The Tailor-Made Guide to The Standing Stones of Scotland: Aberdeenshire Day Trip
- Barry Pickard
- 1 day ago
- 7 min read
Disclosure: This post contains affiliate links. Regardless of this, please be advised that all opinions expressed in this blog post are genuine and authentically my own.
Author: Barry Pickard
Hi, I'm Barry, the owner of Tailor-Made Itineraries and I have been designing bespoke self-guided tours for adventurous and curious travellers since 2015. I am a history graduate with a passion for travel.
I created this blog to show, through my own adventures, how you can have an incredible travel experience as an independent traveller, giving you the information to navigate the world with confidence.
Contents
Where can you find recumbent stone circles in Scotland? Standing in a grassy field near Inverurie, watching the massive horizontal recumbent stone catch late afternoon light while Bennachie's distinctive peaks rise behind it, I realised I'd stumbled onto something truly rare – a type of stone circle found nowhere else in the world except Aberdeenshire and southwest Ireland.
The crisp Scottish air carries the scent of wild heather and damp earth as you approach these ancient monuments. Moss clings to weathered granite that's stood for 4,000 years, and when wind moves through the surrounding pines at sites like Sunhoney, you can hear branches creaking while cattle graze peacefully in adjacent fields. At East Aquhorthies, the silence is absolute except for skylarks calling overhead, and you're often completely alone with these prehistoric stones – no visitor centres, no crowds, just you and monuments as old as Stonehenge.
I'm Barry, a history graduate who's been designing self-guided tours since 2015, and I'll be honest – I'd driven past these stone circles for years without properly exploring them. They're literally in my backyard here in Northeast Scotland, yet it took a dedicated day trip to appreciate what makes them so special. Recumbent stone circles are unique because of their distinctive design: a large horizontal stone flanked by two uprights, creating a focal point that ancient communities likely used to track lunar cycles. Once I started researching them properly, I realised Aberdeenshire holds the world's greatest concentration of these monuments, and most visitors to Scotland have absolutely no idea they exist.
If you're planning a trip to Scotland and wondering whether Aberdeenshire's stone circles are worth visiting, or you're trying to figure out which sites to prioritise and how to find them (some aren't even signposted), you've found the right guide. I'll walk you through some of the best stone circles I visited on my day trip – from the perfectly preserved East Aquhorthies to the atmospheric woodland setting at Sunhoney, plus the fascinating Pictish Maiden Stone that locals claim was once a woman turned to stone by the Devil. You'll get practical directions, parking information, and the historical context that makes these sites fascinating rather than just piles of old rocks. This is proper off-the-beaten-track Scotland, where you can connect with ancient history without fighting through tour groups.
Don’t forget that Tailor-Made Itineraries delights in creating bespoke self-guided tours. So, if visiting any of the standing stones of Scotland appeals to you, reach out to me by email. I would be more than happy to design a self-guided tour around your requirements incorporating the stone circles of Aberdeenshire, or indeed, a general tour of Scotland.
What Are Recumbent Stone Circles?
So, what exactly is a 'Recumbent Stone Circle'? Let me paint a picture for you: these circles consist of several standing stones, with one large horizontal stone (the 'recumbent') flanked by two upright stones. These circles were built around 4,000 years ago, during the same period as Stonehenge and the Pyramids of Giza.
What were stone circles used for?
Their purpose remains a subject of debate, but many believe they were used to track the moon's cycles and seasonal changes, serving as important tools for early agricultural societies. Keep reading to learn more about the best sites to visit and how to make the most of your journey through Scotland’s ancient history.
Must-Visit Standing Stones of Scotland
East Aquhorthies Stone Circle
Just a short drive from Inverurie, the East Aquhorthies Stone Circle is one of the most well-preserved examples of recumbent stone circles in Scotland. Situated against the stunning backdrop of Bennachie, this site is easily accessible, with a car park and a short uphill walk. It’s an excellent starting point for your journey into Aberdeenshire’s stone circles.
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The Loanhead of Daviot
The Loanhead of Daviot Stone Circle stands out for its large recumbent stone encircling a ring cairn. This prehistoric stone circle is thought to have been a ceremonial site and possibly a cremation area. Its well-preserved structure offers a compelling window into the rituals and beliefs of ancient communities.
