Castlerigg Stone Circle
The Lake District has many stone circles, but it is Castlerigg Stone Circle, sitting on top of a sweeping plateau surrounded by impressive fells, that occupies the most spectacular site. The circle - which is actually more of an oval shape - consists of 38 huge chunks of Borrowdale volcanic stone and is around 100 feet in diameter. Within the circle, at the eastern side, a further 10 stones form a rectangular enclosure.
Castlerigg, a couple of miles east of Keswick, is a mysterious landmark that dates from the late Neolithic or early Bronze Age (approximately 3,500 years ago). Although the exact purpose of the circle is unknown, it is thought to have been used as a meeting place for commerce, a calendar and a place of worship. Castlerigg Stone Circle is a magical spot and looks particularly stunning in winter, when frost and snow blanket the huge fells of Skiddaw and Blencathra, forming a splendid panorama to the north, and Cat Bells and Grisedale Pike to the west.
