Giant's Whetstone
This Stone is part of the wider Longridge Fell Stone Circuit – ‘The Forset of Stone'. The entire circuit consists of the Brownslow Brook Stones, Witch and the Oak, Spruce Stone, Taiga Stone, Acorn Stone, Hansel and Gretel, the Axe Stones and the Giant's Whetstone.
Weight
168kg / 370lbs
Location
View on what3words - agreement.inner.trailer
Original Challenge
Break ground, to lap, to chest
Name Origin
Named after the stones size and colour. It is the heviset stone on the Longridge Fell stone circuit.
Stones Submission
The Stone was discovered in situ by @dances_with_stones.
History
Longridge Fell has a long history shaped by both natural processes and human activity. Originally an area of open heath, pasture, and scattered woodland used from prehistoric times, it became more intensively managed during the medieval period (c. 1200–1500) for grazing and small-scale farming.
By the 18th and 19th centuries, the fell was increasingly influenced by sandstone quarrying (c. 1750–1900), which supplied building materials to nearby towns such as Preston, leaving behind tracks and worked ground still visible today.
In the mid–late 19th and early 20th centuries (c. 1850–1930s), large areas were planted with conifers to support timber production and reclaim land impacted by industry and grazing. Today, the fell reflects this layered history, combining ancient land use, industrial heritage, and modern woodland within the landscape.
Access and Permissions
This stone is located on open-access land. Public access rights apply subject to any restrictions or exclusions applicable to the site. These rights do not automatically grant permission to move, alter or place stones. Users should ensure that any lifting is compatible with the applicable access rights and restrictions and leave the stone and surrounding area as they found them.
Please read our Stonelifting Policy before attempting to lift this stone. The policy sets out the requirements regarding access, permissions, safety, conservation and responsible lifting.
