The Hurlers
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Bodmin Moor has many archaeological sites, both ancient and modern. The earliest sites on the moor date from Neolithic settlements, and the stone circles are likely to be late Neolithic/early Bronze Age. The Hurlers stone circles are among the most impressive in Cornwall, and are in fact three stone circles (although some people have suggested that there were originally eight circles in total, but very little evidence remains for this if this was the case).

The Hurlers are very close to Minions, and the largest of the three is over 40 metres in diameter. The circles actually date from sometime between 2,500 BC and 1,600 BC, and are around 4,000 years old.  They were no doubt a site for ancient pagan rituals and ceremonies of some kind, but their purpose has now been lost in the mists of time. Some think the Hurlers are sited on old "Ley Lines" across the landscape, lining up with other ancient sites, and many people have tried, not unsuccessfully, to trace these lines.

The Hurlers
The Hurlers

Legend has it in fact, that the Hurlers were men caught dancing on a Sunday, and playing ball games - or the old game of hurling - and were instantly turned to stone as a punishment, along with "The Pipers", these being two other standing stones that can be found nearby.

The Hurlers in the snow
The Hurlers in the snow ~ complete with new piper!

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