Easter Aquhorthies Stone Circle

Inverurie, United Kingdom

Easter Aquhorthies stone circle, located near Inverurie, is one of the best-preserved examples of a recumbent stone circle, and one of the few that still have their full complement of stones. It consists of a ring of nine stones, eight of which are grey granite and one red jasper. Two more grey granite stones flank a recumbent of red granite flecked with crystals and lines of quartz. The circle is particularly notable for its builders' use of polychromy in the stones, with the reddish ones situated on the SSW side and the grey ones opposite.

The placename Aquhorthies derives from a Scottish Gaelic word meaning 'field of prayer', and may indicate a 'long continuity of sanctity' between the Stone or Bronze Age circle builders and their much later Gaelic successors millennia later. The circle's surroundings were landscaped in the late 19th century, and it sits within a small fenced and walled enclosure. A stone dyke, known as a roundel, was built around the circle some time between 1847 and 1866–7.

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Founded: 2000 BC
Category: Prehistoric and archaeological sites in United Kingdom

Rating

4.6/5 (based on Google user reviews)

User Reviews

Lauren Hughes (10 months ago)
Lovely, scenic location with so much history. A short walk from the (small, maybe 4 or 5 spaces max) carpark. We visited off season so it was very quiet, not a soul in sight.
Wayne Gault (12 months ago)
There's something fairly humbling about being in a place occupied by local people six thousand years ago, who wouldn't have spoken our language. It's a peaceful spot with nearby walks. Will our stuff be in existence in 6 thousand years time. I'd doubt it.
Tork Mackenzie (15 months ago)
Wonderfully evocative stone circle with striking views back to Inverurie and the nearby peak of Mither Tap Bennachie , a small car park is set back from the circle and its obviously well maintained year round , been here many times over the years and always impressed with it
Krpasha Dixon (17 months ago)
A privelage to be able to access this pristinely kept historical monument and step into the community of all those who stood among these stones before. One does get a sense of time slowing down to a standstill within the circle. First stop on tour with Grampian tours (tour guide: Jacqui) - it was great to get some background and history of the stone circles.
Zeglar “Zeg” Fergus (2 years ago)
Another interesting recumbent stone circle that is easy to visit. The small carpark is located a short walk down the hill form the circle. The stones invite speculation as to their function and meaning, if any. A nice place to contemplate the lives of past peoples.
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