Circles of Stone field guide
Ring of Brodgar
Orkney, Scotland
Before you go
Open access by maintained paths. Sections may close temporarily to protect saturated ground.
Postcode caution: KW16 3JZ is a useful navigation reference, not a guarantee of legal or available parking.
- Grid reference
- HY 294 133
- Useful postcode
- KW16 3JZ
- Monument coordinates
- 59.00150, -3.22970
Pack and plan
- Charged phone and a paper map or saved offline map
- Water, layers and footwear suited to the terrain
- Current weather, daylight and access information checked
- Someone told where you are going on remote walks
What you are looking for
A monumental ring occupying the narrow land between the Lochs of Stenness and Harray.
Its rock-cut ditch and broad ring demonstrate enormous communal investment. Twenty-seven stones survive from perhaps sixty.
Field notes
Weather and light: ______________________________________________
First feature spotted: ___________________________________________
Something the map did not show: _________________________________
Walk gently
- Check current access and weather before setting out.
- Keep dogs under close control around livestock.
- Do not climb, move stones, light fires or leave offerings.
- Take all litter home and protect fragile ground.
If something goes wrong
In an emergency call 999 or 112. Give the grid reference or coordinates above, describe your approach route, and do not put yourself at further risk.