The Loupin Stanes, Eskdalemuir

An amazing stone circle dating from circa 2500-2000 BC. The Loupin' Stones or Loupin' Stanes consist of an irregular circle of 12 stones, two of the largest stones reaching 1.60m, forming a "gateway" to the south west. The circle is constructed on a flat topped raised mound and overlooks the River White Esk some 250m to the west. The circle is more oval than circular and has an overall diameter of around 10.00m. Further along the river can be found the "Girdle Stanes"

Category:

Travel & Events

Tags:

• loupin stanes
• Stone Circle
• ancient britain
• Stone Circle (Iron Age)
• may day
• willows song
• prehistoric
• dumfries and galloway
• eskdale
• eskdalemuir
• scotland

[wadoman699]

Amazing. I wonder why they constructed those in a broad valley in the middle of nowhere? Any research indicating the purpose of the site?

[graemefield01]

@wadoman699 Glad you enjoyed it! If you google search for Ordnance survey map of the Loupin Stanes you will be surprised to see the area is rich in prehistoric monuments. I believe when this circle was built it was a highly populated area. 300 meters away are the Girdle Stanes circle (video to follow) and several hiilforts/settlements and also a Roman fort and Roman road (obviously of later date) all in the same valley!

[wadoman699]

@graemefield01 Cool. What part of England is this (or Scotland)?

[graemefield01]

@wadoman699 Its in Scotland but not far over the border from England. Only about 15 miles from Lockerbie. .

[caradoc68]

good video Graeme, the best soundtrack to any stone circles. Do you think the two large stones could have had a recumbent stone in the middle of them at one point ???

[graemefield01]

@caradoc68 Brilliant music i agree! There is no sign of a suitable stone for that purpose in the area, but i dont see why not. Watch out for my next video mate, The Girdle Stanes which are only 300m across the ridge and only half a circle remaining due to the river white Esk which has carved its way through the circle. Some say it is a shame but personally i think it makes one aware of the age of these places. .

[potter0067]

Nice!!! :)



[marinagraham]

I must visit these stones sometime. My parents were both born not far from here. I always get the feeling when I drive around in  this border landscape that there used to be more people here in prehistoric times than there are today - and that there is a very important and underresearched lost world here; a focused and busy world which is still hanging in the air and feels sort of reachable...

Thanks for the video.