Ring of Brodgar Visitor Guide: Plan Your Visit
Blair Martel
Jul 30, 2026
The Ring of Brodgar is one of the most memorable places to visit in Orkney. Standing between the Loch of Harray and the Loch of Stenness, this enormous stone circle is surrounded by open skies, water and gently rolling hills.
It forms part of the Heart of Neolithic Orkney UNESCO World Heritage Site, together with Maeshowe, Skara Brae and the Standing Stones of Stenness. These monuments offer exceptional evidence of life, beliefs and society in prehistoric Orkney.
The Ring of Brodgar is also surprisingly straightforward to experience. Entry is free, the site is open throughout the year, and it is only a short drive from Stromness. You do not need specialist knowledge of archaeology to appreciate it. A slow walk around the stones and a few quiet moments looking across the surrounding landscape are often enough to understand why it is one of Orkney’s essential stops.
For more ideas on nearby attractions, scenic routes and historic sites, explore Orkney and plan the rest of your island itinerary.
Visitor arrangements can occasionally change because of weather, conservation work or path conditions, so check the official Historic Environment Scotland information before travelling.
Ring of Brodgar at a Glance
- Location: Stenness, West Mainland, Orkney
- Distance from Stromness: Approximately five miles
- Driving time from Stromness: Around 10–15 minutes
- Entry: Free
- Opening times: Open year-round
- Typical visit length: 30–45 minutes
- Best for: Walking, photography, archaeology and landscape views
- Parking: Available near the site
- Toilets: No toilets at the stone circle
- Footwear: Sturdy, waterproof footwear is recommended
- Nearby attractions: Standing Stones of Stenness, Maeshowe, Skara Brae and Stromness
Visitor arrangements can occasionally change because of weather, conservation work or path conditions, so check the official Historic Environment Scotland information before travelling.
Is the Ring of Brodgar Worth Visiting?
Yes. The Ring of Brodgar is one of the best things to do near Stromness and one of the defining sights of an Orkney holiday.
What makes the visit special is not only the stones themselves. Brodgar sits within a much larger prehistoric landscape containing burial mounds, settlements, standing stones and chambered tombs. The two lochs, surrounding hills and fast-changing Orcadian weather are all part of the experience.
It is particularly worthwhile for:
- First-time visitors to Orkney
- Travellers interested in archaeology or Scottish history
- Landscape and travel photographers
- Couples and families looking for an easy outdoor stop
- Visitors exploring West Mainland by car
- Anyone staying in or around Stromness
The site is peaceful outside the busiest periods, but even a short visit can feel atmospheric when cloud, wind and sunlight move across the landscape.
What Is the Ring of Brodgar?
The Ring of Brodgar is a large Neolithic stone circle and henge monument in the parish of Stenness on Mainland Orkney.
The stone circle measures approximately 104 metres in diameter. A substantial rock-cut ditch surrounds it, making Brodgar not simply a collection of standing stones but part of a carefully designed monument.
Historic Environment Scotland describes it as Scotland’s largest stone circle. It is believed to have originally contained around 60 stones, of which 36 survive today. Some remain upright, while others have fallen or been damaged over the centuries.
This visitor guide focuses on experiencing the site rather than retelling its full history. For the monument’s origins, possible ceremonial uses and traditional stories, read our separate guide, The Ring of Brodgar: Orkney’s Ancient Gem.
Part of the Heart of Neolithic Orkney
The Ring of Brodgar is one of four principal monuments forming the Heart of Neolithic Orkney:
- The Ring of Brodgar
- The Standing Stones of Stenness
- Maeshowe
- Skara Brae
The group was added to the UNESCO World Heritage List in 1999. UNESCO recognises the monuments as some of the most important Neolithic sites in Western Europe.
Understanding this connection can transform the way you plan your day. Brodgar represents only one part of a remarkably concentrated archaeological landscape. Within a relatively small area, visitors can see a monumental stone circle, the remains of another ancient circle, a chambered tomb and a remarkably preserved village.
Rather than treating each attraction as an isolated stop, allow time to notice how the sites relate to the surrounding water, hills and natural routes through West Mainland.
