#castlerigg stone circle

[jumpneoshoots]

Blencathra

From Castlerigg Stone Circle

June2324

[mortal-perspective]

[javistg]

Castlerigg Stone Circle.

Keswick. UK.

[frankwoodheadart]

(undated) Frank Woodhead - Castlerigg Stone Circle

[henriowen]

Stones from Castlerigg stone circle situated in the Cumbria lake district Near Keswick in Cumbria

[photographic-creations]

We had a fantastic day out looking for snow in the Lake District this winter and found some. Castlerigg stone circle near Keswick is also one of my favourite spots to photograph. It was getting rather late by this time, but the lighting was perfect. My daughter was happily playing in the snow while I took this photograph. As a landscape photographer, you just can't beat the view of the stone circle with the majestic view of Helvellyn in the distance, with its snow-coated summit. Just perfect.

[lymphomalass]

Solstice at Castlerigg Stone Circle in the Lake District

Available as prints and printed on lots of lovely different items at: https://www.redbubble.com/shop/ap/111839784

Thanks!

Sam aka LymphomaLass xx

[emilytakesphoto]

hmm this was a draft for some reason

[itsdannycragg]

A little info on slide 2 of the website

Castlerigg Stone Circle: A Mystical Journey Through Cumbria’s Ancient Past

Nestled in the Lake District’s rolling hills and rugged landscapes, Castlerigg Stone Circle is one of England’s most iconic and well-preserved ancient sites. Situated near the town of Keswick in Cumbria, this stone circle draws visitors from all over the world, who are captivated by its mysterious origins, scenic surroundings, and the aura of timelessness it exudes. Castlerigg is not just a collection of stones; it’s a doorway to prehistoric Britain, offering a glimpse into the lives of people who once called this land home.

A Brief History of Castlerigg Stone Circle

Dating back to around 3000 BCE, Castlerigg Stone Circle is one of the earliest stone circles in Britain, placing it in the Neolithic period, also known as the New Stone Age. This era was marked by significant developments in agriculture, community organization, and spiritual practices, evidenced by the construction of stone circles across the British Isles.

Castlerigg consists of 38 stones, some as tall as 2.3 meters (7.5 feet), arranged in an elliptical shape. Unlike many other stone circles, which have lost stones or been dismantled over time, Castlerigg remains remarkably intact. This preservation lends credence to its spiritual and ceremonial importance, though the exact purpose remains uncertain. Archaeologists and historians speculate that it may have served as a site for rituals, seasonal celebrations, or even early forms of astronomy.

The Mystique of Castlerigg’s Location

One of Castlerigg’s most captivating features is its setting. Perched on a plateau surrounded by the peaks of Skiddaw, Blencathra, and Helvellyn, Castlerigg offers sweeping views of Cumbria’s Lake District, a UNESCO World Heritage site. The circle’s orientation is intriguing, with some stones aligning to specific mountain peaks, possibly reflecting a Neolithic understanding of celestial events and cycles.

The stone circle’s location amid such breathtaking scenery has led to much speculation about the choice of the site. Some suggest that the placement was deliberate, chosen for its natural beauty and potential spiritual energy, connecting the earthly and celestial realms in a way that resonated with Neolithic peoples.

Attractions and Activities Near Castlerigg

While Castlerigg Stone Circle itself is the primary attraction, the surrounding area is brimming with activities and sites of interest, especially for history buffs and outdoor enthusiasts.

Walking Trails: Castlerigg is a starting point for several scenic walking trails, offering routes for all experience levels. These trails allow visitors to take in the stunning landscapes of the Lake District, from gentle hills to more challenging ascents. The nearby Keswick-to-Threlkeld Railway Path is also popular, offering an easy route with beautiful views.

Keswick Town: Just a short drive from Castlerigg, Keswick is a charming market town with a rich history. It has several museums, galleries, and quaint shops, making it an excellent spot to explore before or after visiting the stone circle. The Keswick Museum and Art Gallery, for instance, provides fascinating insights into the region’s history, geology, and culture.

Lakes and Watersports: The Lake District is known for its beautiful lakes, and Derwentwater, near Keswick, is one of the most scenic. Visitors can enjoy boat tours, paddleboarding, kayaking, and more, making it a perfect destination for those looking to combine their visit to Castlerigg with some time on the water.

Castlerigg’s Mystical Appeal and Cultural Significance

Castlerigg Stone Circle has captured the imagination of visitors for centuries. It has been painted by artists, studied by historians, and celebrated by poets and writers. William Wordsworth, who was deeply inspired by the Lake District’s landscapes, described Castlerigg as a site of "druidical mystery," reflecting its lasting impression as a place of intrigue.

The circle is also known for its magical atmosphere, particularly at sunrise and sunset, when the stones cast long shadows across the grass. During these times, the landscape takes on an ethereal quality, especially when mist rises from the surrounding hills. Many visitors describe a sense of peace and reverence here, a feeling that perhaps resonates with the original builders and those who used the site thousands of years ago.

Today, Castlerigg is open year-round and free to the public. Managed by English Heritage, it remains one of the best-preserved stone circles in Britain, offering visitors an opportunity to experience a tangible connection to the ancient world. The site’s enduring allure and its timeless setting make it a popular choice for photographers, spiritual seekers, and anyone interested in the history and mystery of Neolithic Britain.

Practical Information for Visitors

Location: Castlerigg is located near Keswick in Cumbria, in the northern part of the Lake District National Park. It’s easily accessible by car, with parking nearby.

