Retanach Wood

Wood, Forest in Banffshire

Scotland

Retanach Wood

Looking west from the junction on the minor road near Knauchland Credit: Peter Moore

Retanach Wood is a stunning woodland located in Banffshire, Scotland. Spanning over a vast area, it is known for its natural beauty and rich biodiversity. The wood is situated near the village of Aberchirder and encompasses a mix of broadleaf and coniferous trees, creating a diverse and vibrant ecosystem.

The wood offers a peaceful and serene environment, making it a popular destination for nature lovers, hikers, and photographers. The dense foliage provides a cool and shaded atmosphere during the summer months, making it an ideal place for a leisurely stroll or a picnic with family and friends.

Within Retanach Wood, there are several walking trails that wind through the forest, allowing visitors to explore and discover its hidden treasures. These trails are well-maintained and offer a range of difficulty levels, catering to both casual walkers and more adventurous hikers. Along the way, one can encounter a variety of wildlife, including deer, rabbits, and numerous bird species, making it a haven for wildlife enthusiasts.

Retanach Wood is not only a natural gem but also holds historical significance. The wood has remnants of ancient settlements, with archaeological sites dating back to the Iron Age. These historical features add an element of intrigue and fascination to the wood, giving visitors a glimpse into the past.

Overall, Retanach Wood in Banffshire is a captivating destination that combines natural beauty, tranquility, and historical significance. It offers a unique and immersive experience for anyone seeking to reconnect with nature and explore the wonders of Scotland's woodlands.

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Retanach Wood Images

Images are sourced within 2km of 57.536291/-2.7259618 or Grid Reference NJ5649. Thanks to Geograph Open Source API. All images are credited.

Looking west from the junction on the minor road near Knauchland

Peter Moore

Track near Moss-Side of Mayen

With forested Catstone Hill beyond.

Alan Hodgson

Cairn of Mayen

Alan Hodgson

Hill of Retenach

Viewed from Hill of Cairns.

Alan Hodgson

View to Retanach

From a minor road near Moss-side.

Alan Hodgson

Old Crombie Trig Point Flush Bracket S6991

thejackrustles

Rothiemay Recumbent Stone Circle (1)

It's easy to miss this modest sign at the gate to the field containing the standing stones. NJ5548 : Rothiemay Recumbent Stone Circle (2)

Anne Burgess

Rothiemay Recumbent Stone Circle (2)

Until some time in the 1840s this circle was complete, but a farm bailiff had some removed in the 1840s, and only the intervention of the landowner prevented further destruction. Now, only five stones survive. See Link

for more information. NJ5548 : Rothiemay Recumbent Stone Circle (3)

Anne Burgess

Rothiemay Recumbent Stone Circle (3)

This is the view from the south-east. Nearest the camera are the two stones on the south-eastern arc of the circle. To the left is the recumbent, and in the background are the two stones on the north-western arc. See Link

for more information. NJ5548 : Rothiemay Recumbent Stone Circle (4)

Anne Burgess

Rothiemay Recumbent Stone Circle (4)

From the south-east, the two stones in the north-west are framed in the space between the two on the south-east. The recumbent is to the left. See Link

for more information. NJ5548 : Rothiemay Recumbent Stone Circle (5)

Anne Burgess

Rothiemay Recumbent Stone Circle (5)

In this view the recumbent is framed in the space between the two standing stones on the south-east arc of the circle. See Link

for more information. NJ5548 : Rothiemay Recumbent Stone Circle (6)

Anne Burgess

Rothiemay Recumbent Stone Circle (6)

These are the two stones on the south-east arc of the circle. See Link

for more information. NJ5548 : Rothiemay Recumbent Stone Circle (7)

Anne Burgess

Rothiemay Recumbent Stone Circle (7)

This is the stone further away from the recumbent on the south-east. If you look carefully at the edge facing the camera, where the stone is darkest, you should be able to make out some cup marks. See Link

for more information. NJ5548 : Rothiemay Recumbent Stone Circle (8)

Anne Burgess

Rothiemay Recumbent Stone Circle (8)

This is the stone next to the recumbent on the south-east arc. See Link

for more information. NJ5548 : Rothiemay Recumbent Stone Circle (9)

Anne Burgess

Rothiemay Recumbent Stone Circle (9)

In the foreground is the recumbent, with the two stones of the south-east arc to the right. See Link

for more information. NJ5548 : Rothiemay Recumbent Stone Circle (10)

Anne Burgess

Rothiemay Recumbent Stone Circle (10)

This is the recumbent, from the south-south east. Both flankers were removed, and the pile of small stones in front of the recumbent is probably just field boulders that have been dumped there. See Link

for more information. NJ5548 : Rothiemay Recumbent Stone Circle (11)

Anne Burgess

Rothiemay Recumbent Stone Circle (11)

This is the inner face of the recumbent. It is marked with an exceptionally large number of cup marks, up to 107 of them depending on who counted them. With the light in this direction, and later overgrowth of lichens, they are not so easy to see, but you should be able to see a few of them. See Link

for more information. NJ5548 : Rothiemay Recumbent Stone Circle (12)

Anne Burgess

Rothiemay Recumbent Stone Circle (12)

This is close-up of the inner face of the recumbent, in an attempt to show some of the numerous cup marks carved into it. Some have been picked out by lichen. There is one cup with a ring that I can see, just right of the centre of the image, and possibly another below and to the right of that one. See Link

for more information. NJ5548 : Rothiemay Recumbent Stone Circle (13)

Anne Burgess

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Retanach Wood is located at Grid Ref: NJ5649 (Lat: 57.536291, Lng: -2.7259618)

Unitary Authority: Moray

Police Authority: North East