Ring of Brodgar
Archaeological Site Neolithic stone circle forming part of Orkney's heritage
A Neolithic henge on Mainland, Orkney, the Ring of Brodgar forms part of the Heart of Neolithic Orkney World Heritage site; visitors come for its stone circle, archaeology walks, and coastal vistas across the Loch of Harray.
The Ring of Brodgar is a Neolithic stone circle and henge on the island of Mainland in Orkney, Scotland, and forms part of the Heart of Neolithic Orkney UNESCO World Heritage Site. It dates to the late Neolithic period and is one of the major prehistoric ceremonial complexes in Orkney.
The principal feature is the large circular arrangement of standing stones set within a surrounding ditch and bank; the circle has an external diameter of about 104 meters. The scale and setting - between the nearby lochs - contribute to its archaeological importance.
The monument was constructed in the late fourth to third millennium BC during the Neolithic and later became part of a broader ritual landscape that includes other large stone settings and tombs. Archaeological investigation has focused on its construction, sequence and relationship with surrounding sites.
Geographically the Ring of Brodgar stands on the Mainland of Orkney between the Loch of Stenness and the Loch of Harray, in northern Scotland. The site is accessible by road from Orkney settlements and is managed as part of the World Heritage area.
- Size: Diameter of the stone circle is approximately 104 meters, making it one of the largest surviving prehistoric stone circles in Britain.
What to See #
- Circle and henge: The stone circle itself is the central feature, forming a roughly circular arrangement with a diameter of about 104 meters and surrounded by a shallow ditch and bank.
- Associated monuments and World Heritage context: The site sits beside the nearby Neolithic monuments of the Standing Stones of Stenness and Maeshowe, forming part of the Heart of Neolithic Orkney UNESCO World Heritage area.
How to Get to Ring of Brodgar #
Fly to Kirkwall Airport on Mainland, Orkney, or arrive by ferry (Northlink services to Stromness). From Kirkwall it’s a short drive west to the Brodgar/Stenness area on Mainland, Orkney (typically around 15-30 minutes by car). Local Orkney bus services run between Kirkwall, Stromness and the Stenness/Brodgar area-check current timetables; from the nearest bus stop the Ring of Brodgar is usually a 5-15 minute walk.
Tips for Visiting Ring of Brodgar #
- Visit at first light or late afternoon to avoid the coach crowds that fill the site midday; the low winter sun or soft summer evening light also produces the best reflections in the surrounding water.
- Use the small car park on the minor road and follow the short paths that take you down closer to the stones - standing at the lower water edge gives perspectives many people miss from the roadside viewpoint.
- Combine your visit with the nearby Ring of Stenness/Skara Brae early in the day; most day‑trip tours follow a fixed route, so self‑timed visits let you choose quieter windows.
Best Time to Visit Ring of Brodgar #
Late spring through early autumn (May-September) offers the best combination of daylight, milder weather and accessibility; summer is busiest.
Weather & Climate near Ring of Brodgar #
Ring of Brodgar's climate is classified as Oceanic - Oceanic climate with cool summers (peaking in August) and cold winters (coldest in February). Temperatures range from 2°C to 15°C. Abundant rainfall (1070 mm/year), wettest in November.
January
January is cold with highs of 6°C and lows of 2°C. Significant rainfall (111 mm), mostly overcast skies, and breezy conditions.
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February
February is the coolest month with highs of 6°C and lows of 2°C. Regular rainfall (84 mm), mostly overcast skies, and breezy conditions.
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March
March is cold with highs of 7°C and lows of 3°C. Regular rainfall (98 mm), mostly overcast skies, and breezy conditions.
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April
April is cold with highs of 9°C and lows of 4°C. Moderate rainfall (65 mm), mostly overcast skies, and breezy conditions.
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May
May is cold with highs of 11°C and lows of 6°C. Moderate rainfall (52 mm) and mostly overcast skies.
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June
June is cool with highs of 13°C and lows of 8°C. Moderate rainfall (55 mm) and mostly overcast skies.
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July
July is cool with highs of 15°C and lows of 10°C. Moderate rainfall (62 mm) and mostly overcast skies.
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August
August is cool with highs of 15°C and lows of 10°C. Moderate rainfall (75 mm) and mostly overcast skies.
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September
September is cool with highs of 14°C and lows of 9°C. Significant rainfall (101 mm) and mostly overcast skies.
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October
October is cold with highs of 11°C and lows of 7°C. Significant rainfall (120 mm), mostly overcast skies, and breezy conditions.
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November
November is cold with highs of 8°C and lows of 4°C. The wettest month with heavy rain (130 mm), mostly overcast skies, and breezy conditions.
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December
December is cold with highs of 7°C and lows of 3°C. Significant rainfall (117 mm), mostly overcast skies, and breezy conditions.
