Mên-an-tol

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This baffling monument is the only one of its kind in Cornwall, consisting of two upright menhirs flanking a hollow, ring-shaped stone. Squeezing through the stone was said to be a cure for infertility and rickets, but quite what the original purpose of the stone was is still a complete mystery. Its name derives from the Cornish for 'stone of the hole'.

The site is situated along a side track 5 miles south of Morvah – look out for the turning sign to Chûn Castle, and park in the next layby. The track leads from here.

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Nearby attractions

1. Nine Maidens

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A small stone circle of nine upright stones. The name derives from maedn (later shortened to mên, as in menhir), meaning stone.

2. Lanyon Quoit

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