Kilmore Standing Stones
Ancient granite monoliths in a quiet woodland clearing on the Isle of Mull, part of a wider Bronze Age ritual landscape.
Scattered among the trees on the Isle of Mull, the Kilmore Standing Stones are a small but evocative group of prehistoric monoliths, believed to date from the Bronze Age. Once a set of five stones, only two remain upright, standing about 2.5 metres tall amid a clearing near the road between Dervaig and Tobermory. These weathered granite pillars hint at ancient rituals and alignments, set within a wider landscape rich in Neolithic and Bronze Age monuments. The site is free to visit, with a small car park nearby and a short walk through open woodland.
A brief summary to Kilmore Standing Stones
- Isla de Mull, Reino Unido, Isle of Mull, GB
- Duration: 0.5 to 1.5 hours
- Free
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Outdoor
- Mobile reception: 3 out of 5
- Monday 12 am-12 am
- Tuesday 12 am-12 am
- Wednesday 12 am-12 am
- Thursday 12 am-12 am
- Friday 12 am-12 am
- Saturday 12 am-12 am
- Sunday 12 am-12 am
Local tips
- Wear sturdy footwear and waterproof clothing, as the ground can be uneven and damp, especially after rain.
- Visit in clear weather to appreciate the surrounding views and the stones’ relationship to the landscape.
- Bring a good map or GPS, as the site is easy to miss; look for the small car park just off the Dervaig–Tobermory road.
- Respect the stones and the site: avoid climbing on them or disturbing the surrounding area.
- Combine your visit with nearby prehistoric sites like the Maol Mor stones or the Lochbuie stone circle for a fuller sense of Mull’s ancient past.
For the on-the-go comforts that matter to you
- Seating Areas
- Trash Bins
- Information Boards
Getting There
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By car
From Tobermory, follow the main road south towards Dervaig. About 230 metres northwest of the road between Dervaig and Tobermory, look for a small car park on the right-hand side. Park here and follow the short path into the clearing where the stones are located. The drive takes roughly 15–20 minutes from Tobermory, depending on conditions.
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On foot
From Dervaig, walk north along the road towards Tobermory for about 1.5 kilometres. The stones are located in a clearing just off the road, with a small car park and footpath leading down to the site. The walk is on a quiet country road with some elevation change and takes about 20–25 minutes each way.
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By local bus
Regular local buses run between Tobermory and Craignure, stopping in Dervaig. From Dervaig, walk north along the road towards Tobermory for about 1.5 kilometres to reach the small car park and footpath to the stones. The walk from the bus stop takes 20–25 minutes on a quiet road with some elevation.
Kilmore Standing Stones location weather suitability
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Any Weather
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Rain / Wet Weather
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Clear Skies
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Mild Temperatures
Discover more about Kilmore Standing Stones
Whispers of the Bronze Age
Standing in a quiet clearing just off the road between Dervaig and Tobermory, the Kilmore Standing Stones offer a rare, intimate glimpse into Mull’s prehistoric past. Originally a group of five monoliths, only two now rise fully upright, each about 2.5 metres high, their rough granite surfaces softened by centuries of wind, rain, and lichen. The other three lie recumbent, half-buried or leaning at angles, as if slowly returning to the earth. These stones are thought to date from the late Neolithic or Bronze Age, a time when communities across western Scotland were erecting standing stones, circles, and cairns as part of ritual or astronomical landscapes.A Ritual Landscape in the Hills
The Kilmore stones are not isolated; they form part of a wider prehistoric ritual landscape on Mull’s central spine. Nearby, other stone settings such as the Maol Mor alignment and the Lochbuie stone circle suggest that this area was once a focus of ceremonial activity. The Kilmore stones themselves may have had astronomical significance, possibly aligned with solar or lunar events, though their exact purpose remains uncertain. Like many such monuments, they could have marked territory, served as gathering places, or played a role in seasonal ceremonies, connecting the living with the cycles of the sun, moon, and stars.Atmosphere and Setting
The site lies in a small clearing at the southern end of Cnoc Fada, surrounded by open woodland and views across the rolling hills of central Mull. The trees around the stones have been thinned in recent years, opening up the site and allowing more light to filter through. The air here is often still, broken only by the rustle of leaves, the call of birds, or the distant bleat of sheep. On clear days, the surrounding hills and patches of moorland create a sense of quiet isolation, while in mist or rain, the stones take on a more mysterious, almost spectral quality. The ground is uneven and can be damp, especially after rain, adding to the sense of stepping into an ancient, untamed place.Visiting the Stones
Access is straightforward: a small car park sits at the top of the hill, from where a short, well-defined path leads down into the clearing. The walk is brief but scenic, winding through open woodland with glimpses of the surrounding countryside. There are no formal facilities at the site itself, so visitors should come prepared with sturdy footwear and weather-appropriate clothing. The stones are unguarded and unfenced, allowing close inspection of their weathered surfaces and the subtle carvings or natural features that may hint at their original orientation or significance. A small information board may provide basic details, but much of the experience comes from simply standing among the stones and imagining their long history.Stories and Significance
The Kilmore stones, like many prehistoric monuments, carry an air of mystery. Their original name and exact function are lost, but local tradition and archaeological study suggest they were part of a broader network of ritual sites across Mull. They may have been used for seasonal gatherings, astronomical observations, or as markers in a sacred landscape. The fact that they stand close to other stone settings reinforces the idea that this area was once a ceremonial hub, where communities came together to mark time, honour ancestors, or commune with the natural world. Today, they remain a quiet, contemplative place, inviting visitors to reflect on the deep human connection to land, sky, and time.Iconic landmarks you can’t miss
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Unmissable attractions to see
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MacDonald Arms Hotel
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The Whitehouse Restaurant
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Markets, malls and hidden boutiques
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Seafare
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For the vibe & atmosphere seeker
- Tranquil
- Scenic
- Unique
- Relaxing
For the design and aesthetic lover
- Rustic Designs
- Vintage Styles
For the architecture buff
- Historic
- Sacred Sites
- Heritage Neighborhoods
For the view chaser and sunset hunter
- Panoramas
- Sunrise Spots
- Sunset Spots
For the social media creator & influencer
- Photo Spots
- Selfie Spots
- Aesthetic Corners
For the eco-conscious traveler
- Low Impact
- Protected Area
- Public-Transport Accessible
- Leave-No-Trace Critical
For the kind of experience you’re after
- Mindfulness
- Meditation Spot
- Spiritual / Energy Spot
- Myth & Legends
- Cultural Heritage
- Photowalk
- Nature Escape
- Day Trip
For how adventurous you want the journey to be
- Easy Access
Location Audience
- Family Friendly
- Senior Friendly
- Child Friendly
- Teen Friendly
- Wheelchair Access
- Solo Friendly
- Couple Friendly
- Solo Female Friendly
