Druid's Circle

Ordnance Survey map reference: SH 722746.

Landranger map number: 115.

Latitude: 53.15 degrees.

Longitude: -3.55 degrees.

Architecture: Embanked circle with portal entance stones..

Length of the major axis: 25.7 metres.

Length of the minor axis: 24.5 metres.

Height of the highest stone: 2.3 metres.

Shape: Ellipse.

Number of stones in the circle originally: .

Number of stones in the circle now: 11.

Impression of the site (10 amazing, 1 limp): 9

Burl rating of the circle: 3 (Ruined but recognisable ).

Thom reference for the circle: W2/1 Penmaenmawr.

Astronomical alignments from this circle: Sun rise Dec +16.2, Sun set Dec -14.1,.

Excavations undertaken at this circle: 1958.

Details of any finds at this circle: Enlarged food vessel, food vessel, bronze knife, 3 whetstones.

This circle is not in state care.

Access to the circle:

The circle lies a considerable distance along an ancient footpath high above the village of Penmaenmawr. A fairly long walk up hill for over two miles is needed to reach to site but the views are splendid and the circle is well worth the effort. It lies along the route of the footpath and cannot be missed. Parking is possible at the boundary of the National Park where the road enters the moors below the hill of Foel Lus.

Eleven large stones remain upright, other small stones are scattered around the perimeter. An evocative circle to visit, very lonely and remote, high on the moors with an ancient prehistoric pathway close by. Well worth the effort in the right weather conditions. Several legends attach themselves to this circle, one being that the slain bodies of infants were placed on a carved out 'seat' on top of one of the stones. The stone in question is quite discernible and does appear to be hand carved. Such legends are more likely to be the product of local folk lore though than of reality, the true purpose of this stone will probably never be known.The Druid's circle is probably one of the best sites in Wales and well worth seeing, however it can be a bit of a long uphill slog especially for the unfit (like me!).

Close to the Druid's circle can be found Circle 278, it's stones can be seen from the Druid's site about 160m to the west and it is well worth a visit.

The Druid's Circle is an evocative and lonely site and is the most impressive circle in North Wales.

The so called 'carved stone' where bodies of slain infants were supposedly seated.

The nearest public road to the Druid's Circle is situated at the top of the tree line near the base of the hill in the background of this picture.