The Merry Maidens of Boleigh is the first stone circle that I visited when I came down to Cornwall. There is a lay-by you can park in right next to the field where it is located.  I remember the excitement I felt when I parked up and looked over into the field and saw for the first time a circle of stones.

This is estimated to have been built in the late Neolithic period.  Legend has it that the maidens in question were caught dancing on the Sabbath and their punishment was to be tuned into stone.  I love the folklore attached to some of the stone circles.  There are 19 stones in this circle.  They look in decent condition as does the field it is in.

There are also two standing stones nearby called The Pipers, who were caught playing the pipes on the Sabbath.  I’ve not actually seen those two yet, but they are on my list.

It is a truly peaceful place to spend some time. I didn’t feel a dark or wild atmosphere.  Just one of pure calm. Particularly on a beautiful summer’s day.  

Boscawen-Un is a very atmospheric stone circle to visit.  It can be located by parking in a nearby lay-by and then taking a 10 minute walk along a path through some ferns.  The circle is in a field surrounded by hedges and can be gained access to through a gate.

Even during a summer’s day the field can appear dark. It has a very distinctive atmosphere.  It is hard to put your finger on.  But it just feels different in there. Like you can sense something.

There are 19 stones in the circle with one very noticeable one on its own.  In the middle.  Slanting over at an angle.  One can speculate as to the purpose of that stone.  But that just adds to the mystery, which is one of the reasons I love stone circles.

This stone circle was estimated to have been built during the Bronze Age.