Tucked away on the edge of Bodmin Moor, these three stone hut circles have been quietly sitting here for thousands of years.
At the southern edge of the Withey Brook valley floor, there is a group of three stone hut circles close together, near a larger hut circle settlement. These huts are thought to date from the Bronze Age. Each hut is marked by a circular wall made of piled stones, about 1.5 m wide and up to 1 m high. The circles vary in size, from about 4 m to 8 m across, and have fairly level interiors. Two of the huts have walls with upright slabs facing inward, and all three have entrance gaps roughly facing north.
The largest hut has an extra wall forming a half-circle annexe around its southern side. This annexe is about 3.5 m wide and joins one of the other huts. Originally, the huts may have had turf or thatched roofs and were probably used seasonally by Bronze Age farming communities.
Today, the hut circles are often hard to see because bracken grows over them in summer and autumn, and moss and turf cover many of the stones.
Trewortha Farm Hut Circles are part of Cornwall National Landscape’s A Monumental Improvement Project, which aimed to ensure that 40 scheduled monuments across Cornwall National Landscape were better protected, identified and enjoyed by a wider range of people. Between 2022 – 2025, the Project delivered conservation repairs, installed new heritage interpretation signage, ran a range of community volunteering events and developed new website resources. The Project was primarily funded thanks to The National Lottery Heritage Fund, with support from our other partners – Cornwall Council, Historic England, The National Trust, Cornwall Heritage Trust and Cornwall Archaeological Society.
Stone hut circles like these were homes for prehistoric farmers on the Moor, mostly from the Bronze Age (around 2000–700 BC). They are made up of low stone walls that enclose a round floor area. Hut circles can be found on their own or in small or large groups. Although they are common on the Moor, they are still important because they tell us about how long they were used and how they relate to other ancient sites. This helps us understand the different ways prehistoric communities organised themselves and farmed the land.
The hut circles at Trewortha farm have stayed mostly untouched, and no excavations have been carried out yet.
The three hut circles are built from piles of stone and have strong, rounded walls that are still standing today. Each has a clear entrance, facing in different directions north, north-east and west. One of the huts even has an extra curved wall built onto one side. You’ll spot that they’re arranged in a triangle, just a few metres apart. These features help archaeologists work out how the people here might have lived, built their homes and moved about the site.
This part of Bodmin Moor is open common land, where you’ll often see cattle, sheep and even ponies grazing. The ground is covered in rough grasses, moss and bracken. In the summer, gorse bushes add a splash of yellow and birds such as skylarks and meadow pipits might be heard singing nearby. It’s a quiet, wild space where nature has taken back much of the land around the ancient huts.
Because the hut circles are partly hidden by grass and moss, it’s important to stick to paths and avoid climbing on the walls. The stones may look sturdy, but even small movements can damage them or disturb what’s buried below. Just by being careful and curious, you’re helping to protect this amazing place for future generations.
The biggest challenge at this site is the vegetation. Moss, grass, gorse and bracken grow quickly and cover up the stone walls, making them hard to see and harder to protect. The area isn’t visited very often, so keeping the site clear and easy to spot takes extra work. Managing the scrub gently without damaging the archaeology is key to looking after it.
Plan your visit with essential details on transport and parking options, available facilities, route descriptions and accessibility information to ensure a comfortable and enjoyable experience at any of our historical monuments.
When enjoying the countryside, it’s important to follow the Countryside Code to protect nature and preserve its beauty for everyone. This includes simple, respectful actions like not littering, always take your rubbish home or dispose of it properly in bins. Stick to designated paths to avoid damaging crops or wildlife habitats, and keep gates and property as you find them, whether open or closed. Be mindful of livestock and wildlife by keeping dogs under control and not disturbing animals. By following these guidelines, you contribute to the protection of the environment and ensure that others can enjoy the countryside as well.
The hut circles are in a remote part of Bodmin Moor with no footpaths or signage. The ground is uneven and covered in long grass and bracken, so access may be difficult for some visitors.
There are no facilities on or near the site. It’s best to plan ahead and come prepared, especially as the weather on the moor can change quickly.
There is no dedicated parking near the hut circles. The closest place to park is likely near Trewortha Farm, but visitors should always be mindful of farm access and stick to public rights of way.
You can play a part in preserving Cornwall National Landscape’s beauty and history for future generations. Volunteering opportunities range from helping with conservation efforts to assisting with educational programmes and community events. Whether you have a passion for nature, history, or simply love the outdoors, there’s a way for you to contribute. Join us and make a difference while connecting with others who share your enthusiasm for Cornwall’s heritage. Scroll down and follow the links to our Volunteering Hub to find out more!
Cornwall National Landscape is a non-profit organisation that conserves the unique landscapes, wildlife, and cultural heritage of Cornwall. Volunteering for the protected landscape provides a rewarding experience of giving back to the community and preserving the Cornwall's natural beauty.
Discover a wealth of knowledge in our Resources section, where you can download detailed research documents, reports, and source material compiled by our archaeology team to enhance your understanding of the site.
