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The ring of standing stones at Loanhead of Daviot round its low central cairn, trees behind.
Aberdeenshire

Loanhead of Daviot Stone Circle

A recumbent stone circle with a cairn at its centre and a Bronze Age cemetery beside it.

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Welcome

Loanhead of Daviot, on a rise above the village of Daviot north of Inverurie, is one of the most complete and best understood of the recumbent stone circles that are the north-east's great prehistoric monuments.

The ring is about twenty metres across: eight standing stones, two tall flankers, and between them the massive recumbent itself, lying on its side and split in two by frost. Inside the ring is a low cairn edged with kerb stones. The stone just east of the eastern flanker has a vertical line of cup marks on its inner face. When the circle was excavated, each standing stone was found to have its own small cairn, and beneath each a pit holding charcoal and broken pottery.

Right beside the circle are the remains of a Bronze Age cremation cemetery, which held the remains of thirty-one people when it was dug. The site is in the care of Historic Environment Scotland, with parking on site. The lane is not suitable for coaches.

A short drive awayThe Brandsbutt StoneA Pictish stone in Inverurie carved with symbols and a line of Ogham, pieced back together.10 min by roadSee itThe Brandsbutt Stone, pieced back together, its symbols and line of Ogham on the grey whinstone.
Before you go

Free and open at any time.

There is parking on site, not suitable for coaches.

Where
Daviot, north of Inverurie.
Entry
Free.
Where it is

Daviot, near Inverurie.

Close byAround Daviot.
  1. Two pink soft-serve cones held up under the neon sign at Barra Berries.Barra Berries5 miles8 min by road
  2. Dreamy Goat Coffee's white cottage front on North Street, Inverurie.Dreamy Goat Coffee Co.5 miles9 min by road
  3. The whitewashed buildings and tall chimney of Glen Garioch Distillery in Oldmeldrum.Glen Garioch DistilleryOne of Scotland's oldest working distilleries, making whisky in the middle of Oldmeldrum since 1797.5 miles10 min by road
  4. The brick front of the Garioch Heritage Centre with its tall blue doors, in the old locomotive works.Garioch Heritage CentreThe story of the north-east told in a converted building of the old Inverurie locomotive works.5 miles10 min by road
  5. Meldrum House's turrets seen through trees, heather in the foreground.Meldrum House Hotel5 miles9 min by road
Directions
The Brandsbutt Stone, pieced back together, its symbols and line of Ogham on the grey whinstone.AttractionsThe Brandsbutt Stone5.1 miles
Belvoir Farm elderflower, Perelló olives, baguette and salami on a checked tableclothCafeThe Kilted Frog Delicatessen5.5 miles
White gabled building with red door, sign reading "Old Post Office" above windowsCafeOld Post Office Tea Room5.6 miles
The front of the Foghouse on Market Place, Inverurie.BarsThe Foghouse5.6 miles
The tall red granite Maiden Stone under Bennachie, its carving worn by weather.AttractionsThe Maiden Stone7.0 miles
Weathered standing stones in a circle overlooking fields and distant hillsAttractionsEast Aquhorthies Stone Circle7.5 miles
Carved stone panels and fragments laid along a shelf against the rubble wall of Kinkell Church.AttractionsKinkell Church7.5 miles
The timber-roofed dining room at Morgan McVeigh's, tables by tall windows.RestaurantsMorgan McVeigh's8.4 miles
Fyvie Castle's towered front across the lawn, framed by dark trees.AttractionsFyvie Castle8.9 miles
Stay nearby

Places to stay near Loanhead of Daviot Stone Circle, and when each is next free.

A single-storey lodge with a slated roof sits behind a stone wall and clipped hedge, mature trees shading the curving drive.Gate Lodge
  • Sleeps 2
  • In Rothiemay
  • 16 miles from Loanhead of Daviot Stone Circle
Check datesA triangular timber cabin stands behind a wooden gate and post-and-rail fence, bare trees framing the entrance.Midpark
  • Sleeps 2
  • In Rothiemay
  • 16 miles from Loanhead of Daviot Stone Circle
Free 30 Oct – 1 NovA stone cottage with a slated roof and a blue front door, climbing roses in pink and white flanking the porch.Butlers Cottage
  • Sleeps 4
  • In Aberdeenshire
  • 16 miles from Loanhead of Daviot Stone Circle
Free 17–19 OctA grey stone cottage with dormer windows and a black front door, climbing roses either side, set behind a lawn.Bailies Cottage
  • Sleeps 6
  • In Rothiemay
  • 16 miles from Loanhead of Daviot Stone Circle
Free 26–28 OctPlaces to stayEvery stay in AberdeenshireAll our places to stay nearby, to search by date and by who is coming.See them all
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