Castle Hill

Hill, Mountain in Aberdeenshire

Scotland

Castle Hill

Parkhouse Hill The grassy track is the way to the Aikey Brae recumbent stone circle, which is hidden from here by the clump of conifers to the right. — Parkhouse Hill Credit: Anne Burgess

Castle Hill is a prominent hill located in Aberdeenshire, Scotland. Standing at an impressive height of 427 meters (1,401 feet), it offers breathtaking panoramic views of the surrounding countryside and is a popular destination for locals and tourists alike.

The hill gets its name from the remains of a medieval fortress that once stood atop its summit. Today, only remnants of the castle's stone walls and earthworks remain, providing a glimpse into its historical significance. The castle was believed to have been built in the 12th century and served as a strategic stronghold during the era. Its location on the hill provided a vantage point for monitoring the surrounding area and defending against potential threats.

Castle Hill is easily accessible, with various walking trails leading to its summit. The paths are well-maintained and suitable for all levels of fitness. As visitors ascend the hill, they are treated to stunning views of the Aberdeenshire countryside, with rolling hills, lush green fields, and distant mountains stretching out before them.

The hill is also home to a diverse range of flora and fauna, making it an ideal spot for nature enthusiasts. Wildflowers, heather, and various species of birds can often be spotted along the trails, adding to the natural beauty of the area.

Whether it's history, natural beauty, or outdoor adventure, Castle Hill offers something for everyone. Its commanding presence and picturesque surroundings make it a must-visit destination for those exploring Aberdeenshire.

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Castle Hill Images

Images are sourced within 2km of 57.507312/-2.0917733 or Grid Reference NJ9446. Thanks to Geograph Open Source API. All images are credited.

Parkhouse Hill

The grassy track is the way to the Aikey Brae recumbent stone circle, which is hidden from here by the clump of conifers to the right.

Anne Burgess

Edible Gate?

On closer inspection, the bales are straw, not hay, so any livestock would have to be pretty desperate to munch their way through this cleverly improvised and presumably temporary gate.

Anne Burgess

Elaborate Gate

My first thought on seeing this gate was that it had been bent out of shape, producing folds in the horizontal bars, but I think the undulations are too tidy, so it was probably made like this. I'd be interested in any other opinions on the matter.

Anne Burgess

Aikey Brae Recumbent Stone Circle (1)

You approach the circle through a dense conifer plantation, thinking gloomily that the whole thing is going to be in deep shade, then you emerge from among the trees to this view. On the left are the east flanker and the enormous recumbent, and on the right are the remaining stones of the western arc of the circle. See Link

for more details. NJ9547 : Aikey Brae Recumbent Stone Circle (2)

Anne Burgess

Aikey Brae Recumbent Stone Circle (2)

This is the opposite view from NJ9547 : Aikey Brae Recumbent Stone Circle (1), with the recumbent and east flanker on the right and the remaining three stones still standing on the left, each one shorter than the next the further away they are from the recumbent. See Link

for more details. NJ9547 : Aikey Brae Recumbent Stone Circle (3)

Anne Burgess

Aikey Brae Recumbent Stone Circle (3)

These are the three stones in the western arc of the circle. Each is shorter than its neighbour nearer the recumbent setting. See Link

for more details. NJ9547 : Aikey Brae Recumbent Stone Circle (4)

Anne Burgess

Aikey Brae Recumbent Stone Circle (4)

This is the recumbent setting. The west flanker, nearest to the camera position, has fallen, but the east flanker is still standing at the far end of the massive recumbent. See Link

for more details. NJ9547 : Aikey Brae Recumbent Stone Circle (5)

Anne Burgess

Aikey Brae Recumbent Stone Circle (5)

The closest stone is one of the fallen ones, and the next one, also fallen, is the west Flanker. The recumbent is still in its original position, as is the east flanker which sticks up beyond it. More fallen stones, in the eastern arc, are visible to the left of the recumbent. See Link

for more details. NJ9547 : Aikey Brae Recumbent Stone Circle (6)

Anne Burgess

Aikey Brae Recumbent Stone Circle (6)

The nearest stone is the east flanker, and the recumbent is to its left. In the background are the three remaining standing stones in the western arc of the circle. See Link

for more details. NJ9547 : Aikey Brae Recumbent Stone Circle (7)

Anne Burgess

Aikey Brae Recumbent Stone Circle (7)

In the foreground are fallen stones in the eastern arc, and the standing stones of the western arc are at the far side of the circle. The recumbent and remaining standing flanker are on the left. See Link

for more details. NJ9547 : Aikey Brae Recumbent Stone Circle (1)

Anne Burgess

Akie Brea Stone Circle

The stone circle can be seen easier now the surrounding wood has gone

Ralph Greig

Path up the hill

A good quality path for getting to the stone circle on the summit

Ralph Greig

The Formartine and Buchan Way

The Formartine and Buchan Way is a long-distance trail in Scotland, extending from Dyce north to Peterhead and Fraserburgh in the Buchan and Formartine districts of Aberdeenshire in Scotland. It follows the track of a former railway line, the Formartine and Buchan Railway, and is open to walkers, cyclists and horse riders.The railway closed in 1979 (Fraserburgh) and 1970 (Maud-Peterhead). The walkway opened in the early 1990s, and is managed by Aberdeenshire Council. It is listed as one of Scotland's Great Trails by NatureScot 64 km (40 mi) to Fraserburgh, plus 21 km (13 mi) spur to Peterhead.

Ralph Greig