Cairnbeg Belt

Wood, Forest in Aberdeenshire

Scotland

Cairnbeg Belt

Minor road towards Rhynie Credit: Steven Brown

Cairnbeg Belt is a picturesque woodland located in Aberdeenshire, Scotland. Spanning a vast area, it is renowned for its natural beauty and rich biodiversity. The woodland is situated near the village of Cairnbeg, which adds to its accessibility and popularity among locals and tourists alike.

The Cairnbeg Belt is predominantly covered with dense and ancient Scots pine trees, creating a serene and tranquil atmosphere. These towering trees, some of which are centuries old, provide a habitat for a diverse range of flora and fauna. Visitors can expect to encounter a variety of woodland creatures, including red squirrels, roe deer, and various bird species such as woodpeckers and owls.

The woodland offers numerous walking trails and paths, which are well-maintained and suit all levels of fitness. These paths lead visitors through the heart of the forest, offering stunning views of the surrounding landscape. Throughout the year, the woodland transforms with the changing seasons, displaying a spectacular burst of colors in the autumn and a vibrant green canopy in the summer.

Cairnbeg Belt also holds significant historical and cultural importance. It is believed to have been inhabited by ancient tribes and has remnants of old settlements and burial grounds within its boundaries. The woodland provides a serene and reflective space for those interested in exploring its historical past.

Overall, Cairnbeg Belt in Aberdeenshire is a must-visit destination for nature enthusiasts, hikers, and those seeking a peaceful escape from the hustle and bustle of everyday life. Its natural beauty, diverse wildlife, and historical significance make it a gem within the Scottish countryside.

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Cairnbeg Belt Images

Images are sourced within 2km of 57.315765/-2.8299228 or Grid Reference NJ5025. Thanks to Geograph Open Source API. All images are credited.

Minor road towards Rhynie

Steven Brown

Road junction near Rhynie

Steven Brown

The southern end of Drum Wood

Seen from near Rhynie cemetery. The wind turbine on right hand skyline is on Cairn More NJ5024.

Stanley Howe

Semi-detached bungalows

On the Bogie Road out of Rhynie.

Stanley Howe

Junction at Auchindoir

Peter Moore

Rhynie Symbol Stones

These are three of eight incised symbol stones found around Rhynie. They are house in an open shed beside the car park below the cemetery. See NJ4926 : Rhynie Symbol Stone No 5 and NJ4926 : Rhynie Symbol Stone No 6 for cloe-ups of two of the stones. The carving on the middle one was too worn and the photograph was indistinct.

Anne Burgess

Rhynie Symbol Stone No 5

The description of this stone at Link

is a bit confusing. It shows two different stones under the same heading. This one is definitely pink granite, and I can make out a 'crescent and V-rod' and 'mirror' symbols. This is the one on the left in NJ4926 : Rhynie Symbol Stones.

Anne Burgess

Rhynie Symbol Stone No 6

The description of this stone at Link

is a bit confusing. It shows two different stones under the same heading. This one is definitely grey whinstone, and I can make out a 'dog's head, 'double disc and z-rod' and 'mirror' symbols. It is supposed to have a 'comb' but if it is there it is very indistinct. This is the one on the right in NJ4926 : Rhynie Symbol Stones.

Anne Burgess

Craw Stane (1)

The Craw Stane is thought to be the most important of the eight symbol stones found around Rhynie. It stands on a low hill south of the village. See Link

for more information. NJ4926 : Craw Stane (2)

Anne Burgess

Craw Stane (2)

The Craw Stane is thought to be the most important of the eight symbol stones found around Rhynie. It stands on a low hill south of the village. See Link

for more information. The village is just visible at right and in the distance is Tap o' Noth in NJ4829. NJ4926 : Craw Stane (3)

Anne Burgess

Craw Stane (3)

The Craw Stane is thought to be the most important of the eight symbol stones found around Rhynie. It stands on a low hill south of the village. In this close-up view you can see the incised 'fish' and 'elephant' symbols on the south face of the stone. See Link

for more information. NJ4926 : Craw Stane (4)

Anne Burgess

Craw Stane (4)

The Craw Stane is thought to be the most important of the eight symbol stones found around Rhynie. It stands on a low hill south of the village. This is the west face of the stone, with the corner of the cemetery just in view among the trees to the left, below the long shadow. See Link

for more information. NJ4926 : Craw Stane (5)

Anne Burgess

Craw Stane (5)

The Craw Stane is thought to be the most important of the eight symbol stones found around Rhynie. It stands on a low hill south of the village. This is the back of the stone from the north-west. See Link

for more information. NJ4926 : Craw Stane (6)

Anne Burgess

Craw Stane (6)

The Craw Stane is thought to be the most important of the eight symbol stones found around Rhynie. It stands on a low hill south of the village, with a fine view to the south-east. See Link

for more information. NJ4926 : Craw Stane (1)

Anne Burgess

Across the Bogie Water

This is the view from beside the NJ4926 : Craw Stane (1). The Water of Bogie runs through the floor of the valley. Beyond it, the nearest farm is Barflat, which is just in the next square. Above and to the left is Bankhead (not to be confused with other places of the same name; this one is in the parish of Rhynie). The intervening farm, Sandholes, is hidden by the lie of the land.

Anne Burgess

Rhynie Dig

An archaeological dig in progress around the Craw Stone near Rhynie. Recent excavations have revealed a Pictish settlement and evidence of building structure and metalworking on site.

Andrew Wood

Near Newton of Auchindoir

Green farmland and golden whins above the Water of Bogie.

Anne Burgess

Whins on Quarry Hill

A blaze of gold on the south slope of Quarry Hill at Auchindoir. There are probably both broom and whins but at this range it's hard to distinguish one from the other.

Anne Burgess

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Cairnbeg Belt is located at Grid Ref: NJ5025 (Lat: 57.315765, Lng: -2.8299228)

Unitary Authority: Aberdeenshire

Police Authority: North East