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Canmore quite rightly hedge their bets and say this might possibly be a kerb cairn then again it might be a ruined stone circle set on the eastern slopes. There are certainly stones that look like they once stood and there are certainly some kerbs plus loads of cairn material. Sadly it has also received some harsh treatment. However its position keeps alive some of the former glories. Views east and west are of the Don valley, to the south Culquoich and to the north the modern cairn on the summit of Dalrossach. There are some cracking rocks for cup marks etc, I couldn't find any unfortunately.
I parked at Dalrossach west of Glenkidie on the A97. Opposite the farm entrance is a track that winds up the hill. Fairly steep all the way to the cairn but worth it for the views. Looking for the other cairn I accidentally climbed the hill to the north. Looking all round I discovered that I'd climbed every hill in the area and still there is much to find in what is my favourite hill walking area.
Visited 13/10/2011.
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This should be one of the best kerb cairns in Aberdeenshire, probably Scotland but it left me in a pretty bad temper. Culquoich is rich in history with 3 cairns all nearby, this was the third attempt to find this one.
Sadly the three trees mentioned by Canmore have been sawn down and left to rot on the cairn. Obliterating some kerbs in the process. Up to 18 kerbs I counted with the inner cairn reaching 0.7 meters in height. I know these places are high up and out of sight to most folk but that surely doesn't mean they should be treated in this way. Being incensed I phoned Aberdeen Archaeology who have asked for these photographs as evidence, something I've gladly passed on. Why oh why could didn't they cut the trees down and make them fall another way, out of the cairn. Probably it would have been better just to leave them. One of the reasons I probably missed the cairn previously was because I was looking for three trees surrounded by stones. So annoying, I must have walked right past this place looking for something I'd never find.
Still on the plus side the views would be tremendous if it wasn't for the trees. However Culag is a short distance southish, the views south from there are wonderful with my friend Morven dominating the skyline.
From Culquoich 1 head south east towards the deer gate. The deer today were very friendly allowing me to pat them on the head, obviously getting messages from their pal in the south to be good to this visitor. Once over the gate head straight east and a clearing amongst the trees is reached. What should be a superb site marred by people who should really know better.
Visited 13/10/2011.
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Leave the A944 (Alford road) at Milnbank and head south on the B993. Take the first minor road west marked Baudygaun. Just after Baudygaun (a farm) take the first farm road north, signposted Denwell then head north west at the fork. Just after Denwell a bridge has to be crossed, keep going until the end of the road. At this point there is a small steading. Follow the track on foot and as it veers west head thru the park, the remains of the circle are straight in front.
Although only two stones remain, a standing stone and the possible recumbent it would be a safe bet to say that some stones are in the nearby walls. Location is everything, so they say, and this circle had tremendous views south to the prehistory central of Deeside, saying that whole area is prehistory central.
This isn't a very hard walk compared to the other two today, very simple. For the views alone very rewarding and at last I've visited here here, its been a long time coming.
Visited 13/10/2011.
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Still doing the music, following that team, drinking far to much and getting lost in the hills! (Some Simple Minds, Glasvegas, Athlete, Us3 on the headphones, good boots and sticks, away I go!) As well whistling Lostboy tunes soon to be whistling another bhoys tunes. Soon!
(The Delerium Trees)
Protect your heritage!
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