Stonehead Recumbent Stone Circle

Stonehead Recumbent Stone Circle is located a short distance west of Dunnideer Castle car park near Insch. Although called a stone circle, only the large flat stone and its two flanking pillars remain. These recumbent stone circles are unique to Aberdeenshire, but more than 70 examples can be found all over the northeast.

While the stone circle is gone, the remains are quite impressive and a great example of this type of stone circle. Unlike the missing stones, their sheer size must have saved them from being moved. The stone circles at Tomnaverie and East Aquhorthies to the south are more intact examples with complete stone circles and, of course, include the same recumbent style of standing stones.

How old is Stonehead Recumbent Stone Circle?

Most of Aberdeenshire's recumbent stone circles date from around 2300 BC, so this recumbent stone would be well over 4000 years old; some are 5000 years old. You can find out more about Aberdeenshire's stone circles here.

How to get to Stonehead Recumbent Stone Circle

1. Head west out of Insch along Western Road.

2. Pass the Dunnideer Castle car park on your right.

3. I parked briefly at this junction on Western Road.

4. Private properties obstruct the view of the stone circle, but if you walk a short distance up the farm track to your left, you should see the stone circle.

5. If you decide to enter the field, please check first for grazing animals within the field.

6. If the field is currently being used for crops, I would refrain from visiting, as you won't be able to access the stone circle without causing damage.

I used my drone to fly over and get the images you see in this article.

Useful links:

• Parking location on Google Maps.

• Location of the stone circle on Google Maps.

• What3words: ///instructs.boxer.forecast

Key information on Stonehead Recumbent Stone Circle

• Stonehead Recumbent Stone Circle can be found west of Insch and Dunnideer Castle Car Park.

• Only the 5 stones remain in the stone circle, mainly the large recumbent stone and its flankers.

• The stone circle is 4000-5000 years old.

• Located in the middle of a field, not easily accessed but visible from a farm track.

Conclusion

Stonehead Recumbent Stone Circle is not easily accessed but is a fine example of Aberdeenshire's famous recumbent stones. The massive recumbent stone makes this ancient monument worth your time while in the area, especially after visiting nearby Dunnideer Castle.

Next up was the Picardy Stone!