Hold onto your sporran, folks, because we're about to dive into the enchanting world of Bennachie, a range of hills in Aberdeenshire, Scotland, that's practically in my backyard, just a stone's throw from the lively city of Aberdeen.
Now, Bennachie isn't your run-of-the-mill hillscape – it's a spectacular playground with galore peaks, each offering panoramic views that make your Instagram followers jealous. The main headliner of this hill extravaganza? Mither Tap stands at 518 meters (1,699 feet) above sea level. I've lost count of the Sundays I've conquered this peak, courtesy of frequent outings with my grandpa. We were hill conquerors even before the Thainstone Sunday market opened its gates. Early doors, indeed!
Picture this: Grandpa and I at the summit of Mither Tap, enjoying a wee piece and sipping tea from our trusty flask. And for Grandpa, a cheeky wee whisky to spice things up. Rain or shine, my grandfather was the ultimate hills whisperer, guiding me through the ups and downs – literally.
But wait, there's more to Bennachie than a grandpa-grandchild Sunday saga! Mither Tap, with its distinct flat peak, is a geological wonder shaped by forces that make it easily identifiable. With several paths leading to various peaks, you can choose your adventure – strolling, hiking, or just soaking in the breathtaking scenery.
Hold onto your hiking boots because the Bennachie range isn't just a pretty face. Rich in historical and archaeological wonders, the hillfort at the top of Mither Tap tells tales from thousands of years ago when humans first called these hills home. Flora and fauna abound, making it a haven for naturalists and ecotourists alike. And like any excellent spot, Bennachie has its own folklore and local legends.
Now, let's talk about the real magic – the folklore! My grandpa, a local legend himself, spun mystical tales that whisked me away to places like Hosies well, the cave of the king, and my personal favorite, the Maidstone. Fast forward to today, and with each new archaeological discovery, I'm more intrigued than ever, connecting the dots between folklore and actual history.
Enter the Maiden Stone, a historical and cultural landmark near Bennachie. An ancient Pictish symbol stone with intricate carvings, it's like the ancient version of a blockbuster movie. Christian crosses, serpent symbols – it's got it all. What is the exact meaning? That's the beauty of Pictish symbols – open to interpretation, just like a good plot twist.
The tale of the Maiden Stone is straight from my dear grandpa's epic yarns.
Now, imagine this: At the foothills of Bennachie lived a lass named Mary, a baking extraordinaire with a heart as sweet as her treats. She pined for her war-bound love, dreaming of his return. One Sunday, as she strolled out of church, you might say a tall, dashing figure caught her eye – love at first sight. The following Sunday, the mysterious stranger reappeared, and her father, ever the inquisitive one, struck up a chat. This fella, Mr. Black, had migrated from the south, claiming land on the other side of Bennachie. Plot twist: he wasn't much into church vibes but fancied escorting Mary home.
Cue the romantic strolls home and Sunday dinners, where secrets unfold. During one such meal, Mary's father, with a wink and a dropped knife, discovered something eerie beneath the table. Face pale, he declared a dinner emergency and spilled the beans to Mary – Mr. Black was no ordinary suitor; he was the deil himself, the devil incarnate!
Mary, her face as pale as a ghost, sought refuge in her father's protective arms. Mr. Black, ever the cheeky devil, claimed Mary's promise to wed him. Our brave lass, however, retorted with a resounding 'never!' In a surprising turn, the devil proposed a deal – a wager to break the engagement spell. His challenge? Build a road from Bennachie's summit to Mary's humble abode by sunrise, and if Mary baked a hundred bannocks before he finished, she'd be free.
Challenge accepted! As the first rays of light danced over the hills, Mary, armed with baking prowess, fired up the griddle. Her parents, eager spectators, peered out to witness the showdown. Mary breezed through batches, hitting 94 bannocks like a baking maestro. But just as victory seemed within reach, a hero returned – Mary's betrothed, back from war!
Ecstatic, Mary dropped the last batch and rushed to her love's embrace. The reunion, however, took a chilling twist. At the doorstep stood Mr. Black, devilish grin intact. Panic ensued as Mary sprinted, the devil hot on her heels. His hand rested on her shoulder in a sinister touch, and lo and behold, Mary turned to stone.
And there you have it – a baking wager, a devilish romance, and a stone-cold ending to the Maiden Stone saga!
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