Machrie Moor stone circles

From the signposted parking on the A841, a little south of where it crosses the Machrie Water, go through the pedestrian gate and follow the farm track east across the fields. Beyond a gate it passes a chambered cairn and comes to the ruins of Moss Farm and Fingal's Cauldron Seat, a double ring of stones. Through another gate are the main circles, ending at the group of three tall sandstone slabs, the tallest more than 5 m high. Return the same way.

It is 4.0 km with 30 m of ascent; allow about 1 hour. The grade is Easy: level farm tracks and grassy paths.

There are remains of six stone circles on the moor, thought to date from about 1800 to 1600 BC; excavation suggests they replaced earlier timber circles. Hut circles are scattered across the moor too. Information boards beside the track explain the sites. The track crosses grazing land, so close the gates.

The parking area is free. Buses will stop by the car park if asked.

Route drawn by Global Adventurer along OpenStreetMap paths (© OpenStreetMap contributors, ODbL), with figures worked out from it. Check the forecast and the ground on the day: paths change.