What to See at the Ring of Brodgar
The surviving stones
The standing stones are naturally the main attraction, but try not to rush directly towards the tallest examples.
Each stone has its own shape, texture and character. Some look broad and heavy from one angle but narrow and blade-like from another. Others lean, carry deep lines of weathering or appear to change colour as the light shifts.
Walk slowly and view the circle from several positions. The relationship between the individual stones becomes clearer as you move around the path.
The circular ditch
It is easy to overlook the ditch while concentrating on the stone circle, but it is a significant part of the monument.
Cutting it into the bedrock would have required considerable communal effort. Its presence shows that Brodgar was planned on a scale intended to transform the landscape, rather than simply mark a small gathering place.
Look across the ditch rather than attempting to cross sensitive ground.
The surrounding lochs
Brodgar stands on a narrow strip of land between the Loch of Harray and the Loch of Stenness. These bodies of water give the monument much of its visual power.
Pause at different points around the circuit to look beyond the stones. On a calm day, the water may reflect the sky; in stronger weather, the shifting surface and clouds make the site feel more dramatic.
The wider ceremonial landscape
Several prehistoric mounds and archaeological features lie around the Ring of Brodgar. They reinforce the sense that the circle formed part of a much larger ceremonial landscape.
The archaeology is not limited to what can be seen above ground. Remain on marked paths and respect any temporary closures intended to protect fragile areas.
Ring of Brodgar Opening Times and Admission
The Ring of Brodgar is free to enter and open year-round. There is no standard ticket office or admission charge.
This makes it easy to include in an Orkney itinerary, particularly when travelling between Stromness, Stenness, Maeshowe and Skara Brae.
Temporary path restrictions
Sections of the inner path may occasionally close to allow grass and vulnerable ground to recover. Visitors should follow the marked one-way route and all instructions displayed at the site.
These restrictions do not normally prevent you from seeing the monument. They are an important part of protecting the archaeology from erosion caused by heavy footfall.
Are there toilets at the Ring of Brodgar?
There are no public toilets at the stone circle. Historic Environment Scotland identifies the Maeshowe Visitor Centre as the nearest location with public toilet facilities.
Plan a comfort stop before arriving, especially when travelling with children or joining a guided walk.
Ring of Brodgar Parking
Parking is available close to the Ring of Brodgar. The final approach to the stones is on foot.
Historic Environment Scotland also identifies two accessible parking bays on the west side of the road. From there, grassy paths with gentle slopes lead towards the monument and around the nature reserve.
During the busiest summer periods, allow extra time and do not park on verges or obstruct the road. West Mainland’s roads can be narrow, and space must remain available for local traffic, coaches and emergency access.
Drivers should also be aware that weather can change quickly. Even when the car park is dry, paths closer to the monument may be wet or slippery.
Accessibility at the Ring of Brodgar
The site offers partial access, but conditions vary.
The approach includes grass paths and gentle slopes. These may become muddy, soft or slippery after rain, which can make access more difficult for wheelchair users, people with limited mobility and families using pushchairs.
Useful points to consider include:
- Accessible parking bays are available closer to the site.
- The route is primarily outdoors on natural ground.
- There is a gate at the northern entrance.
- There are no additional gates or stiles around the reserve circuit.
- There is no shelter at the monument.
- Path conditions depend heavily on recent weather.
- Temporary closures may affect the available route.
Anyone with specific accessibility requirements should check the latest official information before travelling.
The Ring of Brodgar Walk
For most visitors, the Ring of Brodgar walk is a gentle circuit rather than a demanding hike. Allow around 30–45 minutes to follow the route, stop for photographs and appreciate the views.
The distance is manageable for many visitors, but the surface can be uneven. Strong footwear is more useful than the short distance might suggest.
What the walk is like
Expect:
- Open and exposed terrain
- Grass and natural paths
- Few steep sections
- Uneven or muddy ground after rain
- No toilets or shelter beside the monument
- Wide views across the lochs and surrounding countryside
Orkney’s wind can make the site feel colder than the temperature suggests, so carry an extra layer even when setting out in sunshine.
