The Hethpool
stone circle is intriguing but not entirely for the right reasons! The
circle encloses an area of over 2000 square metres meaning that it is
(or was) one of the largest stone circles in Britain. Unfortunately the
circle stones have not fared well over the years and none of them
remain standing. The field in which they are located has been used for
growing crops which presumably meant that the stones will have
been seen as an annoying obstruction during ploughing and harvesting
and were treated accordingly! The legacy for today's visitor is that
that the stones can be difficult to pick out and it is quite possible
that some have been buried. It would be entirely possible for a passer
by on the nearby track to fail to notice any sign of a circle at all!
Much of the contemporary interest lies in attempting to form an
impression in the former magnificence of this circle.
As you approach the circle it is possible to begin to make out the
stones amongst the grass. There is a large, fallen stone in the
foreground while other stones that have fallen flat against the ground
are just visible in the background.
A closer look begins to provide assurance that these are, in fact, stones and not crouching sheep!
The picture below gives a flavour of the fate of the surviving circle
stones. There are some low grassy humps which may cover other fallen
stones here also.
Finally a view from inside what is left of the circle looking towards
the track that passes the site. It would easily be possible to pass
this circle in a vehicle (or even on foot) and not be aware of its
presence.
