The Goatstones

The Goatstones is a stone circle made of four stones arranged in a square pattern near Ravensheugh Crags. The stones vary in height and form a compact, standing monument that has remained in place for thousands of years.

This stone circle was built during the Bronze Age, spanning a long period of prehistoric construction. The location near Hadrian's Wall in Northumberland places it in a region that saw significant human activity over many centuries.

The name comes from Saxon words meaning 'wayside stones', reflecting how people once used this spot as a landmark. Today, visitors can see the small cup marks carved into the smallest stone, a detail that connects the site to its ancient makers.

This site is freely accessible to visitors but is legally protected, so respect the boundaries and avoid touching the stones. Wear sturdy footwear since the terrain is uneven and can become slippery after rain.

This four-stone circle is one of only 22 of its kind in England, placing it in a remarkably small and exclusive group. What distinguishes it from all the others is the collection of cup marks etched onto its smallest stone, a feature unique to this monument.

Location: Wark

GPS coordinates: 55.06660,-2.26876

Latest update: December 12, 2025 16:40