Stone Circle

Getting there - (OS Map ref NJ 747288) From Inverurie head north on the B9001 Inverurie to Rothienorman road and turn off after 3miles (5.5km) at the sign post for Daviot. Travel through Daviot and the site is sign posted on the right. This site is on the Gordon District 'Stone Circle Trail' and is looked after by Historic Scotland. It is sign posted from most local roads and has a car park. For access to the site, follow the path up through the trees.

Info - The main circle is about 68 feet (20.m) in diameter and has 8 stones plus the two flankers and recumbent. The recumbent has been split vertically along its length by frost and you can see a dozen cup marks on the inner face of the stone next to the east flanker. The interior of the circle is covered with a cairn which overlays traces of burning. Next to the main circle are two arcs of low stone wall that enclosed a cremation cemetery from the bronze age and in 1935, excavations of this cemetery revealed partially burned remains of a man in his forties. This site was also used as a bronze smithing area around 500bc, after the cemetery went out of use.

Lindsey's tip - All in all, an easy access site - but a bit muddy when wet! There are information boards posted which detail the history of the site and maps to other sites on the 'Stone Circle Trail'. This is another site which gives great views of the surrounding countryside. In the distance you can see a modern electricity generating windmill, a nice contrast to the circle surrounding you.