Near Achmore, Isle of Lewis, HS2 9DU, Scotland
Achmore Stone Circle
Prehistoric
Source image
5.0
Wildland
Under 1 hour
Time
Check
Cost
Atmospheric
Feel
Why it's Wildland
5.0A stone circle concealed in peat came to light in 1981, after local crofters mentioned stones exposed as peat was cut for fuel. Many stones remain embedded in the surrounding ground.
Achmore is a modest, quietly unusual prehistoric site: its stones emerge from Lewis’s peat moorland, and its discovery began with crofters noticing them during peat cutting. The short, rough-track approach and easily missed sign give the visit a sense of finding something tucked into the landscape.
Atmospheric · Ancient-feeling
Find your way
Open mapNear Achmore, Isle of Lewis, HS2 9DU, Scotland
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The experience
A short visit focused on the surviving stones, their peatland setting and the story of their discovery. The supplied source describes a roughly 200-metre approach from a lay-by, but current access conditions should be checked.
Things to do
Look for the stones in the peat
Walk around the surviving circle and notice how some stones lie low or remain embedded in the surrounding peat. The source estimates the circle’s diameter at about 41 metres.
15–30 minutes
Trace the story of its rediscovery
The circle was exposed during peat cutting in 1981. The account describes how local crofters’ observations led two amateur archaeologists to investigate the site.
10–15 minutes
Make a day of it
Quick escape · Under 1 hour
A short visit to the stones
- 01
Use the signposted footpath from the gravelled lay-by on the A858.
- 02
Follow the rough track for roughly 200 metres to the circle.
- 03
Walk around the visible remains, taking care on the peatland ground.
- 04
Look for the two upright, leaning stones and stones partly concealed in the peat.
Verified history
The circle was exposed during peat cutting in 1981. According to the supplied account, crofters told amateur archaeologists about stones found at Achmore; subsequent probing located further stones beneath the peat. The source says peat samples were taken in 1984 for proposed dating and pollen analysis, but reports that results were not published, or were unknown to the author. The circle is estimated to be about 41 metres in diameter; only two stones remain upright and leaning.
Hidden details
Stones below the peat — The account describes stones found at depths of roughly 0.5–1 metre beneath the peat. The circle’s surviving remains are not all immediately visible above ground.
When to go
· No particular time is supported by the supplied evidence.
The supplied source does not identify a seasonal highlight.
The approach is described as a rough track over moorland. Check conditions before visiting.
What to look for
Look for the two stones still upright and leaning, and for other stones lying low or partly embedded in the peat. The circle is estimated at about 41 metres across.
The story
Archaeology
Best time to go
Not established by the supplied evidence.
No best season or time of day is established by the supplied evidence.
How long to spend
Under 1 hour
Perfect for
History lovers
Before you go
Address
Google rating
Practical information
Opening & access
A signposted footpath from a gravelled lay-by on the A858 leads roughly 200 metres along a rough track to the circle. The supplied source describes this approach, but current access and conditions are not independently confirmed; check before visiting. Access arrangements are unconfirmed. Check before visiting; do not enter private land or restricted structures.
Check before visiting
Parking
A gravelled lay-by on the A858 is described as the approach point. Confirm current parking arrangements before travelling.
Toilets
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Food & drink
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Dogs
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Accessibility
The described approach is a rough track. Wheelchair access and route accessibility are not verified; check before visiting.
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Cost
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Gallery
Place photographsKeep exploring
Around Achmore Stone Circle
Within 50 km · approximate straight-line distances
Place photograph5.3Callanish Stone Circle III
Callanish, Isle of Lewis, Outer Hebrides, HS2 9DY
9.7 km away
Place photograph5.5Calanais Standing Stones III
Callanish, Isle of Lewis, Outer Hebrides, Scotland
9.7 km away
