Ring of Brodgar

We also had a quick trip to the Ring of Brodgar after visiting the Broch of Gurness.  There were coachloads of folk there and as you will have noticed, I don't like people in my photos. Ha!  Anyway here are a few to give you a flavour of the beautiful Ring of stones which date from the late neolithic to early bronze age period (around 2500 to 2000 BC).  The stones are about 7 feet tall and of course there will be a substantial amount of each stone below the surface.  In the centre is heather, and round the outside a large ditch.

I love the profile of this stone.

Tradition says one should walk round it clockwise (with the sun) and not "widdershins" (against the sun).

Some of the stones are splitting....

And the view looks across to the Hoy Hills.... (and Graemsay too of course!).

There are mounds around the circle which haven't been excavated (so much archaeology, so little time and money!).

The stories the stones could tell....

They can have a mystical feel in the landscape...

Because of so many tourists visiting the circle, Historic Scotland are having to take remedial measures to repair the paths and surrounding areas. Unfortunately not all visitors stick to the paths and damage is occurring to the more sensitive areas.  So a wooden fence is placed around areas being worked on. It spoils the view but is necessary to ensure these monuments continue through the ages.

Of course Button is unable to come adventuring but stays at home snoozing... here is a gratuitous picture of Madam Button....