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.
Bennachie
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
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!
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.
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.
All my books feature a stone circle.
A Dancer’s Journey:
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
Sisters at the Edge of the World
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.
Read the article Roman Aberdeenshire features in author’s new book from Grampian Online.
The Mermaid and the Bear
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.
From the Press and Journal: New book by Fraserburgh author highlights horrific extent of witch trials in Scotland
Fireflies and Chocolate
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!
“Filled with excitement and suspense…” Historical Novel Society Editor’s Pick
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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 🙂
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.
A night-time visit does sound tempting!