Auchagallon Stone Circle, Isle of Arran, United Kingdom

Auchagallon Stone Circle is the remains of a Neolithic or Bronze Age burial cairn, surrounded by a circle of fifteen stones. The cairn and stone circle is situated on a slight ledge of a west-facing slope, overlooking Machrie Bay. The circle comprises fifteen blocks varying in height from 0.5 metres to 2.3 metres. The stones are of red sandstone, except two which are a pale grey granite. The circle has a maximum diameter of 14.5 metres.

In the centre is a large stone cairn. Antiquarians digging here in the 19th century found a burial cist in the centre, although there are no records of any other remains. Although the monument is now called a stone circle, it was probably built as a kerbed cairn.

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Prehistoric and archaeological sites in United Kingdom

User Reviews

Nigel Monckton (4 years ago)
Name says it all...they're standing stones on Machrie Moor. Decent (though not paved) path across fields and moorland takes you to the heart of a Neolithic landscape. I always find these places quite mysterious and evocative, and this site is better than most because of the location and the number of circles. Useful information boards too!

Ed Robertson (4 years ago)
Fine wee walk along farm track to the standing stones. Great scenery on a clear day. Moor suggests it is more open a desolate than it is.

Chris Bowman (4 years ago)
Several circles of standing stones all within a mostly flat walk on fields for about 2km Car park is signed and the rest is quite easy to follow. Some stone circles have markers explaining details about them and their history or about environmental initiatives in the area. Some of the circles are really impressive, with a few standing up to 5m.

Richard 4seasonbackpacking (4 years ago)
I was here for the autumn equinox. Must be 8 stone circles in a small area. With breathtaking views.

Robert Hayter (4 years ago)
A good, but beautiful walk from the car park. It is fascinating to see these ancient standing stones. Machrie Moor seems to form a natural shallow bowl to hold these monuments.

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