Easter Aquorthies, also known as East Aquorthies, is sometimes described as a ‘show circle’ and recommended as a good first circle to visit. This is due to its near perfect condition and position: all stones are present and upright; the grass always seem to have been manicured to a close shave, and the views of the surrounding countryside are magnificent. It’s also very clearly signposted from the nearby town of Inverurie, making it easy to find and then park in its small car park.
The Mither Tap of Bennachie is apparent wherever you walk in and around the circle, looming majestic and large over your shoulder.
The recumbent stone is unusual in that it has extra supporting stones on the inner side. I wonder what led to this arrangement. Did it fall and crush someone in Neolithic or Bronze Age times, causing new health and safety measures to be put in place? It is on a slope, so maybe it was just hard to make secure. I hope no one got crushed!
The name is thought to derive from Gaelic and means either ‘field of prayer’ or ‘field of the stone pillar’. Most of the stones are granite but one, below, is red jasper.
There are numerous tales of people finding it hard to exit Easter Aquorthies stone circle. Some describe walking away as being like trying to wade through treacle and report feeling as if the circle wants to keep them there. On the day I visited, I really didn’t want to leave. I would rather have stayed sitting in the sun with my back up against one of the recumbent flankers, staring out over Bennachie. I knew the next circle on my list to visit was going to be contrastingly tricky to find… and it was… but that’s a post for another day.
A stone circle quote from The Mermaid and the Bear, though the pictured stones are those of Aikey Brae:
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A very interesting article!
Thank you 🙂
Definitely interesting, I agree
🙂
THINK OF THE LOCALS SCOURING THE AREA SEARCHING FOR THE STONES AND THEN WORKING OUT HOW TO GET THEM TO THE RIGHT POSITION AILISH, CHINA
Some of the stones are so heavy; such hard work!
Stunning stones – thank you!
Glad you like!
Love hearing about our stone circles.
They are wonderful places.
Sigh. So many stone circles; so little time. I’ve put it on the list, which is getting longer despite my very best efforts. Thank you. 🙂
So, so many. I hope you manage to visit.
That’s interesting. I wonder why one red jasper – what does it mean?
I don’t know. Maybe it was just chosen for its beauty?
Fascinating. I wonder what would have happened if you HAD stayed there? I wasn’t aware of this circle but I’ve visited others, a lot in Wales, and one at Kilmartin, Argyll, which seemed so manicured it had no atmosphere left at all.
😀 Lots of atmosphere left here, happy feeling.
How interesting
🙂
I’m a rock girl, or stone girl. They intrigue me wherever I go and this, well is another great example why. Fascinating!
They intrigue me too, as it probably obvious 🙂
Nice post and lovely photos
Thank you 🙂
Interesting that one stone is red jaspar, wonder if there’s any significance to it being different.
An archaeoastronomy researcher told me here on Twitter that the red jasper stone faces the summer solstice sun rising on the opposite side of the circle!
Interesting.
Very interesting!!
🙂
I <3 stone circles. So intriguing and somehow magical, too. I always envision them as enchanted people. I'm looking forward to your book's release, Ailish.
Thank you Donna 🙂
Ooooh stone circles do my ancient, witchy heart good <3
I dream of a stone circle tour. *sigh..
I recommend them 🙂
Stone Circles are a wonder. There’s power within…..and mystery. They leave more questions than they provide answers.
Indeed 🙂
It’s no wonder the Stones call to those who have the ears, and heart, to linger. we’ve been doing if for millennia. :d
Yes 🙂
Love the idea of a neolithic OHAS officer ordering the extra supports.
Me too 😀
The whole scene looks so peaceful.
It is a peaceful place.
Fasinating stuff Ailish. There is a ‘mini’ circle and table in one or my local parks. It may have been put there for tourists but I love it (and others) all the same.
It sounds lovely 🙂
It is a great place 🙂
I love that people feel trapped within the circle. Do any other circles engender a similar feeling Ailish?
I haven’t experienced it, and this is the only circle I’ve heard these kinds of stories about.
These are lovely images. I especially love the first one, with its juxtaposition of the ancient stone and the young, living flower.
There were lots of those little flowers round the edge of the circle.
Hope to see these stones next year!
Wonderful 🙂
Intriguing post!
Thank you 🙂
Hi Ailish, I have never been to Scotland but my Great Grandfather and probably his ancestors, was born there (Ayr). Thanks for sharing the gorgeous scenic views! Have a wonderful weekend! Thanks for visiting and following my nature blog. I appreciate it.
I’m glad you like the views, and you’re welcome 🙂
It is interesting to read this post. Throughout my life I have really only been aware of Stonehenge as far as stone circles go, so I was quite shocked to be taken to see the Stones of Stenness and the Ring of Brodgar on my recent trip to Orkney. Being an inquisitive person I googled both these sites when I got home and I was introduced to a whole host of stone circles throughout Britain! I hope you visit many more as I am keen to see more interesting photos, especially in places I probably shan’t get the chance to visit 🙂
I do have another stone circle post planned. They are such fascinating places.
Very good post. Highly informative for travellers who want to visit these stone circles in Scotland. Nicely written and keep up the good work.
Thank you 🙂