Wood of Avochie

Wood, Forest in Aberdeenshire

Scotland

Wood of Avochie

Drystane Dyke A rather haphazard-looking dyke on the side of the road to Redhill. — Drystane Dyke Credit: Anne Burgess

Wood of Avochie, located in Aberdeenshire, Scotland, is a picturesque forest renowned for its natural beauty and rich biodiversity. Stretching over an area of approximately 400 hectares, the wood is a haven for nature enthusiasts and a popular destination for hikers, birdwatchers, and photographers.

The wood boasts a diverse range of tree species, with stands of native Scots pine, birch, and oak dominating the landscape. These trees provide a habitat for a wide variety of wildlife, including red squirrels, roe deer, and numerous bird species such as woodpeckers and crossbills.

Traversing through the wood, visitors can explore a network of well-maintained trails that wind their way through the enchanting forest. These paths offer stunning vistas and lead to hidden gems, such as secluded waterfalls and tranquil ponds. The wood is especially captivating during autumn when the foliage transforms into a kaleidoscope of vibrant colors, creating a breathtaking spectacle.

Wood of Avochie also holds historical significance, with remnants of ancient settlements and stone circles scattered throughout the area. These archaeological sites provide a glimpse into the lives of the people who once inhabited the region centuries ago.

Managed by the local authorities, the wood is a protected area, ensuring the preservation of its natural beauty and biodiversity for future generations to enjoy. Whether one seeks solace in nature, wishes to observe wildlife, or simply desires a peaceful retreat, Wood of Avochie is a must-visit destination for anyone seeking a connection with the Scottish countryside.

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Wood of Avochie Images

Images are sourced within 2km of 57.501662/-2.7685594 or Grid Reference NJ5445. Thanks to Geograph Open Source API. All images are credited.

Drystane Dyke

A rather haphazard-looking dyke on the side of the road to Redhill.

Anne Burgess

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 from Ruthven joining the B9022 at Bridge of Isla

Looking north-eastward.

Peter Wood

Track from Auchincrieve joining the B9022 road

Looking 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

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Wood of Avochie is located at Grid Ref: NJ5445 (Lat: 57.501662, Lng: -2.7685594)

Unitary Authority: Aberdeenshire

Police Authority: North East