Nine Ladies Stone Circle
A Bronze Age stone circle on Stanton Moor, steeped in legend and still revered as a sacred place for solstice gatherings and quiet reflection.
Perched on Stanton Moor in the Peak District, the Nine Ladies Stone Circle is a Bronze Age monument steeped in myth and history. Comprising ten weathered gritstone pillars arranged in a ring, with a solitary King Stone nearby, it’s believed to be around 4,000 years old. The site is tied to a local legend of nine women turned to stone for dancing on the Sabbath, and it remains a place of quiet reverence, solstice gatherings, and ancient mystery. Surrounded by heather moorland and other prehistoric remains, it offers a powerful sense of timelessness and connection to the past.
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
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Outdoor
- Mobile reception: 3 out of 5
- Monday 12 am-12 am
- Tuesday 12 am-12 am
- Wednesday 12 am-12 am
- Thursday 12 am-12 am
- Friday 12 am-12 am
- Saturday 12 am-12 am
- Sunday 12 am-12 am
Local tips
- Visit early in the morning or late afternoon to avoid the busiest times and enjoy the circle in relative solitude, especially around sunrise or sunset when the light enhances the atmosphere.
- Wear sturdy footwear and be prepared for changeable weather; the moor can be wet and muddy, and the wind can be strong even on clear days.
- Respect the site: do not climb on the stones, leave no litter, and avoid disturbing any offerings or ritual items left by others.
For the on-the-go comforts that matter to you
- Seating Areas
- Trash Bins
- Information Boards
Getting There
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Car
From Matlock, follow the A6 towards Bakewell, then turn onto Lees Road near Stanton in Peak. A small lay‑by near the Cork Stone provides informal parking; from there, a well‑marked footpath leads across the moor to the stone circle in about 15–20 minutes.
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Public Transport
Take a bus from Matlock to Birchover or Stanton in Peak, then walk along Lees Road and follow footpath signs to the Cork Stone and Stanton Moor. The walk from the nearest stop to the stone circle takes around 30–40 minutes over uneven ground.
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Walking
From Birchover, follow the footpath up onto Stanton Moor via the Cork Stone; the route is well‑used but can be muddy and steep in places, taking roughly 30–40 minutes to reach the Nine Ladies.
Nine Ladies Stone Circle location weather suitability
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Any Weather
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Rain / Wet Weather
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Clear Skies
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Windy Conditions
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Mild Temperatures
Discover more about Nine Ladies Stone Circle
Whispers of the Bronze Age
Standing on the windswept heights of Stanton Moor, the Nine Ladies Stone Circle is a remnant of a world long vanished. Dating from the Late Neolithic or Early Bronze Age, roughly 3,000–4,000 years ago, this circle of ten gritstone pillars forms an oval ring about 11.5 by 10.5 metres across. Nine stones stand in a rough circle, while the tenth, the fallen stone, lies flat within the ring. Just over 40 metres away, the solitary King Stone stands apart, completing the ensemble. Archaeologists classify Stanton Moor as a prehistoric necropolis, dotted with more than 70 burial cairns and barrows, several ring-cairns, and at least four stone circles, of which the Nine Ladies is the most famous. The stones themselves are local Ashover gritstone, shaped by time and weather into rugged, almost human-like forms.Legends in Stone
The name "Nine Ladies" comes from a persistent folk tale: nine women were turned to stone as punishment for dancing on the Sabbath, their fiddler companion becoming the King Stone. Though the story is medieval or later in origin, it has become inseparable from the site, adding a layer of narrative magic to the ancient stones. The King Stone itself bears historic graffiti, including the name "Bill Stumps," famously mentioned in Charles Dickens’s *The Pickwick Papers*, linking the circle to centuries of visitors and storytellers. While the true purpose of the circle remains unknown, theories range from a ceremonial or burial site, a territorial marker, a place for seasonal gatherings, or a symbolic link between the earth, sky, and the realm of the ancestors.A Living Sacred Landscape
For many modern Pagans, Druids, and spiritual seekers, the Nine Ladies is not just an archaeological site but a living sacred place. Stanton Moor is often regarded as a sacred landscape, and the stone circle is used for rituals, meditations, and seasonal celebrations, especially at the solstices and equinoxes. The atmosphere here is one of quiet reverence, with the moor’s open skies and distant views amplifying a sense of connection to something ancient and enduring. The nearby smaller circle, Doll Tor, and the surrounding cairns and barrows contribute to a sense that this was once a densely ritualised and carefully arranged ceremonial landscape.Walking the Moor