Guided Ring of Brodgar walks
Historic Environment Scotland’s Orkney Ranger Service offers free guided walks on selected dates. These walks provide more context about the monument, surrounding landscape, wildlife and conservation work.
The published 2026 programme includes selected walks until 24 September 2026. Individual dates and availability should be checked on the official event page before travelling.
A ranger walk is particularly worthwhile when:
- This is your first Neolithic site
- You want to understand the surrounding landscape
- You are visiting with older children
- You enjoy folklore, archaeology or wildlife
- You would like help noticing details that are easy to miss
Ranger walks take place outdoors, and there is no shelter or toilet at the stone circle. Bring waterproof clothing, warm layers and suitable footwear. Dogs may join outdoor ranger walks but should be kept on a lead.
Best Time to Visit the Ring of Brodgar
There is no single bad season to visit Brodgar. The character of the site changes throughout the year.
Spring
April and May are excellent months for balancing longer daylight with generally lighter visitor numbers than summer.
The landscape begins to look greener, birdlife becomes more active, and the weather can produce a striking mixture of sunshine and passing showers.
Summer
Summer brings exceptionally long days. Around the summer solstice in June, evenings remain light very late, giving visitors more flexibility and photographers a long period of soft light.
July and August are generally busier, particularly on days when cruise visitors are touring Mainland Orkney. Early mornings and evenings often provide a calmer experience.
Autumn
September and October can be rewarding for lower light, quieter paths and more dramatic skies.
Clouds moving over the lochs can create excellent photographic conditions, although waterproof clothing becomes increasingly important.
Winter
Winter offers short days, low sunlight and a very different atmosphere. The circle can feel especially powerful when seen against dark skies or winter light.
Conditions may be cold, wet and windy. Check daylight hours, road conditions and the weather forecast before travelling, and bring a torch when visiting late in the day.
Best time for fewer people
For a quieter visit, try:
- Early morning
- Late afternoon or evening
- Spring or autumn weekdays
- Times outside organised coach-tour stops
Always prioritise safe driving and walking conditions over avoiding crowds.
Ring of Brodgar Photography Tips
The Ring of Brodgar is one of Orkney’s most photographed places, but its scale and open setting can make composition surprisingly challenging.
Use the landscape
Avoid photographing every stone in isolation. Include the lochs, distant hills or a large area of sky to show why Brodgar’s location is so important.
Wider compositions often communicate the atmosphere more effectively than close-ups alone.
Visit in low light
Sunrise and sunset usually produce softer light, longer shadows and more texture on the stones.
During summer, the long evenings allow plenty of time to wait for the light to improve. In winter, sunset comes much earlier, so plan the day carefully.
Work with the weather
A clear blue sky is not essential. Brodgar often looks most dramatic beneath layered clouds, mist, rain showers or sudden shafts of sunlight.
Orkney weather can change within minutes. Keep your camera protected and be prepared to wait briefly rather than leaving at the first sign of rain.
Try a low viewpoint
A lower camera position can make the stones appear more imposing and place them against the sky.
Remain on the official path while composing the image. Do not step onto protected ground to achieve a particular angle.
Include a person for scale
A person walking quietly near the stones can demonstrate the circle’s size. Keeping the figure relatively small within the frame usually creates a more natural and atmospheric photograph.
Be considerate of other visitors and avoid blocking the path for prolonged staged shoots.
Protect your equipment
Wind and sudden rain are common. A lens cloth, rain cover and secure camera strap are useful additions to your bag.
Tripods should be positioned carefully so that they do not obstruct the route or damage the ground.
Visiting the Ring of Brodgar Responsibly
Brodgar has survived for thousands of years, but the ground around it remains vulnerable to erosion and repeated footfall.
A responsible visit is simple:
Remain on marked paths
Use the designated route even when another angle looks tempting. The surrounding earth contains archaeology as well as delicate vegetation.
Respect temporary closures
Closed sections are usually resting or undergoing conservation. Do not cross ropes, barriers or signs.
Do not climb the stones
Never climb, sit on or lean equipment against the stones. They are ancient monuments, not photographic props.
Take litter away
There are limited facilities at the site. Carry away everything you bring with you.
Keep dogs controlled
Keep dogs on a lead around other visitors, wildlife and nearby livestock. Always collect and remove dog waste.
