Backhill Wood

Wood, Forest in Aberdeenshire

Scotland

Backhill Wood

A981 south of Strichen Credit: Steven Brown

Backhill Wood is a beautiful forest located in Aberdeenshire, Scotland. Covering an area of approximately 100 acres, this woodland is a popular destination for nature lovers and outdoor enthusiasts. The wood is home to a diverse range of flora and fauna, including native Scottish wildlife such as red squirrels, deer, and various bird species.

Visitors to Backhill Wood can enjoy a network of well-maintained walking trails that wind through the forest, providing stunning views of the surrounding countryside. The wood is known for its peaceful and tranquil atmosphere, making it a perfect place for quiet reflection and relaxation.

In addition to its natural beauty, Backhill Wood also has a rich history. The forest has been used by locals for centuries, with evidence of ancient settlements and farming practices still visible in the landscape. Today, the wood is managed by the local council and is open to the public year-round.

Overall, Backhill Wood is a hidden gem in Aberdeenshire, offering visitors a chance to connect with nature and explore the history of this beautiful region.

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Backhill Wood Images

Images are sourced within 2km of 57.570814/-2.118147 or Grid Reference NJ9353. Thanks to Geograph Open Source API. All images are credited.

A981 south of Strichen

Steven Brown

A981 towards New Deer

Steven Brown

White Cow woods paths

Ralph Greig

White Horse on Mormond Hill fae Strichen Mains

Wayne Easton

Ploughed field south of Strichen

A dull day with fog formed by warm damp air encountering thawing snow.

Richard Webb

Farm sign, Auchorthie

With a stubble field in the corner between the main road and farm drive.

Richard Webb

Minor road near Fridayhill

Steven Brown

Farmland and derelict cottage near Fridayhill

Steven Brown

Minor road near Viewbank

Steven Brown

Minor road near Viewbank

Steven Brown

Minor road at Borrohill

Steven Brown

Strichen House Recumbent Stone Circle (1)

This circle is a reconstruction. After a tenant farmer cleared it in 1830, the furious landlord made him rebuild it, but it was rebuilt in slightly the wrong place. This was completely removed in 1960. In 1979-1982 an archaeological investigation was undertaken, during which the correct positions of the stones were determined, and the circle was rebuilt on that basis. There are, however, some remaining anomalies in the alignment of some of the stones. See Link

for more information. NJ9354 : Strichen House Recumbent Stone Circle (2)

Anne Burgess

Strichen House Recumbent Stone Circle (2)

The circle from the corner of its fenced enclosure, with the recumbent and flankers to the right. The closest stone has fallen since the 1982 reconstruction. See Link

for more information. NJ9354 : Strichen House Recumbent Stone Circle (3)

Anne Burgess

Strichen House Recumbent Stone Circle (3)

The recumbent and flankers of the reconstructed circle. The positions of the stones are not quite in accord with the undisturbed circles elsewhere in that the flankers here protrude slightly beyond the face of the recumbent. See Link

for more information. NJ9354 : Strichen House Recumbent Stone Circle (4)

Anne Burgess

Strichen House Doocot

Only the lower part still stands. This doocot, with a larger than traditional internal diameter of 4 metres, is not an ancient monument. It dates from the 19th century, albeit before 1870 when the first edition of the Ordnance Survey six-inch map was surveyed.

Anne Burgess

Strichen House Recumbent Stone Circle (4)

An oblique view of the recumbent setting of the reconstructed circle. From this angle you can see that the flankers are set slightly in front of the face of the recumbent. See Link

for more information. NJ9354 : Strichen House Recumbent Stone Circle (5)

Anne Burgess

Strichen House Recumbent Stone Circle (5)

This is the eastern arc of the circle. As you get further away from the recumbent, the stones decrease in height. However there seems to be a lack of unanimity about the exact heights of the original stones before they were first cleared. See Link

for more information. NJ9354 : Strichen House Recumbent Stone Circle (6)

Anne Burgess