Best Time to Visit: While the site is open year-round, early morning and late evening visits provide the best lighting for photographs and a peaceful atmosphere.

Nearby Amenities: Keswick has ample amenities, including restaurants, shops, and accommodations. Additionally, the Lake District offers various lodging options, from cozy cottages to luxury hotels.

Conclusion

Castlerigg Stone Circle is more than a historical monument; it’s a place where time seems to stand still, allowing visitors to connect with the mysteries of the distant past. From its awe-inspiring location in the Lake District to its carefully arranged stones, Castlerigg invites reflection and wonder. Whether you’re a history enthusiast, a nature lover, or a spiritual seeker, Castlerigg offers an unforgettable experience, drawing you into the captivating world of ancient Cumbria and the enduring legacy of the Neolithic peoples who once walked its lands.

Find out more at https://visitorsinformation.co.uk/exploring-the-mystique-of-castlerigg-cumbria

[superdecade]

Castlerigg Stone Circle

[jumpneoshoots]

Helvellyn

From Castlerigg Stone Circle

Jun2324

[mortal-perspective]

[thesilicontribesman]

Castlerigg Prehistoric Stone Circle, nr. Keswick, Lake District

[thethirdromana]

Top five places you've visited (not necessarily looking for anything fancy, you could take in a vacation kinda way, or in a my favorite bagel shop, park bench, etc way

This was hard!

Castlerigg stone circle - I love stone circles and this one is my favourite. It's usually a bit drizzly and invariably overrun with sheep. You go up a muddy hill and you can't see much, then all of a sudden there's the stone circle, and a horseshoe of mountains laid out around you.

Dún Aonghasa - this is an Iron Age hill fort on Inis Mór, off the west coast of Ireland. Half of it has fallen into the sea, so now it faces a sheer (unfenced!) cliff edge. It's spectacular. The Aran Islands are full of hill forts but Dún Aonghasa is the best. OK I could fill this entirely with prehistoric sites but that's probably enough.

Cefalù, Sicily - I think, in a crowded field, my favourite place I've ever been to on holiday. Just the perfect Italian coastal city: food, sights, sun, sea, sand...

That one amazing crepe place I found by accident in Paris and will never be able to find again - kind of self explanatory! The crepes were so good. The place was somewhere in central Paris. I have no idea where and I probably wouldn't recognise it again if I passed it.

Gruissan, France - this was the accidental destination of the first holiday my now-husband and I ever went on together. There were train strikes and we ended up hitchhiking with a carload of teenagers. We swam in the sea while French dogwalkers went by in coats and woolly hats. It was great.

[hazel-of-sodor]

Presenting the Great Western Railway 85xx Stone Circle class. This engine came from a discussion with a friend about a 'what if' next step for Great Western Express Locomotives had nationalization not occured.  It's not a Cathedral, but a further design. Some history on these giants.

 8500 Ring of Brodgar was the prototype, and would be purchased by a private owner before being officially being withdrawn from service. Upon her owner's death in 1982, she was donated to the National Collection. 

8501 Mitchel's Fold was the first production 85xx. She would be rescued from Barry's Scrapyard in 1973 by a preservation group dedicated to saving and restoring her. While the group would go on to save other engines after her restoration, she remains their pride and joy.

8502 Avebury was included in the purchase of the  Kingsbridge Branchline from British Railways by the Kingsbridge Preservation Group. She would serve as the line's main attraction until the late seventies, when she was withdrawn from service for overhaul. It wouldn't be until 1998 that she would return to service. Since then she has spent the majority of her time in service, although she is currently awaiting overhaul.

8503 Callanish Stones would be purchased directly from British Rails by the Great Western Society.

8504 Castleriggs Stones would be wrecked in 1965 on an embankment. British Rails determined it would cost more to recover the stricken engine then she was worth in scrap, so the engine was left abandoned.  In 1968 the Severn Valley Railway Society approached BR for permission to recover the engine. After negotiations they were given a 24  hour window to bring Castleriggs Stones back to the rails. In the waning hours of May 13th, 1969, Wrexham Cathedral pulled her newly righted cousin back onto the rails. She was found to be in shockingly good condition, having been mostly sheltered from the weather by the embankment. She would steam for the first time in 12 years in 1977.

8005 Boscawen-Un was purchased for testing by the London North Eastern Railway. Upon Nationalization she remained with the Eastern Region. When Gywneth Amari purchased the former Great Central line in 1966, 8005 was allocated to the line, and transfered to her ownership. It is hard to say which angers Great Western purists more, that she is in LNER Apple Green, or that is historically accurate.

8006 Nine Ladies would the last withdrawn from service. The workers at Swindon hid her on unused sidings, moving her evertime she was discovered, until BR just gave up and donated her to the Dart Valley railway in late 1969 just to be rid of her. Donated her as in dumping her in their yard with ownership papers left in the cab.

8007 Merry Maidens was allocated to the Midland region in 1962, and was painted in their maroon livery. Less than a year later she was scheduled for immediate withdrawl, the first of the class to be withdrawn, only for the engine to disappear. In 1973 she would be found by volunteers on the Coleford Preservation Railway in an abandoned shed during an expansion project, hidden by her old crew

[thevideowall]

Took a trip up to the Scottish border when the weather was nice last week with a couple of friends to visit a stone circle. Duddo Five Stones is not as big or impressive as more well known circles, but being in the middle of nowhere and then a trek of about a mile from the road across fields* meant that we had the place to ourselves to take some photos. (it would've been about the same time to drive to Castlerigg in Cumbria but it would have been full of people)

*Thank you, Right To Roam laws