Avoid disturbing wildlife
The wider reserve supports birds and other wildlife. Observe them from a respectful distance and keep noise low.
How Long Should You Spend at the Ring of Brodgar?
Most visitors need around 30–45 minutes.
Allow approximately:
- 20–30 minutes: a brief circuit and a few photographs
- 45–60 minutes: a relaxed visit with time to appreciate the landscape
- One hour: a guided ranger walk
- 60–90 minutes: dedicated photography around sunrise or sunset
A longer stay is worthwhile when the light or weather is changing, but Brodgar also works well as part of a half-day tour of West Mainland.
How to Get to the Ring of Brodgar
The Ring of Brodgar lies in Stenness, approximately five miles north-east of Stromness.
From Stromness by car
Driving is the simplest option for most visitors. The journey generally takes around 10–15 minutes, depending on traffic and road conditions.
Follow the route towards Stenness and the B9055, watching for local signs to the Ring of Brodgar.
From Kirkwall by car
The drive from Kirkwall usually takes approximately 25 minutes. Allow more time during busy periods or poor weather.
The route can be combined easily with Maeshowe and the Standing Stones of Stenness.
By bicycle
Cycling is possible, but distances in Orkney can feel more demanding than expected because of strong winds and exposed roads.
Wear visible clothing, carry waterproof layers and allow extra time. Some roads around West Mainland are narrow, so stay alert to passing traffic.
By public transport
Bus services and seasonal connections can change. Check the latest timetable through Traveline Scotland or Orkney’s local transport information before setting out.
Do not assume that every nearby attraction will have a frequent direct service. When relying on public transport, plan the full outward and return journey in advance.
By organised tour
Guided coach and small-group tours often combine Brodgar with Stenness, Maeshowe and Skara Brae.
A tour can be useful for visitors with limited time, although independent travel usually provides more freedom to visit early, stay for changing light or spend longer taking photographs.
What to Wear and Bring
The Ring of Brodgar is exposed, and the weather may be different from conditions in Stromness only a few minutes earlier.
Bring:
- Waterproof jacket
- Warm layer
- Sturdy, water-resistant footwear
- Drinking water
- Fully charged phone
- Camera protection
- Hat or gloves outside summer
- Sun protection during brighter months
- A small torch for late winter visits
Umbrellas can be difficult to use in strong wind. A waterproof jacket with a hood is generally more practical.
Things to Do Near the Ring of Brodgar
Several of Orkney’s most important attractions are close enough to combine in one day.
Standing Stones of Stenness
The Standing Stones of Stenness are approximately a mile from Brodgar and only a few minutes away by car.
The surviving stones are fewer in number but remarkably tall, giving the site a more compact and immediate character. Entry is free, and the monument is open year-round.
Visiting Stenness before Brodgar helps you appreciate that the two circles belonged to a connected ceremonial landscape.
Maeshowe Chambered Cairn
Maeshowe is one of north-west Europe’s finest surviving chambered tombs.
Visits are by guided tour, and advance booking is strongly recommended because capacity is limited. Tours begin from the Maeshowe Visitor Centre rather than directly at the tomb, so check arrival instructions carefully.
Maeshowe is particularly famous for its relationship with the midwinter sunset and for later Norse runic inscriptions inside the chamber.
Skara Brae
Skara Brae is a preserved Neolithic settlement overlooking the Bay of Skaill.
Where Brodgar suggests communal ceremony and monument-building, Skara Brae offers a more intimate picture of domestic life. Stone furniture, hearths and connected dwellings help visitors imagine how people lived in Orkney thousands of years ago.
Admission charges and seasonal opening arrangements apply, so check availability and book ahead during busy periods.
Stromness
Stromness is the nearest main town and an ideal place to begin or finish your Brodgar visit.
Its harbour, narrow flagstone streets, independent shops and galleries make it worth exploring in its own right. It is also a convenient place to stop for food, warm up after wet weather or enjoy a slower afternoon following a morning among Orkney’s prehistoric sites.
Unstan Chambered Cairn
Unstan Chambered Cairn is another worthwhile prehistoric stop between Stromness and the central Neolithic sites.
