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, the far southwestern edge of England, is a land that carries the memory of an older world. Its moors and cliffs are alive with whispers from long ago. The wind here has a voice that seems to remember, and if you listen carefully, you can almost hear the echo of footsteps from those who first shaped the land thousands of years ago. Among the heather, the granite, and the salt-filled air, ancient monuments still stand, reminders that time in Cornwall does not pass as it does elsewhere. It lingers, it circles, it waits. For those drawn to sacred landscapes, Cornwall offers something extraordinary. Its stone circles, burial chambers, and mysterious underground passages have survived for millennia. Each one holds a presence that cannot be fully explained. They invite you not just to see them but to feel them. They ask for silence, patience, and attention. When you visit these sites, you are not a tourist. You are a participant in an ancient conversation between land, sky, and ston...

Wiltshire, situated in the heart of southern England, is a land steeped in history and mystery. Its rolling fields and tranquil valleys conceal some of the most remarkable prehistoric monuments in the world. From towering stone circles to ancient burial mounds, Wiltshire offers a rare opportunity to step back into a world shaped by rituals, astronomical knowledge, and sacred landscapes. For history enthusiasts, archaeology lovers, and seekers of the mystical, Wiltshire is nothing short of enchanting. In this blog post, we will explore the most significant ancient sites in the county, unravel their stories, and offer tips for connecting more deeply with these timeless places. Stonehenge No journey to Wiltshire would be complete without visiting Stonehenge, perhaps the most famous prehistoric site in the world. Located near Amesbury, Stonehenge is a Neolithic stone circle that dates back to around 3000 BC. Its imposing stones, some weighing up to 40 tons, were transported from distant re...