Tigh Nam Bodach, Perthshire, Scotland
Far away beyond Loch Lyon, 11.3 kilometres west of Cashlie in Glen Lyon, a ritual has taken place at the shrine of Tigh Nam Bodach twice a year for as long as anyone can remember. Inside a low stone structure with a turf roof are stones of almost human shape and size. On "Beltane", which is the ancient name for 1 May, these stones are brought out and placed in front of the shrine. There they stand and keep watch over the land until they're taken back into the shrine at "Samhain" (1 November), for the winter. The figures are said to represent the Bodach, an old man, and the Cailleach, the Celtic goddess who presides over the land and brings the changing seasons.
Cadbury Castle, Somerset, England
The ancient hill fort known as Cadbury Castle, half a kilometre from South Cadbury village in Somerset, is believed by many to be the site of King Arthur's legendary Camelot. Archaeologists have confirmed that the Iron Age hill fort was occupied sometime in the fifth or sixth century, when King Arthur is thought to have lived. His legend is still important in modern culture - indeed, some people insist that he never died. There's a story that Cadbury Castle is where Arthur and his court lie sleeping in a hidden cavern beneath the hill, ready to awake and return at the hour of Britain's greatest need.
Menacuddle Well, Cornwall, England
Among beautiful gardens just outside St Austell, Menacuddle Well sits beside a small river and peaceful waterfall. The medieval stone well house is said to contain healing water in a deep stone trough, and the water flows freely around the well through shallow stone channels. Sick people used to come here to be cured, and bent pins were thrown into the waters to bring good fortune. The well still has a magical atmosphere, especially with all the ribbons and crystals hung around it by visitors and pilgrims.
Llyn Barfog, Gwynedd, Wales
In a lonely spot in the hills above the Dyfi estuary, Llyn Barfog is said to have been home to the Afanc, a lake monster that terrorized the area, attacking animals and people, until finally King Arthur got rid of it. Some say he dragged it from the lake using magical chains, others say he killed it, while yet others claim he took it to Cadair Idris and released it into the waters of Llyn Cau. On a stone beside a footpath leading to Llyn Barfog, you can see a hoof print said to have been made by King Arthur's horse during his battle with the Afanc. The lake is reached by a mile-long trail from Happy Valley Road car park, about three kilometres north of Aberdovey.
Nevern churchyard, Pembrokeshire, Wales
The churchyard of St Brynach's Church, at Nevern, is famous for its ancient carved stones as well as for its "bleeding" yew tree, which stands in an avenue of yews that form a green tunnel leading to the church door. The trees are believed to be 700 years old. The bleeding yew tree produces red sap that looks like blood. Usually, sap dries up, but this tree has been "bleeding" for as long as anyone can remember. Beside the church stands a four-metre-high Celtic cross covered in intricate designs. It dates from the 10th or 11th century and is known as St Brynach's Stone. There's a legend that every year, on St Brynach's Day (7 April), the first cuckoo of spring would land on top of the stone and sing, and mass could not be held until this had happened.
Stiperstones, Shropshire
Rising above a windy area of moorland, 3.2 kilometres east of Pennerley on the Shropshire Way, the Stiperstones form a long, jagged ridge of rocks, the highest of which is called the Devil's Chair. It's here that a giant - or, some say, the Devil - sat down to rest while carrying an apron-load of stones from Ireland. As he stood up again, the apron strings broke and he dropped the stones, which still lie all over the hill. Another pile of stones forming a "cairn", or burial monument, was said to have been dropped by a giantess who later tried to carry away some of the stones.
Bowerman's Nose, Devon
The impressive granite pile of stones known as Bowerman's Nose looks like an ancient megalithic idol, watching over the landscape towards Hameldown Tor. Standing on Hayne Down, close to the village of Manaton, it appears to be so unnatural that it was believed in the past to have been created by the druids. Its base is almost perfectly square, while on top of the column is a grim "face" that appears to be wearing a cap. Local legend offers an alternative origin for this monumental stone: a hunter named Bowerman offended some witches by interrupting their ceremony while chasing a hare (which was really a witch). To punish him, they turned the hunter to stone, and his dogs became the rocks of Hound Tor.
Wayland's Smithy, Oxfordshire
The Neolithic chambered long barrow known as Wayland's Smithy was once believed to be home to Wayland the Smith, an Anglo-Saxon half-god and blacksmith of legendary skill. It's hidden in a small wood, just off the ancient Neolithic track called the Ridgeway, 1.6 kilometres east of Ashbury, close to the Uffington White Horse. The entrance is marked by a row of huge megaliths that hide a small stone chamber and a long, low mound stretching away behind it.
Traprain Law, East Lothian, Scotland
The rocky volcanic hill known as Traprain Law, 2.4 kilometres south of East Linton village in East Lothian, stands out starkly from the surrounding landscape. It was once the capital of the Romano-British kingdom of Gododdin and has been an important ritual centre since Neolithic times. It's crowned by an Iron Age hill fort. At the top of the hill are some rocks from which a part has broken away, leaving a narrow gap. This is the Maiden Stone: it's said to bring fertility and good fortune to any young woman who passes through it, touching both sides.
Fairy Steps, Cumbria, England
Cut into the rocks on the edge of Whin Scar's plateau, 1.6 kilometres south-west of Beetham in Underlaid Wood, a set of steep stone steps goes up a narrow opening. The steps are said to be haunted by fairies, who will make a wish come true for anyone who manages to walk up or down the steps without touching the sides - a task that's almost impossible for all but the "little people"! The Fairy Steps are reached by an ancient trackway that passes through the twisted trees and limestone formations of Whin Scar near Beetham village.
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