Nine Maidens stone circle, Bronze Age stone circle in Belstone, England
Nine Maidens is a Bronze Age stone circle containing sixteen standing stones arranged in a circular pattern on elevated moorland terrain in Dartmoor. The formation spans approximately 7 meters (23 feet) across.
This site was built during the Bronze Age as a burial place, with a central mound that originally rose to match the height of the surrounding stones. Over time, the earth has eroded, leaving only the stone circle visible today.
Local folklore describes the stones as moving and dancing at midday, creating a lasting impression of magic among those who visit the site. This persistent tale has shaped how many people experience and remember the circle.
Start your visit by parking at the eastern edge of Belstone village, where facilities are available. A marked path from this point leads across the moorland to reach the circle.
The circle sits on an alignment that corresponds to the sunrise on May 8th, connecting it to other significant monuments across southern England. This celestial orientation suggests the builders had knowledge of astronomical patterns.
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