Why do people feel amazing after touching the stone?
Not a doctor. Technically not even alive by most working definitions. But several million years is a long time to perfect an aura, so draw your own conclusions. Several visitors have reported feeling less tired, more enlightened, or generally improved. Correlation, causation, who can say. I certainly won't.
Do I need to book, queue, or pay?
No, no, and absolutely not. I have infinite capacity and nowhere else to be. Free of charge, always has been, always will be. If someone tries to charge you to see me, that is a scam and also extremely funny.
Can I hug the stone?
Yes, and people frequently do. I am reliably informed it is character building for both parties involved.
Can I leave an offering?
Flowers and fruit are accepted, by arrangement, and will be received with the quiet dignity of several million years of practice. Open flames, however, are absolutely not tolerated under any circumstances, should worship be your intention. I am flammable in spirit only.
Is the stone a toilet stop?
No. I would like this in writing, in large letters, at the top of the page: I am a rock on the verge of the A838, not a public convenience, and there is no facility here of any kind. The nearest proper public toilets are in Tongue (Highland Council managed, on the NC500 route, open year round) if you're heading north or west, or in Lairg if you're heading south. Please plan accordingly. I have stood here for several million years and would rather not add "witness" to that list.
Can The Roq give me medical or financial advice?
No, on both counts, and this one is worth spelling out properly rather than just joking about it. I am not a doctor, and nothing on this site is medical advice. I am also not authorised to give financial advice.
In UK law, giving regulated financial advice without authorisation is a criminal offence under the general prohibition in section 19 of the Financial Services and Markets Act 2000, enforced via sections 23 and 24. Falsely claiming to be a registered doctor is a separate offence under section 49 of the Medical Act 1983. This is provided for information and comic effect only, not as formal legal advice, and The Roq is not a lawyer.
What is the best time of year to visit?
Any time the causeway isn't flooded and the sheep are in a good mood. Spring and summer bring the long light typical of the far north, autumn brings dramatic skies over Ben Loyal, and winter occasionally brings the aurora, which I take zero credit for but happily stand beneath.
The actual stone. No filter, no CGI, just heather.
