STONE BOTHERING

There’s something different about walking an old path. Not just old in the way a cobbled village street might be old, but ancient —as in, thousands of years. The Ridgeway, often referred to as England’s oldest road , is one of those places that seems to exist outside of time. Winding for nearly 90 miles through southern England’s chalky spine—from Overton Hill in Wiltshire to Ivinghoe Beacon in Buckinghamshire—this prehistoric trail feels less like a walk and more like a pilgrimage through history, myth, and spirit . We didn’t expect to feel the pull of the stones. When we set out on the Ridgeway, we thought we were simply looking for a long walk in nature, a break from routine. But what we found instead were whispers of buried civilizations , forgotten rituals , and a strange, humbling awareness of how little we truly understand about the people who walked these hills before us. There are stone circles , long barrows , hillforts , and sacred mounds scattered along the way—some clea...

Some landscapes are more than scenery. They are living archives of memory and meaning, places where stones whisper and skies align.On a hill in Florianópolis, in the south of Brazil, lies one such place: the Dolmen da Oração and its surrounding monumental stones, including the Menhir Central, the Pedra Virada, and the astronomical platform on Morro da Galheta. To approach these stones is to step into a dialogue that transcends centuries. They are not silent relics. They are markers of celestial knowledge, instruments of alignment with the sun and stars, and portals of energy where earth and cosmos meet. They are also guardians of myth, held in reverence by those who sense their power. On our own visit, we felt this truth directly. The air was perfectly still, as though holding a secret in suspension. The stones stood in quiet dignity, commanding presence without demanding explanation. As we moved among them, a gralha azul, the sacred azure jay of the south, appeared, its blue wings shi...

In the heart of Cornwall, England, stands a testament to a bygone era: Trethevy Quoit. Known locally as "the giant's house," this impressive megalithic structure is a well-preserved example of a portal dolmen, a type of burial chamber dating back to the Neolithic period (around 3500-2500 BC). Standing at nearly 9 feet (2.7 meters) tall, Trethevy Quoit is formed by five massive upright stones topped with a giant capstone. The structure's name itself offers a clue to its origins. "Trethevy" translates from Cornish to "place of the graves," hinting at its likely purpose as a communal tomb for ancestors. A Look Inside the Giant's House Unlike many dolmens, Trethevy Quoit has a unique feature: a small, moveable stone at the front that once allowed access to the chamber. However, for preservation reasons, this entrance is rarely opened today. Interestingly, the back of the chamber has collapsed inwards, adding to the monument's intrigue. More Tha...

Chun Castle and Chun Quoit are two of the most impressive ancient landmarks in Cornwall, England. Located near the village of Pendeen, they offer visitors a glimpse into the rich history and culture of the region. Chun Castle is a large Iron Age hillfort, built around 2,500 years ago. It is situated on a prominent hilltop, affording stunning views of the surrounding countryside and coastline. The fort is surrounded by two massive stone walls, with the inner wall enclosing an area of around 10 acres. The interior of the fort contains the remains of several roundhouses, which would have been the homes of the people who lived and worked there. Chun Castle is thought to have had a defensive purpose, given its strategic location and the presence of the two stone walls. However, it is also likely that the fort was a center for trade and social activity. The proximity of the fort to the much older Chun Quoit suggests that the two sites may have been connected in some way. Chun Quoit is a Neol...

Dolmens, those ancient megalithic structures, have captivated the imagination of many, standing as silent sentinels of history. Found scattered across the English countryside, these burial chambers are steeped in mystery and lore. In this blog post, we’ll explore some of the most notable dolmens in England. TRETHEVY QUOIT Located in Cornwall, Trethevy Quoit is one of the most striking dolmens in the country. This impressive structure consists of a massive capstone resting on three upright stones, creating a chamber that was likely used for burial purposes around 3500 BC. The quoit measures approximately 4 meters long and stands at a height of 2 meters. Its architectural grandeur hints at the skills of prehistoric builders and their understanding of stone construction. Visitors to Trethevy Quoit often feel a deep connection to the ancient world, imagining the rituals and ceremonies that once took place here. SPINSTER'S ROCK Not far from the picturesque village of Drewsteignton in De...

Nestled amidst the rolling hills of Dartmoor National Park in Devon, England, lies a fascinating relic of the past – Spinsters' Rock. This impressive dolmen, also known as a cromlech, is a testament to the ingenuity and beliefs of the Neolithic people who inhabited the region over 4,000 years ago. What is a Dolmen? The word "dolmen" comes from the Breton language and translates to "stone table." These megalithic structures typically consist of large, flat capstones supported by several upright stones. They were primarily used as burial chambers, serving as final resting places for the deceased. Spinsters' Rock: A Survivor of Time Spinsters' Rock is the most well-preserved dolmen in Devon. It comprises three granite supports, each reaching heights between 5.5 and 7.5 feet, holding aloft a massive capstone measuring an impressive 15 by 10 feet. Unfortunately, the surrounding barrow, which would have originally covered the dolmen with earth and stones, has ...

Cornwall, located in the southwestern tip of England, is home to some of the most intriguing and well-preserved ancient sites in the United Kingdom. These landmarks, steeped in history, offer a glimpse into the lives of the early inhabitants of the British Isles. From Neolithic stone circles to Bronze Age burial chambers, Cornwall’s ancient sites are a must-visit for history enthusiasts, archaeology lovers, and anyone interested in the mysteries of the past. In this blog post, we will take you through some of the most fascinating ancient sites in Cornwall. MEN-AN-TOL One of Cornwall’s most famous and enigmatic sites is Men-an-Tol. This prehistoric monument, believed to date back to the Bronze Age, consists of four upright stones, one of which has a large circular hole in the center. The exact purpose of Men-an-Tol is unknown, but it is thought to have had ritualistic significance, possibly related to fertility or healing. Many local legends surround Men-an-Tol, including the belief tha...

Wiltshire, located in the heart of southern England, is renowned for its rich history and impressive prehistoric monuments. The region is home to some of the most iconic ancient sites in the world, offering a fascinating glimpse into the lives and beliefs of our ancient ancestors. Whether you’re a history enthusiast, a lover of archaeology, or simply someone intrigued by the mysteries of the past, Wiltshire has something for everyone. In this blog post, we’ll take you through the top ancient sites in Wiltshire. STONEHENGE: THE ICONIC MONUMENT No visit to Wiltshire is complete without experiencing Stonehenge, one of the most famous prehistoric sites in the world. Located near Amesbury, Stonehenge is a Neolithic stone circle that dates back to around 3000 BC. The monument consists of a ring of standing stones, some weighing as much as 40 tons, which were transported from as far as Wales. While the exact purpose of Stonehenge remains a mystery, it is widely believed to have been used for ...

Wales is renowned for its stunning landscapes, rich history, and fascinating archaeological sites. Among these, the dolmens stand out as remarkable testaments to the ingenuity and spiritual beliefs of our ancestors. These megalithic structures, often associated with burial practices, offer a glimpse into the lives of prehistoric communities. In this post, we’ll explore some of the most notable dolmens in Wales. TINKINSWOOD BURIAL CHAMBER Located near the village of St. Nicholas, Tinkinswood is one of the most impressive dolmens in Wales. This structure dates back to around 3500 BC and features a large capstone weighing approximately 40 tons, supported by several upright stones. The site is particularly significant due to its size and the fact that it is thought to have been used for burial purposes. Tinkinswood’s chamber, which is over 5 meters long, suggests that it may have held multiple burials. Archaeological excavations have uncovered various artifacts, including pottery and t...