Stone Circles and Druids

Service Description

Starting from the Miners Standard the tour explores the pretty market village of Winster before taking a rarely used and narrow back lane to Birchover. At Birchover take time to pass the Druid Inn, reputedly a meeting place of the Druids who practised their magic in carved rocks above the pub and which also provided a hideaway for a 'Druid' reverend who built the chapel below with no windows on its two main sides. From Birchover the trail follows minor roads up towards Stanton Moor where a short walk finds Doll Torr (a bronze age site of 6 standing stones 3 of which were broken during an excavation in the 1930’s). Alternatively just continue below Stanton Moor to reach the famous Nine Ladies Stone Circle. It is necessary to leave bikes and negotiate a number of styles at this point. Past the Flying Childers the tour winds down through the Stanton Estate before crossing the Bakewell Road to reach Harthill. On towards Elton a short walk will find the neolithic Grey Ladies ‘Nine Stones Close’ with Robin Hoods Stride rock formation prominent on the skyline. From Elton wonderful cycling down lesser used back lanes brings the tour to Middleton by Youlgreave the home of Thomas Bateman an archaeologist and barrow digger who himself was buried in a field at Middleton. Before reaching the High Peak Trail at Parsley Hay a short detour and a pound donation allows a walk onto Arbor Low an atmospheric neolithic henge of significant importance. Nearby is Gib Hill burial mound. The High Peak Trail is joined at Parsley Hay and provides an easy and flat route with the distinctive trees crowning Minninglow Hill coming ever more prominently into site. The clump of tree crown a neolithic chambered tomb and two Bronze Age bowl barrels. It is only a fields walk to reach the summit from the lane below. From Minninglow farm tracks and minor roads take you through Aldwark hamlet where you can stop at the brewery if open. It is then only a short return leg to Winster. This Tour is best appreciated guided as this would make it easier to walk to the sites of interest which are often found on private land. Difficulty - Advanced Black Run Theme - Historic Sites Surface - Mainly minor roads, short section of main road, bridlepaths and some gates/styles to negotiate and you may have to walk certain sections on the moor Distance - 26 miles Time allocated - 6 hours Refreshment Stop Options - Winster, Birchover, Stanton, Parsley Hay Visitor Centre and Aldwark Tour Ref - 32