Killin Stone Circle
A well-preserved Bronze Age stone circle near Killin, set in a peaceful Highland field with views over Loch Tay and the Trossachs.
Tucked in a pasture near Killin at the western end of Loch Tay, the Killin Stone Circle is a well-preserved Bronze Age monument of six dark schist standing stones arranged in a flattened circle. Dating back over three thousand years, this atmospheric stone circle is thought to have served as a ceremonial or gathering place, with one stone bearing three ancient cupmarks. Surrounded by the dramatic scenery of the Trossachs and close to the Falls of Dochart, it offers a quiet, evocative glimpse into Scotland’s prehistoric past.
A brief summary to Kinnell Stone Circle
- Loch Tay, Killin, GB
- Duration: 0.5 to 1.5 hours
- Free
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Outdoor
- Mobile reception: 3 out of 5
Local tips
- Wear sturdy footwear and be prepared for muddy or uneven ground, especially after rain, as the circle is in a pasture field.
- Respect any livestock in the field, keep dogs under close control, and always close gates behind you.
- Visit early in the day or on weekdays to enjoy the circle in relative quiet, away from the busiest times in Killin village.
- Combine your visit with a walk to the Falls of Dochart and the MacNab burial ground on Inchbuie for a fuller sense of the area’s history.
For the on-the-go comforts that matter to you
- Seating Areas
- Trash Bins
- Information Boards
Getting There
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On foot from Killin village
From the centre of Killin, follow the path eastward along the road towards Kinnell House; the stone circle is located in a field just off the driveway, about a 15–20 minute walk on a mix of pavement and grassy track, suitable for most walkers in reasonable footwear.
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By car
Drive from Killin village along the minor road towards Kinnell House; there is limited informal parking near the house entrance, from where the circle is a short walk across a field, accessible via a stile or gate, with uneven and potentially muddy ground.
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By public transport
Take a bus to Killin village; from the bus stop in the village centre, the stone circle is a 15–20 minute walk east along the road and across a field, with no dedicated footpath for the final section.
Kinnell Stone Circle 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 Kinnell Stone Circle
Ancient Stones in the Trossachs
Standing in a grassy field just east of the village of Killin, at the western tip of Loch Tay, the Killin Stone Circle (also known as Kinnell Stone Circle) is a small but striking prehistoric monument. Six upright slabs of dark grey schist form a slightly flattened circle about ten metres across, their weathered surfaces softened by centuries of Highland rain and wind. The stones range from around 1.4 to 1.9 metres in height, with the two tallest standing side by side in the southwest quadrant. This arrangement gives the circle a subtle asymmetry, hinting at careful placement rather than random arrangement.From Bronze Age Ritual to Clan Grounds
The circle dates from the Bronze Age, a time when communities across central Scotland were erecting stone circles, standing stones, and burial cairns. While its exact purpose remains unknown, it is widely believed to have been a place of ritual, gathering, or governance, possibly aligned with seasonal events or celestial markers. The northernmost stone is marked with three cupmarks – small, man-made depressions carved into the rock – which may have held symbolic or ceremonial significance. The circle’s good condition is likely due to its location within the grounds of Kinnell House, the historic seat of the MacNab clan, which may have helped protect it from disturbance and even prompted some restoration in the 18th or 19th century.Setting and Surroundings
The stone circle sits in a pastoral landscape, surrounded by rolling fields and framed by the rugged hills of Breadalbane. To the west lies the broad expanse of Loch Tay, while the River Dochart rushes through the nearby Falls of Dochart in Killin village, just a short walk away. The area is rich in history: the MacNab clan’s ancient burial ground is on Inchbuie in the river, and the ruins of Finlarig Castle, stronghold of the Campbells of Breadalbane, lie to the north. The circle’s quiet, open setting makes it easy to imagine how it might have looked millennia ago, standing as a focal point in a landscape shaped by both nature and early human communities.Visiting the Circle
Today, the Killin Stone Circle is a scheduled monument, protected for its archaeological importance. Visitors approach across a field, often via a stile or gate, and can walk freely around the stones, taking in their scale and the views across the valley. There are no modern structures immediately around the circle, so the atmosphere remains peaceful and timeless. Interpretive information is usually available nearby, explaining the site’s history and significance. Because it is in a working field, it is important to respect any livestock, close gates, and follow the countryside code.Stories and Legacy
The circle is part of a wider network of prehistoric sites in central Scotland, many of which also consist of six stones, suggesting a shared tradition or belief system. Local tradition and early antiquarian accounts note the cupmarked stone and describe the circle as a compact, well-formed ring, admired even in the 19th century. Its survival in such good condition, combined with its dramatic Highland setting, makes it a powerful place to reflect on Scotland’s deep past. Nearby, the legacy of the MacNabs and Campbells, the healing stones of St Fillan, and the wild beauty of the Trossachs all contribute to a landscape layered with stories, where ancient and more recent history sit side by side.Iconic landmarks you can’t miss
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Nick's at Port of Menteith
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The Gargunnock Inn
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For the vibe & atmosphere seeker
- Tranquil
- Scenic
- Unique
- Relaxing
For the architecture buff
- Historic
- Landmarks
- Heritage Neighborhoods
For the view chaser and sunset hunter
- Panoramas
- Iconic Views
For the social media creator & influencer
- Photo Spots
- Aesthetic Corners
- Architectural Shots
For the eco-conscious traveler
- Low Impact
- Protected Area
- Public-Transport Accessible
- Leave-No-Trace Critical
For the kind of experience you’re after
- Cultural Heritage
- Mindfulness
- Meditation Spot
- Myth & Legends
- 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
- Pet Friendly
- Solo Friendly
- Couple Friendly
- Solo Female Friendly
