Loupin' Stanes and Girdle Stanes
Two enigmatic stone circles connected by mystery and the River Esk, spanning 4,500 years of Scottish prehistory.
Two remarkable prehistoric stone circles situated along the River Esk near Eskdalemuir in the Scottish Borders. Loupin' Stanes features a compact circle of roughly 10 stones with distinctive entrance markers, while Girdle Stanes—a larger, partially eroded semicircle—lies 650 metres downstream. Both date to the Late Neolithic to Early Bronze Age (approximately 2500–1500 BC). The unusual proximity of these two circles, combined with mysterious recumbent stones between them, continues to intrigue archaeologists. Easily accessible from the main road with parking nearby, these ancient monuments offer a tangible connection to Scotland's prehistoric ritual landscape.
A brief summary to Loupin Stanes
- Langholm, GB
- Visit website
- Duration: 1 to 3 hours
- Free
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Outdoor
- Mobile reception: 3 out of 5
Local tips
- Visit during clear weather to fully appreciate the landscape context and take photographs. The stones are most visible when light angles across them in early morning or late afternoon.
- Wear sturdy footwear with good grip; the field terrain can be muddy, especially after rain, and the path alongside the river requires careful footing.
- Allow time to walk between both circles (approximately 650 metres) to appreciate the full archaeological complex and the mysterious recumbent stones connecting them.
- Bring binoculars or a camera with zoom to examine stone details and observe how erosion has shaped Girdle Stanes, particularly the precariously balanced stone at the riverbank.
- Combine your visit with other sites on the Eskdale Prehistoric Trail to deepen your understanding of Late Neolithic and Early Bronze Age settlement patterns in the region.
For the on-the-go comforts that matter to you
- Trash Bins
- Information Boards
Getting There
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Car via A7 from Langholm
From Langholm town centre, take the A7 southbound toward Eskdalemuir for approximately 8 kilometres (15–20 minutes). A small layby is clearly marked on the roadside near the stone circle. Park here and cross the road via the stile to access the field leading to Loupin' Stanes. No entrance fee required. Parking is free and accommodates 4–6 vehicles.
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Walking from Langholm
From Langholm town centre, follow the Eskdale Prehistoric Trail on foot heading south along the A7 for approximately 3 kilometres (45–60 minutes). The route is mostly roadside walking with some field sections. Terrain is mixed grassland and minor paths. Suitable for walkers with moderate fitness. No facilities along the route; bring water and wear appropriate footwear.
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Minibus or coach tour from regional operators
Several heritage and outdoor tourism operators in the Scottish Borders offer guided minibus tours incorporating Loupin' Stanes and Girdle Stanes as part of the Eskdale Prehistoric Trail. Tours typically depart from Langholm or Hawick and include guided interpretation. Prices range from £25–£45 per person depending on group size and duration. Advance booking recommended; tours operate year-round subject to weather conditions.
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Bicycle from Langholm
From Langholm, cycle south on the A7 for approximately 8 kilometres (20–30 minutes depending on fitness). The route follows the main road with variable shoulder width; exercise caution with traffic. A layby provides secure parking for bicycles. The return journey is largely flat to gently rolling terrain. Suitable for hybrid or mountain bikes.
Loupin Stanes location weather suitability
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Any Weather
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Clear Skies
Discover more about Loupin Stanes
Two Circles, One Mystery
Loupin' Stanes and Girdle Stanes represent a rare archaeological puzzle: two distinct stone circles built within walking distance of each other, yet constructed in markedly different styles. Loupin' Stanes is the smaller and more compact of the pair, comprising roughly 10 stones arranged on a low platform above the River Esk. Two particularly large stones mark the southwestern entrance, spaced approximately 2.5 metres apart—a distance that inspired the site's evocative name. Local tradition holds that young people once tested their courage by leaping from one entrance stone to the other, a practice that reportedly ended after a broken leg. The name itself may derive from the Scots term 'Lowping-on-stane,' referring to a mounting block for riders, though the jumping legend remains deeply embedded in local memory.The Larger Circle and River's Toll
Following the River Esk southwestward for approximately 650 metres leads to Girdle Stanes, a substantially larger stone circle that once commanded far greater presence. Originally measuring roughly 39 metres in diameter, it likely contained between 40 and 45 stones arranged in what archaeologists believe was a more ancient pattern than its smaller neighbour. Today, only 21 to 26 stones remain in place, their reduction a direct consequence of the river's shifting course over millennia. The Esk has carved away a significant portion of the circle, leaving one stone precariously balanced on the eroding riverbank—a dramatic reminder of the landscape's dynamic forces. The original entrance is thought to have faced the southeast, though the circle's semicircular form today reflects the geological transformation it has endured.Connecting Stones and Unanswered Questions
Between the two circles lie two recumbent stones whose purpose remains enigmatic. Archaeologists have speculated whether these stones served as a symbolic or physical connection between the damaged Girdle Stanes and the smaller Loupin' Stanes circle. One prevailing theory suggests that Loupin' Stanes may have been constructed as a replacement or alternative ritual site after Girdle Stanes suffered damage, though the sequence of construction remains uncertain. The proximity of two such stylistically different circles is virtually unprecedented in the archaeological record, raising profound questions about the ritual practices and social organisation of the Late Neolithic to Early Bronze Age communities who created them.Prehistoric Chronology and Significance
Both circles are believed to date to the Late Neolithic through Early Bronze Age period, spanning roughly 2500 to 1500 BC. This era marked a transformative phase in British prehistory, characterised by the construction of monumental stone circles and the development of increasingly sophisticated ritual practices. The Loupin' Stanes and Girdle Stanes complex forms part of the broader Eskdale Prehistoric Trail, a landscape rich with evidence of ancient settlement and ceremonial activity. The monuments' survival, despite erosion and agricultural pressures, testifies to their cultural significance and the enduring power of stone as a medium for marking sacred space.The River Esk and Landscape Context
The River Esk has shaped not only the physical form of these circles but also their archaeological narrative. Flowing through a valley of considerable natural beauty, the river provided both resources and challenges to prehistoric communities. The low platform upon which Loupin' Stanes sits offers commanding views of the surrounding landscape, suggesting that visibility and sightlines may have influenced the site's placement. The river itself, with its seasonal variations and long-term geological processes, has become an active participant in the circles' ongoing story, continuously reshaping the archaeological record and presenting new interpretive challenges to those who study these ancient monuments.Iconic landmarks you can’t miss
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For the vibe & atmosphere seeker
- Scenic
- Adventurous
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For the design and aesthetic lover
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For the architecture buff
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For the view chaser and sunset hunter
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For the social media creator & influencer
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For the eco-conscious traveler
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For the kind of experience you’re after
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For how adventurous you want the journey to be
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Location Audience
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