merrivale prehistoric landscape. dartmoor.

merrivale complex. this complex of stone rows, cist or kistvean, circle cairns, a stone circle and standing stones make up one of the most intriguing monumental megalithic structures to be found on dartmoor. various theories about its purpose prevail :

merrivale stone row. dartmoor.

merrivale stone row. dartmoor. this tight avenue of stone oriented just 2degrees north of west and set against the east west alignment of its northern partner. the triangular ‘blocking stone’ casts a strong shadow from the late summer sun and points due north at noon.. it has been observed, as we head towards the winter solstice that these low lying shadows at sunrise cross the northern row at cardinal points and are picked up in the position of the stones along its length.