Harold's Stones
Three Bronze Age megaliths wrapped in legend, mystery, and 3,500 years of Welsh history.
Three Bronze Age megaliths standing in alignment near Trellech, Monmouthshire, these ancient pudding stone monuments date back 3,500 years. Rising 9, 12, and 15 feet high, they remain shrouded in mystery—local legends attribute them to Saxon king Harold, a giant named Jack O'Kent, or ancient religious ceremonies. The nearby village of Trellech takes its name from the Welsh words for 'three' and 'stone,' reflecting the site's deep historical significance.
A brief summary to Harold's Stones
- Monmouth, Trelleck, NP25 4PE, GB
- Visit website
- Duration: 0.5 to 2 hours
- Free
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Outdoor
- Mobile reception: 3 out of 5
Local tips
- Visit early morning or late afternoon for the best light and fewer visitors. The stones are most photogenic when the sun is low and casts long shadows across the alignment.
- Explore the wider Trellech landscape to appreciate the site's sacred geography. Visit the Preaching Cross in the churchyard and seek out the Virtuous Well and Tump Turret to understand the area's deep historical layers.
- The site is freely accessible year-round, but winter months can be muddy. Wear appropriate footwear and check weather conditions before visiting, particularly after heavy rain.
- Bring binoculars or a camera with good zoom to examine the pudding stone composition up close. The conglomerate structure is visually striking and reveals the geological craftsmanship of ancient peoples.
- Allow time to sit quietly near the stones and absorb the atmosphere. The linear alignment and isolated setting create a contemplative space that rewards unhurried observation.
For the on-the-go comforts that matter to you
- Information Boards
- Trash Bins
Getting There
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Car from Monmouth
From Monmouth town centre, drive north-west on the A40 towards Abergavenny for approximately 8 kilometres. Turn right onto the B4293 towards Trellech village. Continue for 3 kilometres until you reach Trellech. The stones are located south-west of the village near the stream. Parking is available in the village or on nearby roadside verges. Journey time approximately 15–20 minutes. Free parking.
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Bus from Monmouth
Local bus services operate between Monmouth and Trellech, though frequency is limited (typically 2–4 services daily depending on the day of week). Journey time approximately 25–35 minutes. Buses stop in Trellech village centre; the stones are a 5–10 minute walk south-west from the village. Single fare approximately £2–3. Check local transport schedules in advance as services may be reduced on weekends and bank holidays.
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Walking from Trellech village
From Trellech village centre, follow signs or local directions south-west towards the stream. The walk is approximately 800 metres across gentle terrain, taking 10–15 minutes. The path is generally accessible but can be muddy in wet weather. No formal footpath exists; walkers follow established routes across fields and along the stream. Suitable for most fitness levels in dry conditions.
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Cycling from Monmouth
Cycle north-west from Monmouth on the A40 for 8 kilometres, then turn right onto the B4293 towards Trellech (3 kilometres). The route follows quiet country roads with moderate hills. Total distance approximately 11 kilometres; journey time 30–45 minutes depending on fitness. The final approach to the stones involves leaving the road and cycling across fields. Suitable for hybrid or mountain bikes.
Harold's Stones location weather suitability
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Any Weather
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Clear Skies
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Mild Temperatures
Discover more about Harold's Stones
Ancient Megaliths of the Bronze Age
Harold's Stones are three standing megaliths constructed from pudding stone, a conglomerate rock composed of pebbles bound together by natural cement. Dating back approximately 3,500 years to the Bronze Age, these monuments were laboriously transported from nearby quarries and levered into the ground using primitive tools and techniques. The three stones stand in a linear alignment, measuring 9, 12, and 15 feet in height respectively. Archaeological evidence suggests they may once have formed part of a larger ceremonial arrangement, possibly even a stone circle, though a fourth stone that reportedly stood on nearby common land was destroyed in the 18th century.Legends and Mythological Origins
The true purpose of Harold's Stones remains enigmatic, obscured by layers of folklore and competing origin myths. The most persistent legend claims they were erected by Harold, the last Saxon king, to commemorate his victory over the Britons in 1063—a chronologically impossible claim given the stones predate him by at least 2,000 years. Another tradition holds that the stones mark the burial place of three British chieftains who fell in battle against Harold's forces. Perhaps the most colourful legend involves Jack O'Kent, a local giant who allegedly won a hurling contest against the Devil by throwing the largest stone the furthest distance from Beacon Hill. In one variation of this myth, Jack was playing quoits and hurled four massive stones, three of which landed in a line at Trellech, while the fourth—known as the Pecket Stone—fell short and may still exist in nearby woods.Sacred Significance and Ceremonial Purpose
Archaeological interpretation suggests these stones likely served religious or ceremonial functions for Bronze Age communities. Their phallic form and alignment indicate they may have possessed magical significance, possibly marking seasonal transitions, serving as territorial boundaries, or hosting ritual gatherings. The proximity of the site to natural springs and the presence of other sacred features in the landscape—including the Virtuous Well and an ancient druidic altar incorporated into the local churchyard's Preaching Cross—reinforces the notion that Trellech occupied a spiritually significant position in the ancient landscape.The Village of Trellech and Its Medieval Prominence
The village of Trellech, whose name derives from the Welsh words 'tre' (three) and 'llech' (stone), owes its identity to these ancient monuments. During the Norman period, Trellech flourished as one of Wales's eight largest market towns, a medieval prosperity that seems incongruous with its present modest character. The village also features Tump Turret, a 40-foot flat-topped mound that may represent a Norman motte, suggesting Harold himself may have had connections to the area—he is known to have built a hunting lodge merely ten miles distant at Portskewett.The Landscape and Surrounding Features
The stones stand in a south-westerly position relative to the modern settlement, positioned near a stream and close to natural springs that have long held curative associations. The red stone cross in the nearby churchyard, dating from the 13th or possibly early 14th century, adds another layer of historical depth to the site. These interconnected features—the megaliths, the springs, the mound, and the ecclesiastical monuments—suggest Trellech represents a palimpsest of sacred geography spanning from prehistoric times through the medieval period.Iconic landmarks you can’t miss
Harold's Stones
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Three Bronze Age megaliths wrapped in legend, mystery, and 3,500 years of Welsh history.
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For the vibe & atmosphere seeker
- Mysterious
- Scenic
- Tranquil
- Unique
For the design and aesthetic lover
- Rustic Designs
For the architecture buff
- Historic
- Landmarks
- Sacred Sites
For the view chaser and sunset hunter
- Iconic Views
- Panoramas
For the social media creator & influencer
- Instagrammable
- Photo Spots
- Architectural Shots
For the eco-conscious traveler
- Protected Area
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- Locally Managed
For the kind of experience you’re after
- Myth & Legends
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- Day Trip
For how adventurous you want the journey to be
- Easy Access
- Requires Hike
Location Audience
- Family Friendly
- Senior Friendly
- Solo Friendly
- Couple Friendly
- Pet Friendly
