Time takes on a peculiar quality on Cornwall’s Penwith Moors. The landscape is a tangled mess of bracken and gorse, tinted with a soft marigold hue that signals the arrival of warmer summer days. A smudge of grey clouds hangs low on the horizon, and the wind whirs like white noise, creating a disorienting murmur. This place is a palimpsest, with the remnants of working farms etched over ruined mines and ancient settlements. And at the center of it all lies a scattering of ancient stones – the enigmatic quoits, barrows, and stone circles that have fascinated and perplexed societies for thousands of years.
I’m here to explore the mysteries of the moors, guided by artists and stone enthusiasts Lally MacBeth and Matthew Shaw. As we meet, I can’t help but feel a bit underdressed in my muddy hiking boots and sturdy waterproof attire – in Cornwall, we’re always prepared for the possibility of showers. MacBeth, on the other hand, looks the part of an antiquarian in her emerald-green blazer, matching beret, and a swipe of ruby red lipstick. The only muted aspect of her ensemble is a small monochrome badge that reads: “The Stone Club.”
MacBeth and Shaw, founders of this community of stone fans, are no strangers to a good exploration of these ancient structures. What started as a small initiative in their living room in Penryn, Cornwall, in 2021 has now grown into a network of nearly 3,000 members. While the couple organizes walks and events, the Stone Club primarily serves as a forum for stone enthusiasts from all over the country to share stories and tips about their favorite formations (and with over 1,000 stone circles in Britain, there’s plenty to discuss!). Members of all ages, ranging from two to 80, offer advice on the most fascinating routes, whether wellies are necessary, and where to find the closest watering hole or country pub. The club also acts as an informal identification service, where members can post photos of mysterious stones they’ve come across, hoping to find answers from others in the community.
Interest in the Stone Club skyrocketed during the lockdowns and has continued to grow, according to MacBeth. “People were eager to get outside again – to learn about their surroundings and take pride in them. Many felt like they had found a new community, a group of like-minded individuals.”
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