Whitehill Plantation

Wood, Forest in Aberdeenshire

Scotland

Whitehill Plantation

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

Whitehill Plantation is a picturesque woodland located in Aberdeenshire, Scotland. Spanning over a vast area, it is a captivating destination for nature enthusiasts and those seeking tranquility amidst the lush greenery. The plantation is situated near the village of Whitehill, surrounded by rolling hills and stunning landscapes.

The primary feature of Whitehill Plantation is its dense forest, consisting mainly of native tree species such as oak, birch, and pine. The towering trees create a dense canopy, filtering sunlight and casting a cool shade on the forest floor. The forest is home to a diverse range of flora and fauna, with various species of wildflowers, ferns, and mosses adding to its beauty.

Visitors can explore the plantation through a network of well-maintained walking trails that wind their way through the forest. These trails offer opportunities to immerse oneself in nature, with the chance to spot wildlife such as red squirrels, deer, and a wide variety of bird species.

In addition to its natural beauty, Whitehill Plantation also boasts historical significance. The area was once a thriving timber industry hub, with evidence of old sawmills and logging activities still visible today. This rich history adds an extra layer of interest for visitors interested in the region's past.

Overall, Whitehill Plantation is a stunning woodland retreat in Aberdeenshire, offering a serene environment for nature lovers and a glimpse into the area's past. Whether it's a leisurely stroll through the forest or an exploration of its historical significance, this plantation is a must-visit destination for anyone seeking solace in nature.

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Whitehill Plantation Images

Images are sourced within 2km of 57.505819/-2.802091 or Grid Reference NJ5246. 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

Tillytarmont Railway Bridge

The bridge carries the Aberdeen and Inverness railway over the River Deveron. The Wood of Avochie is beyond the railway, and the farm on top of the hill is Dykehead, in the next square.

Anne Burgess

Rail bridge over the Deveron

Peter Moore

Rothiemay railway station (site), Aberdeenshire

Opened in 1856 on the Great North of Scotland Railway's line from Aberdeen to Keith, this station closed in 1968. The line was later singled. View north towards Cairnie Junction and Keith. A wall is still visible in the undergrowth.

Nigel Thompson