Circles of Stone field guide
East Aquhorthies
Aberdeenshire, Scotland
Before you go
Historic Environment Scotland keeps the site free and open year-round. It lies about 1 mile west of Inverurie off the A96, with nearby parking unsuitable for coaches. Follow the signed route and wear strong footwear on the short uneven approach.
- Grid reference
- NJ 732 207
- Monument coordinates
- 57.27700, -2.44560
Pack and plan
- Charged phone and a paper map or saved offline map
- Water, layers and footwear suited to the terrain
- Current weather, daylight and access information checked
- Someone told where you are going on remote walks
What you are looking for
One of north-east Scotland's finest recumbent stone circles survives complete among the rolling hills west of Inverurie.
Eleven stones form a ring about 20 metres across. On the south-west, a four-metre recumbent red-granite block lies between two tall grey-granite flankers; the western flanker bears four cup marks. Pink porphyry, red jasper and granite appear to have been deliberately selected for contrasting colour.
Field notes
Weather and light: ______________________________________________
First feature spotted: ___________________________________________
Something the map did not show: _________________________________
Walk gently
- Check current access and weather before setting out.
- Keep dogs under close control around livestock.
- Do not climb, move stones, light fires or leave offerings.
- Take all litter home and protect fragile ground.
If something goes wrong
In an emergency call 999 or 112. Give the grid reference or coordinates above, describe your approach route, and do not put yourself at further risk.