The Hurlers Stone Circles (Cornish: An Hurlysi) are three late Neolithic or early Bronze age stone circles arranged in a line, a grouping unique in England.
The Hurlers comprises three stone circles that lie on a line from SSW to NNE, and have diameters of 35 metres (115 ft.), 42 metres (138 ft.) and 33 metres (108 ft.). The two outer stone circles are circular. The middle circle, the largest is slightly elliptical. The survival of the southern stone circle, which now contains nine stones, has been most precarious: only two of the remaining stones are upright and the other seven are partially covered with soil. In the middle circle 14 stones survive out of 28. The stones show clear traces of being hammered smooth. The northern stone circle contained around 30 standing stones, from which 15 are still visible. Two other monoliths, the Pipers, are 100 metres (330 ft.) southwest of the middle circle and may be entrance stones to the Hurlers.
The name Hurlers (An Hurlysi) derives from a legend, in which men were playing Cornish hurling on a Sunday and were magically transformed into stones as punishment. The Pipers are supposed to be the figures of two men who played tunes on a Sunday and suffered the same fate. According to another legend, it is impossible to accurately count the number of standing stones.
The Hurlers Stone Circles are cared for and maintained by managed by Cornwall Heritage Trust.
Many sites are in the countryside. Please follow the Countryside Code. Leave only your footprints, take away only memories. If dogs are allowed, please keep them under control. Leave gates and property as you find them. Respect people, wildlife and property.
The Cornwall Heritage Trust is a registered charity, donations are gratefully received to fund important work. You may donate by clicking the Charity Link below.