Helen's Guidebook
Castles Galore!
Castle Fraser, Garden and Estate
Craigievar Castle
Slains Castle
A975
Balmoral Castle
Drum Castle, Garden and Estate
Crathes Castle
Corgarff Castle
A939Dunnottar Castle
Fyvie Castle
Recumbent Stone Circles
Found almost exclusively in Aberdeenshire, recumbent stone circles were erected during the Neolithic and Bronze Age, and feature a massive stone slab laid horizontally, flanked by two tall stones to either side.
Over 70 have been found, here are a few of our favourites!
This is an enjoyable 30 minutes forest walk from the house.
Walk down to the Pitfichie Forest carpark and just follow the main track up the hill and onwards, for just under a mile. Many of the stones have fallen but most are present. The huge recumbant stone and one of the flankers are still in position. There is an information panel at the site.
Whitehill Stone Circle
This is an enjoyable 30 minutes forest walk from the house.
Walk down to the Pitfichie Forest carpark and just follow the main track up the hill and onwards, for just under a mile. Many of the stones have fallen but most are present. The huge recumbant stone and one of the flankers are still in position. There is an information panel at the site.
Beautiful at sunset, with views to Bennachie in the background. A pleasant 25 minute drive from the house, with a small carpark, from which the circle is a short walk up the farm track. Take some coins to leave a donation.
This is an impressive complete circle, with absolutely massive red granite recumbent stone, and an unusual red jasper standing stone, believed to have magic properties.
9 locals recommend
East Aquhorthies Stone Circle
Beautiful at sunset, with views to Bennachie in the background. A pleasant 25 minute drive from the house, with a small carpark, from which the circle is a short walk up the farm track. Take some coins to leave a donation.
This is an impressive complete circle, with absolutely massive red granite recumbent stone, and an unusual red jasper standing stone, believed to have magic properties.
This stone circle is easy to access as it is in the grounds of Midmar Kirk, with adjacent car park. About a 20 minute drive from the house. The recumbent stone is really massive, and flankers are pointed, like canine teeth.
Midmar Stone Circle
This stone circle is easy to access as it is in the grounds of Midmar Kirk, with adjacent car park. About a 20 minute drive from the house. The recumbent stone is really massive, and flankers are pointed, like canine teeth.
Beaches
Beautiful sandy bay. Park in Main St and cross the foot bridge from Harbour St. Whilst in Cruden Bay, don't forget to visit Slains Castle, by taking the footpath from the carpark.
Cruden Bay beach
Beautiful sandy bay. Park in Main St and cross the foot bridge from Harbour St. Whilst in Cruden Bay, don't forget to visit Slains Castle, by taking the footpath from the carpark.
Huge beach with parking nearby. Steep dune climb from North Car Park, easier route is the boardwalk from the South Car Park
29 locals recommend
Balmedie Beach
Huge beach with parking nearby. Steep dune climb from North Car Park, easier route is the boardwalk from the South Car Park