The Nine Stones of Altarnun
OS grid ref:- SX 235782
The Nine stones of Altarnun, sometimes known as Altarnun stone circle, is situated in an isolated location on open moorland around 3 kilometres (1.9 miles) south southeast of the village of Altarnun on Bodmin Moor.
The stone circle is the smallest on Bodmin Moor, measuring only 49 feet (15 metres) in diameter and consists of eight granite stones. It was restored in the nineteenth century when only two of the stones remained standing with one in the centre.
A flat triangular shaped stone also lies at the base of one of the stones. The stones are irregularly spaced with the tallest being 4.2 feet (1.3 m). Several of the stones, including the central one, lean at precarious angles. A gap in the north suggests where another stone may have stood.
The Nine stones of Altarnun is managed by English heritage.
The nearby Goodaver Stone Circle is situated near Bolventor. The circle has 24 of its original stones remaining and dates from the Bronze Age . Some restoration of the site was carried out in 1906 when some of the stones were incorrectly repositioned.
Directions
Proceed up the road signposted Bastreet just to the north of North Hill. The road climbs through woodland, crosses a cattle grid and levels out just past a farm where parking is available on the side of the road. Walk to a small stone cross on the moor to your right and carry on up the hill. Once on the ridge descend onto East Moor. The stone circle should then come into sight.