Circles of Stone field guide
The Merry Maidens
Cornwall, England
Before you go
A small roadside parking area lies near the bottom of the field. Cross the stile and follow the public path; expect uneven grass, livestock and little shelter. Do not park in gateways or on soft verges.
- Grid reference
- SW 433 245
- Monument coordinates
- 50.06510, -5.58880
Pack and plan
- Charged phone and a paper map or saved offline map
- Water, layers and footwear suited to the terrain
- Current weather, daylight and access information checked
- Someone told where you are going on remote walks
What you are looking for
Nineteen carefully spaced stones form an almost perfect ring in the farmland of West Penwith.
The ring is about 24 metres across. Its nineteen granite stones are mostly between 0.9 and 1.4 metres high and appear subtly graded, with taller stones toward the south-west. Nearby standing stones known as the Pipers and several burial monuments show that this was part of a much broader ritual landscape.
Field notes
Weather and light: ______________________________________________
First feature spotted: ___________________________________________
Something the map did not show: _________________________________
Walk gently
- Check current access and weather before setting out.
- Keep dogs under close control around livestock.
- Do not climb, move stones, light fires or leave offerings.
- Take all litter home and protect fragile ground.
If something goes wrong
In an emergency call 999 or 112. Give the grid reference or coordinates above, describe your approach route, and do not put yourself at further risk.