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Ring of Brodgar Stone Circle and Henge

Explore the majestic Neolithic Ring of Brodgar, a vast stone circle and henge steeped in mystery and ancient ritual on Orkney’s Mainland.

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The Ring of Brodgar is a monumental Neolithic stone circle and henge located on Orkney's Mainland. Dating from around 2500–2000 BC, it originally featured 60 massive standing stones arranged in a perfect circle 104 meters wide. Today, 27 stones remain, standing within a rock-cut ditch forming a ceremonial enclosure. Part of the Heart of Neolithic Orkney UNESCO World Heritage Site, it is a place of mystery, ritual, and ancient astronomical significance, open year-round with free access.

A brief summary to Ring of Brodgar

  • 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, waterproof footwear as the ground can be uneven and boggy, especially after rain.
  • Visit at sunrise or sunset for the most dramatic light and atmospheric views of the stones.
  • There are no toilets on site; plan to use facilities at the nearby Maeshowe Visitor Centre.
  • Free guided walks by Historic Environment Scotland rangers are available throughout the year.
  • Respect path closures designed to protect the grass and help preserve the site’s environment.
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Getting There

  • Car

    Driving from Stromness or Kirkwall, the Ring of Brodgar is accessible via the B9055 road. Allow 20–40 minutes travel time depending on starting point. Parking is available near the site, but spaces are limited during peak seasons. There is no parking fee.

  • Bus

    Local bus services connect Stromness and Kirkwall to Stenness village, approximately 2 km from the Ring of Brodgar. From the village, expect a 25–30 minute walk over uneven terrain to reach the site. Bus services run several times daily but check schedules seasonally.

  • Walking

    For active visitors staying nearby, walking to the Ring of Brodgar is rewarding. From Stenness village, the walk takes around 25–30 minutes over grassy and sometimes boggy paths. Suitable footwear is essential; the terrain is uneven but accessible for most walkers.

Ring of Brodgar location weather suitability

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Discover more about Ring of Brodgar

An Ancient Monument of Prehistoric Orkney

The Ring of Brodgar is one of the most spectacular prehistoric monuments in the British Isles, constructed between 2500 and 2000 BC. This vast stone circle was originally composed of 60 standing stones arranged in a perfect circle measuring 104 meters in diameter, making it the third largest stone circle in Britain. Today, 27 stones survive, some towering several meters high, standing solemnly within a large rock-cut ditch that is 6 meters wide and 3 meters deep. This ditch and the stone circle together form a henge, a ceremonial enclosure whose exact purpose remains a subject of debate among archaeologists.

Mystery, Ritual, and Astronomical Theories

The true function of the Ring of Brodgar remains elusive. Some theories propose it was a religious shrine or a place for ritual ceremonies, while others suggest it served as an astronomical observatory aligned to track equinoxes and solstices. The enigmatic nature of the site, combined with its impressive scale and precise construction, evokes a profound sense of mystery and reverence. Nearby features, such as the Comet Stone and the Standing Stones of Stenness, add to the ritual landscape, indicating a complex prehistoric ceremonial area.

Setting within the Heart of Neolithic Orkney

The Ring of Brodgar sits amidst a dramatic natural amphitheatre of hills, overlooking the saltwater Loch of Stenness and the freshwater Loch of Harray. It is part of the Heart of Neolithic Orkney UNESCO World Heritage Site, which includes other remarkable sites such as Maeshowe, Skara Brae, and the Stones of Stenness. This landscape reveals a rich tapestry of Neolithic life, from domestic settlements to ritual monuments, highlighting Orkney’s importance as a cultural and spiritual center 5,000 years ago.

Visitor Experience and Conservation

Visitors can explore the Ring of Brodgar year-round with free admission. The site is open-air and accessible at all times, though daylight hours are recommended for safety and to appreciate the stones fully. Some inner paths are periodically closed to allow grass regeneration, helping to preserve the delicate environment. There are no toilets on site; the nearest facilities are at the Maeshowe Visitor Centre. Free guided walks are offered by Historic Environment Scotland rangers, providing insights into the site's history and significance.

Photographic and Atmospheric Highlights

The Ring of Brodgar is especially atmospheric at sunrise and sunset, when the stones cast long shadows and the surrounding landscape glows with golden light. Photographers prize these times for capturing the monument’s majestic silhouette against dramatic skies. The site’s remote and tranquil setting enhances the visitor’s sense of connection to ancient times, inviting reflection on the lives and beliefs of its Neolithic builders.

Preserving a Timeless Legacy

As a protected archaeological site managed by Historic Environment Scotland, the Ring of Brodgar benefits from ongoing conservation efforts. These ensure that this iconic symbol of Orkney’s prehistoric heritage remains intact for future generations. The site’s enduring mystery and monumental scale continue to inspire curiosity and wonder, making it an essential destination for those interested in ancient history and megalithic architecture.

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