Loch of Stenness

Loch of Stenness is a shallow loch on Mainland, Orkney in northern Scotland and forms part of a landscape of major Neolithic monuments. It lies immediately adjacent to important prehistoric sites and is a notable waterbody on Mainland, Orkney.

The loch is most commonly visited for its close setting to the neolithic ceremonial complexes rather than for large-scale boating or recreational facilities. Views across the water to the Standing Stones of Stenness and to the nearby Ring of Brodgar are the main draw.

The shores and surrounding fields contain the Neolithic monuments that give the area its significance; those stone circles and henges date to the late Neolithic period and are among the best-preserved prehistoric ritual landscapes in Britain. Over time the loch and its margins have remained largely rural while the monuments have been the focus of archaeological study and conservation.

Geographically it sits on Mainland, Orkney, in northern Scotland, with the village of Stenness and the Ring of Brodgar immediately to the north and west. The setting is low-lying peat and grassland typical of central Mainland, Orkney.

• Best viewpoint: The standing stones of Stenness sit on the loch's northern shore and provide the most direct and well-known viewpoint over the water.
• UNESCO context: Forms part of the broader Heart of Neolithic Orkney ensemble, with important prehistoric monuments immediately adjacent to the shoreline.