I completely understand this feeling of wanting to return to a place every year. The longing to be there and photograph it. For me one such place is a public beach in South India. Loved reading this Lin!
Thanks Lin, Your letter has been a lovely, gentle read. I only live about 20 minutes from Stonehenge but, I must admit, I've never been to visit. Of course. The A303 drives past it, so I've seen it many times, but never pulled in to walk close to them. I think, as you've mentioned, the number of people there now would put me off. Avebury is only about an hour from me - 30 miles, but I think I've only every driven past Avebury once and, again, never spent times with the stones. Maybe it's something I'm going to have to do at some stage.
Thanks Michael. I do go to Stonehenge now and then, good old NT membership lets me in free and yes, walking around the stones is really busy unless you get there early or late...but, for me, the wider landscape of other ancient monuments, woodland and rolling plains all within the Stonehenge boundaries makes it worth the visit...the visitors don't seem to bother with this so it is very peaceful. Worth a wander 😊
Dear Lin, you write so beautifully about this place, your "spiritual home." Your attachment to the place and the magic you feel when you're there are contagious. You've stirred up memories of times I've visited sites in Bretagne where there are megaliths (at Carnac, for example), and how there's something ancient and otherworldly that comes over me in those places. All of the places where I feel an intense connection to the land are in Bretagne, though not necessarily at Carnac. I'd probably say that the Forêt de Huelgoat in the Finistère is the most magical and mystical place I've ever been. (https://youtu.be/ZkvxURCCNW4?feature=shared). What it has in common with Avebury is its incredible rock formations.
Thank you Anne, I'm so pleased this stirred good memories for you. I've watched the video and wow, The Forest of Huelgoat looks amazing - it has everything I love... incredible ancient rocks, woodland and water, all wrapped in a sense of mystery. I can certainly see why you're drawn to it. I'll have to add that to my wishlist of places to visit!
Thank you, Lin. So beautiful and foreign to my eye. I've never been to England and haven't seen Stonehenge or the other natural stone monuments. I know it's spectacular. I experienced the Grand Canyon in the American west as a child and it stayed with me all my life, but my husband and I decided to move east and find land here. The spectacular part of my homeland is The Finger Lakes. The Iroquois Indians saw them as an imprint of the Hand of God. There are 5 major Finger Lakes and more smaller ones. The lake at the bottom of my steep hill is over 600 feet deep. It's 40 miles long and 2 miles or less across from west to east. The sunsets are spectacular. Sending you love across the ocean. Thanks for sharing your beautiful ancient world.
It’s lovely to see you over here Elaine, thank you for your comment. The stone circles in this country are full of wonderful energies, you would love them I’m sure but I have to say the Grand Canyon is quite a place to have experienced as a child – it’s hard to imagine the history that is imprinted on that land and the impression it left on you…I’d love to visit there. The Finger Lakes look quite beautiful from the pictures I’ve seen, probably more my cup of tea with all the trees and surrounding nature. I didn’t realise how big your nearest lake is – it’s far bigger than anything in the UK, how lucky you are to live on land with that in your ‘back garden’.
When I was an adult and visited Arizona, the Grand Canyon rock formations reminded me of the Shiva Temples in South India.
Back in NY state where I live, the second largest Finger Lake (Cayuga) is 38 miles long, so almost as large as Seneca Lake. They are only 12 miles apart. This is deep lake and waterfall country. Google "Watkins Glen State Park" for a look at a few of the waterfalls near me.
Wow there are some beautiful waterfalls and rivers running through Watkins Glen, you are very lucky to live close to such beauty - looks like another place on my imaginary wish list to visit! :-)
What a wonderful read, Lin. I can totally resonate with regards to how you feel drawn to a place. The more you return, the more layers start to unfold - and the landscape begin to talk to you in different ways.
Fay Godwin’s ‘Land’ is an incredible body of work too. I love how she essentially collaborates with the landscape and place you directly in it. Thanks for sharing.
Thank you Daniel, I'm pleased you enjoyed it. I agree, the more I visit, the deeper my relationship with the land grows bringing me closer, as it reveals more of itself to me.
I love that Fay Godwin was passionate about the landscape and I think that comes across in not just Land but also as she fought for more rights to access and how man was a threat to the land in Forbidden Land. An amazing photographer!
