Did the people of the New Stone Age build this monument as a calendar to mark the passage of time? Or as a religious site? Maybe it was a trading centre, a theory suggested after Victorian archaeologists discovered axe-heads from nearby Langdale here.<\/p>\n
Like so many similar prehistoric sites throughout the UK, Castlerigg remains an enigma, but there are some things we know for sure\u2026<\/p>\n
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![\"Castlerigg]( "\\"Castlerigg")
\n<\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/picture>\n<\/div>Castlerigg Stone Circle is a short walk from Keswick\/Credit: Getty<\/span><\/figcaption><\/div>\n Castlerigg Stone Circle<\/h2>\n
Comprising about 40 stones, some of them up to 10ft tall, this is one of the oldest and best-preserved stone circles in Europe.<\/p>\n
It first came to the public\u2019s attention after being visited by the antiquarian, Anglican clergyman and self-styled \u2018Druid\u2019 William Stukeley in 1725. His description forms the first written record of the site. It differs little from what can be seen today, although he claimed there was a second, larger circle in a neighbouring field.<\/p>\n
No evidence of this second circle has been found to back his claim, but there is one thing that sets Castlerigg apart from other circles \u2013 and that\u2019s \u2018The Sanctuary\u2019. Within the eastern edge of the circle, this group of 10 stones forms a rectangular enclosure that is unique to Castlerigg. Was this \u2018inner sanctum\u2019 reserved for special ceremonies? We might never know.<\/p>\n
![\"Winter]( "\\"Castlerigg")
\n<\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/picture>\n<\/div>Winter snow at Castlerigg Stone Circle\/Credit: Getty<\/span><\/figcaption><\/div>\n Castlerigg Stone Circle parking<\/h3>\n
There is roadside parking beside the field containing the stones, but approaching the site on foot gives you a chance to place the circle in the context of the surrounding landscape.<\/p>\n
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Castlerigg Stone Circle walk<\/h3>\n
There is a straightforward walk from Keswick, through woods, over fields and along quiet lanes, but always accompanied by magnificent fell views \u2013 Skiddaw<\/a>, Blencathra<\/a>, the Helvellyn<\/a> range\u2026 these are some of England\u2019s highest and most impressive mountains.<\/p>\n
- Summer solstice 2023: when is the longest day of the year?<\/a><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n
- Easy UK mountains and peaks for beginners<\/a><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n
![\"Castlerigg](\"https:\/\/images.immediate.co.uk\/production\/volatile\/sites\/22\/2023\/08\/Castlerigg-Stone-Circle-d0a4000.jpg?quality=90&resize=620%2C413\" "\\"Castlerigg")
\n<\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/picture>\n<\/div>![\"Winter](\"https:\/\/images.immediate.co.uk\/production\/volatile\/sites\/22\/2023\/08\/Castlerigg-Stone-Circle-b484c67-e1692969195786.jpg?quality=90&resize=620%2C398\" "\\"Castlerigg")
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