Long before modern weights and competitions, people across the world tested their strength against something far simpler.

A stone.

From the rugged Scottish Highlands to the windswept shores of Iceland and the mountains of the Basque Country, lifting stones have been part of ancient customs for centuries.

They were tests of strength, courage and determination. Some marked a passage into adulthood, others proved a person’s fitness for demanding work, while many became symbols of local pride.

Over generations, stories grew around these mighty stones. Great feats were remembered, names passed down and ordinary rocks became the stuff of folklore and legends.

And now, among the ancient hills and wild landscapes of Exmoor, a new chapter in this centuries-old tradition begins…

Weighing an imposing 123 kilograms (19 stone 5lb), this mighty stone has begun a story of it’s own.

Like the legendary lifting stones of old, it offers a deceptively simple challenge: to raise it from the ground using nothing but strength, skill and determination.

But appearances can be deceiving. With no handles to grip and an awkward, unforgiving weight, the stone has humbled many who have stood before it.

Some approach with confidence, others with quiet determination.

Some succeed, while others leave vowing to return.

And with every attempt, another chapter is added to its growing history.

The stones of old have their legends.

The Stone of Allerford is only just beginning to make its own…

The Challenge: Rules of the Stone

The challenge is simple: lift all 123kg of the Stone of Allerford from the ground to chest, while standing fully upright and demonstrating complete control.

To earn your place in The Stone of Allerford register, a few rules must be followed…

1. A Clean Lift: The stone must be lifted from the ground to chest, with the lifter demonstrating control. Resting the stone on your lap or knees during the lift is permitted.

2. No Assistance: The stone must be lifted entirely under your own strength, without help from another person or lifting equipment.

3. Safety First: Suitable footwear must be worn, the lifting area is to remain clear and all instructions from our team must be followed.

4. Know Your Limits: The Stone of Allerford is a physical challenge. Participants must be aged 18 or over, physically capable of attempting the lift and free from any injury or medical condition that could make the lift unsafe.

5. Opening Hours Only: The stone may only be attempted while Allerford Tea Room & Gardens is open and with permission and supervision from a member of our team. Strictly no lifting attempts outside our opening hours.

6. Waiver Required: All participants must read and sign our Stone of Allerford participation waiver before attempting the challenge. This confirms that they understand the risks involved in lifting a heavy natural stone and agree to follow all safety rules and instructions. No signed waiver, no attempt.

7. No Shouldering: The stone must be lifted to chest height and held securely against the chest. Shouldering the stone is strictly prohibited. As the challenge takes place within the grounds of a working tea room, we must remain mindful of the safety of our customers, staff and other visitors.

8. No alcohol or Impairment: Anyone who has consumed alcohol or is under the influence of drugs or other substances will not be permitted to attempt to lift the stone. This is at our staff members discretion.

9. We reserve the right to refuse or stop an attempt at any time if we believe it poses a risk to the participant, other visitors or our staff.

10. Respectful behaviour: We understand that lifting a 123kg of stone can bring out a little excitement, determination and the occasional frustration! However, please remember that the challenge takes place within the grounds of a family-friendly tea room. Excessive shouting, swearing, aggressive behaviour or anything that is likely to disturb or intimidate other visitors or our staff members will not be tolerated. We ask that all participants be mindful and respectful of others around them.

Many Have Tried.

Few Have Succeeded.

Have you got what it takes?

To find out more about English Stone Lifting and see the various locations of other lifting stones across the UK, please visit: https://www.englishstonelifting.co.uk/