This accessible circle, near Keswick, is located with some dramatic views, although you need a good clear day to fully see these views. When we visited in 2008 it was misty and wet the first time, and as there was a short break in the rain, everyone who had waited to visit must have got out of their vehicles at the same time and the place was heaving. I went there a couple of days later when the weather was more clement and more-or-less had the circle to myself, though still with poor views owing to the mist.

Approaching Castlerigg from the road Castlerigg Stone Circle

Castlerigg is thought to be an early circle, built about 3200BC and the stones, of which 38 survive, are local metamorphic slate. On a dull day the circle can be quite dismal, but in a moving way. I would like to see it in all it's glory, though!

Castlerigg Stone Circle The view on a misty morn!

The wet weather and the number of visitors made for some muddy conditions. Some stones had been roped off to assist regrowth of the grass.

The longest axis of the circle is 107 feet, whilst the minor axis is just under 97 feet. There is a rectangle (pictures above) within the circle. Excavation of the rectangle revealed a pit to the west containing charcoal.

Castlerigg Stone Circle Furrows are visible

There is evidence of later cairns within the circle, smoothed out by cultivation. At Langdales there was a Neolithic axe factory and maybe this circle was a trading centre for these and other items. Such items would have been considered as sacred and are found ritually buried at places throughout the country.

Castlerigg Stone Circle