One of Cumbria’s Timeless Stone Circles

Nestled in the serene landscape of the Eden Valley near the village of Little Salkeld in Cumbria lies one of Britain’s most enigmatic ancient monuments — Long Meg and Her Daughters. At first glance, this grand stone circle might appear as a mere curiosity, but beneath its windswept surface lies a tapestry of prehistoric ritual, local legend, poetic reflection, and historical significance.

An Archaeological Marvel

Long Meg and Her Daughters is one of the largest stone circles in England, second only to Avebury. The monument consists of 59 stones (with 27 still standing) arranged in a near-perfect oval measuring approximately 100 metres in diameter. Standing just outside the circle to the southwest is the tall, imposing Long Meg, a 3.6-metre-high monolith made of local red sandstone, in contrast to the rhyolite boulders forming the circle itself.

Archaeologists believe the circle dates to the Neolithic or early Bronze Age, around 1500 BCE. Its purpose remains uncertain, though theories suggest ceremonial gatherings, astronomical alignments, or seasonal rituals. Long Meg herself is thought to be aligned with the setting sun on the winter solstice, hinting at a deep connection to ancient cosmology.

What makes this site especially fascinating is its scale and complexity — evidence of human burial, carvings resembling cup and ring marks on Long Meg, and its relationship to other prehistoric monuments in the region suggest this was a landscape imbued with spiritual and cultural meaning for thousands of years.

Myths and Legends

As with many ancient sites, Long Meg and Her Daughters is wrapped in local myth. The most enduring tale tells of a coven of witches who were turned to stone by a powerful wizard named Michael Scott for daring to dance on the Sabbath. Long Meg, the coven’s leader, stands apart from the circle, as if caught mid-command or retreat.

Legend has it that if you attempt to count the stones twice and get the same number both times, the spell will break and the stones will come to life. Others say that Long Meg will bleed if you chip her — a warning perhaps from locals to leave well alone.

Wordsworth’s Tribute

Cumbria’s most famous son, William Wordsworth, visited Long Meg and Her Daughters and was struck by its quiet majesty. In his poem “The Monument, Commonly Called Long Meg”, he wrote:

“Next to Stonehenge it is beyond dispute
The most notable and perfect monument
Of its class which the British Isles possess.”

Wordsworth appreciated not just the historical weight of the site but its poetic power — a place where nature, myth, and time seemed to stand still. For the Romantics, such places evoked deep emotion and a reverence for the ancient past.

A Walk Through History — and Hospitality

Long Meg lies just a short drive or even a hearty countryside walk from Glassonby Old Hall, one of several beautifully restored period properties on land managed by The Rowley Estates. These luxury retreats offer a perfect base for guests wanting to explore the region’s rich prehistoric and cultural heritage.

The landscape surrounding Glassonby is dotted with other ancient sites, including:

• Little Meg, a smaller but equally intriguing stone circle near Langwathby with a central burial cairn and stone carvings.

• Glassonby Cairn, a reconstructed Neolithic burial mound offering another glimpse into early human ritual.

• Mayburgh Henge and King Arthur’s Round Table, both near Eamont Bridge, show how this stretch of the northern Lakes was a focal point of prehistoric activity.

Together, these sites form a prehistoric corridor that rivals any in the UK — less crowded than Stonehenge but just as steeped in mystery and meaning.

Visiting Today

Accessible year-round, Long Meg and Her Daughters remains one of the most atmospheric and accessible ancient monuments in the UK. Whether you visit for the archaeology, the folklore, or simply to stand quietly among stones that have witnessed millennia, it’s a place that inspires wonder.

Paired with a stay at Glassonby Old Hall or one of the other characterful Rowley Estates properties, your visit becomes a journey into the deep past, surrounded by the timeless beauty of the Eden Valley.

Plan your visit, pack a picnic, and don’t forget to try counting the stones — but be careful what you wish for…