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Nine Ladies Stone Circle on Stanton Moor

Explore the mystical Bronze Age Nine Ladies Stone Circle nestled in the scenic moorlands of Derbyshire’s Peak District.

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The Nine Ladies Stone Circle is a small early Bronze Age monument located on Stanton Moor in Derbyshire’s Peak District. Comprising ten standing stones arranged in a ring with an additional monolith known as the King Stone nearby, it is steeped in local legend and archaeological significance. The site is accessible via a scenic walk across moorland and woodland, offering visitors a glimpse into prehistoric ritual landscapes and stunning natural surroundings.

A brief summary to Nine Ladies Stone Circle

  • Lees Rd, Matlock, Stanton in Peak, DE4 2LS, GB
  • +443703331181
  • Visit website
  • Duration: 0.5 to 2 hours
  • Free
  • Environment icon Outdoor
  • Mobile reception: 4 out of 5

Local tips

  • Wear sturdy shoes suitable for walking on uneven moorland paths.
  • Visit during daylight hours for the best visibility and safety.
  • Bring a picnic to enjoy at the stone circle, a peaceful spot for rest.
  • Respect the site by staying on marked paths and taking all litter home.
  • Consider visiting nearby prehistoric sites like Arbor Low and Hob Hurst’s House for a fuller experience.
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Getting There

  • Car

    Drive to Lees Road near Stanton in Peak, where informal parking is available in a lay-by. From there, it is a 700-meter walk on a well-marked path to the stone circle. Parking is free but limited, and the walk involves uneven terrain. Travel time from Matlock is approximately 15-20 minutes.

  • Bus and Walk

    Take the local bus service to the village of Birchover, about 3 km from the stone circle. From Birchover, a 1-kilometer walk across moorland leads to the site. The walk includes some uneven ground and is suitable for most walkers. Bus schedules vary, so check local timetables in advance.

  • Walking

    For those staying nearby, the Nine Ladies Stone Circle is accessible via scenic walking routes from Stanton in Peak or Birchover villages. The walk from Birchover is about 1 km over moorland paths, moderately easy but with some uneven surfaces.

Nine Ladies Stone Circle location weather suitability

  • Weather icon Any Weather
  • Weather icon Rain / Wet Weather
  • Weather icon Clear Skies
  • Weather icon Windy Conditions
  • Weather icon Mild Temperatures

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Discover more about Nine Ladies Stone Circle

Ancient Origins and Archaeological Significance

The Nine Ladies Stone Circle dates back to the early Bronze Age, approximately 4,000 years ago, making it a remarkable prehistoric monument. It consists of nine stones arranged roughly in a circle, with a tenth stone—the King Stone—standing about 40 meters away. The stones are crafted from local millstone grit sandstone, varying in shape and size, with the tallest reaching just under one meter. Archaeological excavations have revealed that at least one stone was carefully packed with smaller stones to secure it in place. The circle is part of a wider prehistoric landscape on Stanton Moor, which includes over 70 ancient burial mounds and several other stone circles, reflecting the area's importance as a ritual and ceremonial center in prehistoric times.

Legends and Cultural Resonance

Local folklore tells of nine ladies who were turned to stone as punishment for dancing on the Sabbath, with the King Stone representing the fiddler who played for them. This legend has imbued the site with a mystical aura, attracting modern-day Druids, Pagans, and visitors interested in spiritual and cultural heritage. The stone circle is often used for solstice ceremonies and other rituals, connecting contemporary practices with ancient traditions. Stanton Moor itself is regarded by many as a sacred landscape, with the Nine Ladies serving as a focal point for engagement with ancestral spirits and natural energies.

Setting and Visitor Experience

Situated on open heathland at around 297 meters elevation, the Nine Ladies Stone Circle offers expansive views across the Peak District’s rolling moorland. Visitors approach via well-marked paths crossing a mix of moorland and woodland, passing notable landmarks such as the Cork Stone and the King Stone. The walk to the circle is gentle and suitable for most fitness levels, making it a popular spot for families and casual hikers. The site itself invites quiet reflection and exploration, with the opportunity to walk among the stones and enjoy picnics in a tranquil natural setting.

Conservation and Modern Challenges

The entire Stanton Moor area, including the Nine Ladies Stone Circle, is protected as a Scheduled Ancient Monument managed by the Peak District National Park Authority. Despite this, the site faces challenges from nearby quarrying activities, which have prompted local campaigns to safeguard the moor’s archaeological and natural heritage. Visitors are encouraged to respect the site by following Leave No Trace principles and staying on designated paths to preserve this fragile landscape for future generations.

Nearby Attractions and Extended Exploration

The Nine Ladies Stone Circle is part of a rich prehistoric landscape that includes other notable sites such as Arbor Low, a large Neolithic henge located six miles west, and Hob Hurst’s House, a Bronze Age burial chamber three miles northeast. These sites, along with the scenic beauty of the Peak District, offer ample opportunities for day trips and extended exploration of England’s ancient heritage and natural environment.

Accessibility and Practical Information

Access to the Nine Ladies Stone Circle is primarily via a 700-meter walk from an informal parking area on Lees Road near Stanton in Peak. Additional parking is available in the nearby village of Birchover, though spaces are limited and the terrain involves some uneven ground. The site is open year-round during daylight hours with free entry. Visitors should wear sturdy footwear suitable for moorland terrain and be prepared for variable weather conditions typical of the Peak District.

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