Wood of Avochie

Wood, Forest in Aberdeenshire

Scotland

Wood of Avochie

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

The Wood of Avochie is a picturesque forest located in Aberdeenshire, Scotland. Covering an area of approximately 300 acres, it is a haven of tranquility and natural beauty. The wood is situated near the village of Alford and is easily accessible by car or on foot.

The Wood of Avochie is predominantly composed of native woodland, featuring a diverse range of tree species including oak, birch, ash, and pine. These trees create a rich and varied habitat for a wide array of wildlife, making it a popular spot for nature enthusiasts and birdwatchers.

Visitors to the Wood of Avochie can explore its extensive network of paths and trails, which wind their way through the forest and offer stunning views of the surrounding countryside. The woods are also home to a number of historic features, including an ancient stone circle and the remains of a medieval chapel.

In addition to its natural and historical attractions, the Wood of Avochie is a great place for recreational activities such as walking, cycling, and picnicking. The peaceful atmosphere and beautiful surroundings make it an ideal destination for families and individuals seeking a peaceful escape from the hustle and bustle of everyday life.

Overall, the Wood of Avochie is a hidden gem in Aberdeenshire, offering visitors the chance to immerse themselves in nature and discover the region's rich history.

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Wood of Avochie Images

Images are sourced within 2km of 57.499604/-2.7746399 or Grid Reference NJ5345. 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

River Deveron

Douglas Nelson

Road near Dykehead

Looking south-eastward. A Low Bridge (railway) with only 11 foot of clearance lies ahead for the unwary.

Peter Wood

Road from Ruthven joining the B9022 at Bridge of Isla

Looking north-eastward.

Peter Wood

Ordnance Survey Cut Mark

This mark can be found on the railway bridge near to Dykehead. The benchmark height is recorded as being 89.986 metres above sea level. For more detail see : Link

Peter Wood