The Hurlers is a group of prehistoric stone monuments located at the south eastern edge of Bodmin Moor.
Hurlers Stone Circles are probably the best examples of ceremonial circles in the south west. According to legend, they are the remains of men petrified for playing hurling on a Sunday. The stone circles are part of the English Heritage.
Some 150 prehistoric stone circles have been identified in England, of which 16 are to be found on Bodmin Moor, the largest of the Cornish granite uplands. Of these, The Hurlers are the most fascinating.
The close grouping of three Late Neolithic or Early Bronze Age stone circles is extremely rare in England, but a grouping of three such regular circles is unique.
The monument, which was excavated in the 1930s, consists of three adjacent stone circles aligned north-east to south-west. To the west is a pair of outlying upright stones standing close together, known as the Pipers.
Of the northern circle 15 original stones are visible, and excavation revealed the buried holes for a further ten, now represented by marker stones. The regular spacing of the stones suggests there would have been five more, giving 30 in all.
A strip of granite paving, found in excavation, ran between this and the central circle.
The central circle, the best preserved of the three, has 14 original stones and 14 markers. All the stones were hammered smooth, and the chippings were deposited nearby. The southern circle, which has not been excavated, is the least well preserved: it has nine original stones of which seven have fallen.
Stone robbing has damaged all the circles to some extent, while the introduction of cattle on to Bodmin Moor has resulted in many of the stones falling over: cows use them as scratching posts, eroding the ground and undermining them.
The small pits visible within the southern and central circles, and a slight bank crossing the central circle, are the remains of post-medieval tin mining.
The are is popular for walking and hiking and there is a carpark located approximately 150 metres south of the stone circles themselves.
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- Carpark (Free)
- Dogs allowed (All year)
- 5 minute walk from carpark
History of The Hurlers
The Hurlers are a group of three Bronze Age stone circles located on Bodmin Moor in Cornwall. The circles date back to around 1500 BC and are thought to have been used for religious and ceremonial purposes by the people of the time.
The name ‘The Hurlers’ is believed to derive from a local legend which claims that the circles are the petrified remains of men who were turned to stone for playing the ancient game of hurling on a Sunday. However, this is just a legend and the true purpose of the circles remains unknown.
In addition to the stone circles, there are a number of other archaeological features in the surrounding area, including the remains of ancient field systems, hut circles and cairns. The Hurlers are also located near to the site of the Cheesewring, a natural rock formation which has been shaped by the elements over millions of years.
The Hurlers are popular for exploring the ancient stone circles and learn about the rich history and culture of the area. The site is also an important part of the local landscape and is protected as a Scheduled Ancient Monument.
Travel / Parking information for The Hurlers
Directions to The Hurlers
From the A30, take the A3071 towards St Just. Once in St Just, follow local signs to Stowe’s Hill, which is a short drive from the village centre. The hill is accessible via various walking paths.
Parking for The Hurlers
Parking options near Stowe’s Hill are limited to roadside spaces in St Just or designated parking areas within the village. Visitors can park in the village and enjoy a short walk to the hill via the marked paths. Early arrival is advisable during peak times, particularly in the summer months, as spaces can fill up quickly. Suitable footwear is recommended for those exploring the hill’s trails.