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Much of the site's celebrity is due to its spectacular setting. Standing in an open field high above Keswick, 215 metres above sea level, it's encircled by a panorama of some of the Northern Fells' most famous natural landmarks. These include Skiddaw, Blencathra and St John's in the Vale.
The architecture of the circle itself comprises of 38 un-hewn slate stones, 33 of which are still standing, in an outer ring 30 metres (100 ft) in diameter. It's believed the ring once consisted of 41 stones. This is one of the best-preserved stone circles in the British Isles. Despite having been exposed to the elements for five millennia, these are still hulking boulders, measuring up to 2.3 metres and weighing in at a maximum of 16 tons each. 10 smaller stones form a narrow rectangular cove in the ring's south-eastern quadrant. Discussion concerning the cove's significance is purely conjecture, as nothing of its sort is documented elsewhere. An outlying stone stands 90 metres south-west of the main site, sheltered by a dry stone wall. It's believed to have been moved here from the main site in modern times, having once been part of the circle, and has served as a stile to the adjoining field until the National Trust's acquisition of the grounds in 1913.
Although its exact origins are unknown, there has been much speculation of Castlerigg's intended purpose. Many suspect the site served astronomical purposes. This claim is corroborated by certain stones' alignment with the midwinter sunrise and various lunar positions. It is also claimed that it served as a place of ritual during the autumnal equinox, with many still gathering here each year to watch the sunrise over the eastern hill of Threlkeld Knott.
Despite having a long history, there have been precious few archaeological finds at Castlerigg. In 1875, an excavation produced a stone axe head, linking the site with the nearby Langdale axe industry. The industry was prolific during Neolithic times, producing highly-prized tools that were used right across Britain. Langdale's workers are believed to have built the circle and later used it for pagan ritual functions. Further excavations in 1882 unearthed large quantities of charcoal, leading to theories postulating Castlerigg as a burial site. This speculation was compounded by the discovery of the remains of three cairns in the circle's northern half, although it is now believed funerary practices only occurred here well after the circles completion. There is also on its north side is a large gap framed by two large stones. The gap believed to be a doorway, although, this again, isn't for certain.
Whatever the case may be, Castlerigg remains a site of wonder and intrigue, continuing to attract people to its grounds over 5,000 years after its inception. The site can be found 1.25 miles east of Keswick and is signposted from the nearby A66.
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