Aikey Brae

Wood, Forest in Aberdeenshire

Scotland

Aikey Brae

Kirk through Trees Old Deer Kirk seen through woodland in Aden Park. — Kirk through Trees Credit: Andrew Wood

Aikey Brae is a picturesque woodland located in Aberdeenshire, Scotland. Nestled within the peaceful countryside, it is renowned for its natural beauty and enchanting forested landscape. The name "Aikey Brae" is derived from the Scottish Gaelic term "Achadh Bhràigh," meaning "hill field."

Covering an expansive area, Aikey Brae boasts a diverse range of trees, including native species such as oak, birch, and pine. The forest is well-preserved, with well-maintained trails that allow visitors to explore its hidden gems. Walking through the woodland, one can appreciate the tranquility and serenity that the surroundings offer.

Aikey Brae is also known for its historical significance. The site features several ancient stone circles, which are thought to have been constructed during the Neolithic period. These mysterious structures add an element of intrigue and attract archaeology enthusiasts and history buffs.

The forest is home to a variety of wildlife, including deer, squirrels, and a wide array of bird species. Nature lovers can enjoy birdwatching and wildlife spotting opportunities, immersing themselves in the natural habitat of these creatures.

Whether it be for a leisurely stroll, a family picnic, or a nature photography expedition, Aikey Brae offers a delightful escape from the hustle and bustle of everyday life. Its verdant woodlands, rich history, and abundant wildlife make it a popular destination for locals and tourists alike, seeking solace in the beauty of nature.

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Aikey Brae Images

Images are sourced within 2km of 57.518428/-2.0704332 or Grid Reference NJ9547. Thanks to Geograph Open Source API. All images are credited.

Kirk through Trees

Old Deer Kirk seen through woodland in Aden Park.

Andrew Wood

The ruins of the Abbey of Deer

Jim Benvie

Portico view of Deer Abbey

Wayne Easton

Foliate bedecked view of Deer Abbey

Wayne Easton

Ruins of Deer Abbey at Dusk

Peter Moore

Parkhouse Hill

The grassy track is the way to the Aikey Brae recumbent stone circle, which is hidden from here by the clump of conifers to the right.

Anne Burgess

Edible Gate?

On closer inspection, the bales are straw, not hay, so any livestock would have to be pretty desperate to munch their way through this cleverly improvised and presumably temporary gate.

Anne Burgess

Elaborate Gate

My first thought on seeing this gate was that it had been bent out of shape, producing folds in the horizontal bars, but I think the undulations are too tidy, so it was probably made like this. I'd be interested in any other opinions on the matter.

Anne Burgess

Aikey Brae Recumbent Stone Circle (1)

You approach the circle through a dense conifer plantation, thinking gloomily that the whole thing is going to be in deep shade, then you emerge from among the trees to this view. On the left are the east flanker and the enormous recumbent, and on the right are the remaining stones of the western arc of the circle. See Link

for more details. NJ9547 : Aikey Brae Recumbent Stone Circle (2)

Anne Burgess

Aikey Brae Recumbent Stone Circle (2)

This is the opposite view from NJ9547 : Aikey Brae Recumbent Stone Circle (1), with the recumbent and east flanker on the right and the remaining three stones still standing on the left, each one shorter than the next the further away they are from the recumbent. See Link

for more details. NJ9547 : Aikey Brae Recumbent Stone Circle (3)

Anne Burgess

Aikey Brae Recumbent Stone Circle (3)

These are the three stones in the western arc of the circle. Each is shorter than its neighbour nearer the recumbent setting. See Link

for more details. NJ9547 : Aikey Brae Recumbent Stone Circle (4)

Anne Burgess

Aikey Brae Recumbent Stone Circle (4)

This is the recumbent setting. The west flanker, nearest to the camera position, has fallen, but the east flanker is still standing at the far end of the massive recumbent. See Link

for more details. NJ9547 : Aikey Brae Recumbent Stone Circle (5)

Anne Burgess

Aikey Brae Recumbent Stone Circle (5)

The closest stone is one of the fallen ones, and the next one, also fallen, is the west Flanker. The recumbent is still in its original position, as is the east flanker which sticks up beyond it. More fallen stones, in the eastern arc, are visible to the left of the recumbent. See Link

for more details. NJ9547 : Aikey Brae Recumbent Stone Circle (6)

Anne Burgess

Aikey Brae Recumbent Stone Circle (6)

The nearest stone is the east flanker, and the recumbent is to its left. In the background are the three remaining standing stones in the western arc of the circle. See Link

for more details. NJ9547 : Aikey Brae Recumbent Stone Circle (7)

Anne Burgess

Aikey Brae Recumbent Stone Circle (7)

In the foreground are fallen stones in the eastern arc, and the standing stones of the western arc are at the far side of the circle. The recumbent and remaining standing flanker are on the left. See Link

for more details. NJ9547 : Aikey Brae Recumbent Stone Circle (1)

Anne Burgess

Temple of Theseus

Built by the third Laird of Pitfour in the Greek Doric style. A local legend says this is where the Laird kept a crocodile. Possibly living in the lake now. Well that's what we tell the children.

Ralph Greig