Tomnaverie Stone Circle and Drummy Wood, Tarland

This waymarked circular from the attractive village of Tarland leads past the Tomnaverie Stone circle before returning through Drummy Woods.

Terrain

Waymarked paths. Slightly overgrown in places; one gate was locked when this route was surveyed.

Public Transport

Bus to Tarland.

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Start

Tarland, square. Map and directions.

grade
Grade (key)

Bog Factor (key)

Walk Statistics

Distance: 5km/3 miles
Time: 1.5 hours
Ascent: 44m (Profile)
Grid Ref: NJ480043

Maps / GPS

View / Print route map
Explorer 405 - Aboyne
GPS Waypoints - QUO 2
GPS Waypoints - GPX
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Download walk to Google Earth (KMZ file)

Accommodation

Walk Description

Stage 1

Park in the square in the centre of Tarland. This attractive village in the Howe of Cromar has a couple of pubs, shops and a prominent statue as its war memorial. Begin the walk by heading to the east end of the square where an information board gives details on both this and other waymarked walks from the village. Turn right to head along Bridge Street; once over the bridge a footpath signpost and stone sculpture indicate the start of a path that runs parallel to the road on the left side at first.

Stage 2

As the path approaches a house it turns left to pass around the perimeter of the garden, and then right across a footbridge. When it emerges on a road cross carefully and take the path on the far side, which turns left to again run parallel to the tarmac. After crossing a stile the path heads right and then bears left, heading across a track towards a pedestrian gate. There are waymarkers throughout. Once through the gate you can either follow the all-abilities path or head more directly uphill to reach the stone circle.

Stage 3

Dating back to around 2500BC, this is a fine example of what is known as a recumbent stone circle - a type unique to this part of Scotland in having the largest stone laid flat. It was almost destroyed in the 1920s by the adjacent quarry before being protected by the state; stones removed at that time were put back into their original positions in 1999-2000. The circle offers great views, taking in mighty Morven to the west as well as glimpses of distant Lochnagar. Just beyond the circle a waymarker indicates a path leading down on the left side of a fence.

Stage 4

Turn left at a junction to reach a pedestrian gate; pass through this and then turn right. As it meets a grassy track go through the farm gate ahead next to the drystone wall. This has a waymarker but was locked on the occasion of our visit. On the far side of the gate turn left and follow the edge of the field; this can be overgrown. Continue along the edge as it curves to the right until a marker post indicates where to head left through the scattered trees. Pass the remains of a wall (modern eco-style house on the left here) and keep right along the edge of an open area, then following it round to the left through a gap in an old wall and eventually over a stile to reach a track; turn right along the track.

Stage 5

When the track bends right go left and then right to cross a stile and continue through the field, keeping the wall and telephone masts on your left. Cross another stile to head through the next field, and a third to reach a path through a wood that emerges on a minor road. Cross this and go through a gate on the far side to enter the Scots pine plantation of Drummy Wood. Soon the path meets another at a corner; bear right here (waymarked), then turn left when a track is reached.

Stage 6

When this track bends left out of the wood after 100m turn right. Bear slightly left in a clearing and wind between the gorse bushes on a faint trod; soon a clearer path is met - go straight ahead onto this. The route runs along the edge of the wood with Tarland visible over to the right. Eventually the path emerges at a parking area opposite a large house. Turn right to reach the tarmac road, and then right onto this before heading left into Tarland. Finally turn right at the garage to return to the square.

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Route Profile

Walking can be dangerous and is done entirely at your own risk. Information is provided free of charge; it is each walkers' responsibility to check it and navigate using a map and compass.