill 6 1/2 feet tall. No views south great views north, east and west.

Visited June 08.

Going from Ythanbank to Ellon, on the B9005, take the north turning signposted Drumwhindle. The stone cannot be missed as it looms large on the horizon on the west side of the road opposite the former Auchreddie Schoolhouse. It towers at 31/2 meters and can be seen clearly in each direction just beneath the top of the small hill. Bennachie can quite clearly be seen in the west.

Visited with John Porter 7/4/09

All that is left is the recumbent and a flanker. Go up the Balloch Brae road from Turriff until the Auchterless/Fortrie crossroads. The site is about 1/4 mile up the Fortrie road being 50 meters into a field to the north. Stones rumoured to be from the circle can be found at Mid Pitgalssie.

Visited repeatedly 2004-2009.

Just before the A947 reaches it end at the Deveron Bridge take the road to Macduff Distillery. Miss the distillery, try it later, and go straight on over a cattle grid. Walk another 400 yards, turn left, up the hill and over the fence, the stones are about 200 yards away in a field. Two stones stand, or one has weathered, whilst others lay prone. It is easy to see why this might have been built. Good all round views which include the Deveron entering the North Sea/Moray Firth. Lovely place.

Visited 6/4/09.

There are four stones, of varying lengths, sitting near the edge of a small loch at the entrance to the Bankhead of Clatt farm/machine shop. Somehow it doesn’t seem to be very old! Further along the road to Rhynie is the Corrstone Wood circle.

Visited September 08.

This must be one of the most inspiring places I’ve ever been. A fantastic sight that can create all sorts of pictures in your mind. From behind looking east towards Newmachar the stone looks like a world weary red granite sentinel, bent down with worry and old age looking after the nearby village. From the village, west, side, it stands 71/2 feet proud, bravely and stern facing, repelling all attackers and elements.

Farmers over the years have piled field clearance stones around but, to me, this adds to the picture. Fortunately it looks like no rubble has been added for years.

It is set on a small hill just north of Monykebbuck farm, due south west of Newmachar. This would make it seem unlikely that this was part of a circle. Although at least one site thinks it was. (see links)

Fantastic, went at 7.30 pm, the sun is going down behind the hill, the chill of night coming on. Brilliant!!

Visited 7.30pm 5/4/09

The remains of this circle are found beside the Auchterless to Fortrie road before the crossroads at Charlesfield, on the north side overlooking Mains Of Hatton farm. Several stones are here but as folklore correctly points out farmers have moved things around. Sometimes the circle sits alone in a field but more recently a pig farm uses the land. They, the pigs, surround the site which can often be very muddy. Two years ago the site achieved some fame as planning for wind turbines was knocked back because of the sites historical significance.

Visited July 08.

It is best to ask permission from the Frendraught House secretary before looking as shooting parties are often in the area. The chequered history of the house is well worth discovering.

From the office climb the hill until the road ends at its Bogcup junction. Turn right, walk 500 yards, turn right again. Keep going downhill and the path will gradually veer north into the woods. The remains of the ruined circle will come into view as the track leads straight to the recumbent. This has been battered, weathered, cracked and most likely moved but defiantly it remains along with it’s fallen flankers. About 50 yards a stone from the northern arc of the circle can be seen. Unfortunately nothing else can be seen as the vegetation covers it although there is plenty cairn material lying about. Take good boots.

As said elsewhere when making enquiries it was obvious that the secretary and other staff didn’t have a clue about the existance of this circle.

Visited June 08.

There are several ways to reach this ruined circle, probably similar to Raich, but the most pleasant is to leave from Forgue Primary School. Follow the lane by its side for about two or so miles until a clearing is reached on the north side. Look for a gap in the trees near to the path and the site is reached. Be careful as the ground may look dry but isn’t. Hence the name Bogcup. The original circle, whatever it was, has fallen and land owners have piled land clearance stones on top of it. But it is worth a visit with Frendraught, Raich, Cairnton and Yonder Bognie all close by. Worth noting that the secretary and land workers, at the estate office, although the secretary knew about Clochforbie, didn’t know that the Fullerton or Frendraught ruins existed.

