Auchquhorthies

Ordnance Survey map reference: NO 901963.

Landranger map number: 38.

Latitude: 57.034 degrees.

Longitude: -2.048 degrees.

Architecture: Recumbent SC with internal cairn..

Length of the major axis: 22.9 metres.

Length of the minor axis: 22.9 metres.

Height of the highest stone: 2.1 metres.

Shape: Circle.

Number of stones in the circle originally: 12.

Number of stones in the circle now: 12.

Impression of the site (10 amazing, 1 limp): 7

Burl rating of the circle: 1 (Good, worth visiting).

Thom reference for the circle: B3/1 Aquorthies North.

Astronomical alignments from this circle: -.

Excavations undertaken at this circle: 1858 ?.

Details of any finds at this circle: Urn ?

This circle is not in state care.

Access to the circle:

The circle lies within the boundaries of a large farm estate and 0.5km along a rough farm track. It sits 150m into a grassy field near a sharp bend in the track. The circle is quite easy to reach but there is little room for parking or turning a vehicle. It may be wise to seek permission before entering the field or the estate. During the summer months when I visited I had a close encounter with a rather large bull which was roaming freely in the same field; so beware!

Twelve large perimeter stones stand proud surrounding an interior strewn with large boulders that make up the remains of a cairn. It is difficult to tell whether some of the perimeter stones are standing stones or are part of the cairn.The recumbent stone and flankers can clearly be seen within the boundary of the outer circle of stones. One flanker has gone, the one that remains is covered in quartz deposits. The recumbent stands 1.58m high. The general impression is of a good example of a recumbent stone circle that is clearly recognisable but slightly ruinous. There are good views to the south and the stone circle at Old Bourtreebush can clearly be seen from this site. A good circle to visit but with limited access.

Auchquhorthies recumbent stone circle.