Bigstones

Nearest Town: Banchory, Aberdeenshire

OS Grid Reference: NO 72 29 21

Directions: Leave Banchory on the A93 towards Aberdeen. Take the right turn for the A957 to Stonehaven.Once you’ve climbed out of the valley into open countryside, look for the unclassified right turn in the hamlet of Blairdryne. Don’t worry if you miss it, as you can take the next one. This road is a loop around Garroll Wood, and includes the sites of Esslie the Greater and the Nine Stanes. Parking on quiet lane, free.

Site Notes: With a tendency to be overgrown, this circle has also suffered damage, and has been used as a dumping ground for field clearance stones, all of which contributes to a very jumbled picture. Nevertheless, there is something here, and as with many ruinous sites, the setting becomes more important than the stones themselves. Absolutely beautiful.