Barnhouse Neolithic Settlement – Standing Stones of Stenness loop from Maes Howe
Barnhouse Neolithic Settlement – Standing Stones of Stenness loop from Maes Howe
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Barnhouse Neolithic Settlement – Standing Stones of Stenness loop from Maes Howe
01:29
5.75km
20m
Hiking
Easy hike. Great for any fitness level. Easily-accessible paths. Suitable for all skill levels. The starting point of the route is accessible with public transport.
Last updated: June 10, 2026
Waypoints
Start point
Bus stop
Get Directions
629 m
View of Loch of Stenness
Highlight • Viewpoint
Translated by Google •
Tip by
1.06 km
Barnhouse Neolithic Settlement
Highlight • Monument
The settlement of Barnhouse dates from the period 3300-3100 BC. to 2800-2600 B.C. and was thus founded slightly earlier than the similar settlement of Skara Brae. Barnhouse fell into disuse some 450 years before the creation of Skara Brae. Evidence has been found that the buildings of the settlement were then destroyed.
The settlement of Barnhouse was discovered in 1984 and archaeologically surveyed by Colin Richards in the period 1985-1988. Barnhouse is named after the nearby farm of this name.
After the excavations, a small part of the settlement has been reconstructed in the form of a number of low walls that indicate the outlines of the buildings.
(Wikipedia)
Translated by Google •
Tip by
1.32 km
Standing Stones of Stenness
Highlight • Historical Site
The name Stones of Stenness is derived from the Old Norse Steinn-nes, a stone elevation in the landscape. In the eighteenth and nineteenth centuries, this stone circle was also referred to by the most likely romanticized term Temple of the Moon. The oldest known written reference comes from Martin Martin in 1716. In 1841 this term was still in use locally. The Temple of the Sun was used for the Ring of Brodgar.
(Wikipedia)
Translated by Google •
Tip by
1.50 km
The Watch Stone
Highlight • Natural Monument
The stone is on the west side of the road. About 170 meters to the south-southeast are the Stones of Stenness. North of the stone lies the Ring of Brodgar.
The Watch Stone is a rectangular stone 5.6 meters high, 1.5 meters wide and 40 centimeters thick. The Watch Stone is the tallest monolith in this area. The base is provided with modern masonry for reinforcement. The front and back of the stone face east and west.
(Wikipedia)
Translated by Google •
Tip by
2.70 km
Comet Stone
Highlight • Historical Site
- nessofbrodgar.co.uk/comet-stone
- megalithic.co.uk/article.php?sid=53
Tip by
3.06 km
Salt Knowe Burial Mound
Highlight • Historical Site
orkneyjar.com/history/brodgar/saltknowe.htm
Tip by
5.75 km
End point
Bus stop
Way Types & Surfaces
Way Types
3.57 km
1.16 km
511 m
389 m
113 m
Surfaces
3.64 km
1.79 km
321 m
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Elevation
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Weather
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Wednesday 22 July
16°C
12°C
18 %
Additional weather tips
Max wind speed: 34.0 km/h
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Our route recommendations are based on thousands of hikes, rides, and runs completed by other people on komoot.
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