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Aikey Brae Stone Circle

Hidden Gem

Terrain:

Activities

Best Time To Visit

Moorland

Walking, Photography

Spring to Autumn

Photo: Ralph Greig via Geograph.org.uk

Aikey Brae is a recumbent stone circle standing in a clearing on a low hill near Old Deer, in the Buchan country of Aberdeenshire. A short walk uphill through forestry brings you to it. The ring is much reduced now, with several stones fallen, but the great recumbent still lies flat along the south-...

2

Parking nearby

0

Food Spots nearby

1

Staycations nearby

Parking:

Food:

Staycations:

2 overnight parking

Meikle Aucheoch Holiday Cottage

Nearest Hidden Gem 1

Nearest Hidden Gem 2

Nearest Hidden Gem 3

FAQ's/Things to Know

Where is Aikey Brae Stone Circle?
Aberdeenshire holds this ancient monument on a quiet ridge near the village of Old Deer. Walkers discover the site at the summit of a hill surrounded by peaceful open fields.

What type of place is Aikey Brae Stone Circle?
Aikey Brae Stone Circle is a prehistoric recumbent stone monument in the north of Aberdeenshire.

When is the best time to visit Aikey Brae Stone Circle?
Spring through to autumn offers the most pleasant weather for walking up the hillside track. Golden evening light during these months helps showcase the incredible alignment of the granite pillars.

What can you do at Aikey Brae Stone Circle?
Exploring the ancient perimeter lets you examine the massive twenty-tonne recumbent whinstone block up close. Photography enthusiasts can capture the rough, weathered textures of the ten standing stones framing the distant hills.

How long should I spend at Aikey Brae Stone Circle?
Allowing roughly forty-five minutes gives you plenty of time to admire the prehistoric engineering and read the local history. Keen hikers might want to spend longer by connecting the visit with trails through the nearby conifer plantation.

Where do I park at Aikey Brae Stone Circle?
Spaces for two vehicles exist close to the trail, providing overnight parking on site. Full details are available on the UK Hidden Gems app.

Where can I eat near Aikey Brae Stone Circle?
There are no food spots recorded immediately near Aikey Brae Stone Circle, check the UK Hidden Gems app for the nearest options.

Where can I stay near Aikey Brae Stone Circle?
Meikle Aucheoch Holiday Cottage provides an option in the area, offering a single place to book nearby. Full details are available on the UK Hidden Gems app.

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Last Updated:

02 July 2026

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