Girdle Stanes, stone circle in Dumfries and Galloway, Scotland, UK
The Girdle Stanes is a stone circle beside the Esk River in Dumfries and Galloway, consisting of 26 remaining stones that once formed a ring measuring around 38 meters across. The stones are weathered and worn, with some broken or fallen, showing the erosion caused by the river over many centuries.
The circle was built around 4000 BC, making it older than nearby sites like the Loupin Stanes. The river has reshaped the monument over thousands of years and has likely eroded parts of the original structure, possibly washing away large boulders that once belonged to the circle.
The name 'Girdle Stanes' comes from the encircling arrangement of stones on the landscape. The hawthorn trees surrounding the site have stood for generations and, together with the circle, create a timeless setting that has held meaning for local people across centuries.
The site is easily accessible by a short walk from the nearby road and is visible from about 100 meters away. There are no shops or cafes on site, so bring water and wear comfortable shoes while respecting the preservation of this protected place.
In 1993, scientists used special equipment to investigate the interior and found small pits in the ground that may contain bones or ashes of ancient people. These discoveries could reveal who lived here thousands of years ago and what rituals they performed.
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