Surprised that the Portal people said destroyed.

Visited June 08.

Yet another site beside the Turriff – Glendronach road, the B9024. This can be found about 300 meters in a field to the north side of the road after its junction with Armiddle mains, leaving from Turriff. It is a gentle slope which gives good views back down the valley towards “Turra”. There are no markings of any kind on the stone and it stands about 11/2 meters tall.

Visited 5/06/09.

Corrie can be found 260 meters up into the Drumbarton Hill between Tepersie Castle, to the west, and South Warrackston Farm, to the east and on the Suie road (Clatt-Tullynessle). It is quite a steep climb but on a day like today its fantastic, quite warm but windy, sunny and scenery for miles and miles. Carefully cross a couple of barbed wire fences and some whin bushes. Some words of warning, today smoke appeared from nowhere and I accidentally wandered into it, as the wind changed direction. Smouldering bales were amongst the whins and bushes were beginning to spark into life as I made my way back down the hill.

This is called a cairn, it certainly has been “battered” and ruined, but I feel sure that at some stage this was a RSC. The large stone standing is like a normal recumbent, with several cup marks. It has become part of the dyke by being moved from its original position. Another stone stands and is being used as a gatepost that holds up barbed wire fences.

2/4/09

The farmer at Scotsmill farm, William Lawson, kindly led the way to the remains of the circle. Two stones still stand, in amongst farm machinery, beside the back wall of the farm yard. Cross a small stream, don’t fall in and the site is found.

Visited 2/4/09

Mill of Kelly can be found beside the B9005 between Methlick and Ythanbank, on the south side of the River Ythan road. Follow the lane to the buildings. The wall is made up of stones from the circle which was originally in the a field behind the farm. Move to the far corner, south west, of this field and a small single standing can be seen beside Craigmuir Wood. On the north side of the Ythan moving back to Methlick are many hut circles. On the hills above Ythanbank can be found the Fedderat Cairn, cup marked stones and more hut circles.

Another circle near the B9024, what a historical road this is!! Leaving Turriff keep going until the Auchterless road is passed. The next road, marked Harestone and going south, is required. Follow the steep uphill until Hillhead of Tollo is reached. A little further and a lane, heading east, is found. Go to the end of this and keep going in a straight line for half a mile. the site is in a middle of a field. Wrap up, it is always windy/wet on Feith Hill and it can be very muddy. Only the recumbent and a small flanker remain but what scenery! Visited April 08.

This is easily found in a middle of a field just off the B9024, behind Shielburn Croft, near the Backhill of Drachlaw and the Carlin stone. Both of these sites are on the other side of the road. Easy stroll! Canmore says only one stone survives but I counted two as the images will show. It is almost like a small Carlin Stone, which is across the road!

Re-visited 13/07/09.

The remains of the stone circle at Cairnton can be seen from the A97 just south of its junction with the B9001 opposite Westertown farm. It is a steep but short uphill walk from the road. The recumbent and the west flanker remain. Views down the valley towards Huntly are tremendous, what a place to look south!

These are found half way up the fairly steep Kirk Hill behind Logie Newton farm. There are three white quartz cairns, which Burl describes as the kerb variety. Two are clearly visible whilst one, the west, is almost grown over. A standing stone behind the bungalows shows the way. The farm is half way along the Thorneybank-Fisherford road. The circle at Upper Third can be found along the road towards Thorneybank.

Leave Lumphanan following the A980 to Torphins. At the first crossroads head north then turn left at the signpost indicating Balnacraig farm. The circle is in a walled and fenced area amongst trees only a few meters behind the farm. Only the recumbent, which has difficult to spot cup marks, and two half up half down circle stones remain. An internal cairn might of existed as there are stones lying everywhere. To be fair the site is ruined but at least is now being protected. Visited October 08.