Rhynie Travel Guide - Scotland

Located about 50 miles from Aberdeen, the village of Rhynie lies along what is known as the Rhynie Chert. It was here that the ancient Picts first lived and evidence exists that there was a settlement here in the 4^th and 5^th centuries. There are two Pictish stones standing outside the Old Churchyard in Rhynie with carvings and symbols. However, weather has taken its toll on these stones and the carvings are hard to see.

Rhynie is also the place where the Rhynie Man was discovered in 1978. This is a six–foot boulder depicting the figure of a man clad in some sort of sleeved garment that comes to his knee. In the depiction, he seems to be walking and carrying an axe. It is believed to date back to about 700 A.D. Along the Rhynie Chert, archaeologists have also excavated fossils believed to be about 400 million years old.

Rhynie is the perfect vacation destination to choose if you really want to have some rest and relaxation. Walk through the town and enjoy the breathtaking scenery. Just a mile outside of the village, you will find the Tap O'the North, which is a hill fort dating back to the time of the Picts. Here you will encounter a strange site with the vitrified rock. This has puzzled the experts because it would take extremely high temperatures for this to occur. Walk to the top of this hill from which you will have a commanding view of the surrounding countryside.

The old red sandstone of Rhynie is a veritable goldmine of fossils. As you ramble over the hills, keep your eyes rooted to the ground. You might just discover something of great importance.

When you choose to stay in Rhynie, you can choose from an authentic barron house complete with turrets or you can choose a self–catering cottage where you can cook for yourself. The pub is the place to visit to get to know the locals and enjoy a few of the old–time tunes. Shop for souvenirs in the stores and enjoy the great tasting food. Your visit to Rhynie will leave your fully relaxed and ready to take on the world.