Beautiful words and images, Lin. I visited Avebury quite a few years ago but, being in the company of a friend and all our children, didn't have much chance to enjoy its spiritual atmosphere. I have, however, been to Calanais several times, along with some of the peripheral stone circles, and others in Scotland. I find all the prehistoric sites have an atmosphere; something to do with the communal effort involved in their construction maybe.
Thanks Lynn, I highly recommend a return to Avebury off season - well worth it. I'd love to visit the Calanais and do a tour all around the UK visiting these amazing sites...Fay Godwins photographs have a lot to answer for! Yes, I hadn't thought in those terms but there is the communal effort aspect that adds to the whole atmosphere as well - the history of the people, how they pulled together on such a mammoth task and why they built them all, there are so many tales and theories.
I love the word “hiraeth”. It definitely describes how I feel about many places, but especially places in the Swiss Alps. I long for them almost daily!
Thank you Manuela, ahh the Swiss Alps, somewhere I've never been but would love to walk there...I can understand the longing. 'Hiraeth' is a fabulous word - I can almost 'feel' it's meaning through hearing it spoken.
Lin, your images and story telling came as a gift. I was taken back to a time in the late 90's when I first visited Avebury whilst on a woman's 'Standing Stones' pilgrimage to Ireland, Scotland and England. The concept of the sacred /mysterious place was beginning to take hold. So this morning, I walked again amongst the megaliths and Silbury Hill. Without having that arduous plane trip from Melbourne, you transported me to Avebury. Such a treat.
Thank you Catherine, it's lovely to see you here on Substack - I'm so pleased you enjoyed this article. A Standing Stones pilgrimage sounds wonderful and it's great that you got to visit Avebury on it and soak up the sacred energy to be found there! I've visited a few sites in England, but I would love to visit more - I'll share more photos of Avebury and some of the other sites in future articles.
Beautiful photographs. I totally get these feelings towards a place. And it’s not necessary about wanting to photograph it, but just being there. One of these places for me is the north-west coast of Denmark. I can’t wait to return in May!
Thanks Susanne. Yes, just being...I feel that once we've connected with a place that deeply there is some sort of invisible thread that draws us back. I've not been to north-west Denmark but just had a little read on it and it sounds quite lovely with it's wild, sand dune landscape.
A lovely post Lin that I can relate to in so many ways. I too remember visiting Stonehenge in the 1970's and sitting on the stones to eat my picnic. 20 years later I moved to Somerset and fell in love with the Mendip hills. This landscape has stayed with me even through I moved away in 2007. I love the greenness and the gently rolling hills and have been drawn back many times over the intervening years.
Thank you so much for mentioning me in your post and for your kind words about my work. It is much appreciated.
You're welcome Gill - this community is so supportive so it's just a little way of giving back in each post.
'70's Stonehenge was something special wasn't it. I can understand your love of the Mendips though, the area is beautiful and of course has its own mysterious history and energies particularly around Glastonbury.
Wonderful words and images, Lin, thank you. It's a place I shamefully admit to not having visited as yet, despite my love for these wondrous places - something I really must put right one day. Hiraeth - such a beautiful word in both sound and meaning. One such place, for me, would be Thornborough in North Yorkshire, particularly the northern henge, though I've not visited for some years. Henges and stone circles do have that something special about them.
Thank you Ralph - I highly recommend a trip down south to visit. Yes Hiraeth is such a poetic word, I love the fact that it can't be translated directly into English. I hadn't heard of Thornborough Henge before but, from the EH website, it sounds like another one to add to my visit wishlist. I love how these sites are set in peaceful, rural spots, I'm sure that the rural nature deepens the sense of connection we have with them.
One day, hopefully. At one time we lived on the Isle of Wight, so were closer then. We should have gone when it was easier to get to! 🥴. If you’re interested, I wrote an article on here a little while back about Thornborough.
I've just read your article Ralph - some wonderful, colourful photos, the North Henge looks beautiful with what I assume is ancient woodland around it. I love to go to these events and have participated in a few at Avebury and attended the Jack in the Green several times. It's so good that these traditions are growing again. At some point I'll share some photos :-)
I really enjoyed reading this, Lin, and your photos are a fine homage to Fay Godwin. Also appreciated the reference to the summer of ‘76, forever etched in the minds of those of us who lived through it.
