The Ringing Stone – Clach a’ Choire

The Ringing Stone was once considered one of the seven wonders of Scotland. A massive, egg-shaped granite boulder located on the north coast, it is a glacial erratic, thought to have been transported from the island of Rum during the last Ice Age. It is covered with 53 cup marks – circular indentations likely carved by Neolithic or Bronze Age people around 4,500 years ago. It makes a metallic sound when struck, with the deepest cups carved at the most resonant parts. The precise meaning of cup marks is unknown, but theories suggest they could represent maps, celestial bodies, or have symbolic, or astronomical purposes. It is said that if the stone ever shatters or falls off the pedestal of small stones on which it rests, Tiree will sink beneath the waves.

Start / End: From Dùn Mòr Vaul broch, continue roughly 1.5 km further along the coast.

Park and Meet: See Dùn Mòr Vaul.

Walking Distance: From Dùn Mòr Vaul ~1.5 km further along the coast – 30 minutes to the stone.

Terrain: A scenic but uneven coastal walk which is often boggy. Good boots are essential.