Easter Aquorthies Stone Circle

Purple flowers at Easter Aquorthies

Easter Aquorthies Circle

Easter Aquorthies, also known as East Aquorthies, is sometimes described as a ‘show circle’ and recommended as a good first stone circle to visit. This is due to its near perfect condition and position: all stones are present and upright; the grass always seems 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.

Blue skies over a stone circle

Bennachie

The Mither Tap of Bennachie is apparent wherever you walk in and around the circle, looming majestic and large over your shoulder.

cows at Easter Aquorthies

The Recumbent Stone

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!

recumbent at Easter Aquorthies stone circle

Name Origin

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.

The red jasper stone at Easter Aquorthies stone circle

Leaving Easter Aquorthies…

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. There are also stories of enticing music coming from under the ground.

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 (see Tyrebagger here).

Leave I did, reluctantly, and a little later than planned. I encountered no treacle or music… but I have been left with a strong desire to return. Soon.

straight line of stones

All my books feature a stone circle.

A Dancer’s Journey:

A Dancer's Journey series by Ailish Sinclair

These books are so naughty that I’m a little worried nobody will be able to look me in the face again after reading them. But not that worried. They’re heading out into the world anyway.

When dance student Amalphia Treadwell embarks on a secret relationship with her charismatic new teacher, she has no idea of the danger that lurks in his school in Scotland…

See the series page here on the site for full blurbs and quotes

Series on Amazon UK

Series on Amazon worldwide

A Dancer's Journey Series by Ailish Sinclair - dark and romantic books

Sisters at the Edge of the World

Sisters at the Edge of the World by Ailish Sinclair

Set in 1st century Scotland, SISTERS AT THE EDGE OF THE WORLD includes the battle of Mons Graupius between the Romans and the Caledonian tribes. The book features chosen sisters, fierce warriors, a neurodivergent main character and some rather complicated romance.

Amazon UK

Amazon Worldwide

Read the article Roman Aberdeenshire features in author’s new book from Grampian Online.

The Mermaid and the Bear

The Mermaid and the Bear by Ailish Sinclair

Taking place mainly in a fictional castle, THE MERMAID AND THE BEAR blends an often overlooked period of history, the Scottish witchcraft accusations, in particular the 1597 Aberdeen witchcraft panic, with a love story. There’s also six chapters of medieval-style Christmas.

Amazon UK

Amazon Worldwide

From the Press and Journal: New book by Fraserburgh author highlights horrific extent of witch trials in Scotland 

Fireflies and Chocolate

Fireflies and Chocolate by Ailish Sinclair

FIREFLIES AND CHOCOLATE was inspired by the kidnapped children and young people of Aberdeen. The story follows the adventures of Elizabeth Manteith from the castle, and her determined efforts to get back home. There’s love. There’s derring-dos on the high seas… And there’s chocolate!

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“Filled with excitement and suspense…” Historical Novel Society Editor’s Pick

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ballet novel, TENDU, by Ailish Sinclair

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60 Replies to “Easter Aquorthies Stone Circle”

  1. 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.

  2. 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.

  3. 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 🙂

  4. Very good post. Highly informative for travellers who want to visit these stone circles in Scotland. Nicely written and keep up the good work.

  5. As usual, an indepth blog post. I am always upbeat when I find someone blogging about a location that I am familiar with. David Oakes has just blogged about Fortrose Cathedral. So, I am on a role. Easter Aquorthies is an amazing location that definitely lends it to a night visit to shoot the night sky. If I was brave enough.

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