I HAVE ALways been fascinated by Celtic history especially when it is wrong!

Many books suggest that stone circles were built by the Celts and their priests who were called Druids. Actually the stone circles were built long before the Celts and prove beyond doubt that these ancient peoples were skilled astronomers.

When you stroll around these monuments you really are walking through history.

This week, and in the November 19 edition, we’ll visit two of the finest stone circles, in my opinion, to be found anywhere in Britain.

First, Castlerigg, near Keswick - and how to get there...

From the A66 linking Penrith to Keswick, the stone circle is signed and there is parking on the roadside close to the monument which is well maintained by the National Trust.

1 Pass through a metal gate leading directly to the stone circle. This is some 4,000 years old and inspired John Keats (1795-1821) to write his epic “Hyperion.” The 38 stones make up a one hundred foot ring with a further 10 smaller stones constituting a second ring. Overlooked by the looming bulk of Saddleback Mountain so named because of its shape, the circle is an inspiration to us all as well as John Keats.

from the circle return to the minor road and turn right to Goosewell Farm. A footpath signed right indicates “The Nest.”

2 Follow the obvious footpath through four fields and pass through a gate at High Nest. The public footpath follows the drive with the house on the left.

Cross a cattle grid and turn left into a field, passing Low Nest.

3 The path widens and then crosses two footbridges over tributaries of the Naddle Beck. Follow well marked signs towards St John’s -in-the Vale Church. The route becomes quite steep and rocky with Sykes Farm to the left of the track. Pass through a gate leading into a very narrow motor road. Turn left to the Youth Centre and the church.

4 St John’s church dates only from 1845 but this remote site was a place of christian worship from at least 1554. In the churchyard is a Holy spring, which was probably used by health conscious pilgrims from Celtic times. The church is usually open and is a delightful place to sit and think about everything which is well in this busy world of ours.

Return to the church gate and look out for a slit stile almost immediately opposite. Follow the very obvious footpath signed to Tewet (or Tewit)Tarn. This is the old name for the lapwing which still breeds in the wet fields close to the pretty tarn.

5 At the tarn Skiddaw can be seen to the left and Saddleback to the right. Prior to reaching the tarn, cross a stile and keep the water on the left. Turn right at a finger post and descent a grassy track leading to a narrow lane.

After reaching Goosewell Farm turn left and return to Castlerigg.

Distance: nearly 5 miles of undulating but not difficult track.

Time: allow 3 hours Map OS Explorer OL4 Grid 279 230 There is roadside parking.

NB: Restrictions on space mean that this article provides a general summary of the route. It is advisable for anyone who plans to follow the walk to take a copy of the relevant Ordnance Survey map.