Mitchell's Fold Stone Circle SY15 6DE
Free for everyone
Open: Seasonal - See website

About:
Mitchell’s Fold Stone Circle was constructed in the Bronze Age, over 3,000 years ago, using dolerite stones from nearby Stapeley Hill. Today there are 15 stones, arranged in a rough circle, but there may once have been as many as 30. Much of this damage is ancient. The tallest stone was once one of a pair, and these would have formed an impressive entrance into the circle. It is thought that there may also have been a central stone. We do not fully understand why stone circles were built, but it is clear that they were ritually important for prehistoric people. They may have provided a focus for funerary rites, or perhaps had a calendrical function, with carefully aligned stones marking important lunar or solar events. Mitchell’s Fold is just one of a remarkable number of prehistoric monuments in the surrounding landscape; there are also two other stone circles, a long barrow and numerous cairns. Nearby was the important Bronze Age axe factory at Cwm Mawr, where distinctive axe-hammers were produced and traded extensively into central Wales and England. As with many prehistoric sites, Mitchell’s Fold is the subject of legend. It is said that during a time of famine, a fairy gave a magic cow that provided an endless supply of milk. One night an evil witch milked her into a sieve. When the cow realised the trick, she disappeared. The witch was turned to stone and a circle of stones was erected around her, to ensure that she could not escape.

Dog Friendly:
Livestock may be grazing in the area close to the stones, please keep dogs on leads.

Entry Charge:
Variable prices (see website)

Parking:
A parking area is available at the end of the track. Cars are not permitted beyond the cattle grid onto the moorland..

Facilities:
There are no facilities on location.

Notes:
Stapeley Hill can have changeable weather conditions so come prepared with suitable clothing as the site is remote and very exposed.

Contact:
Website: www.english-heritage.org.uk
Tel: 0370 3331181