Long Meg and her Daughters

I travelled north east this morning into Cumbria’s Pennine lands, starting with a coffee and a good chat at the home of fellow blipper Paula J and her husband Gordon. They were very hospitable, it was good to meet them.

I then travelled further on to visit Long Meg and her Daughters, the third largest stone circle in England. Extensive excavation has radiocarbon dated the earliest presence at the site to 5200BC, although the Neolithic circle may be more around 3000BC. Long Meg is a very tall sandstone stone standing apart from the circle, quarried from the nearby River Eden, with interesting concentric circle carvings still visible on its east side. The sixty eight Daughters forming the circle are glacial boulders brought to the area from the nearby Lake District. At the winter solstice the setting sun creates a long shadow stretching from Long Meg to the centre of the circle.

I then turned south to Brough, for an exploration of the ruins of the castle there (and a cup of tea and scone at the tearoom). It is built on the still evident site of a Roman fort protecting the route from York to Carlisle.

From there I travelled a little north to look at one of Andy Goldsworthy’s sheepfolds. A red flag was flying by the path leading to the sheepfold - danger, art installation nearby :-) ?

Finally I headed back to the caravan via Kirkby Stephen for a little exploration of the small town. After Great Salkeld and Brough, the third church site I’ve visited today, this building low and long.

Overcast most of the day, and windy, but an enjoyable tour of places I didn’t really know. I’ve added some temporary extras.