Chris

A gorgeous recumbent a few miles from Loanhead of Daviot, which I couldn’t get closer to bcause of growing crops.

This circle has perhaps the most spectacular view of Mither Tap of any site in the region, and the views are truly breathtaking.

There is an old Minstry of Works sign in the hedge giving some basic information (access – ask at Bourtie Farm), and it concludes with a fairly stern statement to the effect that there are 2 restored sites at Loanhead and East Aquhorthies to go and look at, so don’t bother with this one!

I don’t agree...

Looking at the OS map for this area, I noticed a rash of standing stones (8) which need further investigation.

Unfortunately the crops were up, which meant that many couldn’t be seen or got at, but this was a real surprise. The circle is gone, but its one of the finest recumbent and flanker sets I’d seen. Propped against the back is a large red stone which may have been part of the circle.

Definitely worth a visit after harvest to see if you can plot out where the circle was.

Like Balgarthno in Dundee, this was another multi-map find, whilst looking for the hospital.

Three fine stones, bisected by 2 roads and a fence/hedge, it does make me wonder what else was here. The two in the hedge especially are large and purposeful.

Like so many sites at this time of year, further investigation is foiled by growing crops. I shall return....

Looking up a multi-map to find my Dundee Travelodge (just give me the keys bitch!) I saw the words ‘Stone Circle’ just 1/2 a mile away-too good a chance to miss!

As you can see the circle is fallen, except for one stone, and its now overgrown on the edge of a playing field. However at least 8 other stones are present, forming a slightly flattened circle.

The standing stone was grafittied and there were plenty of broken bottles around, so in truth the long grass is probably protecting the remaining stones.

If you happen to be going round the Dundee bypass, the circle is on the right of the road off the roundabout just after the Travelodge (turn left) or coming the otherway the Travelinn (Turn right). Worth a quick look for sure.

In a bit of a sad state this one, it appears to have suffered from cairn building, filed clearance, and an overgrowth of vegetation.

It’s difficult to tell whats going on, and would definitely benefit from some judicious strimming! You can find a gate at the western edge of the field, and as long as its livestock free, you can wander in quite easily.

Just around the corner from Nine Stanes (1/2 mile) this circle is a little decrepit but still well worth it. In keeping with sites in this area, the view is everything, and looking to the NE you may be able to make out Esslie the Lesser.

Well this was a change after a solid morning of RSC’s, and very welcome too. You don’t get too many Henges in this part of the world, and this is a mighty one.

Although the stones are not in their original positions (and one isn’t original at all!), the triangle they form is certainly evocative, especialy in such a well defined, fairly deep henge.

I drove up not expecting too much, and drove away feeling blown away. Another great site in this part of Scotland, but as Merrick says, you have to fear for its future.