The Ring of Brodgar and Stones of Stenness

Summary

Although always near or on a road, this route along the Brodgar Peninsular links together some of the most archaeologically-significant sites in Britain. The Ring of Brodgar forms the heart of a huge prehistoric ceremonial complex positioned in a key location known as the Ness of Brodgar. Occupying the land between the Ring of Brodgar and the nearby Stones of Stenness this 2.5 hectare site has been excavated over recent years to reveal housing, decorated stone slabs, a massive stone wall with foundations, and a large building described variously as a Neolithic palace, cathedral or temple. The significance of the discoveries here has led archaeologists to declare the Ness of Brodgar a site of international importance, and shifted focus away from Stonehenge in the south of England to the far north.

Grade (key)

Bog Factor (key)

3.5/5

Rating

Terrain

Surfaced roads, with sections of grassy footpaths. Care needed on final section along verge of busy road.

Public Transport

Bus route between Kirkwall and Stromness stops at the A965/B9055 road junction; using the bus has the advantage of being able to shorten the route by catching it back from Maeshowe.

Start

Car park for Ring of Brodgar. Open in Google Maps.

Walk Statistics

Distance: 4.5km / 2.75 miles
Time: 1 - 1.5 hours
Ascent: 11m (Profile)
Start Grid Ref: HY293137

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Accommodation

Walk Description

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Stage 1

If coming by bus, ask the driver to drop you off at the Ring of Brodgar stop - they'll know it. From here walk up the B9055 minor road to the Ring of Brodgar and follow the route as described. If driving, park at the new dedicated car park just past the site. Follow the grassy path from the road towards the Ring of Brodgar and spend some time exploring the atmospheric site which is believed to date to around 3000BC, though the interior of the circle has never been excavated. At more than 100m across, this is the largest stone circle in Scotland and is thought to have originally consisted of 60 stones. The 27 remaining stones range in height from 2.1 metres to 4.7m.

Stage 2

Leave the Ring of Brodgar via the south-east exit, crossing a grassy meadow and passing a single standing stone known as the Comet Stone, perhaps one of many that once marked a route to the Stones of Stenness? Leave the field via a gate onto the B9055 and turn right to follow the road south-east for just over 1km. The road runs along a peninsular which bisects Loch of Harray and Loch of Stenness, the two largest freshwater lochs on the Mainland. Loch of Stenness is linked to Hoy Sound and is technically a brackish lagoon - the largest in the UK. Loch of Harray is predominantly comprised of freshwater but is linked to Loch of Stenness at Brodgar Bridge - crossed on the walk southeast to the Stones of Stenness.

Stage 3

After 1km, and before reaching the towering Stones of Stenness, look for a path on the left signposted Barnhouse Village. This is a reconstruction of the lowest courses of a small section of a Stone Age village's stonework. Discovered in 1984, excavations revealed 15 small circular dwellings that are similar to those found at Skara Brae. However, this settlement fell out of use 450 years before Skara Brae and was deliberately demolished, suggesting that the settlement was constructed to house those associated with the construction of the Stones of Stenness.

Stage 4

Return along the path towards the road but look for a stile on the left leading into the field housing the Stones of Stenness. The four remaining stones that form this ring are immense, reaching a maximum height of six metres. Excavations suggest that the circle (actually more of an ellipse) was planned to consist of 12 stones, but for some reason one or two were never erected. The Stones of Stenness feature in Sir Walter Scott's novel The Pirate, based loosely on the life of the Orcadian pirate John Gow. Leave the site via a gate onto the B9055 and turn left to reach the A965 main road. Turn right to return along the road back to the start.

Stage 5

Just a couple of kilometres away from this walk is Maeshowe, regarded by many to be the finest prehistoric monument in Britain. Visits are only by guided tour, and begin from a new visitor centre in Stenness. Whilst the grass-covered exterior of the cairn may not be impressive, the 5000-year-old tomb inside certainly is. The inner chamber is an amazing feat of construction consisting of an intricate design implemented with huge dressed flagstones to an incredibly high standard. As the tour is accompanied by a guide the history of the structure will be explained in detail, including an explanations of the Viking graffiti, caused by 11th century Norse vandals!

Route: Phil Turner

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