The three bear chair.
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Stanton Moor Derbyshire

4.8
·186 reviews·Stanton Lees, United Kingdom

Explore ancient stone circles and breathtaking moorland landscapes in Derbyshire's Stanton Moor, a place of legend and natural beauty.

Highlights

Highlights

Must-see attractions

Social content

Social

From TikTok & Reddit

Best Time

Spring mornings

Bluebells bloom vibrantly

CrowdMedium
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The three bear chair.

Stanton Moor Derbyshire

Best Time

Spring mornings

Bluebells bloom vibrantly

CrowdMedium
Highlights

Highlights

Must-see attractions

Explore ancient stone circles and breathtaking moorland landscapes in Derbyshire's Stanton Moor, a place of legend and natural beauty.

4.8
(186 reviews)

"This moorland is the most refreshing place to clear your head, relax, and go on an adventure."

Vertical photo
TIP

🚶‍♀️ Explore Beyond the Main Circle

Venture around the Nine Ladies to find hidden, beautiful spots away from the main crowds.

🌳 Discover Reclaimed Woodlands

Take the path via the quarry for a stunning walk through nature's reclaimed 'cathedral'.

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Highlights

Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences

The Nine Ladies Stone Circle

The Nine Ladies Stone Circle

Stanton Moor

Ancient Bronze Age stones shrouded in legend, offering a peaceful and beautiful atmosphere.

Doll Tor

Doll Tor

Stanton Moor

A smaller Bronze Age stone circle, often less crowded, offering a glimpse into ancient rituals.

The Cork Stone

The Cork Stone

Stanton Moor

A distinctive large standing stone, rumored to be part of ancient ley lines.

Reclaimed Quarry Woodlands

Reclaimed Quarry Woodlands

Stanton Moor (near quarry)

Breathtaking natural beauty where nature has reclaimed an old quarry, featuring ferns, streams, and moss-covered stones.

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Planning Your Visit

Embrace the Moorland Magic

Stanton Moor offers a vast, varied landscape perfect for clearing your head and adventuring. While mostly well-maintained, be aware of potential litter in less-trafficked wooded areas. The villages nearby are charming and make for great camping spots.

Navigating the Nine Ladies

The Nine Ladies stone circle is a popular spot, so expect crowds, especially on warm days. Picnickers can sometimes obstruct views. Exploring beyond the main circle reveals hidden, beautiful spots and offers a more peaceful experience.

Best Times

When
Spring mornings
Why
Bluebells bloom vibrantly
Crowd
Medium
When
Weekday afternoons
Why
Fewer crowds at stone circles
Crowd
Low
When
Early February
Why
Atmospheric silver birch trees
Crowd
Low

Insider Tips

from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit

🍔 Stanton’s City Bites Review: Houston Burger Series #houstonfood #burgers
@shawnthefoodsheep
966 likes • 20.2K views

🚶‍♀️ Explore Beyond the Main Circle

Venture around the Nine Ladies to find hidden, beautiful spots away from the main crowds. Reddit

🌳 Discover Reclaimed Woodlands

Take the path via the quarry for a stunning walk through nature's reclaimed 'cathedral'. Reddit

Twilight at the Nine Ladies Stone Circle on Stanton Moor, Derbyshire. A place of beauty and calm where ghosts seem to walk the paths. “Nine stones hold their hush, Druids gone, but whispers stay— Moor keeps the old songs.”
dubai_culture
55 likes • 2.4K views
Dowsing Workshop ~ ☆ I will be running a dowsing workshop on July 12th from Stanton Moor in Derbyshire. If you would like some more information or to book on to a workshop, feel free to message me.
the_ley_wrangler
31 likes • 684 views

📸 Be Patient for Photos

The Nine Ladies can get busy; be prepared to wait for clear shots of the stones. Reddit

⚠️ Watch Your Step

Be cautious near valley edges as some have steep drops. Reddit

Dead leaves on a silver birch, Stanton Moor, Derbyshire, UK in early February 2025 – by @rosedelarrabeiti #fieldrecording
fieldrecordingspodcast
33 likes • 624 views

Tips

from all over the internet

🚶‍♀️ Explore Beyond the Main Circle

Venture around the Nine Ladies to find hidden, beautiful spots away from the main crowds. Reddit

🌳 Discover Reclaimed Woodlands

Take the path via the quarry for a stunning walk through nature's reclaimed 'cathedral'. Reddit

📸 Be Patient for Photos

The Nine Ladies can get busy; be prepared to wait for clear shots of the stones. Reddit

⚠️ Watch Your Step

Be cautious near valley edges as some have steep drops. Reddit

♻️ Pack Out Your Litter

Help keep this vast landscape pristine by taking all your rubbish with you. Reddit

What Travellers Say

4.8
(186 reviews)

Reviews Summary

Stanton Moor is widely praised for its stunning natural beauty, ancient stone circles, and refreshing atmosphere, making it a top spot for walks and adventures. While generally well-maintained, some visitors note occasional littering in wooded areas. The Nine Ladies stone circle can get crowded, but exploring further reveals peaceful, hidden gems.

