This beautiful tree sits at the foot of the Hill of Dunnideer near Insch in Aberdeenshire. It’s a short but steep climb to the top; when you see the remains of the prehistoric vitrified fort and medieval castle you know you’re nearly there.
The views make all exertion worthwhile. Click the pano for a larger version:
Down the other side:
Nestled, and almost completely hidden, under a tree are the remains of Dunnideer Recumbent Stone Circle:
A few miles further West is Leith Hall with its wonderful walled garden:
Stone guardian at the gate:
I love the Moon Gate, and in retrospect wish I had gone through it and taken a photo from the other side too. Oh well, next time!
Hi Ailish – is the light always that beautiful in Scotland? I have a question, about the lion’s head – do you have any idea when it’s from?
All best wishes
Elaine
Well, maybe not when raining! I’m not sure of the date of the lions, there’s one on each gatepost of the walled garden. The House is 17th century but the garden came later in the 19th and 20th, with much work being done in the early 20th. It looks like there’s water wear on the sandstone lions so they could be quite old?
The stone circle is intriguing
Very little of it left, sadly. Just what you see here.
Sigh. Scotland is sooooo old. I want to live there!
I love the old stuff too 🙂
Love that gate in the last picture, makes you think of a gate into the Shire or a hidden garden in Hobbiton
It really does, doesn’t it? It’s a Chinese style Moongate.
What a fascinating place, and I love the tree (first pic). Any idea what it is? A juniper perhaps?
I don’t know what type of tree it is, must have a closer inspection next time!
This is such a beautiful place! I really like that gate.. next time go through it!!
I will!
A place for wandering and dreaming. Thank you for sharing it.
I’m glad you enjoyed it Petrea, thank you 🙂
these put the lie on Scotland’s poor summer!
Plenty of rain and midgies too, some days 🙂
How absolutely beautiful and so inspiring. I could almost feel stories popping into my head. My family came from Islay many, many years ago and I’d love to get to Scotland and check it out. Meanwhile, a friend of mine is filling the gap and has the flag on her car etc. You don’t get too many people prouder than a Scot! xx Rowena
I hope you get the chance to visit Scotland Rowena. I went to Islay in February – post here 🙂
Such beautiful photos! And a lovely post – makes me want to visit 🙂
Glad you enjoyed 🙂
Great shots like always. Great eye for beauty.
Thank you Gabriela 🙂
Those are lovely shots. Thank you for sharing them on Archive Day.
I’m glad you like them 🙂