This is close to Men-an-Tol, the Nine Maidens of Boskednan and Men Scryfa, and all can be easily visited in one day. The walking is easy but you need to watch out for the mist which can descend suddenly.

The capstone may have a dent in it, matching my head! In other words, if you decide to sit beneath the capstone, remember that it is there when you arise - at 12 tons or thereabouts, it doesn't move too far when you hit it!

Taken from Ian Cooke's 'Antiquities of West Cornwall', 1990:

"Much reconstructed and abused by treasure hunters and mineral prospectors, the capstone was recorded as becoming dislodged during a violent thunderstorm in the early 19th century, when one of the supporting stones was broken. (Must've been one HELLUVA lightening strike!) The whole structure had already been weakened by soil removal during successive 'explorations'.

The capstone was replaced in 1824, but a piece broke apparently broke off during reconstruction. The capstone was replaced upon repositioned uprights, buried to a deeper level for more stability.

Prior to the reconstruction, it is said that a man on horseback could pass with ease beneath the capstone."

Lanyon Quoit was donated by Sir Edward Boluho to the National Trust in 1952.