Tomnaverie Stone Circle
Built on a hilltop around three-quarters of a mile southeast of the village of Tarland in Aberdeenshire, the Tomnaverie Stone Circle is a remarkable example of Scotland's ancient "recumbent" stone circles. This term refers to a distinctive style in which the largest stone is laid horizontally. Tomnaverie is one of the 70+ confirmed or likely recumbent stone circles found in northeast Scotland.
Constructed over 4,000 years ago, the prevailing theory suggests that the circle, like others of its kind, served as a way for early agricultural communities to track seasonal changes. When viewed from the circle's centre, the large recumbent stone, flanked by two upright stones, frames the distant peak of Lochnagar, providing a means to observe the moon's varying points of rise.
The circle originally spanned about 18 meters in diameter and was built after an earlier phase of activity on the site. Before the stones were erected, the site housed several kerbed cairns containing cremated remains. Over time, the circle's use shifted from its role as an astronomical observatory to that of a cremation cemetery.
Our visit to Tomnaverie Stone Circle
My wife and I visited Tomnaverie Stone Circle on a sunny April morning while taking in some historical sites around northeast Scotland.
The circle has a dedicated car park with space for about 6 or 7 cars. I don't have a photo as there were many motorhomes parked when we arrived. A well-built gravel path rises at a shallow gradient to the top of the hill, where the stone circle can be found.
Reaching the summit, it's easy to see why the ancient builders chose this location. Panoramic views can be seen in all directions, and if the circle was used to track seasons, there are many reference points on the horizon to line up with the stones and celestial bodies.
The site is well maintained with cut grass and an information board. A nearby fence almost cuts into the stone circle and marks the boundary of a quarry that almost destroyed the site in the early 20th century. The quarry ceased operations only when the circle was brought under state protection in 1920, narrowly avoiding total demolition. During archaeological digs in 1999 and 2000, some stones that had been removed were carefully returned to their original positions.
Recumbent stone circle
The most impressive feature of this ancient stone circle is the large recumbent stone with its two upright stones. The effort it must have taken 4000 years ago to move this 10-15 ton stone to its current position can't be understated.
WW2 Bunker
A World War II-era bunker is located near the Tomnaverie Stone Circle. This bunker is part of a Royal Observer Corps (ROC) monitoring post. The ROC was an organization in the United Kingdom responsible for monitoring aircraft during the war and later for detecting nuclear fallout during the Cold War.
The bunker near Tomnaverie is a small underground structure typical of ROC posts. It consists of a concrete-lined chamber with a hatch for access. These bunkers were strategically placed across the UK, often on high ground, to provide observation posts with a clear view of the surrounding area.
The location near the Tomnaverie Stone Circle provides an interesting juxtaposition of historical periods, from the ancient prehistoric stone circle to a modern 20th-century military installation. It's possible to walk around the bunker site, but there isn't much to see, and it is not accessible to the public.
Archaeological Excavations
Archaeological excavations at Tomnaverie Stone Circle revealed that the site was initially used for cremation pyres, creating a mound of burnt residues and human bones, which was later encircled by a cairn. The stone circle was built atop this pre-prepared platform, with evidence suggesting a deliberate design to accommodate the stones. Artifacts found include Beaker pottery fragments, Bronze Age pottery, and flint tools.
Stone Circles in North East Scotland
Northeast Scotland is famous for its stone circles. With more than 70 recorded sites, it accounts for 10% of stone circles on the British Isles. Please read my dedicated article on Stone Circles in Aberdeenshire.
FAQs on Tomnaverie Stone Circle
How do I get to Tomnaverie Stone Circle?
From Aberdeen:
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Leave Aberdeen, travelling west on the A944.
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Turn left onto the B9119.
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Remain on this long road until you arrive at Tarland.
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Leave Tarland, travelling south on Bridge Street.
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Turn left onto the B9094.
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After a short distance, look to your right for the entrance to the car park marked with a brown tourism sign.
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From the car park follow the path to the top of the hill to arrive at the stone circle.
Are there toilets at Tomnaverie Stone Circle?
There are no toilets or facilities, just a car park.
How old is the Tomnaverie Stone Circle?
The Tomnaverie Stone Circle is approximately 4000-4,500 years old.
Is the Tomnaverie Stone Circle accessible?
The path from the car park to the summit of the hill is suitable for wheelchairs. However, the path has a mild gradient, so you would need strength to push a wheelchair to the top - about 300 metres.
Key Information
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Tomnaverie Stone Circle is a recumbent stone circle found near Tarland, north east Scotland.
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The site has a dedicated car park and path.
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The standing stones were damaged in the early 1900s by a quarry at the east of the site.
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There is a WW2 bunker near the stone circle.
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There are no toilets or other visitor facilities.
Conclusion
If you are interested in the ancient history of north eastern Scotland, Tomnaverie Stone Circle should be a top destination on your list. It's easy to get to the car park, the path to the top of the hill is well maintained, and the stone circle itself is very intact with most of its original features. If you're not interested in the stone circle, the view is also worth the short walk.
Tomnaverie Stone Circle was a fascinating location. I love that my home country has so many ancient sites peppered throughout the countryside - I intend to visit as many as I can!
Enjoyed your visit to Tomnaverie? East Aquhorthies Stone Circle is an even better-preserved circle about 50 minutes away to the northeast.
All information was correct at the time of writing, please check things like entry costs and opening times before you arrive.
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