Don't Dance on a Sunday
The Summer Section of the Weird Walks book and I am introduced to Stanton Drew. The folklore;
The Stanton Drew stone circles in Somerset, England, are steeped in legend and mystery. According to local folklore, these ancient stones were once a lively wedding party. The tale tells of a joyous celebration that continued into the Sabbath, with the Devil himself disguised as a fiddler, providing the music. As punishment for their revelry on a holy day, the wedding guests were turned to stone, forever frozen in their dance. Today, these Neolithic monuments stand as a haunting reminder of the consequences of defying sacred traditions, adding a mystical allure to the landscape.
The stones are spread quite wide over the village. Surely the best is The Cove. Three stones, standing in the beer garden of the Druids Arms. The church providing a contrasting spiritual backdrop.
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| C17th painting, shows this standing - so not for sacrifices |
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| Two standing stones - beer benches off picture and to the left |
The first architectural object of interest is found on the approach into the village. A former tollbooth. A charming hexagonal turret like building, complete with hares on a thatched roof.
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| Click YouTube to see inside. |
Its from here we access the countryside. A straightforward climb to the Maes Knoll Hillfort across agricultural land, passing through the two Norton Hamlets, Hawkfield and Malreward. The views from the top are quite something. Bristol to the West, Somerset to the South.
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| Bristol demands graffiti |
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| From the flanks of Maes Knoll |
After losing the gained height, a pleasant stretch along the River Chew. Arrival timed to reach the pub with 2 minutes to spare before our 1:30pm booking.
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| From the road |
Something for everyone here - excellent Sunday lunches for the tourists and ramblers. Butcombe and Tribute for the card playing old boys taking advantage of the sunshine. Very friendly service.
Mrs M decides to stay at the Cove, whilst I am forced to investigate the rest of the stones solo. Her rationale? Full of the finest pork belly and Korev, she can always google them later.
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| The North East Stone Circle. |
Walk Details
Distance - 6.5 Miles
Geocaches - 14
Walk Inspiration - Country Walking Magazine, September 23, Walk 3
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