It was one of those days where the wind seemed determined to test our resolve. Rain lashed against the windows as we set out, and the sky was a blanket of low-hanging clouds, but that only added to the mystique of what we were about to experience—the Ring of Brodgar. Nestled in the heart of Orkney’s windswept landscape, this ancient stone circle has stood for millennia, its origins as enigmatic as the weather that greeted us.
As we approached the site, the first thing that struck us was the sheer size of it. Towering stones, some over 13 feet tall, stood in a perfect circle, their rough edges softened by centuries of exposure to the elements. Despite the rain soaking through our jackets and the wind whipping our hair into our faces, there was a quiet power here that was impossible to ignore. It wasn’t hard to see why this place had been sacred to the people who built it.
Walking among the stones, the atmosphere felt charged. The rain, though persistent, seemed to enhance the drama of the setting rather than detract from it. Each gust of wind felt like a reminder that nature itself had shaped this landscape just as much as the human hands that raised these monoliths thousands of years ago. The slick, rain-drenched stones stood silently against the gray sky, indifferent to time, yet somehow alive with it. We wandered around the circle, imagining the ceremonies or gatherings that might have taken place here, long before written history could tell their tale.
Unlike some other ancient sites where information is abundant, the Ring of Brodgar holds onto its secrets. No one knows for certain why it was built—whether as a place of worship, a ceremonial ground, or something else entirely. But as the rain blurred the landscape into shades of green, gray, and blue, it felt like we were on the edge of understanding something far older and larger than ourselves.
We took a moment to pause by one of the taller stones, feeling its cold surface under our hands, grounding us against the force of the wind. There was something strangely comforting about being there in such wild weather. The elements made the experience raw, elemental—perhaps not unlike how it would have been for the people who built it. Without the usual distractions of perfect sunshine or crowds of tourists, it felt more real, more intimate.
When we finally turned away, soaked but exhilarated, we knew the rain and wind had made our visit more memorable than any postcard-perfect day could have. The Ring of Brodgar had become more than just a historical site—it was a place where nature and history collided in the most dramatic way possible.
Getting to the Ring of Brodgar and Practical Tips
Reaching the Ring of Brodgar is relatively easy if you’re exploring the Orkney Islands. It’s located in the Heart of Neolithic Orkney, a UNESCO World Heritage site that also includes the Standing Stones of Stenness and Maeshowe. A 20-minute drive from Kirkwall will get you there, and there’s parking nearby. There’s no entry fee, making it one of the more accessible and atmospheric sites in the region.
Other Things to Do Nearby
While in the area, take the time to visit the Standing Stones of Stenness, just a few minutes away. These stones are even taller, though fewer in number, and offer their own sense of grandeur. For something a little different, head to Maeshowe, a chambered tomb that dates back to 2800 BCE. Inside, you’ll find Viking runes carved into the stone, a testament to how this place continued to hold significance long after the Neolithic era.
Orkney’s wild beauty is also worth exploring. If the weather holds, consider a walk along the coastline to spot seabirds or seals. And no visit to Orkney is complete without taking in the charming town of Stromness, where narrow lanes and stone cottages feel like they’ve been plucked from a storybook.
Even on a rainy, windy day, the Ring of Brodgar—and all of Orkney—leaves you feeling connected to something ancient, vast, and untamable.
For more information:
Historic Environment Scotland – Ring of Brodgar
- Official site providing detailed history, visitor information, and conservation efforts related to the Ring of Brodgar.
UNESCO World Heritage Centre – Heart of Neolithic Orkney
- Overview of the Ring of Brodgar as part of the UNESCO World Heritage Site, highlighting its significance in Neolithic culture.
Orkney.com – Ring of Brodgar
- Local tourism site featuring visitor tips, historical context, and nearby attractions related to the Ring of Brodgar.
Visit Scotland – Ring of Brodgar
- Offers travel information, including access details, accommodations, and things to do in the surrounding area.
BBC History – Ring of Brodgar
- A historical overview providing insights into the archaeology and cultural significance of the Ring of Brodgar.
National Geographic – Orkney’s Neolithic Sites
- Articles discussing the archaeological significance of the Ring of Brodgar and its connection to other ancient sites in Orkney.
Archaeology Magazine – Exploring the Ring of Brodgar
- Features on the archaeological findings and insights into the history and function of the Ring of Brodgar.