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East Aquhorthies Stone Circle

Explore one of Scotland’s best-preserved recumbent stone circles with mystical views and ancient heritage near Inverurie.

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East Aquhorthies Stone Circle, near Inverurie in Aberdeenshire, is one of Scotland’s best-preserved recumbent stone circles. Dating from the early Bronze Age, it features a nearly complete ring of pinkish porphyry stones, with a distinctive red granite recumbent stone flanked by grey granite pillars. Enclosed by a historic dry stone wall, the site offers a mystical atmosphere and panoramic views towards the iconic Bennachie range. It is freely accessible year-round with a small nearby car park.

A brief summary to East Aquhorthies Stone Circle

  • Monday 9 am-5 pm
  • Tuesday 9 am-5 pm
  • Wednesday 9 am-5 pm
  • Thursday 9 am-5 pm
  • Friday 9 am-5 pm

Local tips

  • Visit from spring to autumn for the best weather and lighting conditions ideal for photography.
  • Wear sturdy shoes as the final approach path can be uneven and muddy after rain.
  • Respect the site by not climbing on the stones or disturbing the enclosure.
  • Combine your visit with nearby attractions like the Maiden Stone or Bennachie hills for a full day of exploration.
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Getting There

  • Car

    Drive from Inverurie via the A96 and follow brown tourist signs to East Aquhorthies. Parking is limited to a small car park near the site that fits 4–5 cars. No coach or large vehicle parking is available. The journey takes about 10–15 minutes from Inverurie town center.

  • Public Transport and Walk

    Take a bus or train to Inverurie, which is well connected by regional services. From Inverurie, a walk of approximately 5 km (about 1.5 hours) along rural roads and farm tracks leads to the stone circle. The path includes some uneven terrain, so suitable footwear and preparation are advised.

  • Walking

    From the small car park located 275 meters north of the circle, a short walk on a tarmac road and farm track leads to the site. The walk is easy but can be muddy in wet conditions, so sturdy shoes are recommended.

East Aquhorthies Stone Circle location weather suitability

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Discover more about East Aquhorthies Stone Circle

An Ancient Monument Unique to Northeast Scotland

East Aquhorthies Stone Circle stands as a remarkable example of the recumbent stone circle type, a prehistoric monument found only in northeast Scotland. Dating back to the early Bronze Age, this nearly perfect circular formation measures approximately 19.5 meters in diameter. Its defining feature is the massive recumbent stone laid on its side, flanked by two upright grey granite pillars, positioned typically on the south or south-west side of the circle. The stones are predominantly pinkish porphyry, but the recumbent itself is crafted from red granite quarried near Bennachie, while one stone is red jasper, highlighting the deliberate selection of stones for their color and symbolism.

Preservation and Surrounding Landscape

The circle is enclosed within a dry stone wall, known as a roundel, constructed in the mid-19th century to protect the monument. This enclosure gives the site a distinctive “dish-like” feel and helps preserve its structural integrity. The landscape around East Aquhorthies is gently rolling farmland with expansive views eastward, including the prominent Mither Tap, the highest peak of the Bennachie range. The site’s alignment and setting suggest a spiritual or ritual significance, possibly related to lunar or solar observations.

Visitor Experience and Access

Visitors approach the circle via a short walk from a small car park located about 275 meters north of the site. The walk follows a mix of tarmac and farm tracks, which can be uneven or muddy depending on weather conditions, so sturdy footwear is recommended. The site is open year-round without an entrance fee, managed by Historic Environment Scotland, and features an information board that provides context about its history and significance. The small car park accommodates about 4–5 vehicles, and parking is limited, with no facilities for coaches or large vehicles.

Historical and Cultural Significance

East Aquhorthies is considered one of the earliest recumbent stone circles in Aberdeenshire, reflecting sophisticated prehistoric engineering and ceremonial practices. The placement of the recumbent stone and its flankers likely framed important celestial events, such as the rising and setting of the moon, which would have been integral to the spiritual life of the ancient communities. The name "Aquhorthies" derives from a Gaelic term meaning "field of prayer," underscoring the site's long-standing ritual importance.

Natural Beauty and Surrounding Attractions

The stone circle is nestled within a tranquil rural setting that invites reflection and connection with Scotland’s ancient past. Nearby, the Bennachie hills offer hiking trails and panoramic views, while other historic sites like the Maiden Stone enrich the cultural landscape. The area’s natural beauty changes with the seasons, with spring to autumn providing the clearest skies and best light for photography and sketching.

Conservation and Respect for Heritage

As a scheduled monument, East Aquhorthies Stone Circle is protected by law. Visitors are urged to respect the site by not climbing on or moving the stones. The dry stone wall and fenced enclosure help safeguard the circle from damage, preserving it for future generations to study and appreciate. The site’s quiet ambience and evocative presence offer a unique window into Scotland’s prehistoric heritage.

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