Most visitors will thrill to the majestic setting for this stone circle. It’s on a natural plateau that overlooks a valley and is encircled by the Cumbrian hills and mountains. I was lucky to get the first shot with a blue sky: mist soon rolled in and the sky turned overcast.
A military jet zipping through the hills and valleys of this wild, out of the way place for training created interesting juxtapositions: flying vs earthed; motion and dexterity vs weight and mass; man made vs natural; contemporary vs megalithic. Strangely the jet didn’t feel out of place, just a different type of harnessed power.
For the Castlerigg stone circle, one of the earliest in Britain, seems poised for something. We’ll never know what. The designer mind – perhaps an individual, perhaps a collective – from over 5,000 years ago clearly had a rapt awareness of natural beauty.
Words often fail us – or separate us. Whatever words were once spoken here lacked the strength to travel down the ages. Luckily the ‘mind’ harnessed sky, land and stones in a way that speaks to everyone who has passed by since – or will pass by in the future – no matter what their language or religion.
It seems pretty clear what is said.
Address
Castlerigg Stone Circle, Castlerigg, Cumbria CA12 4TE
The site is owned by the National Trust, but cared for by English Heritage.
Susan Rushton 
Funny how the light changes everything. In the top photo the stones look like they are standing up, in the bottom they seem to by lying down.
I think it might also be that some parts of the circle are more upright than others. But you’re right – the light makes a massive difference. The duller light seems flatter.
Beautiful place.
It is always such a surprise to see these circles, even when you’re expecting them.
I really like them, there is sth special about them.
Love your words connected to this stone circle and the moments you experienced them.
It’s a moment that will stay with me.
What a beautiful setting, so peaceful. The way you’ve described it is magical!
Thank you. You’ve got some standing stones, and lots of ancient history, haven’t you?
Perhaps one of the most significant of the North of England’s megalithic sites. Enjoyed your picture and description. Des.
Perfect post for Halloween. Nicely done.
Hello
Nice shot of a circle that i’ll probably never get a chance to visit. After Avebury and Stonehenge, and what bits I got from the British museum’s Celtic exhibit(which I haven’t even had time to write up yet) I may not have a chance to visit many more. I was in northern France last weekend but didn’t even try to visit Carnac because of the driving involved, and we don’t have many cold wet stones in the US. Perhaps I’ll get to S.America someday. Anyway, nice work.
Art Deco