The Maiden Stone
While not a stone circle, the Maiden Stone, near The Chapel of Garioch (pronounced Gee-ree) is a fascinating addition to any Aberdeenshire itinerary. This 1,300-year-old Pictish stone stands 3 meters tall and features intricate carvings, including Pictish symbols and a possible biblical scene. Local folklore claims the stone was once a maiden turned to stone by the Devil, adding a touch of myth to its historical significance. However, others say it simply marked an ancient road connecting Aberdeenshire and Moray. I’ll leave you to decide which it is.
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Sunhoney Stone Circle
Located near the village of Echt, the Sunhoney Stone Circle is not signposted, but it is on Google Maps. Head west from the village of Echt, and just over a mile, you'll see a sign for Sunhoney Farm. Drive up past the farm and park up. There's a sign and a narrow track leading to a wooded hilltop and an atmospheric site, where history and mystery converge. The alignment of the stones suggests a connection to lunar cycles, adding to its allure as one of the best stone circles in Scotland.
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Cullerlie Stone Circle
As well as the recumbent stone circles, my day trip also took me to a regular stone circle at Cullerlie. The Cullerlie Stone Circle is unique for its valley location, which contrasts with the higher ground preferred for most prehistoric monuments. The eight stones here are thought to have surrounded a cremation area. The site’s serene setting adds to its charm, making it a highlight of any visit to the stone circles in Scotland.
Why Visit the Stone Circles of Scotland?
Exploring the ancient stone circles of Scotland offers a profound connection to the past. These megalithic stone circles, along with other archaeological sites in Scotland, provide invaluable insights into the lives, beliefs, and ingenuity of prehistoric communities. Whether you’re a history enthusiast or simply looking for a unique travel experience, these sites are sure to captivate your imagination.
Tips for Visiting UK Stone Circles
Plan Ahead: Many sites are in remote locations, so it’s a good idea to plan your route and bring a map or GPS device.
Wear Comfortable Shoes: The walks to these ancient stone circles often involve uneven terrain.
Respect the Sites: These are historical treasures, so treat them with care to preserve them for future generations.
Conclusion
Aberdeenshire's stone circles offer something increasingly rare in modern travel – genuine solitude with ancient monuments. While thousands flock to Stonehenge behind ropes and ticket barriers, you can walk right up to 4,000-year-old recumbent stone circles and often have them entirely to yourself. From East Aquhorthies' stunning Bennachie backdrop to Sunhoney's mysterious wooded hilltop setting, each site reveals different aspects of our ancestors' ingenuity and their sophisticated understanding of lunar cycles. The drive between sites takes you through beautiful Aberdeenshire countryside, and the lack of formal visitor infrastructure means these monuments feel authentically connected to their landscape rather than packaged for tourism. If you're the type of independent traveller who values authentic experiences over Instagram-famous landmarks, Aberdeenshire's stone circles will captivate you.
Hotels in Aberdeenshire
There is a good selection of accommodation within the city of Aberdeen that will meet all tastes and budgets. At the luxury end, the Malmaison Aberdeen is an excellent choice, while the Inn at the Park offers a good, affordable night's stay near the Duthie Park, while the Copthorne Hotel is centrally placed, just a couple of minute's walk from Union Street.
If you are looking for a hotel further out into the countryside of Aberdeenshire, there are plenty to choose from, such as the Banchory Lodge Hotel, the Macdonald Pittodrie House, and the Douneside House, with all three being close to a collection of stone circles.
Click on the underlined weblinks above to review these hotels and make your reservation.
Related Blog Posts
If you are interested in finding out more about ancient Scotland, please view the Tailor-Made Itineraries posts below:
Drop a comment below and tell me which Aberdeenshire stone circle intrigues you most, or share your own discoveries if you've explored Scotland's ancient sites.
Don’t forget that Tailor-Made Itineraries delights in creating bespoke self-guided tours. So, if visiting any of the standing stones of Scotland appeals to you, reach out to me by email. I would be more than happy to design a self-guided tour around your requirements incorporating the stone circles of Aberdeenshire, or indeed, a general tour of Scotland.
Tailor-Made Itineraries posts every two weeks, and you can subscribe to the latest blog and newsletter here. Until then, happy reading and safe travels.
Barry
Contact Me: tailoritineraries@gmail.com
Tailor-Made Itineraries creates one-of-a-kind bespoke self-guided travel itineraries for adventurous and curious travellers.
These self-guided tours deliver a personalised and exciting holiday experience that takes the effort out of trip planning.
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