Stone Circles

There are some impressive examples of neolithic henges and Bronze Age stone circles to be visited in the Peak. The first Neolithic settlers moved here about five thousand years ago. They were great movers of stone and built with locally found materials such as the gritstone and limestone. Archaeologists consider the stone circles to be ceremonial and secular meeting places, probably used at particular times of the year, such as midsummer and at the equinoxes. Below is a list of sites to visit :

Arbor Low - this large circular henge, built around 2000 BC, is the Peakland's largest henge and classed as one of the most important neolithic monuments in Britain. Set within a 250' diameter circular earth bank crossed by two causeways, 47 recumbent stones lie with 3 central stones. The stones are surrounded by a ditch, and an external circular bank some 2 metres high. Arbor Low is in the care of English Heritage and access to the site is from a car park adjacent to Arbor Low farm.

Nine ladies - this stone circle is situated by the side of the public footpath across the moor itself, Stanton Moor. The moor itself, a 1096' gritstone outlier set amidst miles of limestone was once greatly revered by our prehistoric ancestors who littered the moor with cairns and stone circles.

Associated with the circle is the "King stone" 1 metre
in height and situated 40 metres
away from the main group'

Nine stones Circle - situated close to Robin Hood's Stride, west of Birchover, the circle is visible from the footpath that passes close- by, but has no right of access.

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