Reaching the Nine Ladies involves a walk across Stanton Moor’s heather-clad slopes, a landscape of gritstone outcrops, old quarry workings, and sweeping views over the Peak District. The moor itself is a Scheduled Ancient Monument, protected for its rich archaeological heritage. Paths are generally clear but can be muddy and uneven, especially after rain. The walk offers a chance to see not only the stone circle but also Bronze Age burial mounds, remnants of 17th–18th century packhorse routes, and the ruined Earl Grey (Reform) Tower. The experience is as much about the journey across the moor as it is about the destination, with the sense of remoteness and timelessness deepening with every step.Iconic landmarks you can’t miss
Peak District National Park Authority
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Baslow Edge
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National Trust - Padley Gorge
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National Trust - Ilam Park
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Thor's Cave
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Carl Wark
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Peak District National Park
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Abbeydale Industrial Hamlet
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Beauchief Abbey
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Ecclesall Woods
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Solomon’s Temple
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National Trust - Hardwick Hall
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Peveril Castle
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Peak Cavern
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Poole's Cavern
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Unmissable attractions to see
Stanton Moor
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The Hidden Druids Caves
1.9 km
Explore the enigmatic Hidden Druids Caves in Birchover, a captivating blend of natural beauty, ancient lore, and adventurous rock formations in the Peak District.
Rowtor Rocks
1.9 km
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Cratcliffe
2.4 km
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Peak Village
2.7 km
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Dotique Peak Village
2.7 km
Relaxed shopping, seasonal dining, and nature experiences in the scenic Peak District village of Rowsley.
National Trust - Winster Market House
3.0 km
Derbyshire's first National Trust property—a 16th-century market house preserving the legacy of a once-thriving mining town.
Haddon Hall
3.2 km
Britain's best-preserved medieval and Tudor house—a 900-year-old time capsule where history lives.
River Lathkill
4.4 km
Discover the crystal-clear River Lathkill flowing through a stunning limestone valley rich in wildlife, history, and scenic beauty near Bakewell.
The Old Original Bakewell Pudding Shop
5.9 km
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Matlock Antiques & Collectables
5.9 km
Discover unique antiques and collectibles in a welcoming shop at the heart of Matlock, Derbyshire, open daily with easy parking nearby.
Bakewell Bridge
5.9 km
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Quirky Antiques Collectables & Curios
6.0 km
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Bakewell Old House Museum
6.1 km
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Matlock Farm Park
6.1 km
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Essential places to dine
The Peacock at Rowsley
2.5 km
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The Orangery Restaurant
3.5 km
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The Manners, Bakewell
5.7 km
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The Woodyard
5.8 km
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Stones
5.9 km
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Restaurant Lovage by Lee Smith
6.0 km
Innovative modern English cuisine with Michelin-starred finesse in a cozy Bakewell setting, blending local heritage with contemporary elegance.
Piedaniel's
6.0 km
A charming family-run French restaurant in Bakewell offering refined cuisine, elegant ambiance, and impeccable service for memorable dining experiences.
The Seafood Cave & Grill
6.9 km
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The Devonshire Arms at Pilsley
7.6 km
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Riverside House Hotel
8.2 km
A 5-star riverside retreat blending historic charm with Michelin-starred dining in the heart of the Peak District.
