Strichen Stone Circle
A small but historically rich stone circle with a notable recumbent stone, set amidst beautiful Aberdeenshire hills.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Clearer views, fewer animals
Strichen Stone Circle
Best Time
Clearer views, fewer animals
Highlights
Must-see attractions
A small but historically rich stone circle with a notable recumbent stone, set amidst beautiful Aberdeenshire hills.
"Small stone circle but with a decent sized recumbent. Well worth doing a bit of simple research."
🚗 Park at Community Park
Use the Strichen Community Park Car Park for the most straightforward access to the stone circle path. :car:
🚶 Follow the Signs
Signs guide you from the car park, but the path can become less defined closer to the circle. :hiking_boot:
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
The Recumbent Stone
Center of the circle
Despite its modest size, the circle boasts an impressive recumbent stone, a key feature of Scottish stone circles.
Panoramic Hill Views
Surrounding the circle
Enjoy breathtaking views of the beautiful surrounding hills, including a great vista towards Mormond Hill.
Remains of Strichen House
Near the circle
The atmospheric ruins of Strichen House provide an interesting backdrop for photos and add to the historical context.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Accessing the Circle
Understanding the History
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
🚗 Park at Community Park
Use the Strichen Community Park Car Park for the most straightforward access to the stone circle path. :car:
🚶 Follow the Signs
Signs guide you from the car park, but the path can become less defined closer to the circle. :hiking_boot:
🐄 Be Aware of Livestock
Fields may contain cows and sheep; be respectful and mindful of their space. :cow:
📜 Research the History
Understanding its rebuilds adds depth to your visit. :scroll:
Tips
from all over the internet
🚗 Park at Community Park
Use the Strichen Community Park Car Park for the most straightforward access to the stone circle path. :car:
🚶 Follow the Signs
Signs guide you from the car park, but the path can become less defined closer to the circle. :hiking_boot:
🐄 Be Aware of Livestock
Fields may contain cows and sheep; be respectful and mindful of their space. :cow:
📜 Research the History
Understanding its rebuilds adds depth to your visit. :scroll:
📸 Capture the Views
The surrounding hills offer stunning photo opportunities. :camerawithflash:
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Visitors find Strichen Stone Circle to be a small but historically interesting site, particularly noted for its recumbent stone and impressive surrounding hill views. While the journey involves navigating unkempt fields and potential livestock, the historical narrative and scenic beauty make it a worthwhile visit for those interested in ancient monuments.
"Some say Size is not everything and this is true for Strichen Stone Circle. Small stone circle but with a decent sized recumbent. Well worth doing a bit of simple research as this one is on its third rebuild And that's a story in itself. Easiest entry is via the Strichen Community Park Car Park and then follow the signs. It's a good 20 minute walk although over easy terrain with one gate to negotiate. The circle is situated within an unkempt field with good views over the beautiful surrounding hills and surrounded by the remains of a barbed wire fence but still worth a visit if circles are your thing. The remains of Strichen house are also close by and make an interesting backdrop to any photos you may take."
Shaun Fowler
"As the previous poster pointed out the good well signed path petrs out just before the top of the hill and then its a walk through very clumpy grass to a small ring of stones that seems unkempt , the view over to Mormond hill is great but the extensive signage from the road up doesnt prepare you for the feeling of slight let down , see the Auqorthies circle at Inverurie for a vistor experience done right"
Tork Mackenzie
"Have to climb over a shut gate, walk through a field with big cows and sheep with the associated cattle dung everywhere. The standing stones had a barbed wire fence which is down so cattle trampled thr site and left dung everywhere. The structure itself is impressive and beautiful - just a pity the teuchter farmer is not cared."
Kevin Rae
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
The most recommended access point is the Strichen Community Park Car Park. From there, follow the signs for a walk of about 20 minutes. The terrain is generally easy, but be prepared for unkempt fields and potentially livestock.
Yes, parking is available at the Strichen Community Park, which serves as the starting point for the walk to the stone circle.
The walk is approximately 20 minutes over easy terrain, though the path can become less defined closer to the site. You may need to negotiate a gate and walk through fields.
