Background

Mull Hill and the Meayll Circle: Isle of Man’s Neolithic Enigma

Discover Mull Hill’s ancient Neolithic chambered cairn and WWII relics, set amid breathtaking southern Isle of Man vistas.

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Mull Hill, also known as Meayll Hill, is a small but historically rich hill at the southern tip of the Isle of Man near Cregneash. It hosts the unique Meayll Circle, a Neolithic chambered cairn with twelve burial chambers arranged in pairs within an 18-foot ring. The site also features remnants of a World War II radar station and offers panoramic views of the island’s southern coastline, blending ancient heritage with natural beauty.

A brief summary to Mull Hill

  • Isle of Man, IM
  • Duration: 1 to 3 hours
  • Free
  • Environment icon Outdoor
  • Mobile reception: 4 out of 5

Local tips

  • Wear sturdy footwear as the walk up Mull Hill is moderately steep and can be slippery in wet conditions.
  • Visit on a clear day to fully enjoy panoramic views of the southern Isle of Man coastline.
  • Explore the nearby World War II radar station remains for a contrasting historical experience.
  • Bring a camera to capture the unique stone arrangements and scenic vistas.
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Getting There

  • Bus

    Take the local bus service from Douglas to Port Erin, which runs approximately every 30 minutes and takes around 1 hour. From Port Erin, a taxi or a 20-minute walk uphill to Mull Hill is required. Bus fare ranges from £3 to £5 GBP one way.

  • Car

    Driving from Douglas to Mull Hill takes about 40-50 minutes via the A5 and A7 roads. Parking is available near the village of Cregneash, but spaces are limited and the final ascent to the hill is on foot. No parking is available at the summit.

  • Walking

    For active visitors, a scenic 2-3 hour hike from Port Erin to Mull Hill is possible via marked trails. The terrain is moderately steep and uneven in places, so suitable footwear and good weather are recommended.

Mull Hill location weather suitability

  • Weather icon Any Weather
  • Weather icon Clear Skies
  • Weather icon Rain / Wet Weather
  • Weather icon Windy Conditions
  • Weather icon Mild Temperatures

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Discover more about Mull Hill

A Hill Steeped in History and Mystery

Mull Hill, or Meayll Hill in Manx Gaelic, meaning "bald hill," is a modest elevation located just outside the village of Cregneash at the Isle of Man’s southern end. Despite its small stature, it is a site of profound archaeological and cultural significance. The hill is crowned by the Meayll Circle, a remarkable Neolithic chambered cairn dating back approximately 5,000 years to around 3500 BC. This ancient monument is unlike typical stone circles; it comprises twelve burial chambers arranged in six pairs around a roughly 23 by 20-meter circular cairn, each pair accessed by short, T-shaped passages.

Architectural Uniqueness of the Meayll Circle

The Meayll Circle’s design is exceptional within the British Isles, combining elements of passage graves and chambered cairns. Each burial chamber was constructed from large, irregular slabs of Manx stone, with six entrance passages leading into pairs of chambers forming a distinctive T-shaped layout. Excavations have uncovered ornate pottery shards, charred bones, flint tools, and white quartz pebbles, artifacts that reveal the sophisticated craftsmanship and ritual practices of the Neolithic inhabitants. The cairn was originally covered by a stone mound, parts of which remain visible, and the entire structure likely served as a communal burial and ceremonial site.

Legends and Hauntings Surrounding the Site

Local folklore imbues Mull Hill with a mysterious aura. Stories tell of sudden disorientation, strange moving lights, and eerie sounds reminiscent of galloping horses. One particularly evocative legend speaks of a ghostly army of horsemen riding around the stone ring. These tales contribute to the hill’s enigmatic character, blending archaeology with myth and adding a layer of intangible heritage to the physical remains.

World War II Legacy on the Summit

Near the summit of Mull Hill, visitors can also find the remnants of a World War II Chain Home Low RDF (radar) station. This mid-20th-century military installation was part of the island’s early warning system against aerial threats, linking the site’s ancient past with more recent history. The juxtaposition of the Neolithic cairn and wartime ruins offers a unique perspective on the hill’s strategic and symbolic importance through millennia.

Panoramic Views and Natural Setting

The hill’s location affords stunning views across the southern Isle of Man, including the nearby towns of Port Erin and Port St Mary, as well as the surrounding sea and coastline. The landscape is characterized by heather-covered slopes and gorse, typical of the Manx countryside. The site’s terrace position below the summit was likely chosen deliberately to frame specific sightlines, linking the monument to the sea and other notable landmarks such as Bradda Hill and the Calf of Man.

Preservation and Visitor Experience

Although repeated excavations and natural erosion have reduced much of the original cairn, the standing stones and layout remain clearly visible, allowing visitors to appreciate the monument’s scale and complexity. Artifacts recovered from the site, including decorated pottery and tools, are displayed at the Manx Museum, providing further insight into the Neolithic culture. The walk to Mull Hill is moderately steep but rewarding, with well-marked paths and the chance to explore both ancient and modern history in a tranquil rural setting.

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