The Prince of Wales Baslow
8.8 km
A sophisticated country pub in Baslow offering seasonal British cuisine, fine wines, and a warm, welcoming atmosphere in the heart of the Peak District.
Fischer's Baslow Hall
9.4 km
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White Lion
9.6 km
A charming Peak District gastropub offering hearty British fare, warm welcomes, and a cozy village atmosphere in Great Longstone.
The Crispin
9.7 km
A welcoming traditional pub in Great Longstone offering hearty British fare and local ales in the heart of the Peak District.
The Bulls Head
10.3 km
A beloved village pub in Monyash serving hearty British classics with generous portions in a warm, rustic setting.
Markets, malls and hidden boutiques
The Works
2.7 km
Affordable arts, crafts, books, and toys in the vibrant Peak Village outlet near Matlock.
Bella Figura
5.8 km
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Perfect Gifts Bakewell
5.8 km
Discover unique local gifts and heartfelt treasures in the cozy charm of Perfect Gifts Bakewell, your go-to shop for thoughtful souvenirs.
Bon Voyage Bakewell
5.8 km
Discover unique gifts and local charm at Bon Voyage Bakewell, nestled in the heart of Bakewell’s historic market town.
Mini Chic- clothing, gifts, and accessories for children and babies
5.9 km
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The Derbyshire Emporium
5.9 km
Local artisan gifts and homemade refreshments in the heart of Bakewell's charming town centre.
Edge of the World
5.9 km
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Punnydukes
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The British Emporium
5.9 km
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Ashgate Hospice Matlock Shop
6.0 km
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The Original Factory Shop (Matlock)
6.0 km
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The Lost Cauldron
6.5 km
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The Old Apothecary Shop
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Equatorial Shop
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Little Bow
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Essential bars & hidden hideouts
The Flying Childers Inn
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The Thorn Tree Inn
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The Tipsy Toad
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Twenty Ten
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Wheatsheaf Pub and Pantry
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Castle
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The Newsroom
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Monk Bar
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The Jug And Glass
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The Packhorse Inn
10.1 km
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The Eyre Arms
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Cliff Inn
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The Old Black Swan Public House
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Red Lion Inn
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The Bull at Foolow
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Nightclubs & after hour spots
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Waikiki Beach Bar
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The Association Nightclub
19.8 km
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The Regal Nightclub
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Great Rocks Social Club
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Level 2
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Dempseys Bar and Club
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Temple Sheffield
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Corporation
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Code Sheffield
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The Leadmill
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Popworld - Sheffield
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The Viper Rooms
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Fez Sheffield
25.8 km
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ONYX Nightclub Sheffield
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For the vibe & atmosphere seeker
- Tranquil
- Scenic
- Spiritual / Energy Spot
- Unique
For the design and aesthetic lover
- Rustic Designs
- Vintage Styles
For the architecture buff
- Historic
- Landmarks
- Sacred Sites
- Heritage Neighborhoods
For the view chaser and sunset hunter
- Panoramas
- Sunrise Spots
- Sunset Spots
For the social media creator & influencer
- Instagrammable
- Photo Spots
- Selfie Spots
- Aesthetic Corners
- Architectural Shots
For the eco-conscious traveler
- Protected Area
- Nature Reserve
- Public-Transport Accessible
- Leave-No-Trace Critical
For the kind of experience you’re after
- Mindfulness
- Meditation Spot
- Spiritual / Energy Spot
- Myth & Legends
- Cultural Heritage
- Photowalk
- Nature Escape
- Day Trip
For how adventurous you want the journey to be
- Easy Access
- Requires Hike
Location Audience
- Family Friendly
- Senior Friendly
- Child Friendly
- Teen Friendly
- Wheelchair Access
- Pet Friendly
- Solo Friendly
- Couple Friendly
- Solo Female Friendly
- Business Friendly