ANCIENT STONES & LEGENDS
This walk explores the beautifully rugged Derbyshire moors. You’ll be treated to sights of the Medieval and mysterious looking Earl Grey (Reform) Tower and the 4000 yearold Nine Ladies stone circle hidden deep in the woodland - there’s actually ten and legend says they were maidens turned to stone for dancing on the Sabbath! Keep an eye out for the collection of alpacas owned by the campsite. Route
Start/parking: Roadside parking Birchover main street near toilets/war memorial
Start
Walk up road easterly through Birchover passing Barn Farm Campsite, R. Climb steeply out of village going R (signposted Stanton Lees) where road bends L. Continue along lane passing R of old quarry and R of stone embankment. Descend past footpath, R, shortly reaching footpath/stile, L, before road drops more steeply.
½ mile/0.9km
Go L over stile taking rising path beyond. Pass sign for Stanton Moor. Rise and cross track continuing to go R at next path crossroads. Gradually descend on path curving L towards scattered bushes/trees. When track bends L leave it half-R taking path to curve L at junction and walk to tower. Follow path back to rejoin main path. Go R following path gently rising. Join a track at a corner. Go L on this to cross track at junction. Pass Nine Ladies noticeboard continuing to Nine Ladies Stone Circle.
1½ miles/2.3km
Continue short way southwest to visit small King Stone. Return to circle walking back to noticeboard. Go L on track following it to reach gate near a sign for Stanton Moor. Go L taking path with fence R. Follow this gradually curving L in trees. Cross track (gate/stile, R) descending slightly into wooded hollow. Curve R keeping fence R to join track at fence corner, R. Go ahead on this and when the distinct track ends and path becomes vaguer, go half-L rising into trees passing quarries, R (care with children). Rise to open ground curving R around quarries. Go L at bent tree taking path to trig on summit Stanton Moor.
2 ½ miles/4.2km
Retrace steps to bent tree going L on track downhill past quarries, R. Reach the Cork Stone (don’t let children try to climb it – it’s harder than it looks!). Go L here following track to crossroads. Go R on outbound route descending to lane via stile. Go R shortly going L through wall gap (footpath sign) following path to campsite. Follow sign walking down L edge camping field dropping past picnic tables. Follow gravel drive continuing to surfaced lane. Pass barrier and end of site (marked ‘Private’). Continue past picnic table going R behind camping barn. Follow track through squeezestile (gate). Go R immediately at path crossroads, passing through squeeze-stile (signed Birchover). Follow fence L continuing to exit campsite via access drive. Go L down road.