Join Annie and Jenny deep in the Cairngorms, as they climb Ben Avon, but the summit isn’t the goal, instead, they take a detour to an astounding rock formation called Clach Bhan, or in English, the Women’s Stone. This rock formation overlooks the surrounding glens, and has been a place of pilgrimage for hundreds of years. Pregnant women from miles around would undertake an arduous trek to this point and ask the stone for a safe childbirth. But why this stone, three-quarters of the way up a mountain? What caused it to be here? Why are there numerous bowl-shaped holes, perfect for sitting? And most importantly, what drew women to this spot, in search of solace and safety?

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Some of the music you heard in this episode was beautifully played by Nicky Murray and Chloe Rodgers.
References:
Aberdeen Press and Journal. Old North Country Superstitions. 1877.
Gordon J, Wignall R, Brazier N, Bruneau P, ‘Cairngorms, A landscape Fashioned by Geology’, Scottish National Heritage, 2006.
Mason D. Transactions of the Gaelic Society of Inverness, volume xiv, 1887-1888. Inverness: Gaelic Society of Inverness; 1889.
Northern Scot and Moray & Nairn Express. A Highland Village in the 18th Century. 1911.
Sinclair J. Statistical Accounts of Scotland. Edinburgh: William Creech; 1794.
Smith A. The history and antiquities of new and old Aberdeen. Aberdeen: A. Murray; 1882.