Many questions arise when exploring Castlerigg Stone Circle, including how it was constructed. What age is it? Was it built for religious purposes or perhaps as a hub for trade?
What might it have been like to observe the winter solstice sun set behind the imposing Lakeland mountains while gathered at Castlerigg Stone Circle 5,000 years ago?
Did the New Stone Age population construct this structure as a calendar to record the passage of time? Or as a place of worship? After Victorian archaeologists uncovered axeheads from nearby Langdale here, a suggestion that it might have been a trading hub was put forth.
Castlerigg is still a mystery, like so many other comparable prehistoric sites around the UK, but we do know a few things for sure.
Circular Stone of Castlerigg
This stone circle is one of the oldest and best-preserved in all of Europe. It consists of roughly 40 stones, some of which are up to 10 feet tall.
Castlerigg Stone Circle is a short walk from Keswick/Credit: Getty
After being visited by the antiquarian, Anglican priest, and self-described "Druid," William Stukeley, in 1725, it first came to the public's attention. The first written description of the location is in his description. Although he said there was a second, wider circle in a nearby field, it is not much different from what is visible today.
No proof of this second circle has been discovered to support his assertion, but 'The Sanctuary' is what distinguishes Castlerigg from other circles. This collection of ten stones, which is exclusive to Castlerigg, creates a rectangular enclosure within the circle's eastern border. Was this 'inner sanctum' only to be used for ceremonial purposes? We may never find out.
Parking at Castlerigg Stone Circle
Although there is parking available on the side of the road next to the field containing the stones, getting there on foot allows you to put the circle in the context of the surroundings.
Winter snow at Castlerigg Stone Circle/Credit: Getty
Walk around Castlerigg Stone Circle
The Helvellyn range, Skiddaw, Blencathra, and other of England's tallest and most majestic mountains can all be seen on a simple walk from Keswick that takes you through woodlands, over fields, and along peaceful lanes.
