Castlerigg Stone Circle

Forget stonehenge,  if you really want to visit a scene of timeless stone-based wonder, then check out Castlerigg Stone Circle. Situated near Keswick in Cumbria, it is a circle of stones made of  metamorphic slate, measuring 32.6 m (107 ft) at its widest, and 29.5 m (97 ft) at its narrowest. It is estimated that the circle was erected at around 3200 BC, making it one of the oldest stone circles in Europe.

Castlerigg Stone Circle, is one of the most visually impressive prehistoric monuments in Britain, it attracts huge amounts of people traffic each year. The main appeal of the circle, lies in the unsolved mystery as to why it was ever built in the first place and by whom.

The stone circle is on the top of a fairly small hill, with views across to Skiddaw, Blencathra and Lonscale Fell.

One of the many spectacular things about  Castlerigg, is how dramatic and breath-taking its views are. Climb up the hill to the site and you will experience a panoramic view of the mountains of Helvellyn and High Seat.

The area is not overly populated with visitors at any one given time, even when there are tours, but the National Trust does recommend that those coming with dogs put them on leads.