Lochbuie Stone Circle
Lochbuie Stone Circle
This small stone circle is the only one on Mull and stands in the grounds of Lochbuie House, in a breathtakingly beautiful setting, under the watchful gaze of Ben Buie. The circle probably dates to the late Neolithic or early Bronze Age.
There were originally 9 stones, all of local granite. One of the stones has been replaced by a low boulder. The circle is about 12.3 metres in diameter, with the tallest stone about 2 metres high and the smallest about 1.2 metre high. Interestingly, the standing stones have been placed so that their flattest side faces the interior of the circle.
There are three outlying stones, one about 5 metres from the circle to the south east. This is a fairly unobtrusive boulder about 1 metre high. The second outlier is a very striking stone about 3 metres high, standing at least 40 metres to the south west. Much further away (about 110 metres) is the third outlier, which is roughly 2 metres high. This stone looks like it has suffered a break near the top and was probably much taller when it was first erected.
Standing stones on the circle perimiter
Standing stones on the circle perimiter
What purpose do the outliers serve? We can only guess, but one possibility is that they indicate a particular line of sight at a certain time of year, possibly related to the position of the sun.
Visiting
Take the Lochbuie road off the A849 southwest of Craignure. There are more direct routes, but the easiest way to reach the stone circle is to park at the beach, and follow the path along the shore, behind Lochbuie House until the circle comes into view in a field. When I visited in the early morning there were cows in the field, but there were happily grazing and paid no attention to me at all.
This is an absolutely magical location; easily one of the most beautiful settings for an ancient site anywhere in the British Isles. All of Mull is spectacular, but the setting for the stone circle is surreal in its beauty.

About 400 metres away, on the shore, stands 15th century Moy Castle, stronghold of the Maclaines.

One of the outlier stones
One of the outlier stones
The outlier and Ben Buie
The outlier and Ben Buie
Highland cattle investigating a standing stone
Highland cattle investigating a standing stone

More Photos

About Lochbuie Stone Circle
Address: Lochbuie, Isle of Mull, Argyll and Bute, Strathclyde, England, PA62 6AA
Attraction Type: Prehistoric Site
Location: Off a path behind Lochbuie House. There is a parking area at the beach, near the end of the Lochbuie road.
Website: Lochbuie Stone Circle
Location map
OS: NM617251
Photo Credit: David Ross and Britain Express


NEARBY HISTORIC ATTRACTIONS

Heritage Rated from 1- 5 (low to exceptional) on historic interest

Duart Castle - 8.6 miles (Castle) Heritage Rating

MacQuarie Mausoleum - 10.1 miles (Historic Church) Heritage Rating

Eileach an Naoimh - 10.6 miles (Historic Church) Heritage Rating

Inchkenneth Chapel - 12.9 miles (Historic Church) Heritage Rating

Arduaine Garden - 14.7 miles (Garden) Heritage Rating

McCaig's Tower - 15.4 miles (Historic Building) Heritage Rating

Dunstaffnage Castle - 16.9 miles (Castle) Heritage Rating

Staffa - 19.4 miles (Countryside) Heritage Rating



Nearest Accommodation to Lochbuie Stone Circle:

Nearby accommodation is calculated 'as the crow flies' from Lochbuie Stone Circle. 'Nearest' may involve a long drive up and down glens or, if you are near the coast, may include a ferry ride! Please check the property map to make sure the location is right for you.

Self Catering   -   B&Bs/Guesthouses   -   Hotels


Nearest Self Catering Cottages

Scridain View, Ardtun
Scridain View, Ardtun - 8.7 miles
Ardtun, Strathclyde
Sleeps: 4
Stay from: £297.00 - 771.26
33 Easdale Island, Oban
33 Easdale Island, Oban - 9 miles
Oban, Strathclyde
Sleeps: 6
Stay from: £311.00 - 761.00
Old Brewery Cottage, Ellenabeich
Old Brewery Cottage, Ellenabeich - 9.2 miles
Ellenabeich, Strathclyde
Sleeps: 2
Stay from: £283.00 - 570.00

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Nearest Hotels

Isle of Mull Hotel Craignure
Isle of Mull Hotel - 9.9 miles
Craignure, Highlands and Islands
Stay from: £99.00
Loch Melfort Hotel Lunga
Loch Melfort Hotel - 14.4 miles
Lunga, Strathclyde
Stay from: £78.00
Knipoch Hotel Oban
Knipoch Hotel - 14.6 miles
Oban, Strathclyde
Stay from: £173.00

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Show bed and breakfasts near Lochbuie Stone Circle

Nearest Bed and Breakfasts

Corriemar House Oban
Corriemar House - 15 miles
Oban, Strathclyde
From: £100.00
The Kelvin Hotel Oban
The Kelvin Hotel - 15.1 miles
Oban, Strathclyde
From: £50.00
Glenview Guest House Oban
Glenview Guest House - 15.2 miles
Oban, Strathclyde
From: £32.00

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Nearest Tourist Information Centre ('as the crow flies')

Craignure
Tourist Information Centre
The Pier
Craignure
Isle of Mull
Argyll and Bute
Strathclyde
Scotland
PA65 6AY
Tel: 01680 812377
Email: info@visitscotland.com
Web: https://www.visitscotland.com/destinations-maps/argyll-isles/
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