Thank you Mark, I'm glad you enjoyed it - Fay Godwin was and still is a big influence on my black and white work. Haha, yes 1976, baking in the heatwave or spending the weekend at many a wild punk concert or maybe on the Kings Road fashion scene...it was an experience!
Wow, I have not been to Avebury, clearly a flaw in my education. I shall correct this. Thank you so much for the introduction. And the great photographs! I have been drawn to these types of sites for many years. There was a dolmen about 50 yards from the place where I grew up and spent my summers. I would often climb on top of it and just sit there. There was a special sense of calm there. Some kind of force that I could only feel, but never really explain. Thank you for sharing. This is fabulous!
Thank you for your generous comments Soren - its good to be able to share pictures made before the years of online socials, hopefully I'll get to share more! :-)
How amazing to grow up that close to a dolmen - you're right the force is something that is almost impossible to put into words...but so healing to experience. Yes Avebury is a must visit, the surrounding landscape is filled with ancient treasures but I highly recommend going at a quiet time of year.
Thanks for commenting Noel - yes the connection felt is what creates that pull to return.
I've not heard of the Burren before but just had a quick online look and I can understand why you'd feel that same peace and connection there - it looks starkly beautiful.
It’s funny how prehistoric sites do draw people - may be a combined spiritual (with not necessarily a religious connotation) association with landscape, simplicity, peace and inner connection. I live close to the Peak District and we’re blessed with many ancient sites and fewer tourists so you can generally (if you pick the right site) have as long or as little time with/in them as you like for whatever reason. They are also great places to spend time with a camera.
Yes I agree Paul - the peace and inner connection is the draw. It sounds as though you're perfectly placed to spend time with these amazing sites in peace...we tend to time our visits for the quieter days and sometimes wait until the evenings when most of the tourists have left and we've got the place relatively to ourselves.
I completely understand this feeling of wanting to return to a place every year. The longing to be there and photograph it. For me one such place is a public beach in South India. Loved reading this Lin!
Thank you Shital - it's like an invisible thread isn't it...a South India beech - you must share photos on here sometime :-)
I have many times written about it !
Ahh - I've found it in and will read on! 😊
Thanks Lin, Your letter has been a lovely, gentle read. I only live about 20 minutes from Stonehenge but, I must admit, I've never been to visit. Of course. The A303 drives past it, so I've seen it many times, but never pulled in to walk close to them. I think, as you've mentioned, the number of people there now would put me off. Avebury is only about an hour from me - 30 miles, but I think I've only every driven past Avebury once and, again, never spent times with the stones. Maybe it's something I'm going to have to do at some stage.
Thanks Michael. I do go to Stonehenge now and then, good old NT membership lets me in free and yes, walking around the stones is really busy unless you get there early or late...but, for me, the wider landscape of other ancient monuments, woodland and rolling plains all within the Stonehenge boundaries makes it worth the visit...the visitors don't seem to bother with this so it is very peaceful. Worth a wander 😊
Dear Lin, you write so beautifully about this place, your "spiritual home." Your attachment to the place and the magic you feel when you're there are contagious. You've stirred up memories of times I've visited sites in Bretagne where there are megaliths (at Carnac, for example), and how there's something ancient and otherworldly that comes over me in those places. All of the places where I feel an intense connection to the land are in Bretagne, though not necessarily at Carnac. I'd probably say that the Forêt de Huelgoat in the Finistère is the most magical and mystical place I've ever been. (https://youtu.be/ZkvxURCCNW4?feature=shared). What it has in common with Avebury is its incredible rock formations.
Thank you Anne, I'm so pleased this stirred good memories for you. I've watched the video and wow, The Forest of Huelgoat looks amazing - it has everything I love... incredible ancient rocks, woodland and water, all wrapped in a sense of mystery. I can certainly see why you're drawn to it. I'll have to add that to my wishlist of places to visit!
Thank you, Lin. So beautiful and foreign to my eye. I've never been to England and haven't seen Stonehenge or the other natural stone monuments. I know it's spectacular. I experienced the Grand Canyon in the American west as a child and it stayed with me all my life, but my husband and I decided to move east and find land here. The spectacular part of my homeland is The Finger Lakes. The Iroquois Indians saw them as an imprint of the Hand of God. There are 5 major Finger Lakes and more smaller ones. The lake at the bottom of my steep hill is over 600 feet deep. It's 40 miles long and 2 miles or less across from west to east. The sunsets are spectacular. Sending you love across the ocean. Thanks for sharing your beautiful ancient world.
