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The tall red granite Maiden Stone under Bennachie, its carving worn by weather.
Aberdeenshire

The Maiden Stone

A tall red granite Pictish cross-slab under Bennachie, carved with beasts, a cross and spirals.

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Welcome

The Maiden Stone stands by the roadside below the northern slopes of Bennachie, near Chapel of Garioch, a tall slab of red granite that the Picts carved more than a thousand years ago.

It is one of the finest Pictish stones in the north-east, and every face of it is worked.

On the west face a man stands with his arms spread between two fish-like monsters. Below him is a great ring-headed cross, and at the foot a roundel of spirals. The east face is divided into four panels: four beasts at the top, then a notched rectangle with a Z-rod, another beast, and a mirror and comb. The narrow sides are covered in knotwork and interlace.

Visit in the warmer months: in winter the stone is covered by a protective shelter and cannot be seen. The Bennachie paths start a few minutes away.

A short drive awayThe FoghouseA quiet whisky, wine and coffee bar in Inverurie with over 400 whiskies by the dram.8 min by roadSee itThe front of the Foghouse on Market Place, Inverurie.
Before you go

By the roadside near Chapel of Garioch.

In winter the stone is covered by a shelter and cannot be seen.

Where
Near Chapel of Garioch.
Winter
Covered by a shelter in winter.
Where it is

Chapel of Garioch.

Close byAround Chapel of Garioch.
  1. White gabled building with red door, sign reading "Old Post Office" above windowsOld Post Office Tea RoomUnder a mile1 min by road
  2. Dreamy Goat Coffee's white cottage front on North Street, Inverurie.Dreamy Goat Coffee Co.4 miles6 min by road
  3. The Brandsbutt Stone, pieced back together, its symbols and line of Ogham on the grey whinstone.The Brandsbutt StoneA Pictish stone in Inverurie carved with symbols and a line of Ogham, pieced back together.4 miles7 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 miles9 min by road
  5. Belvoir Farm elderflower, Perelló olives, baguette and salami on a checked tableclothThe Kilted Frog Delicatessen5 miles8 min by road
Directions
The front of the Foghouse on Market Place, Inverurie.BarsThe Foghouse5.4 miles
Weathered standing stones in a circle overlooking fields and distant hillsAttractionsEast Aquhorthies Stone Circle6.3 miles
The broken tower of Dunnideer Castle, a great window through it, on the grassy top of the hill.AttractionsDunnideer Castle6.8 miles
The ring of standing stones at Loanhead of Daviot round its low central cairn, trees behind.AttractionsLoanhead of Daviot Stone Circle7.0 miles
Carved stone panels and fragments laid along a shelf against the rubble wall of Kinkell Church.AttractionsKinkell Church7.2 miles
The timber-roofed dining room at Morgan McVeigh's, tables by tall windows.RestaurantsMorgan McVeigh's7.3 miles
The Picardy Stone standing in its field near Insch, a rough whinstone slab.AttractionsThe Picardy Stone8.0 miles
Two pink soft-serve cones held up under the neon sign at Barra Berries.CafeBarra Berries8.4 miles
The whitewashed buildings and tall chimney of Glen Garioch Distillery in Oldmeldrum.AttractionsGlen Garioch Distillery9.2 miles
Stay nearby

Places to stay near The Maiden Stone, 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 The Maiden Stone
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 The Maiden Stone
Free 27–29 OctA 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 The Maiden Stone
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 The Maiden Stone
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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