On vacation: Castlerigg Stone Circle

Castlerigg Stone Circle is one of the most famous stone circles and one of the most visually impressive prehistoric monuments in Britain.  It is situated on a small plateau a few miles east of Keswick in the heart of the Lake District National Park.  The plateau forms the raised centre of a natural amphitheatre created by the surrounding fells and from within the circle it is possible to see some of the highest mountains in England including Helvellyn (3117ft), Skiddaw (3054ft), Blencathra (2848ft) and Grasmoor (2795ft).

The site is well signposted from Keswick on the minor road which leads to St John's in the Vale.  Free parking for cars is provided in large lay-bys on the road adjacent to the site.  It is very popular with tourists especially on weekends and during holiday periods.  The best time of day to photograph the monument is at sunrise or sunset when the lighting is dramatic although the fells provide a magnificent backdrop at all times but especially in the autumn.  

It was forecast for strong winds, dark clouds and perhaps some rain at sunrise on 5th January but as I was staying in Keswick I made my way out to the Stone Circle hoping for the best.  I arrived before dawn and found the circle by colliding with one of the stones which wasn't the best start.  The sky started to lighten from the east and there was indeed heavy black cloud at low levels accompanied by strong winds.  The only chunk of colour in the sky happened before sunrise above Clough Head.  Once the sun had risen the light was dramatic for about an hour as the sky was full of heavy cloud giving lots of deep shadows on the fells.  Luckily it didn't rain.  I had the circle to myself for about 2 hours which allowed me time to wander around without disturbing others.  It was only as I reached my car that the days first tourists were arriving but by this time the best of the light had gone. 

Map of the local area around Castlerigg Stone Circle is shown below.  Keswick is the nearest town and needs no introduction for the facilities it offers.  The Horse & Farrier Inn at Threlkeld serves great food and Jennings ales.