Machrie Moor Standing Stones - Isle of Arran

Tom B.

Set in the beautiful landscape of Arran, these standing stones are an easy 1 mile walk from the main car park. The landscape surrounding the stones adds greatly to this light walk. It is one of the busier places on the island with you likely to see several groups of other walkers and tourists. This can make it difficult to find a space in the car park, so best to visit in the morning before 11am to avoid the crowds. Well worth a visit and a nice short stop off as you tour the island.

Bjarke F.

If you are interested in old human history then it is a great spot to visit, if you don't find that interesting then it is just a few rocks raised many many years ago. But the walk there is around 3 km to and back, on an easy path.

Stephen B. (.

Wow! Who knew. This is an amazing place to visit, the kind of place that really deserves a visitors centre. It was busy when we went with a lot of tourists. I hadn’t realised just how many stones and circles there were. Also a Neolithic tomb by the path edge. One of those times when the descriptions can’t do it justice - you really need to just visit and imbue.

Tatton P.

Machrie Moor, nestled on the west coast of the Isle of Arran, is a rich archaeological tapestry spanning Neolithic to Early Bronze Age eras—roughly 3500–1500 BC—home to stone circles, ring cairns, cists, hut circles, and field systems . The site’s allure is heightened by its layered history: stone circles were erected atop earlier timber circles, with activity dating back to about 3500 BC . It's a tangible connection to millennia of ritual, burial, and perhaps astronomical observance—like the alignment of Midsummer sunrise through a notch in nearby Machrie Glen .

Visitors encounter six distinct stone circles—some composed of squat granite boulders, others of imposing red sandstone pillars . The most arresting is Circle 2, featuring three surviving stones soaring up to 5.5 m, originally part of a larger arrangement . In one circle, architects alternated granite and limestone—a design choice that fires the imagination .

According to Walkhighlands, this is “the best-known archaeological site on Arran” and makes for an “atmospheric standing stones” outing across moorland . The route is a pleasant 4.25 km out-and-back walk—relatively flat, with farm tracks and grassy paths . I applaud its easy parking, clear path, minimal crowding, and stunning views . The walk typically takes about an hour and is suitable for a broad range of visitors .

One blog, Scotland With Kids, highlights the site’s gentle walk and its magical appeal for children—fairy tales, giants, worms, witches, and imaginative play abound . Families have said that the stones, sheep, and small ruins turn the visit into a storybook adventure.

Bridgend Campsite describes Machrie Moor as “one of Scotland’s most atmospheric prehistoric sites,” perfect for quiet, reflective exploration. Remoteness, sparse crowds, and golden light—especially on misty mornings or at sunset—give the site an eerie, almost otherworldly feel .

As part of Historic Environment Scotland’s stewardship, the site is open all year and entirely free to visit . It's simply accessible—not far from Brodick or Blackwaterfoot, with a small car park and even bus service on request .

Deep history that invites you to walk through 4,500 years of ritual, burial, and timber-to-stone transitions.

Architectural drama, from tiny granite rings to towering, cloud-scraping stelae.

Low-effort, high-reward walk—just over an hour, with lovely terrain and great accessibility.

Family-friendly enchantment, fuelled by myths, space to roam, and tales at every turn.

Atmospheric solitude—especially at quieter times of day, the stones feel suspended between past and present.

Visiting the Machrie Moor Standing Stones is like stepping into a living layer of Scotland’s ancient soul. The panorama of rugged moorland and distant peaks frames the stones beautifully. Walking amongst sandstone giants and ghostly granite rings, you sense the silent rhythms of millennia past. The trail is simple, gentle—even little legs manage it. In truth, the stones are beautiful, majestic, and just a little magical. A must-visit that blends heritage, natural beauty, and mystery in perfect harmony.

Whether you're a history enthusiast, family explorer, or simply in search of something surreal and silent, Machrie Moor is a quiet powerhouse of wonder. Let me know if you'd like help planning a visit—directions, best times to go, or even pairing it with other Arran gems!

Simon C.

You have to walk about two miles to these stones, leaving the car park behind - which is a good thing. Atmospheric, peaceful and beautiful location. Neolithic history at its best.

Merinda H.

Absolutely spectacular. These standing stones can be many things to many people and to me very spiritual plus to add to the experience between standing stones circles there was a small long black adder snake on my path! What a surprise and what should I do? It took a look at me and left! How lucky was I? Very memorable! 🐍🖤

Wenyi L. S.

Machrie Moor Standing Stones is a mystical site featuring ancient stone circles and burial chambers set amidst breathtaking moorland. Accessible via an easy farm track, the walk (about 25-30 minutes walk one way) can be wet and boggy in winter. This peaceful, atmospheric site is a must-visit for history and nature enthusiasts alike.

Mark W.

A very pretty short walk from car park...which is very easy to miss by the way...to see these wonderful historically important stones