Truthwall Common, near St Just, Penzance, Cornwall TR19 7PZ
Tregeseal Stone Circle
Prehistoric
Source image
5.5
Wildland
1–2 hours
Time
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Cost
Atmospheric
Feel
Why it's Wildland
5.5Nineteen stones form a slightly flattened circle on the southern edge of the West Penwith moors, beneath the distinctive outcrop of Carn Kenidjack. The monument dates to around 2500–1500 BC; stones from a second circle are said to survive in a nearby hedge.
Tregeseal pairs a tangible prehistoric monument with an open moorland setting and a striking natural landmark on the horizon. Its interest extends beyond the standing stones: the source describes remnants of another circle nearby and a wider landscape of prehistoric monuments, while leaving the circle’s precise purpose uncertain.
Atmospheric · Ancient-feeling · Wild
Find your way
Open mapTruthwall Common, near St Just, Penzance, Cornwall TR19 7PZ
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Know this place a little better?
The experience
Visit the circle on Truthwall Common and take time to notice its arrangement and moorland setting. The site is reached by walking tracks from the St Just area; the source also identifies nearby prehistoric monuments, but does not provide a verified circular route or timings.
Things to do
Explore the 19-stone ring
Walk around the slightly flattened circle and notice the variation in stone height and the stones that have been re-erected.
Look for traces of the neighbouring circle
The source reports that stones from a second circle in the adjoining field can be found in the hedge. A possible third circle is less certain and may instead have been a cairn circle.
Take in the Carn Kenidjack setting
From the circle, look towards the distinctive natural outcrop of Carn Kenidjack, which the source describes as dominating the moorland landscape here.
Make a day of it
Quick escape · Allow time for the walk in and return; exact duration is not verified.
Quick escape: the stone circle
- 01
Use a walking approach described by the Cornish Ancient Sites Protection Network, checking current access arrangements before setting out.
- 02
Explore the surviving ring of 19 stones and look across the moor towards Carn Kenidjack.
- 03
Return by your chosen approach; no circular route is verified.
Verified history
The Cornish Ancient Sites Protection Network dates the circle to the late Neolithic–early Bronze Age, approximately 2500–1500 BC. It describes 19 stones, roughly 0.8–1.5 metres high, and reports that some had fallen and were later re-erected. A second circle is said to have stood in the adjoining field to the west; a possible third feature identified from crop marks may instead have been a cairn circle. The source suggests a ceremonial or ritual role, but the monument’s precise purpose is not established.
Folklore & legend
Local legends associated with Truthwall Common tell of a miner encountering a fairy feast at the circle and being bound in gossamer thread overnight, as well as stories of the Devil on Carn Kenidjack and of Pee Tregear being led astray by the piskies. These are folklore, not verified historical events.
Hidden details
Stones from a neighbouring circle — The source says stones from a second circle in the adjoining field can still be found in the hedge. It also mentions a possible third feature, while cautioning that this may have been a cairn circle instead.
When to go
· No specific time of day is established by the supplied evidence.
The monument is on exposed moorland. The supplied source gives no seasonal recommendation; conditions may affect the walking approach, so check the forecast and current access information.
The source does not provide a weather report or route-condition update. Check the forecast before walking onto the moor and be prepared for exposed conditions.
Worth pairing with
Tregeseal Barrows
The source identifies nearby barrows and links to information about them. Confirm their access and route before adding them to a visit.
Tregeseal Entrance Grave
A nearby prehistoric site identified by the Cornish Ancient Sites Protection Network. Check access and directions before visiting.
Tregeseal Holed Stones
The source lists nearby holed stones, whose date and purpose it describes as uncertain. Check access and directions before visiting.
What to look for
- 01
Look for the slightly flattened arrangement of 19 stones, including stones that have been re-erected
- 02
notice other stones lying nearby. The source says stones from a former circle in the adjoining field can be found in a hedge, and notes a possible third monument identified from crop marks, though this may instead have been a cairn circle. Carn Kenidjack is a prominent feature of the horizon.
The story
Archaeology
Best time to go
Choose a clear, relatively calm day for the exposed moorland approach and views; no particular season is established by the supplied evidence.
Aim for a clear, calm spell if you want to appreciate the open moorland setting. The source provides no seasonal or time-of-day recommendation.
How long to spend
1–2 hours
Perfect for
History lovers · Walkers · Photographers
Before you go
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Listed hours
- Monday: Open 24 hours
- Tuesday: Open 24 hours
- Wednesday: Open 24 hours
- Thursday: Open 24 hours
- Friday: Open 24 hours
- Saturday: Open 24 hours
- Sunday: Open 24 hours
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Google rating
Practical information
Opening & access
The Cornish Ancient Sites Protection Network describes two walking approaches from St Just, including a small parking area reported to hold two cars. The route follows tracks onto the moor and, on one approach, passes through a farm. The supplied source does not confirm current access arrangements; check before visiting and respect any signs or restrictions. The accepted map pin is for the site, not an entrance or parking point. Access arrangements are unconfirmed. Check before visiting; do not enter private land or restricted structures.
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Parking
The source describes a small parking area with room for two cars, as well as a possible roadside starting point near Nancherrow Hill. Parking availability and current arrangements are not independently confirmed; check before visiting.
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Toilets
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Food & drink
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Dogs
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Accessibility
The described approaches use tracks and moorland paths; one passes through a farm. The source row reports no wheelchair-accessible car park or entrance. The surface, gradients and current route conditions are not confirmed; check before visiting.
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Cost
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Gallery
Place photographsKeep exploring
Around Tregeseal Stone Circle
Within 50 km · approximate straight-line distances
