Access
Parking
Tormiston Mill car park (and visitor centre) is closed to the public. Visitors must park at Stenness Visitor Centre, which has accessible bays and is level tarmac.
Visitor Centre
Due to safety concerns the Tormiston Mill visitor centre (and car park) is closed to the public.
Approach to site
The site is across a busy main road from the coach stop. The route to Maeshowe goes through two metal latch gates and then 400m along a path (gravel, stone and uneven grass) to another metal gate.
The route carries on down a slight incline. The final approach to the entrance gate is up a grassy slope (1:5 gradient) over a set of stone ridges.
Monument
Maeshowe has a small threshold and its entrance is low (119cm) and narrow (70cm). The entrance passage is 10m long, with a flagstone floor.
The main chamber has a gravel surface, and a metal barrier protects the walls. Electric lighting and torches are provided.
A Historic Scotland steward guides all tours. Wheelchair access is not permitted inside Maeshowe.
Surroundings
Maeshowe is part of the Heart of Neolithic Orkney World Heritage Site and is surrounded by unspoilt farmland. Cattle, sheep and wildlife can all be seen in this rural setting.
Also visible from the site are the:
- Loch of Harray
- Loch of Stenness
- Stones of Stenness
- Ring of Brodgar
- Barnhouse Stone
Dogs
Assistance dogs are permitted at all our sites and within roofed areas.
Visitors' dogs are allowed at Maeshowe, but are not permitted in roofed areas.
Dogs must be kept on a lead at all times and not left unattended. A no fouling rule applies at all our sites.
Access Guide
For information on accessibility at more than 80 of our sites download our Access Guide.
