The region of Cumbria, especially the unicorn-shaped Vale of St John—set in the Lake District near Keswick—holds one of Britain’s oldest legends concerning the mythical King Arthur. Our story begins with Arthur’s half-sister, the sorceress Morgan le Fay, who, in a fit of jealousy and rage, turned King Arthur’s knights into stone, the monoliths of which can be seen around the valley even today. Known as ‘The Knights’ or ‘Circle of the Knights’, these stones stand as eternal sentinels, silent witnesses to the legend of King Arthur. Each stone was said to represent a knight waiting for a heroic soul to break the spell and return them to their true form. Among these curious stone formations, one particular rock, ‘The Sleeping Knight’ or ‘Friar’s Crag’, is thought to resemble a knight at rest. The local folklore identifies this figure with Sir Gawain, one of King Arthur’s most loyal knights. Awaiting his calling, Sir Gawain rests to rise again when the realm needs him the most. Another tale speaks of a rather inconspicuous stone named ‘The Celery Stone’. According to the legend, any girl who manages to throw a stone that remains on this phallic shaped rock will be married within a year. These enduring tales highlight the vale’s immense historical significance, imbuing the stunning landscape with a touch of magic and mystery. Visitors to the Vale of St John are still captivated by these ancient legends, which continue to infuse every rock and hill with an aura of enchantment.