"Nice place for a walk it is quite a big place there are a few valleys as well so be careful when walking near the edge as some have a huge drop.

This is the place where the Ladies stone circle and the Cork Stone are located. It was very busy when I visited not sure if that was jus the warm weather but was a lot of people near to the stone circle sitting in the middle which was annoying as they were picnicking so could not really get good photo of the stones."

WattoPhotos

"We walked up the most difficult path as we were lost. We came up from the road via the quarry BUT it was an absolutely stunning walk. Nature has taken the quarry over and the trees, ferns, streams, bird life, and moss covered stones were breathtaking. One of nature's reclaimed 'cathedrals'. Once we finally reached the top of the quarry path...about 15 minutes, we followed the set route markers - and came to a gate. After going through (and relocking it after ourselves) we followed the path to the left and came out of the trees, and into the stones!
The Ladies stand quietly in the sunshine (for us that day anyway). Waiting. They are small low stones...about 2ft tall. It is peaceful and utterly beautiful.
There was a drumming circle there that day and we met some very gentle souls - ramblers, families, dog walkers and those lovely drummers.
Do it. It's great."

Karen B

"This Moreland to me is the most refreshing place to clear your head, relax, and go on an adventure, for years it has amazed me at how vast and varied of a landscape it is and it has so much to offer. Sadly I went up there today to find that part of the wooded area had been trashed, litter everywhere discarded tents chairs rubbish you name it. Luckily this is off the main routes but it was upsetting to see what some people had done. However! Do not let that take away anything from this place... Is extensive and immersive and clean and litter free for the most part. It seems to be very well maintained every time I go, it was just a shame this time there was that. I garentee you if you go to Stanton lees moor you will fall in love with it and want to go back all the time. The villages are very very nice around the area also and makes for a very nice location to find a campsite to go on for a holiday 😃🏕️🏕️🏕️"

J M

What People Like

Beautiful moorland scenery
Ancient stone circles
Refreshing atmosphere

What People Dislike

Occasional littering
Crowds at Nine Ladies

Frequently Asked Questions

🚇 🗺️ Getting There

Stanton Moor is accessible by car, with parking available near the main attractions. The villages of Birchover and Stanton-in-Peak are good starting points for walks. Some routes involve passing through old stone houses and gates. Reddit+1

Public transport options are limited. Bus services may run to nearby villages like Birchover, but walking from the bus stop is often required. Check local bus timetables for the most up-to-date information.

Many visitors enjoy walks starting from Birchover, heading up to the Nine Ladies stone circle. The path via the old quarry offers a particularly stunning, nature-reclaimed route. Reddit

There are parking areas near the Nine Ladies, but it's often a short walk from the car park to the stones themselves. This allows for a more immersive experience of the moorland. Reddit

While the roads leading to Stanton Moor are generally scenic, some can be narrow and winding. Drive cautiously and be mindful of local traffic and potential farm vehicles. The road passing through the 'dark ages' villages is noted as amazing. Reddit

🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry

No, Stanton Moor is a public access area, and there are no entrance fees to explore the moorland or its stone circles. Reddit+1

Stanton Moor is open to the public at all times. However, visiting during daylight hours is recommended for safety and to fully appreciate the landscape. Instagram

Parking at Stanton Moor is generally free, though designated car parks may have small charges depending on the specific location. It's advisable to check signage at the car park. Reddit

Yes, the stone circles are accessible at any time. However, visiting during sunrise or sunset can offer a magical, atmospheric experience. Instagram

While generally open, be mindful of the natural environment. Avoid disturbing wildlife, and always pack out what you pack in. Some areas may have temporary access restrictions for conservation purposes. Reddit

🎫 🧭 Onsite Experience

Stanton Moor is home to the famous Nine Ladies stone circle, Doll Tor, and the Cork Stone. The landscape itself, including reclaimed quarry woodlands and rolling moorland, is a major attraction. InstagramReddit+1

A short visit to the Nine Ladies might take an hour, but to fully explore the moorland, enjoy walks, and visit other sites like Doll Tor, you could easily spend half a day or more. Reddit

Yes, Stanton Moor is great for families. The open moorland allows children to explore, and the legends surrounding the stone circles can spark their imagination. Be mindful of uneven terrain and steep drops near valleys. Reddit+1

You might encounter various bird species, and if you're lucky, you might spot deer or other small mammals. The reclaimed quarry woodlands are particularly rich in bird life. InstagramReddit

There are no dedicated facilities directly on Stanton Moor. You'll find toilets and cafes in the nearby villages of Birchover and Stanton-in-Peak. Instagram

📸 📸 Photography

The Nine Ladies stone circle at sunrise or sunset offers dramatic lighting. The reclaimed quarry woodlands provide lush, green backdrops, and the panoramic views from the moorland are stunning. InstagramReddit

Early morning or late afternoon light creates the most atmospheric photos of the Nine Ladies. Golden hour can cast a magical glow on the ancient stones. Instagram

