At last, I’ve been to the ancient circle after hearing about the Merry Maidens a few years ago. The site is located near St Buryan on the road between Newlyn and Land’s End.

According to Cornish folklore, being turned into granite megaliths was the punishment for nineteen girls dancing on a Sunday to the tune of two pipers. I found out later that the musicians were also solidified, and their stony forms rest in the nearby countryside.

The place has been on my ‘to be visited’ list for a while. So early one morning, I climbed over the stile and squelched across the rain-soaked grass towards the stones. Thankfully, the sun came out, and behind the scattered silver-flecked monument, the sky was bright blue. A serene combination nurturing a sense of calm over the early Bronze Age formation.

I wandered around the inner circumference of the assorted-sized stones, which after being discovered, were restored in 1879. Most are positioned evenly, apart from a larger space at one end, which was possibly the entrance, and I wondered what was the stately ring’s purpose.

It is thought that it was most likely to be ceremonial and ritual linked to the sun and moon, like other ancient circles throughout the British Isles.

Edging the field where the Merry Maidens perform, there are mossy slabs and boulders dotted at intervals. Entwined with colourful flowering shrubs, they form a hedgerow melodic with birdsong. I was surprised to see wild garlic growing at the base of some. Their delicate white bell-shaped flowers and the leaves, pungent, culinary aroma, blew in the wind.

I was beginning to feel peckish, and the location is close to a town I love, so I crisscrossed the uplifting legendary land once more before heading off to Mousehole for lunch.

Until next time,
Sue. X