Long Meg and Her Daughters: Ancient Stone Circle of Cumbria
Explore one of Britain’s largest Neolithic stone circles, steeped in ancient mystery, celestial alignments, and captivating folklore near Penrith.
Long Meg and Her Daughters is a remarkable Neolithic stone circle near Penrith, Cumbria, featuring a towering 12-foot red sandstone monolith surrounded by an oval of 59 standing stones. Dating from around 3200 to 2500 BCE, the site is steeped in prehistoric mystery and local folklore, including legends of witches turned to stone. It is one of the largest and best-preserved stone circles in Britain, notable for its megalithic art and celestial alignments.
A brief summary to Long Meg and Her Daughters
- Penrith, Hunsonby, GB
- Visit website
- Duration: 0.5 to 2 hours
- Free
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Outdoor
- Mobile reception: 4 out of 5
- Monday 12 am-12 am
- Tuesday 12 am-12 am
- Wednesday 12 am-12 am
- Thursday 12 am-12 am
- Friday 12 am-12 am
- Saturday 12 am-12 am
- Sunday 12 am-12 am
Local tips
- Bring sturdy footwear as the site is on uneven, grassy terrain with some gentle slopes.
- Visit during clear weather to fully appreciate the stone alignments with the sun and moon.
- Respect the stones and surrounding area by not climbing on the megaliths or disturbing the site.
- Use binoculars or a camera with zoom to observe the intricate carvings on Long Meg from a safe distance.
For the on-the-go comforts that matter to you
- Information Boards
- Seating Areas
- Trash Bins
Getting There
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Car
Driving from Penrith, the site is approximately 12 km northeast, taking about 20-25 minutes via local roads. Parking is limited near the site, so plan to arrive early during peak seasons. No parking fees apply.
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Bus
Take the local bus service from Penrith to Little Salkeld, which runs several times daily with a journey time of around 30-40 minutes. From Little Salkeld, the site is a 20-minute walk over uneven terrain. Bus fares range from £5 to £8 one way.
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Walking
For the adventurous, a 5 km walk from Langwathby station offers a scenic rural route to the site, taking approximately 1.5 hours over mixed terrain. Suitable for experienced walkers with good footwear.
Long Meg and Her Daughters location weather suitability
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Any Weather
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Clear Skies
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Mild Temperatures
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Rain / Wet Weather
Discover more about Long Meg and Her Daughters
A Monument of Neolithic Craftsmanship and Mystery
Long Meg and Her Daughters stands as a testament to prehistoric ingenuity, constructed during the Neolithic to Early Bronze Age period, approximately 3200 to 2500 BCE. The site comprises an oval stone circle roughly 100 meters in length, with 59 remaining megaliths known as 'Her Daughters' arranged around a prominent 12-foot-high red sandstone monolith called Long Meg. This central stone is intricately decorated with megalithic art, including cup and ring marks, spirals, and concentric circles, motifs that echo similar carvings found at Neolithic sites such as Newgrange in Ireland. The stones are believed to have been quarried locally, with Long Meg sourced from the River Eden banks about two miles away.Celestial Alignments and Ritual Significance
Archaeological research suggests that Long Meg and Her Daughters was more than a burial site; it likely functioned as a ceremonial or ritual meeting place. The placement of four quartz crystal stones at specific points around the circle appears deliberate, marking solar and lunar events such as solstices and seasonal festivals. One notable alignment involves Long Meg herself, a portal stone, and a quartz stone, possibly linked to the Samhain or All Souls' Day observance. These alignments imply that the circle played a role in ancient calendrical predictions and seasonal ceremonies, although the exact nature of these rituals remains a subject of scholarly conjecture.Legends and Folklore Enveloping the Stones
The site is enveloped in rich folklore, the most famous tale recounting that Long Meg and her Daughters were once a coven of witches turned to stone by the Scottish wizard Michael Scot for profaning the Sabbath by dancing on the moor. This legend, dating back to at least the 15th or 16th century, reflects the cultural fears of witchcraft prevalent at the time. Other stories speak of the stones bleeding if chipped or of the impossibility of counting the stones twice without misfortune, adding an aura of mystique and supernatural power. The name 'Long Meg' itself may derive from a medieval dialect term for a tall or coarse woman, and the stone’s profile is said to resemble a witch’s silhouette when viewed from certain angles.Historical Context and Cultural Resonance
Historical records from the early 17th century mention the circle, with the number of stones varying in accounts from 57 to over 70. The site has inspired poets such as William Wordsworth, who regarded it as a relic of profound significance, second only to Stonehenge. The circle’s enduring presence through centuries of local history, including attempts to dismantle it thwarted by stormy weather, underscores its cultural importance. The site’s connection to ancient customs, folklore, and its mysterious construction continue to captivate historians, archaeologists, and visitors alike.Visitor Experience and Setting
Situated near the village of Little Salkeld, the stone circle rests on gently sloping ground surrounded by natural woodland, offering a tranquil and evocative atmosphere. Visitors can walk around the oval arrangement, experiencing the scale and alignment of the stones firsthand. The site’s remote rural setting enhances its sense of timelessness and mystery, inviting reflection on the lives and beliefs of the Neolithic peoples who erected it. The stones’ weathered surfaces and enigmatic carvings provoke curiosity, while the surrounding landscape provides a scenic backdrop characteristic of Cumbria’s historic countryside.Conservation and Continuing Legacy
Long Meg and Her Daughters is among Britain’s best-preserved prehistoric monuments, protected as a scheduled ancient monument. Conservation efforts ensure the stones remain intact for future generations, preserving their archaeological and cultural value. The site continues to inspire folklore, spiritual interest, and scholarly research, bridging ancient history with contemporary appreciation. It stands as a powerful symbol of prehistoric society’s relationship with nature, astronomy, and ritual practice, inviting ongoing exploration of its mysteries.Iconic landmarks you can’t miss
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Markets, malls and hidden boutiques
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For the vibe & atmosphere seeker
- Tranquil
- Scenic
- Unique
For the design and aesthetic lover
- Rustic Designs
For the architecture buff
- Historic
- Landmarks
For the view chaser and sunset hunter
- Iconic Views
- Panoramas
For the social media creator & influencer
- Instagrammable
- Photo Spots
- Selfie Spots
For the eco-conscious traveler
- Protected Area
- Public-Transport Accessible
- Leave-No-Trace Critical
For the kind of experience you’re after
- Cultural Heritage
- Myth & Legends
- Nature Escape
- Day Trip
- Photowalk
For how adventurous you want the journey to be
- Easy Access
Location Audience
- Family Friendly
- Senior Friendly
- Child Friendly
- Teen Friendly
- Wheelchair Access
- Solo Friendly
- Couple Friendly
