arrangement called ‘The Cave’. There is also
a slight mound in the centre, which, it has
been suggested, is a burial chamber.
However, the site has never been properly
excavated, and perfunctory archaeological
studies have only ever uncovered charcoal
deposits.
Like Stonehenge, the site has qualities
which make it suitable for use as an
astronomical observatory, although an unpolished
stone blade found near the circle
suggests it may have been used as a centre of
trade for the area’s Neolithic axe industry.
There is also a local legend that says the
stones were never built to any design, but
were actually men turned to rock by fear of a
local monster.
In all likelihood, it probably formed a focal
point for the local community, and may have
been used for a combination of commercial,
religious and tribal purposes. For now, we
can only admire the stunning sight of this
early man-made structure placed in an area
of unique natural beauty.