It is smaller and less elaborate than Maeshowe but often quieter. Entry is free, and it offers additional insight into Orkney’s chambered-tomb tradition.
Suggested Half-Day Itineraries
Classic Neolithic Orkney route
Begin at the Standing Stones of Stenness and spend around 20–30 minutes exploring the monument and nearby landscape.
Continue to the Ring of Brodgar for a 45-minute circuit. Visit Maeshowe next if you have booked a tour, then return to Stromness for lunch or an afternoon walk.
Ring of Brodgar and Skara Brae route
Start at Brodgar before the busiest part of the day. Continue west to Skara Brae for your booked entry time.
Afterwards, stop at the Bay of Skaill or return to Stromness through West Mainland.
Photography route
Visit the Ring of Brodgar early in the morning or during the evening light. Allow at least an hour to explore different compositions.
Continue to the Standing Stones of Stenness, where the taller individual stones create bold silhouettes against the sky. Finish with harbour and waterfront photographs in Stromness.
Changeable-weather route
Orkney weather rarely needs to cancel an entire day.
Visit Brodgar during a clearer interval, keeping the outdoor stop shorter if the wind or rain is strong. Continue to a booked attraction or return to Stromness for shops, galleries and refreshments.
The stones can be especially impressive in dramatic weather, provided conditions remain safe.
Staying in Stromness
Stromness is one of the most convenient bases for visiting the Ring of Brodgar and the wider Heart of Neolithic Orkney.
From town, Brodgar is approximately a 10–15-minute drive, while Stenness, Maeshowe, Skara Brae and other West Mainland attractions can all be incorporated into straightforward day trips.
The Stromness Hotel sits close to the harbour and ferry terminal, making it a practical base for travellers arriving without wanting a long onward journey. After exploring Brodgar and the surrounding sites, you can return to town for a meal, a harbour walk and a comfortable evening overlooking the waters of Scapa Flow.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is the Ring of Brodgar free to visit?
Yes. The Ring of Brodgar is free to enter and open throughout the year. There is no standard admission ticket.
What are the Ring of Brodgar opening times?
The site is open year-round. Sections of the path may sometimes close for conservation or because of ground conditions.
Is there parking at the Ring of Brodgar?
Yes. Parking is available close to the site, including accessible bays. Parking may be busier during the summer and on popular tour days.
Are there toilets at the Ring of Brodgar?
No. There are no toilets at the stone circle. The nearest public toilets are at the Maeshowe Visitor Centre.
How long is the Ring of Brodgar walk?
Most visitors spend around 30–45 minutes walking around the monument. A guided ranger walk generally lasts about an hour.
Is the Ring of Brodgar wheelchair accessible?
Access is partly possible, and accessible parking bays are available. However, the grassy paths can become uneven, muddy or slippery, so suitability depends on weather and individual mobility requirements.
Can you visit the Ring of Brodgar at sunset?
Yes. The monument is open year-round, and sunset is a popular time for photography. Carry a torch when visiting in low light and take care on uneven paths.
Are dogs allowed at the Ring of Brodgar?
Dogs are permitted in the outdoor area but should be kept under close control and preferably on a lead, particularly near wildlife, livestock and other visitors.
Which town is closest to the Ring of Brodgar?
Stromness is the nearest main town, approximately five miles away. It is generally around a 10–15-minute drive from the stone circle.
Can I visit Brodgar, Stenness and Maeshowe on the same day?
Yes. The three sites are close together and work well as a half-day itinerary. Maeshowe can only be visited on a guided tour, so reserve your place and organise the other stops around the booked time.
Make Time for Brodgar
The Ring of Brodgar is not simply a place to stop, take a photograph and leave. Its setting between two lochs, its relationship with nearby monuments and its exposure to Orkney’s constantly changing light make it a place worth experiencing slowly.
Walk the marked route, look beyond the individual stones and notice how the circle relates to the wider landscape. Combine it with the Standing Stones of Stenness, Maeshowe, Skara Brae and Stromness, and you will have one of the most rewarding days of an Orkney visit.
Blair Martel
Categories
Orkney History & Heritage
