Cross Quarter and Beltane on Ringmoor Down

A stroll through prehistory with archaeoastronomer Carolyn Kennett and Dartmoor guide Paul Rendell

As the wheel of the year turns, step out onto the open moor to welcome the coming of summer. Walk through wide skies and quiet landscapes as we follow a gentle circular route to the ancient monuments of Brisworthy and Ringmoor Circle Cairn. Among weathered stones and sweeping views, we’ll share stories of local folklore, the passionate rivalries of antiquarian archaeologists Baring-Gould and Worth, and the visionary work of archaeoastronomer Norman Lockyer. Along the way, we will pause to look upward and consider how these places have long been shaped by their relationship with the sky — and how modern interpretations continue to reveal their hidden meanings.

Carolyn Kennett, an archaeoastronomer with a passion for exploring the connections between ancient peoples, the landscape, and the skies, will lead this special walk. Learn about the possible celestial alignments and the role these monuments may have played in rituals and timekeeping for our Neolithic ancestors, as the morning light illuminates this extraordinary site.

Paul Rendell – known fondly as ‘Dartmoor Paul’ is a local historian, author, editor of the Dartmoor News and walk leader who has been walking on the moor for over 50 years. His knowledge of Dartmoor is second to none.

Meeting Place: car park by Brisworthy Plantation SX554657 What3Words: contrived.edge.lessening

Location link: https://maps.app.goo.gl/NDis6vnk574znNFy9

Time. 9.30 am

Please arrive 15 minutes before the start time, the walk will start promptly at 9.30 am

Terrain: rough ground, some pathways and open moor.

Distance approx 5 miles

Due to distance, older children welcome (under 16s free)

Well-behaved dogs on leads welcome, due to livestock

Tickets: Non-transferable

archaeoastronomycornwall.com