The Mên-an-Tol is a small formation of standing stones in Cornwall. It consists of three upright granite stones: a round stone with its middle holed out with two standing stones to each side, in front of and behind the hole. When seen at an angle from one side, the stones form a three-dimensional '101'.

The site probably dates from the late Neolithic-early Bronze Age (approx. 2500-1500 BC) as do the other stone circles in West Penwith, and was probably used for ritual and ceremonial purposes.

The two side stones are both about 1.2 metres high. The westernmost stone was moved and brought into a straight line with the other two stones sometime after 1815. The holed stone is roughly octagonal in outline. It is 1.3 metres wide and 1.1 metres high; the circular hole is 0.5 m in diameter. The only other holed stone in Cornwall of this type is the Tolvan holed stone which can be seen in a garden near Helston.

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Founded: 2500-1500 BCE
Category: Prehistoric and archaeological sites in United Kingdom

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4.7/5 (based on Google user reviews)

User Reviews

Susan Clemoes (2 years ago)
An amazing area. The stones are magical, short walk up a lane from a small free parking area.
kenneth giles (2 years ago)
Only a short walk from the road is the wonderful ancient site of Mên-an-Tol. The track can be a little ruff and would not be suitable for wheal chairs. It is uphill going to the site. You have to go over an old stone stile. The steps are very big and those with mobility issues may have difficulty. It can get busy here if you ate going on weekends or in school holidays. Unfortunately the stones are not in there original position as they where re erected in the 18th / 19th century. Despite that there is a lovely energy here and the walk is well worth it.
David Nurse (2 years ago)
A great place to visit and quite easy to get to. Good spot for a picnic. You can also visit a standing stone called Menscrifa which is in the next field along the path to the left. This is a fine site that is easily accessible on the moor. The road is a turn south off the B3306 There is a parking for around 4 cars close to the path of this site (50.153595163384026, -5.6149119102692655) The pathway is marked and the walk is an easy 1.2KM (15 minutes) from here. Look for a sign on the path by a a stile to cross the field.
Mike Taylor (2 years ago)
Peaceful and serene historic stones set with a wider rough moorland area. A short trail walk from on road parking. Definitely worth a walk to see them and climb through the circular stone
Eighties ForLife (3 years ago)
A peaceful place dating from the prehistoric times. Had lovely evening there although the field was very wet and dump. I would love to visit it again during summer time and spend more time and maybe sit or kay on the soil.
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