Mystery artist creates elaborate stone artworks in Lake District mountains

Elaborate stone artworks have appeared in parts of the Lake District created by a mystery artist.

One circular structure, which frames the Borrowdale Valley, is believed to have been made from local slate and created by a “very talented [and] patient individual”.

The artist has been compared to Banksy by the local village hall because it is unclear who is behind the structures. A number of hikers have shared images online after spotting them while out walking.

Carl Halliday, who runs a mountaineering business in the area, first spotted the circular formation at the beginning of May.

The 50-year-old from Alnwick, Northumberland told the PA news agency: “I usually have mixed feelings about man-made structures like this in a natural setting – as climbers, we practise a minimal impact approach. But I have to say that this was different.

“It seemed sensitive to the existing environment and complemented the already stunning views.

“It seemed to be constructed from local slate and, after all, the fells aren’t completely natural – with dry stone walls stretching for miles.”

He said he was impressed with the way the structure blended with its surroundings “despite being a new and man-made piece of art”.

The professional mountaineering instructor added: “Because it’s located high on a mountain crag, I’ve purposely been a little vague with people about its exact location.

“Although it would be possible to access it from above, and without climbing the long rock route that we climbed first, I wouldn’t want to be the person responsible for encouraging walkers and general visitors to seek it out.

“The steep ground around the stone circle, even if not climbing up to it, is technical, and for non-mountaineers, it wouldn’t be appropriate.”

The local village hall, the Borrowdale Institute, said on Twitter: “Do we have our very own #Banksy in Borrowdale?

“These works of art are turning up on fells and Crags all around here, not sure how many there are, a very talented patient individual has been very busy in lockdown.

“Whoever you/they are please carry on, we want more.”