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History Tours
Aberdeen's Ancient Heritage and Folklore

Aberdeen, GB

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Travel back in time and uncover Aberdeen's ancient heritage and folklore on this captivating tour. Follow in the footsteps of the Picts, the early settlers of northeast Scotland, and explore their mystical world. From ancient sites to intriguing traditions and captivating stories, this tour offers a unique and immersive experience. Begin your journey by visiting the hillforts, where you can walk along the earthworks and foundations, gaining insight into the daily life of these ancient communities. Continue to the Pictish stronghold of Rhynie, where you'll discover square barrows, carved Pictish stones, and learn about the landscape and legacies left by the Picts. Explore the remains of Dunnideer Castle, a vitrified hill fort that offers breathtaking views, before enjoying a delicious lunch in the charming village of Monymusk. Conclude your tour at the deconsecrated Migvie Kirk, where the integration of Christianity and Pictish practices is beautifully depicted. End your adventure with a visit to Tomnaverie, a unique recumbent stone circle steeped in mystery. Book now and embark on a journey through Aberdeen's ancient past.

About this experience

Free Cancellation For a full refund cancel at least before the start of your booking
7 hours 30 minutes
Suitable for 1-7 Participants
Small Group Tour, Private Tour
Self Guided Experience

Highlights

Explore ancient hill forts and learn about early settlements
Discover the rich traditions and folklore of the Picts
Visit the historic Dunnideer Castle and admire the surrounding area
Enjoy a delicious lunch in the charming village of Monymusk
Experience the unique blend of Pictish symbols and Christianity at Migvie Kirk

Included

Wifi on board

Not included

Lunch
Gratuities

More about this experience

Introduction

Experience the captivating world of Aberdeen's ancient heritage and folklore on this immersive tour. Discover the intriguing history and legends of the Picts, the early residents of northeast Scotland, as you explore their extraordinary footprints on the landscape. This unique tour will take you back in time, allowing you to follow in the footsteps of these ancient settlers and gain insight into their way of life. From ancient sites to rich traditions and enchanting stories, this tour promises to be a truly unforgettable experience.

What to expect?

During this tour, you can expect to delve into the rich history of the Picts and explore several fascinating sites that offer unparalleled insights into their world. Get up close and personal with hill forts, earthworks built on higher ground, and gain a sense of how these communities were formed. Visit the picturesque village of Rhynie, a Pictish stronghold, and discover its Square Barrows, Bell Knowe Cairn, and intricately carved Pictish stones. Explore Dunnideer Castle, an intriguing mix of tower house and vitrified fort, and admire its remarkable surroundings. Marvel at the deconsecrated Migvie Kirk, where the fusion of Pictish beliefs and Christianity comes alive through stone chairs, oblique crosses, and stained glass windows. Conclude your journey at Tomnaverie, a captivating recumbent stone circle that has fascinated researchers for centuries.

Who is this for?

This tour is perfect for history enthusiasts, culture aficionados, and anyone with a thirst for exploration and discovery. Whether you're a seasoned traveler or a curious first-timer, this experience offers something for everyone. Immerse yourself in the ancient world of the Picts and gain a deeper understanding of Scotland's fascinating past. This tour is designed to be inclusive and suitable for all ages and backgrounds, ensuring that no one is left out from this extraordinary journey through time.

Why book this?

Embark on this tour and become enraptured by the unique and enthralling stories of the Picts. Uncovering the mysteries of hill forts, ancient settlements, and stone circles, you'll gain a newfound appreciation for the depth of Scotland's heritage. Let your imagination soar as you explore the captivating sites and attractions that bring the rich folklore and mythos of the Picts to life. With the guidance of experienced and knowledgeable tour guides, this adventure promises to leave a lasting impression, allowing you to connect with the deep roots of Scotland's past.

Good to know

On this tour, be prepared to walk through fields and off-road paths, immersing yourself in the landscape as you visit intriguing sites. Take in stunning views and marvel at the blend of ancient and Christian symbolism at Migvie Kirk. Gain insight into the theories surrounding the purpose of Tomnaverie's unique stone circle. Remember to wear comfortable footwear and bring a sense of wonder and curiosity that will enhance your experience. Lunch at the Grant Arms in Monymusk will provide a delightful respite, allowing you to savor delicious food in a charming village setting.

