Mên-an-Tol

Mên-an-Tol is a group of three granite stones arranged in a line that forms a stone circle near Madron in Cornwall. The central stone carries a large circular hole and is flanked by two upright stones, all resting on open moorland.

The monument likely dates from the late Neolithic or early Bronze Age around 3,500 years ago. It may once have formed part of a larger circle whose remaining stones have since disappeared.

Local tradition held that crawling through the circular opening could cure conditions such as rickets and back ailments. Parents once passed sick children through the hole three times, while adults climbed through themselves.

A footpath leads from the nearest parking area across the moorland directly to the stones. The site lies northwest of Penzance and remains freely accessible throughout the year.

The central stone is one of only two holed stones found in Cornwall, with a perfectly round opening measuring around half a meter across. The exact purpose of this opening remains unexplained to this day.

Location: Madron

GPS coordinates: 50.15856,-5.60450

Latest update: December 22, 2025 15:12