Chûn Quoit is one of the best preserved of all Neolithic quoits (also called dolmens or cromlechs) in western Cornwall. Like the other quoits, it was probably covered by a round barrow, of which much evidence abounds. It was a closed chamber and its mushroom-domed capstone measures 3.3 m by 3m. There is a cup mark on top of the capstone. It is supported about 2 m from the ground by four substantial slabs. There is evidence of an entrance passage to the south-east within the mound area. The site was examined in 1871 but no significant finds were made.

In the vicinity of Chûn Quoit there are many other megalithic and archaeological sites, such as Lanyon Quoit, Mulfra Quoit, Mên-an-Tol and Mên Scryfa. The rocky outline of Carn Kenidjack marks the position of midwinter sunset away to the south-west.

This is the only dolmen in West Penwith to retain its capstone 'in situ' – others have been re-settled. It is believed to have been built around 2400 BC, two millennia before the neighbouring Chûn Castle.

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Address

Penwith, United Kingdom
See all sites in Penwith

Details

Founded: 2400 BCE
Category: Prehistoric and archaeological sites in United Kingdom

More Information

en.wikipedia.org

Rating

4.9/5 (based on Google user reviews)

User Reviews

John Heckelmann (2 years ago)
Magnificent Dolmen with beautiful view Someone lost their key here.
Gyp Mckarthy (2 years ago)
Lush dolmen, one of the best, and good wild camping at Carne, just down the hill in Morvah Andsum ??️☮️
Geoff Harry (2 years ago)
A great walk from the little car park up through the gorse and heather. The quoit is small but well preserved with great views and huge sky. Lots of choices of tracks to make your own circular route. No information board means you'll need to do your own research but also means it feels genuine and not just another tourist site.
Chun (5 years ago)
An iconic Cornish monument set in beautiful moorland. Remains of the mound that once covered it can still be seen.
Julie Stevens (7 years ago)
Nice walk to the quoit, went during winter, it was a little wet but not too bad. Lovely place for a picnic. Not the largest quoit I've seen but still great to see.
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