Muir of Turtory

Downs, Moorland in Banffshire

Scotland

Muir of Turtory

Bellman's Wood Recumbent Stone Circle (4) This Ordnance Survey bench mark has been carved, in what archaeologists have described as an act of vandalism, on the upper surface of the fallen west flanker of the stone circle. See <span class="nowrap"><a title="https://canmore.org.uk/site/18427/bellmans-wood" rel="nofollow ugc noopener" href="https://canmore.org.uk/site/18427/bellmans-wood">Link</a><img style="margin-left:2px;" alt="External link" title="External link - shift click to open in new window" src="https://s1.geograph.org.uk/img/external.png" width="10" height="10"/></span> for more information. <a href="https://www.geograph.org.uk/photo/4743217">NJ6050 : Bellman's Wood Recumbent Stone Circle (1)</a> — Bellman's Wood Recumbent Stone Circle (4) Credit: Anne Burgess

Muir of Turtory is a picturesque area located in Banffshire, Scotland, renowned for its stunning downs and moorland landscapes. Spanning approximately 10 square miles, this rural region offers visitors a tranquil escape from the hustle and bustle of city life.

The downs of Muir of Turtory are characterized by their gently rolling hills and expansive grasslands. These open spaces provide an ideal habitat for a diverse range of plants and wildlife, making it a popular spot for nature enthusiasts and bird watchers. Visitors can expect to encounter native species such as red grouse, curlews, and golden plovers, as well as an array of wildflowers during the warmer months.

In addition to its downs, the moorland of Muir of Turtory adds to the area's natural beauty. This rugged terrain is defined by its heather-covered hills, bogs, and small lochs. Hikers and outdoor enthusiasts will find a network of trails that crisscross the moorland, offering stunning panoramic views of the surrounding countryside.

Muir of Turtory also holds historical significance, with traces of ancient settlements and archaeological sites scattered throughout the landscape. The area's rich history can be explored through visits to nearby attractions such as standing stones, cairns, and the ruins of old crofts.

With its idyllic downs, captivating moorland, and historical charm, Muir of Turtory offers visitors a unique opportunity to immerse themselves in the natural and cultural heritage of Banffshire. Whether it's a leisurely walk, birdwatching, or a deep dive into history, this tranquil haven has something to offer for everyone seeking a peaceful retreat in the heart of Scotland.

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Muir of Turtory Images

Images are sourced within 2km of 57.525035/-2.6726405 or Grid Reference NJ5948. Thanks to Geograph Open Source API. All images are credited.

Bellman's Wood Recumbent Stone Circle (4)

This Ordnance Survey bench mark has been carved, in what archaeologists have described as an act of vandalism, on the upper surface of the fallen west flanker of the stone circle. See Link

for more information. NJ6050 : Bellman's Wood Recumbent Stone Circle (1)

Anne Burgess

Standing Stone

This stone stands outside the wall surrounding the kirk. There is a suggestion that it once formed part of a stone circle where the kirk now is, but was moved and re-erected here. See Link

for more information.

Anne Burgess

St Marnan's Chair

Either St Marnan was a very odd shape, or perhaps he was into pole-sitting. This un-chair-like standing stone is in the grounds of St Marnan's Kirk. It may have formed part of an ancient stone circle. See Link

for more information.

Anne Burgess

St Marnan's Kirk

This is the parish kirk of Marnoch, built in 1782. It replaced an earlier building further down near the river, where the kirkyard is. See Link

for more information.

Anne Burgess

Marnoch Parish Kirk

Dedicated to St Marnan, built in 1782 and still in use. The trees make it difficult to photograph well, but NJ5950 : Marnoch old church is an older view. See Link

for more information.

Anne Burgess

St Marnan's Chair

for more information.

Anne Burgess

Loupin-on Stane

This mounting block stands just outside the kirkyard wall at Marnoch Parish Kirk.

Anne Burgess

Marnoch Old Kirk

This handsome rectangular kirk replaced St Marnoch's (old) Church, situated a few hundred metres to the southwest, in around 1790. The bell, presumably from the old church, is dated 1747. The congregation 'came out' in 1841 in a row over patronage and established a new church (confusingly called New Marnoch Church) at the planned village of Aberchirder, about 3km to the northeast (see: Link ). The two kirks were reunited in 1929 and it is now part of a joint parish with its Aberchirder neighbour. A fine standing stone called St Marnan's Chair can be seen in the kirkyard.

Bill Harrison

St Marnan's Chair

A fine standing stone in the kirkyard of Marnoch Old Kirk, thought to possibly date from the bronze age: Link

Bill Harrison

View over the fields

Typical rolling hills in this part of Aberdeenshire.

Bill Harrison

Single-track road

A typical Aberdeenshire byway which makes its windy way to Aberchirder.

Bill Harrison

Crombie Burn

My eye was caughte here by one of the most extensive patches of Sweet Cicely (Myrrhis odorate) that I've ever seen, but in the absence of sunshine the photograph doesn't do it justice. On the far back are the leaves of White Butterbur (Petasites albus), an invasive alien with large rhubarb-like leaves that shade out anything that tries to grow underneath them.

Anne Burgess

Former tollhouse

Surveyed by the Milestone Society. This old toll house is on the A97 from Huntly to Aberchirder at Bridge of Marnoch. It is on the west side of the road just south of the bridge over the River Deveron. The safety barrier at the low stone bridge can just be seen in the photograph. The single storey house has been modernised with the addition of dormer windows but it is the classic shape of a tollhouse and is another 'guarding' a bridge.

Chris Minto