Grey Wethers Stone Circles Dartmoor
Discover the ancient mystery of Dartmoor's unique twin stone circles, a Bronze Age marvel set amidst rugged, wild moorland.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
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Best Time
Fewer crowds, fresh air
Grey Wethers Stone Circles Dartmoor
Best Time
Fewer crowds, fresh air
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Discover the ancient mystery of Dartmoor's unique twin stone circles, a Bronze Age marvel set amidst rugged, wild moorland.
"A beautiful, serene, yet rugged spot with a unique pair of stone circles."
Wear Sturdy Footwear
The moorland terrain can be uneven and boggy. Good hiking boots are essential for comfort and safety. :athletic_shoe:
Check the Weather
Dartmoor weather is notoriously unpredictable. Pack layers and waterproofs, even on a sunny day. :cloud:
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
The Twin Circles
Dartmoor National Park
Discover the unique pair of Bronze Age stone circles, a rare archaeological find with an air of mystery.
Sittaford Tor Views
Near Sittaford Tor
Enjoy panoramic vistas of the wild Dartmoor landscape from the base of Sittaford Tor.
Ancient Atmosphere
Dartmoor Moorland
Experience a profound sense of history and tranquility in this remote, rugged setting.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Embrace the Wild
Respect the Landscape
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
Wear Sturdy Footwear
The moorland terrain can be uneven and boggy. Good hiking boots are essential for comfort and safety. :athletic_shoe:
Check the Weather
Dartmoor weather is notoriously unpredictable. Pack layers and waterproofs, even on a sunny day. :cloud:
Bring a Map & Compass
Mobile signal can be unreliable. A physical map and compass are vital for navigation on the open moor. :compass:
Respect the Site
These are ancient monuments. Do not climb on or move the stones. Leave no trace. :pray:
Tips
from all over the internet
Wear Sturdy Footwear
The moorland terrain can be uneven and boggy. Good hiking boots are essential for comfort and safety. :athletic_shoe:
Check the Weather
Dartmoor weather is notoriously unpredictable. Pack layers and waterproofs, even on a sunny day. :cloud:
Bring a Map & Compass
Mobile signal can be unreliable. A physical map and compass are vital for navigation on the open moor. :compass:
Respect the Site
These are ancient monuments. Do not climb on or move the stones. Leave no trace. :pray:
Pack Snacks & Water
There are no facilities nearby. Ensure you have enough provisions for your walk. :apple:
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Visitors praise the Grey Wethers for their unique archaeological significance and the serene, rugged beauty of their Dartmoor setting. The remote feel and the mystery surrounding the twin circles are frequently highlighted as major draws. Some note the walk can be challenging due to moorland conditions and unpredictable weather.
"Lovely place, its a great photo area, I would try and go when the tide is out so you can climb down to the beach. Its a beautiful area. We went as a day trip from Devon, took the tour point ferry, it made the trip quicker. The coastal drive is amazing. Get a dash cam. My friend who was a passenger in the car whipped there phone out so fast to film the drive."
Andrea Glover
"Nice pair of stone circles, about an hour walk from Post Bridge on a reasonably good path. It’s quite a remote feel to this location albeit accessible from a few car parks. I believe the circles have undergone some restoration work over the years but it’s more or less how it would have been. It’s unique as the only pair of stone circles known to exist and nobody knows why there are two here."
Chris Gledhill
"Beautiful spot on the Moors easy to find walking out from Fernworhy Forrest. Two large stone circles and the legend of the Grey Wethers."
Paul Penna
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
The Grey Wethers are best accessed via a walk from car parks like Fernworthy Forest or Postbridge. The path from Fernworthy is generally well-maintained. Expect a walk of about an hour each way. +1
Yes, there are car parks at Fernworthy Forest and Postbridge, which serve as starting points for walks to the stone circles.
No, the Grey Wethers are situated in a remote part of Dartmoor and are not accessible by car. A walk is required.
For navigating Dartmoor, especially to remote sites like Grey Wethers, it's recommended to use a map and compass. Mobile signal can be poor.
While direct public transport to the stone circles is limited, buses do run to towns on the edge of Dartmoor, from where you might be able to arrange local transport or start longer walks.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
No, entry to the Grey Wethers Stone Circles is free. They are located within Dartmoor National Park, which is open to the public.
As an outdoor ancient monument on open moorland, there are no set opening hours. You can visit at any time, though daylight hours are recommended for safety and visibility.
There is no entrance fee to visit the Grey Wethers Stone Circles.
The main restriction is to respect the ancient monument and the natural environment. Avoid climbing on stones or leaving litter.
While restoration work has been done over the years, the circles are largely in their original state, offering a glimpse into their past.
🎫 🧭 Onsite Experience
You'll find a unique pair of Bronze Age stone circles, believed to be the only known twin circles. The surrounding moorland offers stunning views. +1
Allow at least 2-3 hours for the round trip walk from a car park, plus time to explore and soak in the atmosphere of the stone circles.
Absolutely! The rugged landscape and ancient stones provide fantastic photographic opportunities, especially during golden hour.
No, there are no facilities at the Grey Wethers site itself. You'll need to use facilities at your starting point or in nearby towns.
The legend is tied to the name 'Grey Wethers,' possibly referring to sheep that were turned to stone, or the stones themselves resembling a flock.
📸 📸 Photography Tips
Early morning or late afternoon light (golden hour) offers the most dramatic and atmospheric shots of the stone circles and moorland.
A wide-angle lens is great for capturing the scale of the circles and the vast landscape. A tripod can be useful for low-light conditions. :camerawithflash:
Include a person in your shot for scale, or use a wide-angle lens to emphasize the vastness of the moorland surrounding the stones.
Explore the area around the circles and from the base of Sittaford Tor for different perspectives and panoramic views.
Dramatic weather, like mist or moody skies, can add incredible atmosphere to your photos. Be prepared for changing conditions. :cloud:
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
Key tips for families: Pack plenty of snacks and drinks, as there are no facilities. Ensure children wear appropriate footwear for uneven terrain. Make it a treasure hunt to find the stones, and share the local legends to spark their imagination. Remember to emphasize respecting the ancient site by not climbing on the stones.
🚶 Hikers & Nature Enthusiasts
Consider extending your hike to explore nearby tors like Sittaford Tor for even more spectacular views. Wild camping is also a popular activity on Dartmoor, offering an immersive experience of the landscape overnight.
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
The Mystery of the Twin Circles
Some theories suggest they might have been used for different ceremonies or astronomical observations, perhaps aligned with specific celestial events. The name 'Grey Wethers' itself adds to the mystique, with local folklore suggesting the stones resemble a flock of sheep turned to stone by some ancient magic. This blend of archaeological evidence and local legend makes the Grey Wethers a captivating destination for history enthusiasts.
Visitors often remark on the remote and serene atmosphere of the site, which enhances the feeling of stepping back in time. The surrounding Dartmoor landscape, with its rugged beauty and expansive views, complements the ancient stones, creating a truly immersive experience.
Navigating Dartmoor's Wild Terrain
Mobile phone reception is notoriously unreliable across much of Dartmoor, making it essential to carry a physical map and compass and know how to use them. Relying solely on GPS devices or phone apps can be risky. Many visitors recommend planning your route in advance and informing someone of your hiking plans.
While the walk from car parks like Fernworthy Forest is generally considered accessible, the weather can change rapidly. Be prepared for wind, rain, and mist, even on seemingly clear days. Layering clothing is key, and always carry waterproofs.
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