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Recent Additions
Lindisfarne Priory
Lagatjar
Cymer Abbey
Loupin Stanes
Girdle Stanes
Crossraguel Abbey
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St David's Cathedral
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Winterbourne Abbas
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Girdle Stanes - information and guide

Site Type:

Stone Circle

Last Visit:
Thursday 8th July 2010
Country:

Scotland

Region:

Dumfriesshire

Coordinates:
Latitude: 55.2544 Longitude: -3.1759
Site Ranking:
InfoRankings are scored out of five, and represent the author's subjective evaluation of a site when assesed according to its quality and atmosphere. Rankings are relative rather than absolute, and are based upon how the site in question compares to other sites featured on the Isle of Albion. Ranking IconRanking IconRanking IconRanking IconRanking Icon
Directions:

Map
Leave the M6 at Lockerbie and follow the B723 to Eskdalemuir. Turn right at teh junction, then follow the road round across the bridge, heading south on the B709. After about a mile, you will see a parking area on the left with an information board.

Girdle Stanes is a stone circle approximately 36 metres in diameter, with around 25 stones remaining out of an estimated 45 stones.

Situated on the bank of the River Esk, Girdle Stanes has been somewhat eroded by the river's changing course. A number of stones lie on the riverbed, and one stone lies over the fence, precariously close to the edge. Tracing the arc of the circle illustrates how the river has eaten into it substantially over time. Around half the circle has disappeared.

Despite being somewhat ruinous, Girdle Stanes is still an evocative site. The Esk Valley offers the perfect setting for this tumble of ancient stones. Surrounded by gnarled hawthorn trees, Girdle Stanes really calls to mind the archetypal fairy rings of legend. With the added bonus of Loupin Stanes just a couple of minutes away across the fields, this site is well worth visiting.