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Circles of Stone field guide

Sunkenkirk

Cumbria, England

Before you go

Access is by a long walk on farm tracks and rough ground. There is no parking at the monument.

Grid reference
SD 172 826
Monument coordinates
54.29150, -3.27420

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

Open monument map ↗

What you are looking for

Also known as Swinside, a remarkably complete ring tucked beneath the fells of south-west Cumbria.

There has been little modern excavation. Careful survey of its form, entrance and landscape supplies most of the available evidence.

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.

Guide reviewed August 2026 · circlesofstone.co.uk/circles/sunkenkirk

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