Chris

I was quite taken by Berrybrae. Although somewhat ruinous, I find these circles often have more ‘feel’ than their restored cousins-not that I’m averse to restoration.

The remaining flanker to this site is absolutely huge-almost as big as the recumbent. The other flanker has shattered, and the pieces are still in situ-it would still appear to have been smaller than the other flanker, although maybe as high. Two other circle stones are still standing, along with the stumps of at least two more. Some judicious chainsaw work is also required-it would open up the views no end, but also two very large trees are threatening the recumbent either by their roots, or from being blown down – and the wind does blow in this part of the world!

Access is as described, and easy as long as the field isn’t in crop or heaving with cows. Its less than 100 yards into the field so there’s no excuse for not visiting. Perhaps we can tread down the nettles together?

This is a gorgeous RSC and should be added to the list of ‘essential’ Aberdeenshire circles (Granted that list is getting rather long now).

This piece of Forestry Commission woodland has now had some waymarked trails installed, which makes it a pleasant place to spend a couple of hours, especially with small children.

The circle can be found on the red/green trails. If time is pressing, from the carpark take the left hand uphill trail & follow the red/green markers. Its uphill all the way, but you should be at the circle in about 15 mins. From this direction its on the left of the trail, adjacent to 2 of the story posts and the only bench on the walk. Follow the path through the bracken & planting for about 400 yards and you’re there.

The circle sits on a fairly level shelf, and most of the planting has been cut down giving wide views over the recumbent. Once you return to the main trail, follow it a little way further to the left and you’ll also find a ruinous chambered cairn.

You’ll find this & other walks in a FC leaflet available from the Tourist office or you can try forestry.gov.uk/scotland

BTW this circle does not show up on my OS Explorer map, but it can be found on the Landranger. Clune Wood is clearly marked south of Kirkton of Durris though.

Not the most spectacular of sites, but a welcoming one nonetheless.

Spent a pleasant lunch hour here, and although ruined, enough remains to give you a sense of what was. As ever, its all about the view.

Plenty of fallen stone in the long grass & hedge to keep you guessing, and what appears to be an outlier to the NW in the direction of the farm house. Although with my eyesight, and the crappy camera I was using from work, it may be a a tree stump or gatepost!

Easy parking, just off some quiet (although fast) lanes, and in most maps.

Running out of superlatives for Aberdeenshire, this place beats the lot. 20 minutes from Inverurie, half an hour from the show site of Loanhead & East Aquhorthies, this is the one circle you have to visit.

I don’t think it was a recumbent, although that may have gone, there are 7 upright stones and an outlier, plus many fallen. Additionally, the centre is filled with cairns and rubble, and the circle has been embanked many years ago. The whole place is just wild and ragged and absolutely full on. The tallest of the stones is over 7 feet, and to my eyes the top looks just like Mither Tap, which as ever you can see in the distance.

Set on top of a hill with massive views all around, its at the top of my Aberdeenshire list without a doubt.