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.
Within the circle glade, it was peaceful. It was warm. It was calm.
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.
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:
Loudon Wood Stone Circle is like that too. Free of things that can maybe be symbolised by this beer made by a local brewery:
The stones are old. True. Dignified and simple.
And the pathway out? Easy to find.
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.”
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.
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Fabulous post, Thanks for sharing. I too love historical stories fact or fiction.
Historical stories are fascinating.
Gorgeous. Lucky rediscovery.
Beautiful, wish I could be there
Super pictures – an enchanting spot.
It is a special place.
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.
How amazing. A journey like that would make a great book (or blog).
That would be an adventure of a lifetime. ❤️
🙂
Isn’t it lovely when you find a special place like that? The sense of peace, being allowed for a moment to leave everything else behind.
Yes 🙂
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!
It is an amazing ancient place, and thank you 🙂
very likely post ,regards
Thank you.
Thanks
Love this! These photos are so peaceful.
It did feel really peaceful there that day.
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.
Thank you, I’m glad you liked the book. Modern stone circles do seem to be great places too, and what a wonderful use!
Beautiful pictures, beautiful texts!
🙂
Those are beautiful pictures! It’s so magical finding enchanting places in nature like that.
It really is.
Beautiful pictures. It does indeed have a calm energy to it.
Yes 🙂
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!
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.
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 😀
😀
Well, you know what the go-to explanation is for anything that’s remotely mysterious: Aliens!
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.
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.
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.
Good that he got caught and, at least somewhat, exposed though.
That circle looks just the place to be for some calming and centering when life gets mad.
That’s just how it was 🙂
So serene, Ailish. It looks to be a great place for a get away and clearing your mind.
It is 🙂
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.
Thank you 🙂
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!
Thank you 🙂
Just the pictures fill me with a sense of calm quiet. Thanks for sharing!
I’m glad 🙂
What a peaceful, beautiful place to visit. Wow!
It is lovely 🙂
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.
Sounds interesting.
Haven’t spotted that beer for sale yet … must look harder … or get my eyes tested I guess!!
It was limited edition, so don’t strain the eyes too hard!
I’ll just glance from time to time in foosty places where lost tins can hide for years!!!
Gotta love those foosty places 😀
What an excellent post and so WELL written. The pictures are beautiful also. I certainly have just become a follower. Take care.
Glad you like 🙂
Sounds like a very special place
It really is.
Even the picture of that clearing so deep in the woods brings a peaceful feeling. The acutality must be splendid.
It is rather a wonderful place 🙂
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.
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!
That’s wonderful 🙂
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.
Very much worth a visit, if you can find it!
Photos are great …interesting to find in the middle of the woods though 🙂
The woods hide many surprises 🙂