If you can time your visit to the prehistoric Ring of Brodgar for sunset, you will capture a lovely glow between the 20+ remaining stones.
However, you can’t walk between them like you can at Stenness.
The stones are shaped in a circular formation on top of a fort-like grassy area you walk around.
Historically, 60 stones were built as a ceremonial site that dates back to the 3rd millennium BC!
Note: The car park is about a five-minute walk from the landmark, but guided paths and disabled parking are closer to the ring.
Getting There and Location
The Ring of Brodgar stands on a thin strip of land between the Loch of Harray and the Loch of Stenness, midway between Stromness and Kirkwall off the B9055. There is a small car park across the road and a short walk to the circle. It is a free, open-access site with no ticket needed.
What You Will See
A true circle 104 metres across, ringed by a rock-cut ditch, with around 36 of its original 60 stones still standing – some over four metres tall. The setting between two lochs is part of the drama, especially at dawn or dusk. It forms one corner of the Heart of Neolithic Orkney alongside Stenness, Skara Brae and Maeshowe.
Who It Suits
Photographers and anyone chasing atmosphere will love Brodgar, particularly in low light or a moody sky. It pairs naturally with the nearby Standing Stones of Stenness, a short drive away. Guided walks run in summer and explain the archaeology without you needing to book far ahead.
Practical Tips
Visit at sunrise or sunset for the best light,Stick to the marked path to protect the heather,It is fully exposed – dress for wind and rain,Combine with Stenness just up the road,Free ranger walks run in summer months
Frequently Asked Questions
Is the Ring of Brodgar free to visit?
Yes, the Ring of Brodgar is an open-access site with free entry and a small car park across the road. In summer, Historic Environment Scotland rangers run free guided walks that explain the circle and its place in the Neolithic landscape.
How big is the Ring of Brodgar?
The circle measures 104 metres across, making it one of the largest stone circles in Britain. Around 36 of an estimated original 60 stones survive, the tallest standing over four metres, all set within a surrounding rock-cut ditch.
