Auchmachar Clump

Wood, Forest in Aberdeenshire

Scotland

Auchmachar Clump

White Cow Woods paths Credit: Ralph Greig

Auchmachar Clump is a small but significant woodland located in Aberdeenshire, Scotland. Nestled within the picturesque countryside, this forested area covers approximately 10 acres of land. The clump is situated near the village of Auchmachar, just a few miles south of the bustling town of Turriff.

The woodland consists primarily of native broadleaf trees, such as oak, birch, and beech, creating a diverse and vibrant ecosystem. The dense canopy of foliage provides a haven for a variety of bird species, including woodpeckers, owls, and thrushes. It is also home to numerous small mammals, such as squirrels and voles.

Auchmachar Clump boasts well-maintained walking trails that wind their way through the forest, allowing visitors to explore its beauty at their leisure. The paths are relatively easy to navigate and are suitable for individuals of all ages and abilities. The tranquil ambiance and lush surroundings make it an ideal spot for nature lovers, hikers, and those seeking a peaceful retreat.

The clump offers stunning views of the surrounding countryside, with rolling hills and fields extending as far as the eye can see. There are also several picnic areas scattered throughout the woodland, providing an opportunity for visitors to relax and enjoy a meal amidst nature.

Auchmachar Clump is a cherished natural gem in Aberdeenshire, offering a serene escape from the hustle and bustle of everyday life. Whether you are looking for a leisurely stroll, a bird-watching adventure, or a peaceful picnic spot, this woodland has something to offer for everyone.

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Auchmachar Clump Images

Images are sourced within 2km of 57.54049/-2.0833713 or Grid Reference NJ9550. Thanks to Geograph Open Source API. All images are credited.

White Cow Woods paths

Ralph Greig

White Cow Woods paths

Ralph Greig

White Cow Woods Car Park

Entrance to the car park from the main highway

Ralph Greig

Pitfour Racecourse

Part of the old horse racing course for the pitfour estate

Ralph Greig

Road to the races

The main access road from the estate to the old disused race course for the Pitfour Estate

Ralph Greig

Tarmac ends here

Ralph Greig

Loudon Wood Recumbent Stone Circle (1)

Just four stones still stand in this circle, including the recumbent and one flanker. the circle features four concentric low banks, one complete and the others breached towards the south. See Link

for more information. NJ9649 : Loudon Wood Recumbent Stone Circle (2)

Anne Burgess

Loudon Wood Recumbent Stone Circle (2)

The nearest stone is the fallen east flanker, and beyond it are the recumbent and the west flanker, both still in their original positions. See Link

for more information. NJ9649 : Loudon Wood Recumbent Stone Circle (3)

Anne Burgess

Loudon Wood Recumbent Stone Circle (3)

Nearest to camera are the recumbent and flankers, the west one, on the left, still upright and the east one fallen. See Link

for more information. NJ9649 : Loudon Wood Recumbent Stone Circle (4)

Anne Burgess

Loudon Wood Recumbent Stone Circle (4)

The closest stone is the remaining stone still standing on the west arc of the circle. The recumbent and west flanker are to its right, and to the left is the other standing stone, in the east arc. See Link

for more information. NJ9649 : Loudon Wood Recumbent Stone Circle (5)

Anne Burgess

Loudon Wood Recumbent Stone Circle (5)

The recumbent setting at the south of the circle. The tallest stone is the west flanker. To its left is the recumbent, and left again is the fallen east flanker. See Link

for more information. NJ9649 : Loudon Wood Recumbent Stone Circle (6)

Anne Burgess

Loudon Wood Recumbent Stone Circle (6)

On the left is the sole stone still standing in the eastern arc of the circle. To its right are two fallen stones, then the recumbent and west flanker. See Link

for more information. NJ9649 : Loudon Wood Recumbent Stone Circle (7)

Anne Burgess

Loudon Wood Recumbent Stone Circle (7)

The recumbent, with the fallen east flanker in the foreground and the standing west flanker behind it. See Link

for more information. NJ9649 : Loudon Wood Recumbent Stone Circle (1) If you plan a visit to this circle, be aware that it is not easy to find. There is a prominent signpost on to a forest road from a car park over a mile away at NJ956513, but there is nothing to indicate where to leave the forest road to get to the circle, and the path through the wood is very inconspicuous indeed. You need one or more of local knowledge, a 1:25,000 map or a GPS receiver.

Anne Burgess

Massive Boulders (1)

Although there are or were a long cairn, an ordinary cairn, and a recumbent stone circle in this vicinity, I don't think these are part of any of those. The circle is too far away for them to have been part of it, and they are much larger than the stones normally found in cairns. The ordinary cairn was quite close to here, but a Ordnance Survey surveyor found no trace of it in 1968, and you could hardly miss something this size.

Anne Burgess

Massive Boulders (2)

Anne Burgess

Boulder Dyke

I'm not sure how effective this dyke would be in containing livestock, so perhaps it's not surprising that it is supplemented by a fence.

Anne Burgess

Access Denied?

Very kind of someone to provide this simple stile, but it has been rendered completely useless by the hawthorn hedge growing on the other side of it.

Anne Burgess

Auchmachar Recumbent Stone Circle (1)

This circle is extremely disappointing. Only a single stone still stands, and though the recumbent and a flanker are still in position, they are all but buried by the boulders cleared from the field and piled up on top of them along the dyke under the tree. Saddest of all is that many of these stones have been piled there relatively recently, since 1968, when an Ordnance Survey surveyor visited and photographed the recumbent setting. See Link

for details of this circle. NJ9450 : Auchmachar Recumbent Stone Circle (2)

Anne Burgess

Show me another place!

Auchmachar Clump is located at Grid Ref: NJ9550 (Lat: 57.54049, Lng: -2.0833713)

Unitary Authority: Aberdeenshire

Police Authority: North East