Drone usage may be restricted in certain areas, especially near residential properties or for conservation reasons. Always check local regulations and be respectful of other visitors. Instagram

A wide-angle lens is great for capturing the expanse of the moor and the stone circles. A telephoto lens can be useful for wildlife spotting. Consider a tripod for low-light photography. Instagram

While not a regular occurrence, photography workshops or guided tours focusing on landscape photography might be available. Keep an eye on local event listings or photography groups. Instagram

For Different Travelers

Tailored advice for your travel style

👨‍👩‍👧 Families with Kids

Stanton Moor is a fantastic destination for families looking for an outdoor adventure. The open moorland provides plenty of space for children to run around and explore. The legends of the Nine Ladies can spark their imaginations, making the visit both fun and educational. Reddit

When visiting with children, it's advisable to stick to marked paths and be mindful of the terrain, which can be uneven. Keep a close eye on them near any valley edges due to potential steep drops. Reddit Packing snacks and drinks is a good idea, as facilities are limited on the moor itself. The reclaimed quarry woodlands offer a magical, almost fairy-tale setting for younger explorers. Reddit

🚶‍♀️ Hikers and Nature Lovers

For hikers and nature enthusiasts, Stanton Moor offers a rewarding experience with its diverse landscapes. The moorland provides sweeping views, while the reclaimed quarry woodlands offer a more intimate, verdant environment with streams and abundant birdlife. InstagramReddit

Routes vary in difficulty, from gentle strolls to more challenging walks that incorporate the quarry paths. The area is perfect for a day hike, with opportunities to discover hidden spots and enjoy the tranquility of the Peak District. Remember to wear sturdy footwear and be prepared for changing weather conditions. Instagram

✨ Spiritual Seekers and History Buffs

Stanton Moor holds a special allure for those interested in ancient history, folklore, and spiritual energy. The Nine Ladies stone circle and other ancient sites are believed to be connected by ley lines, attracting those who seek a deeper understanding of the earth's energies. Instagram+1

Visitors can explore the historical significance of the Bronze Age monuments and immerse themselves in the local legends. The peaceful atmosphere of the moor, especially away from the main crowds, can be conducive to meditation and reflection. Reddit

Deep Dives

In-depth insights and expert knowledge

The Mystery of the Nine Ladies

The Nine Ladies stone circle is Stanton Moor's most iconic feature, a collection of nine upright stones believed to date back to the Bronze Age. Local folklore tells a tale of nine ladies who were turned to stone for dancing on a Sunday. This legend adds a layer of mystique to the already ancient and atmospheric site. Instagram+1

Visitors often describe a sense of peace and timelessness when standing among these stones. The stones themselves are relatively small, standing about two feet tall, but their presence on the vast moorland is commanding. The area around the circle is often a gathering place for various groups, from ramblers to drumming circles, adding to the vibrant, living history of the place. Reddit

While the main circle is a draw, exploring the surrounding moorland can reveal other ancient features, including burial mounds and smaller stone settings. The King Stone, located outside the main circle, is also a point of interest, said to lie on a ley line that passes through the Nine Ladies. Instagram

Exploring Stanton Moor's Diverse Landscapes

Stanton Moor is not just about the stone circles; its landscape offers a rich tapestry of natural beauty. One of the most striking features is the way nature has reclaimed old industrial sites, particularly the quarry areas. These 'reclaimed cathedrals' are now lush woodlands filled with ferns, streams, and moss-covered stones, creating a breathtaking environment for walkers. Reddit

The moorland itself provides expansive views and a sense of wildness. It's a refreshing place to clear your head and embark on an adventure. However, visitors should be aware that while the moor is generally well-maintained, some wooded areas can unfortunately be subject to littering. It's a reminder for all to practice responsible tourism and 'leave no trace.' Reddit

Beyond the main attractions, the villages surrounding Stanton Moor, such as Birchover and Stanton-in-Peak, are charming and offer a glimpse into rural Derbyshire life. These villages can serve as excellent bases for exploring the moor or finding accommodation, with some even mentioning them as ideal spots for campsites. InstagramReddit

Ancient History and Ley Lines

Stanton Moor is steeped in ancient history, with evidence of human activity dating back to the Bronze Age. The stone circles, including the Nine Ladies and Doll Tor, are remnants of these early settlements and rituals. These sites are not just historical artifacts but are often considered to be part of a larger spiritual landscape. Instagram

Many believe that Stanton Moor is situated on significant ley lines, invisible lines of energy that connect ancient sites. The Cork Stone and the King Stone are often cited as markers or points along these lines. This connection to ancient energies draws those interested in earth mysteries, druidry, and dowsing workshops, which are sometimes held in the area. Instagram+1

The presence of these ancient monuments and the theories surrounding them contribute to the unique atmosphere of Stanton Moor. It's a place where history, folklore, and a sense of the mystical converge, offering a profound experience for visitors who are open to its deeper meanings. Instagram

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