Stones leap towards the sun

Silent and abandoned, the Withypool Stone Circle holds tales as old as the world. These stones, ignored by the rest of the world, stand tall on top of Withypool Hill. The circle, which was rediscovered in 1898 by Archibald Hamilton, is composed of thirty small gritstones, the remnants of a forgotten history. These stones speak of a time long gone; a time when the area was bustling with life. Over a thousand years ago, these stones were erected, and for a long time they served a purpose unknown.

Many monuments were built in Exmoor during the Bronze Age, but only two stone circles survive in this area: the other is Porlock Stone Circle. The small circle is located on the south-western slope of Withypool Hill and is comprised of small stones, each measuring about 10 cm in height, 30 cm in width, and 10 cm in depth. There is one larger stone that protrudes about 0.5 meters from the ground. The circle tapers towards its centre, and has conspicuous quartz veins in many of its stones.

It is a wonder to stand amongst the stones, to feel the weight of history pressing down around you. They have stood the test of time, surviving for over a thousand years, and they still exude an air of mystery and solitude.

Sources: Wikipedia, OpenStreetMap, Wikidata, Wikimedia Commons