Duloe stone circle is dated at around 2000BC. It has a diameter of about 36ft and consists of seven quartz stones, the tallest being over 8ft in height. Duloe is quite an oddity. Its small diameter and large, un-hewn, quartz stones make it virtually unique in Cornwall. This has led to some speculation that it isn't really a stone circle at all, but rather the remains of a barrow.

Duloe remained undocumented in recent times until it was officially 'discovered' in 1801. Originally dissected by a hedge, this was removed in 1858 and work carried out to re-erect the circle's fallen stones. It was at this time that the largest of the stones was unfortunately broken.

Duloe stone circle is tucked away in the back of a field in a small Cornish village. Despite the proximity of houses and power lines, the site retains an undeniable charm and still manages to hold onto a certain air of antiquity.

I wasn't really sure what to expect when visiting Duloe. There was an ambiguity to the site - its fairly secluded rural setting contrasting somewhat with signs of the modern world encroaching upon its perimeter. The large stones also seemed slightly incongruous in the context of such an understated circle.

The overall effect turned out to be very pleasant though. The heavily-veined quartz stones glitter and sparkle in the sunlight. Once inside the ring, the closeness of the megaliths creates an sense of enclosure and solitude - a feeling of being truly 'within' the circle and embraced by it. This makes it much easier to connect with than some much larger sites which I often find can be hard to get a feel for. Definitely worth a visit.