Summer is the perfect time to explore Orkney’s Neolithic heritage, and with wildflowers in the fields and plenty of nature and wildlife to spot, a stroll at the Ring of Brodgar should be on everyone’s island itinerary.
A guided walk offers a different perspective though, with expert eyes helping point out some of the secrets of this ancient site. This year, two fascinating new routes at the Ring of Brodgar will offer both locals and visitors the chance to delve deeper into the Neolithic stone circle’s landscape and history. And, like the current guided walks on offer, they’re completely free.
“We’re always looking for new ways of telling the story of our amazing sites,” says Sandra Miller, one of Historic Environment Scotland’s Rangers in the Heart of Neolithic Orkney World Heritage Site. “Our current walks are open to everyone who is interested in learning more about our sites, but we wanted to add routes that focused on the wider landscape and stories of the area too.”
Alongside the regular walks at the Ring of Brodgar and the Standing Stones of Stenness this summer, ‘Walking the Neolithic Landscape’ and Brodgar Myth and Legend’ will be added to the schedule so those taking part can discover more about this prehistoric part of the islands.
“’Walking the Neolithic Landscape’ is all about offering folk a different take on the site,” says Sandra. “The landscape and nature at Brodgar have always been seen as a backdrop to our heritage, but it was just as important to the early people as the monuments themselves.
“With our ‘Myth and Legend’ walk we’re hoping to encourage the younger generation’s interest in our heritage, so it’s very much aimed at getting families with younger children out on site and enjoying the stories associated with the area. But all ages are welcome to join in too!”
The free walks provided by HES’s Rangers have increased in popularity over the years, with thousands of visitors taking part all-year-round. If the new routes prove to be successful this summer they could be added to the regular calendar of events, giving more folk the chance to experience this special part of Orkney.
“We have such amazing sites here that are known about all over the world,” says Sandra. More recent discoveries like the Ness of Brodgar have changed how we think about Neolithic life so people are keen to come and see it for themselves.
“For a lot of people, seeing Orkney’s sites can be the fulfilment of a lifetime ambition, and for us it’s a privilege to be part of that.”
‘Walking the Neolithic Landscape’ walks at the Ring of Brodgar will be held every Tuesday and Thursday at 3pm between 3 June and 28 August 2025. Walkers should meet at the Ring of Brodgar car park just before 3pm. The walk will last between 90 and 120 minutes.
‘Brodgar Myth & Legend’ walks will be held every Monday and Friday at 3pm between 4 July and 29 August 2025. Walkers should meet at the Ring of Brodgar car park just before 3pm. The walk is suitable for people with younger children and will last around 45 minutes.
All the walks are free and there’s no need to book.