An unusual megalithic horseshoe-shaped structure, the Achavanich Stone Circle has 36 of the original 54 stones remaining today, mostly on the western side of the structure. The unique arrangement of these stones has the slabs pointing towards the center of the circle, rather than the typical side-by-side arrangement.
The tallest of its relatively small stones is 6-1/2 feet high. Some stones may have been taller, but weathering has caused them to crack and split. Outside the northeast corner of the setting are some small slabs (possibly the remains of cist burials) protruding through the turf. Close to the southeast there are also the remains of a chambered cairn, situated on a knoll across the road.
About Achavanich Stone Circle
Megalithic Portal: Achavanich Stone Circle
Modern Antiquarian: The Great U of Stemster
Standing Stones
Stone Pages: Achavanich Standing Stones
Wikipedia: Achavanich
Wikipedia: Stone Circle
Journey to Achavanich Stone Circle
The Achavanich Stone Circle is located south of the village of the same name just off a minor road just south of Loch Semster a half mile or so off the A9 in Highland, Scotland.
Ordnance Survey Map (ND188417)
Visitors Information
Visitors information on the Achavanich Stone Circle may be found at the Canmore website. General tourist information may be found at the Caithness Tourism website.
Additional Photos of Achavanich Stone Circle
A9 Highway Sign for Achavanich Stone Circle
The Western Side of the Achavanich Stones Next to the Minor Road
The Western Side of the Achavanich Stones Next to the Minor Road
The U-Shaped Achavanich Stone Circle
The Achavanich Stones Point Toward the Center of the Circle
A Good Example of an Achavanich Stone Pointing Towards the Center of the Circle
The Eastern Side of the Achavanich Stones with Loch Semster in the Distance
A Good Example of the Weathering of an Achavanich Stone that Has Caused It to Crack and Split
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