Backwood Hill

Hill, Mountain in Aberdeenshire

Scotland

Backwood Hill

The Ringing Stane Recumbent Stone Circle (1) The gentle mound is the ground originally surrounded by the circle. In the foreground are three stones lying flat, which are not thought to be in the original circle, though they might have been displaced from it. The taller stone on the left is the recumbent, with a stubby outcrop of rock beside it. See <span class="nowrap"><a title="https://canmore.org.uk/site/17827/the-ringing-stone" rel="nofollow ugc noopener" href="https://canmore.org.uk/site/17827/the-ringing-stone">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 details. <a href="https://www.geograph.org.uk/photo/4742648">NJ5345 : The Ringing Stane Recumbent Stone Circle (2)</a> — The Ringing Stane Recumbent Stone Circle (1) Credit: Anne Burgess

Backwood Hill is a prominent natural landmark located in Aberdeenshire, Scotland. Standing at an elevation of approximately 650 meters (2,132 feet), it is classified as a hill rather than a mountain. Situated within the picturesque countryside, this hill offers breathtaking panoramic views of the surrounding area.

Backwood Hill is characterized by its rugged and rocky terrain, covered with heather and grasses. The slopes of the hill are steep in some sections, making it a challenging but rewarding hiking destination for outdoor enthusiasts. The ascent to the summit can be demanding, but the stunning vistas make it well worth the effort.

The hill is part of a larger network of walking trails, attracting visitors from near and far. Its proximity to Aberdeenshire's charming villages and towns makes it easily accessible for day trips or longer excursions. Local wildlife, including birds of prey, can often be spotted soaring above the hill, adding to the area's natural beauty.

Backwood Hill also holds historical significance, with traces of ancient settlements and burial mounds found in the vicinity. Archaeological remains indicate that the hill was once inhabited by early settlers, adding an intriguing layer of cultural heritage to its natural allure.

Whether one is seeking a challenging hike, stunning views, or an opportunity to reconnect with nature, Backwood Hill in Aberdeenshire offers a captivating experience for outdoor enthusiasts and history enthusiasts alike.

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Backwood Hill Images

Images are sourced within 2km of 57.48189/-2.7789012 or Grid Reference NJ5343. Thanks to Geograph Open Source API. All images are credited.

The Ringing Stane Recumbent Stone Circle (1)

The gentle mound is the ground originally surrounded by the circle. In the foreground are three stones lying flat, which are not thought to be in the original circle, though they might have been displaced from it. The taller stone on the left is the recumbent, with a stubby outcrop of rock beside it. See Link

for more details. NJ5345 : The Ringing Stane Recumbent Stone Circle (2)

Anne Burgess

The Ringing Stane Recumbent Stone Circle (2)

On the left is the recumbent, with a natural outcrop in front of it. On the right are three stones which may have been part of the original circle, but are not in original positions. The prominent distant hill is Knock Hill. See Link

for more details. NJ5345 : The Ringing Stane Recumbent Stone Circle (3) (Sorry about my shadow - I couldn't avoid it!)

Anne Burgess

The Ringing Stane Recumbent Stone Circle (3)

The large stone here is the recumbent, and it is the only stone still standing. The farmer who farms the land told me that it might have fallen over too, but his grandfather had added some stones to keep it upright. To its right is a natural outcrop, though I am surprised that the latter managed to survive the Ice Age. See Link

for more details. NJ5345 : The Ringing Stane Recumbent Stone Circle (4)

Anne Burgess

The Ringing Stane Recumbent Stone Circle (4)

The recumbent is on the left, and from this angle you can see that the natural outcrop is a few feet from the recumbent. See Link

for more details. NJ5345 : The Ringing Stane Recumbent Stone Circle (5)

Anne Burgess

The Ringing Stane Recumbent Stone Circle (5)

This is the side of the recumbent that faces into the circle. The stones it sits on, and several others that are possibly not original, can be clearly seen. The rock on the left edge of the picture is a natural rock outcrop. See Link

for more details. NJ5345 : The Ringing Stane Recumbent Stone Circle (6)

Anne Burgess

The Ringing Stane Recumbent Stone Circle (6)

This is the recumbent, seen end-on. It is also known as the Iron Stane, and the name is because of the ringing sound it makes when struck. See Link

for more details. NJ5345 : The Ringing Stane Recumbent Stone Circle (7)

Anne Burgess

The Ringing Stane Recumbent Stone Circle (7)

If the stone in the foreground was part of the circle, it has been moved, and a row of wedge holes has been bored into it. In the background is the recumbent, seen end-on, with a natural rock outcrop to the left. See Link

for more details. NJ5345 : The Ringing Stane Recumbent Stone Circle (8)

Anne Burgess

The Ringing Stane Recumbent Stone Circle (8)

These stones, although lying close to the circle, are not part of it. In 1871, at least two of them were not where they are now, and the nearer one has had wedge holes bored into it. See Link

for more details. NJ5345 : The Ringing Stane Recumbent Stone Circle (9)

Anne Burgess

The Ringing Stane Recumbent Stone Circle (9)

Apart from the recumbent, this is the only stone in its original position, though it is no longer standing. See Link

for more details. NJ5345 : The Ringing Stane Recumbent Stone Circle (10)

Anne Burgess

The Ringing Stane Recumbent Stone Circle (10)

This grassy mound is what remains of the cairn inside the stone circle. It has been cultivated, but the farmer said that the bedrock is so close to the surface that it's only really suitable for grazing. See Link

for more details. NJ5345 : The Ringing Stane Recumbent Stone Circle (1)

Anne Burgess

River Deveron

Douglas Nelson

Old Milestone by the B9022, The Bin Forest, Huntly parish

Aberdeen granite by the B9022, in parish of Huntly (Grampian District), The Bin Forest, North of Crofts of Dykeside. Inscription reads:- 19 (To Banff) Surveyed Milestone Society National ID: AD_BFHNB19

Milestone Society

Track in The Bin Forest

David Purchase

Ordiquhill Trig Point Flush Bracket S7092

thejackrustles

Haddoch Farm

Haddoch farmhouse and part of the steading.

Andrew Stuart

Road into the Forestry Commission Offices

As seen when turning off the "Portsoy" Road.

Andrew Stuart

A track into Bin Forest

One of many tracks into Bin Forest. I have a photograph of one of Scotland's native Orchid species which is growing in the drainage ditch on the left.

Andrew Stuart