Everything you need to know about the Castlerigg Stone Circle
A visit to Castlerigg Stone Circle is a unique and enriching experience, offering a glimpse into the lives and beliefs of our prehistoric ancestors. The site is managed by English Heritage and the National Trust and is open to visitors throughout the year.
Castlerigg Stone Circle is a Neolithic monument dating back to around 3000 BC. It is one of the earliest stone circles in Britain and is located in the Lake District, near the village of Keswick.
The circle consists of 38 standing stones arranged in an oval shape, with some stones reaching a height of nearly 3 meters. The purpose of the circle remains a mystery, but it is believed to have been a site for religious or ceremonial gatherings.
Visitors to the site can witness history and nature come together, taking in the beauty and mystery of this ancient monument.
Therefore, it is no surprise that the stone circle attracts many visitors yearly, making it the most popular stone circle in Cumbria. The circle is situated on a plateau, which creates a natural amphitheatre surrounded by fells.
From inside the circle, visitors can enjoy stunning views of the highest peaks in Cumbria, including Helvellyn, Skiddaw, Grasmoor, and Blencathra. Whether you’re a history enthusiast or just looking for a unique and awe-inspiring experience, a visit to Castlerigg Stone Circle is a must.
Essential Information about the Castlerigg Stone Circle
- Castlerigg Stone Circle is 1.5 miles southeast of Keswick.
- Address: Castle Lane, Underskiddaw, Keswick, Cumbria, CA12 4RN
- Grid Reference NY291236
You can follow the Google Maps Directions here.
Visiting Tips
Planning ahead is a good idea to make the most of your visit to Castlerigg Stone Circle.
Here are some tips to help you prepare:
- Wear appropriate footwear and clothing, as the ground can be uneven and the weather unpredictable. You can check the weather here: BBC Keswick and Net Weather.
- Bring a camera or smartphone to capture stunning views of the surrounding landscape.
- Please read up on the history of the site before you visit to appreciate its significance fully.
- Consider visiting at sunset, when the stones take on a warm, golden hue, and the views to the southeast are particularly impressive.
- Do not climb on the stones – it is prohibited!
Castlerigg Stone Circle Car parking
There is a small car park next to the stone circle, which can get busy during peak times, so it is a good idea to plan. If the car park is complete, additional parking is available at High Rigg, a short walk from the site.
If you’re coming from the centre of Keswick, walking to the stones takes approximately 30 minutes.
Alternatively, it would be best if you considered using public transport. Stagecoach operates services around the Lake District, and its website has more details on routes and schedules.
History of the Castlerigg Stone Circle
Castlerigg Stone Circle is an ancient monument that should be on every history lover’s bucket list. This excellent site is not just one of the most important British stone circles because of its location and age. Believed to have been built around 3000 BC, it’s potentially one of the earliest stone circles in the country.
What makes Castlerigg Stone Circle even more remarkable is its shape and size. Unlike many of the more than 300 stone circles in Britain, which are Bronze Age burial monuments, Castlerigg and other Neolithic stone circles like Swinside and Long Meg and her Daughters do not contain formal burials.
Instead, they are generally larger and often have flattened circular shapes. Castlerigg, for example, comprises an open circle of many large stones, with an entrance on the north side flanked by two massive upright stones.
One of the more unusual features is a rectangle of standing stones within the circle, making it even more unique. While the precise function of these early circles has yet to be discovered, it’s believed that they were important meeting places for the scattered Neolithic communities.
Whether they were trading places, religious centres, or both remains a mystery.
Despite not knowing what might be preserved beneath the surface, excavations in the 19th century uncovered three Neolithic stone axes from nearby Great Langdale, suggesting the importance of this site.
Today, Castlerigg Stone Circle is a preserved site, taken into guardianship in 1883, and one of the first monuments in the country to be recommended for preservation by the state.
Sunset
A visit to Castlerigg Stone Circle at sunset is a truly magical experience. As the sun sets behind the surrounding hills, the standing stones are bathed in warm, golden light, creating a stunning visual spectacle.
The views to the southeast are awe-inspiring, with the mountains of Great Langdale visible in the distance.
Walk from Keswick
For those who enjoy walking, reaching Castlerigg Stone Circle on foot is possible. It is one of the best walks from Keswick.
Time: 2 hours
Distance: 4 miles
- To reach Castlerigg Stone Circle, leave Market Square between the Royal Oak and Greggs, then turn left onto Station Street and continue straight ahead. At the junction, cross the road at the pedestrian crossing and proceed straight forward.
- After crossing the bridge over the River Greta, take the path on your left just as the road bends to the right. This will lead you up to Keswick Leisure Pool, where you should follow the way around the right-hand side of the pool before turning right onto the old railway line path.
- From here, follow the railway path uphill and cross the bridge over the River Greta. After passing a row of houses, take a right fork at the end of the row and climb uphill through a gate onto Penrith Road. After crossing the busy road, turn left and right up Eleventrees, a minor road signposted for Castlerigg Stone Circle.
- As you ascend the hill, enjoy the views of Latrigg and Blencathra to your left and right, respectively. At the top of the hill, turn right through a gate and take in the panoramic 360° views of the surrounding mountains from the site of Castlerigg Stone Circle.
- Exit the site through the right-hand corner of the field via a set of stone steps over the wall. Turn left onto the single-track lane and continue to the end, taking in the views along the way.
- After crossing the busy A591, go through the gate opposite and follow the sign for Walla Crag and Keswick. Keep to the right-hand side of the field, going through two gates and a kissing gate, until you reach a wooden gate.
- Descend the field to another gate that leads to a lane. Turn left onto the route and take the path to your right, signposted for Keswick.
- Follow the path over a wooden bridge and through a kissing gate, taking in the stunning views of Derwentwater as it comes into view. Continue through the wood with the stream to your right, then ascend the steeper section of the path as it curves to your right.
- At the fork, take the left-hand path, which will lead you down to two gates that take you out of the wood and onto Springs Road. Follow the road as it bends to the left and right before reaching a T-junction. Turn left here and continue along the road until you reach Market Square.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Castlerigg Stone Circle?
Castlerigg Stone Circle is an ancient monument in the Lake District, Cumbria, England. It is one of the earliest stone circles in Britain, dating back to around 3000 BC during the Neolithic period.
How many stones are there in the circle?
The circle initially comprised 42 stones, but only 38 stones remain today. The stones vary in height from 1 metre to 2.3 metres.
How big is the circle?
The circle is about 30 metres in diameter and is flattened in shape.
What is the rectangle of standing stones within the circle?
The rectangle of standing stones is a unique feature of Castlerigg Stone Circle. There is only one other comparable example, at the Cockpit, an open stone circle at Askham Fell near Ullswater.
Can I bring my dog to the site?
Yes, dogs on leads are welcome at Castlerigg Stone Circle. However, please be aware that sheep graze the site.
Is parking available at the site?
Yes, limited parking is available at the site. However, it is recommended to consider public transport, as walking from the centre of Keswick to the stones takes approximately 30 minutes.
Can I fly a drone over the site?
No, drone flying is not permitted from or over sites in the care of English Heritage, including Castlerigg Stone Circle.
Overall Thoughts on Visiting
In conclusion, visiting Castlerigg Stone Circle is a fascinating and enriching experience. As one of Britain’s earliest and most impressive stone circles, it offers a glimpse into the lives and beliefs of our prehistoric ancestors.
Whether you are a history buff, a nature lover, or simply looking for a unique and memorable day out, a visit to Castlerigg Stone Circle is not to be missed.
