Bigstones

Nearest Town: Boroughbridge, North Yorkshire

OS Grid Reference: SE 391 665

Directions: Leave the A1M at junction 48, and turn towards Boroughbridge. Immediately join the A168 north (the old A1) and travel less than a mile to the next roundabout. Turn right, two of the stones are in a field to your left, the other in the trees on the right. Safe parking is available.

Site Notes: The scale of these stones is something else. Generally agreed to have once been an alignment of 5 stones, and possibly more (up to 12!) what remains is still enough to take the breath away. Averaging a good 30 feet high, the grooving at the top is said to be natural erosion, I think I would go with it being part of the original working of the stones. Easily seen from the motorway, an essential visit if you are in the area.

It is reported that a fourth stone was uprooted by treasure seekers around 400 years ago, and its remains may be seen forming part of the bridge over the River Tutt on the way into town.

Re-visit July 2007: Unfortunately the crops were growing during this visit, which prevented us getting closer to the pair of stones. However, my better camera than 6 years ago enabled me to take some improved shots of the roadside megalith. An amazing site, despite being divided, damaged and surrounded by roads – what must it have been like 4000 years ago?