No, you cannot drive directly to the stone circle. The recommended approach involves parking at the community park and walking the rest of the way.
Information on direct public transport to the immediate vicinity of the stone circle is limited. It's best to plan for travel to Strichen town and then proceed to the community park for the walk.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
No, Strichen Stone Circle is an open-air historical site and does not require tickets for entry. It's free to visit.
As an outdoor monument, Strichen Stone Circle is accessible at any time. However, visiting during daylight hours is recommended for safety and visibility.
There is no admission fee to visit Strichen Stone Circle. It is a freely accessible historical monument.
While technically accessible, visiting at night is not recommended due to potential safety hazards, lack of lighting, and difficulty navigating the terrain.
The main considerations are respecting the site, being mindful of livestock in the fields, and ensuring the path is navigable.
🎫 🧭 Onsite Experience
Strichen Stone Circle is described as small, but it features a decent-sized recumbent stone, making its size less important than its presence.
The site is situated in an unkempt field and has been subject to damage from livestock due to a dilapidated barbed wire fence. While the structure is impressive, the immediate surroundings can be unkempt.
You can see the stone circle itself, including its notable recumbent stone, and enjoy good views over the surrounding hills. The remains of Strichen House are also nearby.
Reviews suggest the site and its surrounding path are not always well-maintained, with issues like cattle dung being present.
Research its history beforehand, appreciate the views, and be prepared for a slightly unkempt environment.
📸 📸 Photography
Capture the impressive recumbent stone within the circle, the panoramic views of the surrounding hills, and the atmospheric ruins of Strichen House nearby.
Late summer afternoons can offer beautiful golden light on the hills, while spring mornings might provide clearer, sharper views.
Try framing the stone circle with the rolling hills in the background, or incorporate the ruins of Strichen House for a more historical feel.
Be mindful of the unkempt nature of the field and potential livestock. The barbed wire fence, though often down, should also be avoided.
Drone usage regulations can vary. It's advisable to check local guidelines and be respectful of the rural environment and any potential wildlife.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
While the site itself is small, the views of the surrounding hills provide a great opportunity for kids to run around (under supervision) and enjoy the open space. The nearby ruins of Strichen House can also spark imagination. Pack snacks and water, as facilities are limited. The experience is more about the journey and the historical context than a highly curated attraction, making it a good option for families who enjoy a bit of exploration.
🚶 Solo Explorers & Hikers
Be prepared for the natural, unkempt environment. Sturdy footwear is essential, and awareness of livestock is important. The site's relative quietness makes it ideal for those seeking a contemplative experience away from crowds. The nearby ruins of Strichen House also offer a point of interest for those exploring the area independently.
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
The Story of Strichen Stone Circle
The location itself is also noteworthy. Situated within an unkempt field, it offers good views over the beautiful surrounding hills, including a prominent vista towards Mormond Hill. This natural beauty provides a serene backdrop, even if the immediate site is not perfectly manicured. The proximity to the remains of Strichen House further enhances the historical atmosphere, offering a glimpse into the area's past and providing interesting elements for photography.
While the site's upkeep has been a point of discussion among visitors, with some noting issues like cattle dung and dilapidated fencing, the inherent impressive and beautiful structure of the circle itself remains a draw. It's a place where the raw history and natural landscape converge, offering a unique, albeit sometimes rugged, experience for those interested in ancient sites.
Navigating the Terrain and Access
One of the key aspects of the walk is negotiating a gate, which is a common feature in rural paths. More significantly, the path can become unkempt as you approach the circle, with visitors mentioning walking through clumpy grass. The presence of farm animals, such as cows and sheep, is also a factor to consider, as the fields are actively used for grazing. This means being mindful of livestock and the associated cattle dung that can be present.
While the walk is generally manageable, the condition of the path has been noted as being in poor condition by some. This, combined with the unkempt nature of the field and the presence of livestock, means that sturdy footwear is advisable. Despite these challenges, the walk is considered worthwhile by many for the reward of reaching the stone circle and enjoying the surrounding scenery.
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