Keswick in Cumbria is home to a druidical set of stones known as the Castlerigg Stone Circle. It dates back to the Neolithic period of around 3000BC. – making it one of the oldest in the UK.

Its location, somewhat isolated, and set against a breath-taking backdrop of fells and moorland – it isn’t difficult to imagine why this particular location, and its wild natural beauty was preferred by our ancestors. As with other stone circles, its use remains a mystery, however Castlerigg stone circle doesn’t appear to have any astronomical connection, according to some experts – although I wouldn’t necessarily rule out the possibility of a Neolithic calendar, a place of sacred ritual or perhaps a site for sacrificial offerings. One theory is that the site was used as a ‘tool exchange,’ or a ‘trading’ place to exchange axes and other tools. Unlike many other megalithic sites, there’s no current evidence that Castlerigg is a burial ground. Very little excavation has taken place here, although a flint axe head has been unearthed nearby, suggesting similar finds are likely in the future.

I was fortunate to visit the stone circle on my latest visit to Cumbria, after hearing about the mysterious lights that have been reported by unsuspecting onlookers who have witnessed blue and white lights fleeting around the stones in a deliberate and intelligent manner. Could this light anomaly be visitors of the long dead, or some kind of electrical charge emanating from the stones themselves? No one knows, however, we can say with certainty that Castlerigg Stone Circle, like many other stone circles in the UK are shrouded in their own mystique, magic and folklore. Not surprisingly the stones are said to be the petrified bodies of men, who were turned into stone by a disgruntled sorcerer – a familiar theme for folklore tales and legends concerning other stone circles throughout the isles.

This ancient place is very atmospheric, and you can only imagine how foreboding the area becomes after dark. I wouldn’t recommend visiting this place on your own, especially after nightfall, because of the uneven landscape – one slip or missed footing could become an emergency. So please be very careful !

The following excerpt is an eyewitness account from a Mr Singleton, and was documented in 1931, during a visit to the stone circle with a friend. I feel should be included here.

“Whilst we were watching a remarkable incident happened:  one of the lights, and only one, came straight to the spot where we were standing;  at first very faint, as it approached the light increased in intensity.  When it came quite near I was in no doubt whether I should stoop below the boundary wall as the light would pass directly over our heads.  But when it came close to the wall it slowed down, stopped, quivered, and slowly went out, as if the matter producing the light had become exhausted.  It was globular, white, with a nucleus possibly 6 ft or so in diameter, and just high enough above the ground to pass over our heads.”

It’s interesting to note that other accounts of these ‘earth lights’ have been seen over the years on occasion – unfortunately there’s no explanation as to what they might be, and why they seem to play host at the Castlerigg stones. Some theories suggest alien visitors as UFO’S have also been reported near the stones – I should say that the Royal Airforce do fly in that region, and perhaps could explain some sightings being reported as unidentified flying objects.

I wasn’t lucky enough to encounter the lights during my brief visit, but I remain hopeful that one day I may witness this phenomena first-hand, with my camera ready!

The site is looked after by English Heritage – is open all year and is free. There’s limited roadside parking available, and it’s a short walk (5 mins) to the stones. I recommend getting there early as the site is popular with tourists, and sheep!

Castle Lane, Underskiddaw, Keswick, Cumbria, CA12 4RN