Le Trepied Dolmen
A small neolithic chamber above Perelle Bay, tied to Guernsey's witchcraft trials.
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Le Trepied is a small passage grave on the Catioroc headland above Perelle Bay, three capstones over a chamber some five metres long, and its reputation comes from the seventeenth-century witchcraft trials, when accused islanders described gathering at this mound on Friday nights. The site sits on open headland with the west coast and the Hanois light in view beyond. The mound was excavated in the nineteenth century and produced pottery and stone tools, which are held in the island museum. The headland itself is a scheduled site and the grass around the chamber is left uncut.
What you actually see
- The three capstones - the roof slabs over the chamber.
- The witchcraft association - the site named in seventeenth-century trial records.
- The headland position - open ground above Perelle Bay.
- The west coast view - the shore and the Hanois light beyond.
When to go
Year round; the site is open ground. Sunset from the headland is the reason many walk up. Winter winds here are strong.
Honest expectations
The chamber is small and there is little to see structurally. Interpretation amounts to a sign. Parking is limited and the walk up is exposed.
Nearby
Perelle Bay is below, and Fort Grey is south.
What to pack for Le Trepied Dolmen
Chosen from what this place is for. Tap a kit for the full checklist.
Opening times, ticket prices and seasonal closures change - check the official source before you go: official site.