Mr Cope informs us that "Legend has it that the whole complex of [the Merry Maidens, the Pipers and Tregiffian] were at a Saturday night party that went on too long. As the clock struck midnight in St. Buryan, the Pipers realised their mistake and began to run up the hill from what was an un-Christian scene, leaving the Merry Maidens to dance on without music. But just as the maidens were turned to stone for their transgression, so too were the Pipers caught as they ran. And this is the reason that they are so far from the 'party' ". I would not condone Mr Cope's advice to stand on the capstone at Tregiffian in order to get a good view of the circle, even though he does say it is in the finest condition of all those at Land's End.
| Visit date: | 11/08/1999 |
| Reporter: | Catherine Humes |
| Email: | cath@gingerbreadhouse.demon.co.uk |
| Purpose: | To check ok on eclipse day |
| Time since last visit: | 2 years |
| Flowers: | Yes - Local |
| Action taken: | People were cleaning up. Took pictures to show this. |
| Comments: | Were interested in the local stories of illegal campers and raves being held. Went to see for ourselves. There were many visitors, but all were careful and interested. |
| Visit date: | 10/08/1999 |
| Reporter: | Andy Gates |
| Email: | andy@project-people.com |
| Website: | www.hollyking.freeserve.co.uk |
| Purpose: | First visit |
| Spoke to Land Spirits: | Yes |
| And they said: | Nothing verbal, but a happy and incredibly erotic energy |
| Damaged Lichen: | Yes |
| Disturbed soil: | Yes |
| Picnic remains: | Yes |
| Action taken: | Little litter damage, path fairly worn and stones had little lichen damage, mostly from people touching and leaning against them. As site was busy I trusted picnicers to take away litter. |
| Comments: | Both surprised by contagious erotic energy f site; rather than usual touristy/pagan milling there were lots of couples canoodling or picnicing in and around circle. |