It’s lovely to see you over here Elaine, thank you for your comment. The stone circles in this country are full of wonderful energies, you would love them I’m sure but I have to say the Grand Canyon is quite a place to have experienced as a child – it’s hard to imagine the history that is imprinted on that land and the impression it left on you…I’d love to visit there. The Finger Lakes look quite beautiful from the pictures I’ve seen, probably more my cup of tea with all the trees and surrounding nature. I didn’t realise how big your nearest lake is – it’s far bigger than anything in the UK, how lucky you are to live on land with that in your ‘back garden’.
When I was an adult and visited Arizona, the Grand Canyon rock formations reminded me of the Shiva Temples in South India.
Back in NY state where I live, the second largest Finger Lake (Cayuga) is 38 miles long, so almost as large as Seneca Lake. They are only 12 miles apart. This is deep lake and waterfall country. Google "Watkins Glen State Park" for a look at a few of the waterfalls near me.
Wow there are some beautiful waterfalls and rivers running through Watkins Glen, you are very lucky to live close to such beauty - looks like another place on my imaginary wish list to visit! :-)
What a wonderful read, Lin. I can totally resonate with regards to how you feel drawn to a place. The more you return, the more layers start to unfold - and the landscape begin to talk to you in different ways.
Fay Godwin’s ‘Land’ is an incredible body of work too. I love how she essentially collaborates with the landscape and place you directly in it. Thanks for sharing.
Thank you Daniel, I'm pleased you enjoyed it. I agree, the more I visit, the deeper my relationship with the land grows bringing me closer, as it reveals more of itself to me.
I love that Fay Godwin was passionate about the landscape and I think that comes across in not just Land but also as she fought for more rights to access and how man was a threat to the land in Forbidden Land. An amazing photographer!
Beautiful words and images, Lin. I visited Avebury quite a few years ago but, being in the company of a friend and all our children, didn't have much chance to enjoy its spiritual atmosphere. I have, however, been to Calanais several times, along with some of the peripheral stone circles, and others in Scotland. I find all the prehistoric sites have an atmosphere; something to do with the communal effort involved in their construction maybe.
Thanks Lynn, I highly recommend a return to Avebury off season - well worth it. I'd love to visit the Calanais and do a tour all around the UK visiting these amazing sites...Fay Godwins photographs have a lot to answer for! Yes, I hadn't thought in those terms but there is the communal effort aspect that adds to the whole atmosphere as well - the history of the people, how they pulled together on such a mammoth task and why they built them all, there are so many tales and theories.
I love the word “hiraeth”. It definitely describes how I feel about many places, but especially places in the Swiss Alps. I long for them almost daily!
The photographs are beautiful!
Thank you Manuela, ahh the Swiss Alps, somewhere I've never been but would love to walk there...I can understand the longing. 'Hiraeth' is a fabulous word - I can almost 'feel' it's meaning through hearing it spoken.
Lin, your images and story telling came as a gift. I was taken back to a time in the late 90's when I first visited Avebury whilst on a woman's 'Standing Stones' pilgrimage to Ireland, Scotland and England. The concept of the sacred /mysterious place was beginning to take hold. So this morning, I walked again amongst the megaliths and Silbury Hill. Without having that arduous plane trip from Melbourne, you transported me to Avebury. Such a treat.
Thank you Catherine, it's lovely to see you here on Substack - I'm so pleased you enjoyed this article. A Standing Stones pilgrimage sounds wonderful and it's great that you got to visit Avebury on it and soak up the sacred energy to be found there! I've visited a few sites in England, but I would love to visit more - I'll share more photos of Avebury and some of the other sites in future articles.
Beautiful photographs. I totally get these feelings towards a place. And it’s not necessary about wanting to photograph it, but just being there. One of these places for me is the north-west coast of Denmark. I can’t wait to return in May!
Thanks Susanne. Yes, just being...I feel that once we've connected with a place that deeply there is some sort of invisible thread that draws us back. I've not been to north-west Denmark but just had a little read on it and it sounds quite lovely with it's wild, sand dune landscape.
Beautiful words you find here. ♥️ If you ever want to visit Denmark, you need to visit Thy Nationalpark!
I'll look forward to seeing your pictures in May!
