Den of Woodhead

Valley in Aberdeenshire

Scotland

Den of Woodhead

Den of Gask Minor road heading north through the Den of Gask. — Den of Gask Credit: Scott Cormie

Den of Woodhead is a picturesque valley located in Aberdeenshire, Scotland. Nestled amidst the tranquil countryside, this enchanting valley is renowned for its natural beauty and charm.

Surrounded by rolling hills and dense woodlands, Den of Woodhead offers a haven of tranquility for nature enthusiasts and hikers alike. The valley is home to a diverse range of flora and fauna, including native Scottish species such as red deer, red squirrels, and various bird species. The lush greenery and vibrant wildflowers that adorn the valley create a stunning backdrop for visitors to enjoy.

The valley is traversed by a meandering river, which adds to the serenity and beauty of the landscape. The crystal-clear waters of the river are a sight to behold, and visitors can often spot salmon and trout swimming upstream during the spawning season.

Den of Woodhead is also steeped in history, with several archaeological sites scattered throughout the area. These sites provide a glimpse into the past, offering insights into the lives of the ancient inhabitants of Aberdeenshire.

For those seeking outdoor activities, the valley offers numerous hiking trails that cater to all levels of fitness. The trails range from leisurely strolls to more challenging treks, providing ample opportunities for exploration and adventure.

With its idyllic setting and rich natural heritage, Den of Woodhead is a must-visit destination for anyone seeking solace in nature or a deeper connection with Scotland's wilderness.

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Den of Woodhead Images

Images are sourced within 2km of 57.499861/-2.4764373 or Grid Reference NJ7145. Thanks to Geograph Open Source API. All images are credited.

Den of Gask

Minor road heading north through the Den of Gask.

Scott Cormie

Craigietocher from the north-east

Looking from the road to the north-east towards Craigietocher.

Scott Cormie

Wooded garden at Hopefield

Tree-dotted garden by the roadside at Hopefield.

Scott Cormie

Silo at Kingsford

Silo next to a ruined steading by the roadside at Kingsford.

Scott Cormie

Ploughed field near Uppermill

Ploughed field by the roadside at the junction to Uppermill.

Scott Cormie

C22S road at the Burn of Cliftbog

The C22S heading north over the Burn of Cliftbog.

Scott Cormie

Scattered sheep

Sheep scattered over the grassland to the north-west of Braefoot.

Scott Cormie

Brunthall from the north

Brunthall on the west side of the C22S road viewed from the north.

Scott Cormie

Burn of Gask

The burn is clearly too small to have created this wide valley, which is in fact a meltwater channel carved by the melt from a glacier at the end of the last Ice Age some 10,000 years ago.

Anne Burgess

Moss of Brunthall

The glacial meltwater channel is wide, flat and boggy here, and iron oxides are leaching out into the Burn of Gask that drains it, giving the burn a reddish colour. In fact the water is crystal clear and the red is a deposit in the bed of the burn. Or at least it was today, after a spell of dry settled weather.

Anne Burgess

Corrydown Recumbent Stone Circle (1)

This circle has been disturbed, and only the recumbent, the furthest right in this view, remains in its original position. See Link

for a fuller description. NJ7044 : Corrydown Recumbent Stone Circle (2)

Anne Burgess

Corrydown Recumbent Stone Circle (2)

The large stone on the right is the recumbent, the only stone of the circle that is still in its original position. On its left is one of the flankers, no longer standing upright. See Link

for a fuller description. NJ7044 : Corrydown Recumbent Stone Circle (3)

Anne Burgess

Corrydown Recumbent Stone Circle (3)

The closest stone is the recumbent, which is the only one in its original position. Behind and to its right is one of the flankers and to its right again one of the small stones thought to have symbolised the entrance to a tomb. Another fallen stone is at the far corner of the fenced enclosure. See Link

for a fuller description. NJ7044 : Corrydown Recumbent Stone Circle (4)

Anne Burgess

Corrydown Recumbent Stone Circle (4)

The closest stone is one of the flankers, which would originally have stood upright and would have been paired with a similar stone at the other end of the recumbent, which is visible behind it and is the only stone still in situ. See Link

for a fuller description. NJ7044 : Corrydown Recumbent Stone Circle (5)

Anne Burgess

Corrydown Recumbent Stone Circle (5)

Most of the stones of the Corrydown circle are coarse-grained conglomerate with pebble-sized white quartz clasts. This is part of the flanker. The recumbent, however, is of a different rock type. Pound coin for scale. Compare with NJ7044 : Corrydown Recumbent Stone Circle (6). See Link

for a fuller description.

Anne Burgess

Corrydown Recumbent Stone Circle (6)

This is part of the recumbent. Comparing it with NJ7044 : Corrydown Recumbent Stone Circle (5), it is obviously a finer-grained rock, lacking the white quartz clasts. The white quartz in the lower part of this view is the remains of a vein formed in a crack in the rock after it had formed. Pound coin for scale. See Link

for a fuller description. NJ7044 : Corrydown Recumbent Stone Circle (7)

Anne Burgess

Corrydown Recumbent Stone Circle (7)

These are the remaining stones in the north arc of the circle. They have all been displaced and are lying on the ground instead of standing up. See Link

for a fuller description. NJ7044 : Corrydown Recumbent Stone Circle (8)

Anne Burgess

Corrydown Recumbent Stone Circle (8)

This is the reciprocal of the view in NJ7044 : Corrydown Recumbent Stone Circle (3), with the recumbent appearing taller than the flanker in front of it, and the other stones, also fallen or displaced. See Link

for a fuller description. NJ7044 : Corrydown Recumbent Stone Circle (1)

Anne Burgess

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Den of Woodhead is located at Grid Ref: NJ7145 (Lat: 57.499861, Lng: -2.4764373)

Unitary Authority: Aberdeenshire

Police Authority: North East