Buttern Hill Stone Circle Stone Circle View all content for Buttern Hill Stone Circle

Buttern Hill Stone Circle - 1.4.2004 I knew absolutely nothing about this site before visiting. I just saw it on the map and decided to make it an extension to my visit to Shovel Down and Scorhill. If anyone knows of any 'official' name for it please tell me and I'll change it. Although Bodmin Moor is much smaller, it is often a much harder place to walk than Dartmoor. A shortish walk on Dartmoor seems relatively easy to me, except for the fog and the lack of obvious features to map read by. Dartmoor felt drier than the Cornish uplands and there are 'paths' everywhere in this section of Dartmoor. Not obvious or marked paths but just loads of small paths (livestock paths?) that mean you don't have to yomp over uneven ground. So, from Scorhill to Buttern Hill Stone Circle you basically just need to skirt round the south west side of Buttern Hill. When you see some watery ground at the bottom of the valley between Buttern Hill and Rippator, you're getting close. But don't go right down to this lowest point. Stay mid way up the gentle slope and continue for about 300 metres and the circle should be there. It is not easy to spot / see. If you see some stones in this area, check them out; they could be the circle. I counted 5 stones still standing, and 15 recumbant, ranging from large ones to tiny stones that seem to be inline with a circle. It's a sad circle and obviously overshadowed by Scorhill, which is easier to get to and more 'beautiful'. But I have great sympathy for this circle. It's the underdog and I guess it was once beautiful.

Posted by pure joy 5th April 2004ce

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