Reviews

Travelers who have embarked on this tour rave about the wealth of knowledge and passion displayed by the tour guides. They highlight the enchanting sites visited and the sense of connection forged with the ancient past. Visitors have praised the comprehensive itinerary and the opportunity to explore lesser-known locations that truly bring the Pictish heritage to life. Many have expressed their gratitude for this immersive experience, as it has deepened their appreciation for Scotland's rich history and folklore. Overall, reviews reflect high levels of satisfaction and a resounding recommendation for those seeking a unique and enlightening journey through Aberdeen's ancient heritage and folklore.

About this product

How long before the event do I need to book?

You can book at any time before the event

Vouchers accepted in the following formats

Mobile

Meeting point & End point

Next to the William Wallace statue by the Union Terrace Gardens on Rosemount Viaduct.

William Wallace Statue, Union Terrace, Aberdeen AB10 1NP, GB

Your Itinerary

Barra Hill

Hillforts are earthworks built on higher ground, that historically included wooden or stone enclosures, where a significant settlement of people was situated. These early towns were introduced into Scotland during the Bronze Age from around 1000 BCE. Aberdeenshire has several hill forts around the region, of which only foundations remain but we are learning more every year about how the people in these communities lived. Many of the hill forts are challenging to access, but Barra is one of the few we can visit relatively easily. During our visit, we will walk along the earthworks and foundations, and begin to get a sense of how these communities were formed and get a feel for what life would be like living on these hills. *To visit the site we will be walking through fields and off road paths.

Rhynie

The area around the village of Rhynie was a Pictish stronghold for Aberdeen. The Tap O'Noth, once had a hilltop settlement that at its height may have rivalled the largest known post-Roman settlements in Europe. With what researchers believe to be a community with over 5,000 residents! In this location we will be visiting a few different sites including; the Square Barrows, the Bell Knowe Cairn and carved Pictish stones. We will be learning more about the traditions and folklore of the people who were living here at this time, how the landscape was shaped and the legacies the Picts have left behind.

Dunnideer Hillfort

Dunnideer Castle, now ruined, was a tower house built circa 1260, partially from the remains of an existing vitrified hill fort in the same location. Vitrified forts are stone enclosures whose walls have been subjected to vitrification through heat. It was long thought that these structures were unique to Scotland, but they have since been identified in several other parts Europe. We will have a short stop here to visit the fort, and admire the surrounding area.

Monymusk

We will have time to enjoy a delicious lunch at the Grant Arms in the charming village of Monymusk. The village was built by the Laird of Monymusk house in the late 19th century for workers on the estate. The church in the heart of the village dates from the 16th century and has roots going back to the days when it was a Friary and and home of the Monymusk reliquary, now in the Scottish Museum.

Migvie Stone

Migvie Kirk is a deconsecrated church on the Tillypronie Estate. This old church has been conserved and art work has been added to show the story of how the native Picts were introduced into Christianity and the transition from traditional faith and beliefs. As you enter the Kirk, in the center is a group of stone chairs, carved with biblical texts, Pictish symbols and Ogham scripts. On the north wall is a huge oblique cross set into the plasterwork, and there are three stained glass windows, that illustrate the integration of Christianity into the Pictish practices. The combination of Pictish symbols and Christian ones illustrates a time when the two cultural traditions were melding together.

Tomnaverie Stone Circle

With stunning views, Tomnaverie, a recumbent stone circle, is a kind of monument found only in north-eastern Scotland. What makes these unique is their characteristic feature, a large stone on its side, flanked by two upright stones, and a series of standing stone completing the circle. The stone circle is located close to a burial cairn dating to about 4,500 years ago. Relatively little is known about why we have these structures, there are several theories which you’ll discover on your visit.

Additional information

Service animals allowed
Public transportation options are available nearby
Participants should have at least a moderate level of physical fitness
Not recommended for travelers with mobility issues.
If you have walking poles for the hill sections, please bring them as there are some steep sections on the hills. We may have some available to borrow on the day. Guests are not expected to participate in the walking and some adjustments can be made. If in doubt please contact us before booking.

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2024-11-13 15:22