Finding Loudon Wood Stone Circle

Loudon Wood Stone Circle

Loudon Wood Stone Circle is so deep in the woods that it is almost impossible to find. There are many little paths that look like they might lead into it from the main track, but the one that actually does? Virtually hidden. I succeeded in finding it again in 2020. And it was wonderful.

One stone from the circle in Loudon Wood

Within the circle glade, it was peaceful. It was warm. It was calm.

sunshine over Loudon Wood Stone Circle

There was a brief rain shower while I was there, and even that felt gentle and soft, in direct contrast to the horizontal in-the-face precipitation we often get here.

Loudon Wood Stone Circle

I didn’t want to leave. Surrounded by dense trees, the circle felt separate from the somewhat crazed world outside. It made me think of the person who commented on a recent Instagram post, saying that the image freed them from ‘all the bullshit’ for a moment. This was that picture:

ox-eye daisy

Loudon Wood Stone Circle is like that too. Free of things that can maybe be symbolised by this beer made by a local brewery:

Brewdog's Barnard Castle beer

The stones are old. True. Dignified and simple.

Recumbent stone in Loudon Wood

And the pathway out? Easy to find.

pathway through the woods

You can read an interview I did recently on The Trainee Journalist blog: Novels by North-east author tell unheard stories from the past.

And there’s a nice review of THE MERMAID AND THE BEAR over on Goodreads here. “The ending is gorgeous and deeply moving. I had a hard time putting the book down. Highly recommended for readers of historical fiction, love stories, tragedies, and the resilience of love, kindness, and faith.”

The Mermaid and the Bear

Set in a fictional castle in Aberdeenshire, Ailish Sinclair’s debut novel, THE MERMAID AND THE BEAR, features an often overlooked event in history, the 1597 Aberdeen witchcraft panic, and a love story.

Amazon UK

Amazon Worldwide

Waterstones

Scottish author Ailish Sinclair at Berrybrae Stone Circle
At Berrybrae…

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70 Replies to “Finding Loudon Wood Stone Circle”

  1. You are right, I did feel totally calm and peaceful just looking at the photographs of Loudon Wood Stone Circle. I hear that there are smaller monoliths that mark the Canada / United States border, placed every couple of miles. This is the longest border in the world so that would be a awful lot of large stones. I wonder if anyone has gone searching for them and documented them. Would be a very interesting project.

  2. What an amazing place – shades of Outlander… An old ancient place with the resonance of generations turning to it seeking solace and wisdom. Completely agree with all that was said about The Mermaid and the Bear by the way!

  3. I enjoyed seeing the pictures. It helped me visualize your stone circle in your book, The Mermaid and the Bear. An author and storyteller in Michigan, Terry Wooten, made a stone circle around a big fire pit at his home. Occasionally, he invites the public to come and listen to him and the visitors recite poetry from memory. Anyone can get up and recite who chooses to. It’s a different type of stone circle, but I went there once and it was fun. I think I told you once already, but i loved your book.

  4. I take it those stones were arranged by people? Do you know who erected them, and why? If not, no worries, there’s no need to dig around on my account!

    1. The stone circles are a bit of a mystery. Thought to have been erected about 4000 years ago, possibly by the first farmers to settle here.

      1. If anything’s the slightest bit mysterious, then the only logical explanation must be aliens. Or ghosts. Or ghosts from another planet. That’s it, the circles must’ve been erected by alien ghosts!

        Sorry, I’ve been watching far too much ‘educational’ television lately 😀

  5. I love your posts about ‘your’ stone circles and particularly liked that about Loudon Wood as I could feel the peace you found away from the crazy world we’re all living in at the moment. As usual, the pictures were great!
    I wonder why you tagged this ‘Barnard Castle’. I’ve looked for a connection but couldn’t find it.

    1. The beer from the local brewery is called ‘Barnard Castle Eye Test’ in reference to Dominic Cummings wee day trip 😀 They sent a case to 10 Downing st.

      1. All clear now Ailish; I had an idea it must have some connection with Cummings but as I’m not a big fan of beer except in a pub I missed it. Pity that the lovely town will now be ever associated with that terrible person and his backers.

  6. A lovely place, Ailish. I can feel the peace in the photos and in your reverent descriptions. I’m so glad you enjoyed the review as well. It’s on my blog today, top of the list. A wonderful, touching read.

  7. I love that the path out is easier to find than the way in. It hints at restoration and clarity that comes when one steps away from the world. I am going to add your book to ‘want to read’ list on Goodreads! Congratulations, Ailish!

  8. Lovely. I had, at one time, hoped to be able to spend enough time in the highlands to find the Fraser Yew. A similar connection to what once was, and will never be again.

  9. Your pictures are lovely. I can’t wait to read your book, and hope to visit Scotland someday, when we can leave our homes again. In the meantime, I’ll use your lens and my imagination.

  10. I often use guided imagery in my mediations, creating a mental ‘safe space’ to relax in. These stones and your images and descriptions are gorgeous and will definitely become a part of that. Thank you so much!

  11. I will add your book to my list. The stone circle was enchanting, you must feel very detached from the world while in it. It’s sure worth a visit.

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