The granite slabs were formed by a geological process known as sub-aerial weathering that occurred over millions of years.
Wilkie Collins described the formation in his 1851 travelogue, Rambles Beyond Railways.
Legend attributes the formation to a competition between a man and a giant, where the giant was tasked with piling stones to prove his strength.
The base of the formation is composed of smaller stones, while the top consists of much larger, wider slabs, creating an inverted pyramid appearance.
The surrounding area contains the ruins of 19th-century granite quarries which provided stone for projects such as the reconstruction of London Bridge.
The site is a popular destination for rock climbers, featuring several established bouldering routes.
It is a site of specific geological importance within the Bodmin Moor granite batholith.
The Cheesewring is a natural geological formation consisting of granite slabs stacked in a precarious-looking tower atop Stowe's Hill on Bodmin Moor. These slabs are the result of weathering processes where horizontal joints in the granite were exposed to wind and rain, causing the softer surrounding rock to erode. The formation stands at approximately 30 feet in height. It is located within the Cornwall Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty and is part of the Cornwall and West Devon Mining Landscape UNESCO World Heritage Site. The area surrounding the tor is rich in industrial archaeology, including the abandoned Cheesewring Quarry. The site is situated on common land accessible to the public at all times. It offers views across the moorland towards the south coast of Cornwall on clear days.
From the western side of the formation to capture the silhouette of the stacked slabs against the sky.
Wear sturdy, waterproof hiking boots as the terrain is uneven, rocky, and often boggy.
Carry a physical map or GPS device, as mist can roll in quickly and obscure visual landmarks on the moor.
Bring windproof layers, as the elevated, exposed position of the formation makes it significantly colder than the surrounding valleys.
Do not attempt the walk during dense fog or low-visibility weather, as the moor is easy to navigate incorrectly.
Practice 'Leave No Trace' principles; do not climb on or deface the granite slabs, and keep dogs on a lead near livestock.