A lovely post Lin that I can relate to in so many ways. I too remember visiting Stonehenge in the 1970's and sitting on the stones to eat my picnic. 20 years later I moved to Somerset and fell in love with the Mendip hills. This landscape has stayed with me even through I moved away in 2007. I love the greenness and the gently rolling hills and have been drawn back many times over the intervening years.
Thank you so much for mentioning me in your post and for your kind words about my work. It is much appreciated.
You're welcome Gill - this community is so supportive so it's just a little way of giving back in each post.
'70's Stonehenge was something special wasn't it. I can understand your love of the Mendips though, the area is beautiful and of course has its own mysterious history and energies particularly around Glastonbury.
Stunning photography. I've had the privilegenof meeting the Avebury stones - they are quite a presence aren't they! 🩶
Thank you Caroline - they do have such an energy about them don't they :-)
Wonderful words and images, Lin, thank you. It's a place I shamefully admit to not having visited as yet, despite my love for these wondrous places - something I really must put right one day. Hiraeth - such a beautiful word in both sound and meaning. One such place, for me, would be Thornborough in North Yorkshire, particularly the northern henge, though I've not visited for some years. Henges and stone circles do have that something special about them.
Thank you Ralph - I highly recommend a trip down south to visit. Yes Hiraeth is such a poetic word, I love the fact that it can't be translated directly into English. I hadn't heard of Thornborough Henge before but, from the EH website, it sounds like another one to add to my visit wishlist. I love how these sites are set in peaceful, rural spots, I'm sure that the rural nature deepens the sense of connection we have with them.
One day, hopefully. At one time we lived on the Isle of Wight, so were closer then. We should have gone when it was easier to get to! 🥴. If you’re interested, I wrote an article on here a little while back about Thornborough.
I've just read your article Ralph - some wonderful, colourful photos, the North Henge looks beautiful with what I assume is ancient woodland around it. I love to go to these events and have participated in a few at Avebury and attended the Jack in the Green several times. It's so good that these traditions are growing again. At some point I'll share some photos :-)
Thank you for your kind words, Lin. I look forward to seeing those photos 😃
I really enjoyed reading this, Lin, and your photos are a fine homage to Fay Godwin. Also appreciated the reference to the summer of ‘76, forever etched in the minds of those of us who lived through it.
Thank you Mark, I'm glad you enjoyed it - Fay Godwin was and still is a big influence on my black and white work. Haha, yes 1976, baking in the heatwave or spending the weekend at many a wild punk concert or maybe on the Kings Road fashion scene...it was an experience!
Wow, I have not been to Avebury, clearly a flaw in my education. I shall correct this. Thank you so much for the introduction. And the great photographs! I have been drawn to these types of sites for many years. There was a dolmen about 50 yards from the place where I grew up and spent my summers. I would often climb on top of it and just sit there. There was a special sense of calm there. Some kind of force that I could only feel, but never really explain. Thank you for sharing. This is fabulous!
Thank you for your generous comments Soren - its good to be able to share pictures made before the years of online socials, hopefully I'll get to share more! :-)
How amazing to grow up that close to a dolmen - you're right the force is something that is almost impossible to put into words...but so healing to experience. Yes Avebury is a must visit, the surrounding landscape is filled with ancient treasures but I highly recommend going at a quiet time of year.
I’ve visited Avebury quite a few times, even though I’m from the great south land.
Walking here and sometimes just sitting and resting gives one a sense of connection that’s impossible to describe.
In late December last year, I spent four too short days in The Burren in SW Ireland and felt an equal connection, peace and connection.
Thanks for commenting Noel - yes the connection felt is what creates that pull to return.
I've not heard of the Burren before but just had a quick online look and I can understand why you'd feel that same peace and connection there - it looks starkly beautiful.
It’s funny how prehistoric sites do draw people - may be a combined spiritual (with not necessarily a religious connotation) association with landscape, simplicity, peace and inner connection. I live close to the Peak District and we’re blessed with many ancient sites and fewer tourists so you can generally (if you pick the right site) have as long or as little time with/in them as you like for whatever reason. They are also great places to spend time with a camera.
Yes I agree Paul - the peace and inner connection is the draw. It sounds as though you're perfectly placed to spend time with these amazing sites in peace...we tend to time our visits for the quieter days and sometimes wait until the evenings when most of the tourists have left and we've got the place relatively to ourselves.