Quick Guide: Submitting a Stone

Submit a Stone

English Stone Lifting exists to document, preserve and promote the tradition of stone lifting in England.

Our community continues to discover and document lifting stones across the country. Before submitting a stone, please consider the English Stonelifting Policy | English Stonelifting and use the guide below to ensure that the location, access and history of the stone are properly considered.

Most importantly: English Stone Lifting does not grant permission to place, access or lift a stone. Any required permission must be obtained from the relevant landowner or authority before a stone is submitted.

1. Location & Permission

The location is an important part of a stone's character and forms part of the overall experience.

You must obtain the landowner's permission before placing or establishing a stone on land.
If the land is managed by a public body, conservation organisation or other authority, check whether additional permission or consent is required.
Stones should be positioned away from busy paths, tracks and rights of way wherever possible, both for the safety of lifters and to avoid obstructing other members of the public.
Where feasible, choose a location where a dropped stone is unlikely to cause unnecessary damage to the ground or surrounding landscape.
Locations with historical, cultural or folkloric significance are encouraged where appropriate, provided the relevant permissions have been obtained.
Do not place, move or establish a stone at a location simply because the land is publicly accessible. The location should complement the stone rather than create a hazard, obstruction or unnecessary impact on the surrounding environment.

2. Legal & Environmental Considerations

Many lifting stones are informal or natural features of the landscape, but every location is different.

Public access does not necessarily mean that the land is publicly owned.
Access rights do not automatically give permission to place, install or move objects.
Stones must not obstruct public footpaths, bridleways, roads or other rights of way.
Particular care is required in areas containing scheduled monuments, archaeological features, protected habitats, Sites of Special Scientific Interest or other designated land.
Where additional restrictions or consents may apply, these must be established before placing or promoting a stone.
Stones should remain natural, unfixed features wherever appropriate and should not be altered, excavated into, concreted in, or otherwise installed in a way that could damage the landscape. If you are unsure whether a location is suitable or whether additional permission is required, check with the landowner or relevant authority before proceeding.
English Stone Lifting may request further information about permissions or the location before publishing a submitted stone.

3. Stone Weight

For heavier stones, accessibility should also be considered.

For stones generally exceeding 130 kg, consideration should be given to providing a lighter companion stone.
A companion stone of approximately 50–70 kg can allow more lifters to participate and provides an opportunity for warming up before attempting a heavier stone.
A lighter companion does not need to be placed at every location, but it can make a particularly heavy stone more accessible to a wider range of lifters.

The aim is to preserve the challenge of the primary stone while encouraging safe and inclusive participation.

4. Access

Access is part of the character of many lifting stones.

Some stones may be located close to parking or public access points.
Others may require a walk of several miles before the stone can be reached.
Where a walk-in is part of the experience, this should be clearly communicated in the stone's description.
Access information should be accurate and should not encourage users to cross private land, climb fences, enter restricted areas or leave established rights of way where this is not permitted.

The publication of a stone's location does not constitute permission to access the land or lift the stone.

Lifters are responsible for ensuring that they have the appropriate permission and are complying with any restrictions that apply to the location.

5. Weighing

Accurate information helps lifters understand what they are attempting.

Stones should be weighed before submission using reliable equipment, such as suitable crane scales.
Where possible, take multiple readings and record the average.
The recorded weight should be treated as an approximate guide, as natural stones may vary slightly depending on equipment, conditions and measurement method.
If the stone has not been accurately weighed, please state this when submitting it rather than estimating a weight.

6. The Challenge

Every stone should have a reason for being featured.

When submitting a stone, please provide as much information as possible about:

What makes the stone challenging — weight, shape, height, grip, position or combination of factors.
The intended lift, if there is a particular technique or challenge associated with it.
The history of the stone, where known.
How the stone came to be where it is.
Any local history, folklore or cultural significance.
Previous notable lifts, where these can be verified.
Any access or permission requirements that lifters need to know.

This information helps preserve not just the physical stone, but the story and character that make it worth visiting.

7. The Key Takeaway

A good lifting stone is more than a heavy rock.

English Stone Lifting aims to preserve the tradition while encouraging responsible participation.

Before submitting a stone:

✔ Obtain the necessary permission.
✔ Check access and any applicable restrictions.
✔ Consider the surrounding landscape, wildlife and heritage.
✔ Keep rights of way and public areas clear.
✔ Provide accurate weight and location information.
✔ Tell us the history and story behind the stone.
✔ Encourage responsible lifting and respectful replacement.

Never assume that because a stone is visible or accessible, it can automatically be moved or lifted.

English Stone Lifting reserves the right to decline, amend or remove a stone listing where concerns arise regarding permissions, access, safety, environmental impact, heritage protection or inappropriate activity.

Ready to submit?

Once you have confirmed that the stone and its location meet the guidance above, you can submit your stone here.