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Nine Ladies Stone Circle: a beautiful late-summer walk on Stanton Moor
August 21, 2026Archives
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Walking to the Nine Ladies when Stanton Moor turns purple
There’s something rather special about Stanton Moor in late summer. The paths wind through great swathes of purple heather, the views stretch away over the Derbyshire countryside, and tucked among it all are traces of people who were walking this landscape thousands of years ago.
The Nine Ladies Stone Circle is probably Stanton Moor’s best-known landmark, and many people associate it with the summer solstice. But if you ask us when we’d choose to walk here, we’d say August into early September, when the heather is in bloom and the whole moor is awash with colour.
It’s a relatively easy circular walk too, making it a lovely choice if you want plenty to see without tackling one of the Peak District’s bigger hills.
Staying at Hoe Grange? Save our Stanton Moor route on OS Maps and add this one to your late-summer holiday plans.
Why we love Stanton Moor in late summer
The Nine Ladies are worth visiting at any time of year, but there’s a short window towards the end of summer when Stanton Moor really comes into its own.
The heather bursts into shades of purple and pink, contrasting with the gritstone rocks and green woodland around the edges of the moor. On a clear day there are stunning views, and because this walk is more of a gentle wander than a serious hike, there’s plenty of time to stop and enjoy them.
It’s exactly the sort of Peak District walk we love. Interesting without being exhausting, beautiful without needing to climb a mountain, and with lots of little discoveries along the way.
The exact timing of the heather naturally changes with the weather each year, but August and early September are usually the months to look out for that lovely purple colour.
Meet the Nine Ladies of Stanton Moor
The Nine Ladies Stone Circle sits quietly among the trees, and at first glance it feels quite modest compared with some of Britain’s enormous prehistoric monuments.
But its setting is what makes it so memorable.
Stanton Moor contains an important collection of prehistoric remains, with much of the archaeology dating back around 3,000 to 4,000 years to the Bronze Age. More than 70 cairns and barrows have been identified across the moor, many associated with burial.
And there’s a little surprise hidden in the name.
Despite being called the Nine Ladies, there are actually ten stones in the circle. The tenth lies flat and was identified in 1977. A separate standing stone known as the King Stone stands around 40 metres away.
Local folklore tells a rather darker story. According to tradition, nine women were turned to stone for dancing on a Sunday, with the nearby King Stone representing the fiddler.
Whether you prefer the archaeology or the old folk tales, it certainly gives you something to think about as you pause a while among stones that have occupied this hillside for thousands of years.
Our circular walk across Stanton Moor
Follow our OS Maps route:
https://explore.osmaps.com/route/33468943/nine-ladies-stone-circle-and-stanton-moor-
This is a good walk for families and casual walkers who want to explore the moor without taking on a long or strenuous route. It also makes for a wonderful evening walk as golden hour approaches.
There are plenty of clear, well-used paths and sections of firm stone track, so navigation is fairly straightforward. It is still countryside walking, though, with gates and some uneven ground along the way.
Walking boots or sturdy shoes are sensible, particularly after wet weather.
One of the things we like about this route is that the Nine Ladies aren’t the only thing to look out for.
The Cork Stone
One of the most distinctive landmarks on Stanton Moor is the Cork Stone, a wonderfully weathered block of gritstone that looks as though it has been balanced rather precariously on the hillside.
It makes a brilliant stopping point and an even better photograph.
The metal footholds attached to the rock give a clue that generations of visitors have enjoyed scrambling around here, although you certainly don’t need to climb it to appreciate its rather unusual shape.
Heather, views and ancient cairns
From here, the route opens out across the moor.
This is where your August or September walk really earns its place in the photo album. Purple heather spreads across the open ground and there are far-reaching views between the trees.
Keep your eyes open for the less obvious archaeology too.
The Nine Ladies may get most of the attention, but Stanton Moor is scattered with prehistoric cairns and burial mounds. English Heritage records more than 70 stone cairns and barrows across the landscape.
Once you know they are there, the whole walk starts to feel different. What can look like an ordinary bump or collection of stones may be part of a landscape shaped by people thousands of years ago.
The Nine Ladies Stone Circle
Eventually the paths bring you to the stone circle itself.
Take your time here.
It isn’t a place that needs rushing. Wander around the edge, look back across the heather and imagine just how different Stanton Moor might have looked when the stones were first placed here.
We know surprisingly little about exactly why the circle was built. Possible interpretations include ceremony, burial, seasonal gatherings or simply a meeting place, but there is no definitive answer.
Perhaps that uncertainty is part of its appeal.
The Wishing Tree
Your walk also passes The Wishing Tree, adorned with natural objects, another lovely little point of interest along the route.
It adds a completely different character after all that ancient stone and open moorland, and makes a nice natural pause before continuing the circuit.
A walk worth taking slowly
This isn't a route where you need to worry about setting a fast pace.
In fact, we'd suggest doing exactly the opposite.
Stop for the views. Look closely at the heather. Take photographs. Spend a few minutes at the Cork Stone and linger by the Nine Ladies.
For many of our guests, that's what a Peak District break is really about. Not necessarily conquering the biggest hill, but enjoying some peace and quiet, breathing in the fresh air and finding beautiful places that you might otherwise have hurried past.
That fits closely with what our guests tell us they value about staying at Hoe Grange: a peaceful base, lovely countryside and a great location for exploring.
And if you've brought the camera, late summer gives you plenty of excuses to keep stopping.
Parking and practical information
Our updated OS Maps route now starts from the free car park near Birchover, so you can follow the full circular walk from there.
Recommended car park:
Grid reference: SK 24113 62460
What3Words: ///decorator.parsnips.saddens
The surrounding lanes are narrow, so using the formal car park is the easiest option and avoids parking on the roads immediately beside Stanton Moor.
There are no facilities at the Nine Ladies site itself, so plan your loo and refreshment stops before setting off. Dogs are welcome, but should be kept under close control, particularly where livestock may be grazing.
This is still moorland walking, so although the route is relatively easy to follow, expect gates, uneven ground and potentially muddy sections after wet weather. Walking boots or sturdy shoes are a good idea.
The moor is an important archaeological and natural landscape too. Please leave everything as you find it, take your litter home and avoid fires, BBQs or naked flames.
If you’re hoping to see Stanton Moor at its most colourful, aim for August or early September, although the exact timing of the heather will vary from year to year.
Make Stanton Moor part of your Peak District break
Stanton Moor is just the sort of Peak District day out we love recommending. There are stunning views, fascinating traces of the past and plenty of reasons to stop and look around rather than simply clocking up the miles.
It’s a walk to take at an easy pace. Pause at the Cork Stone, spend a while by the Nine Ladies, keep an eye out for the burial cairns and enjoy those wide stretches of purple heather when they’re in bloom.
Back at Hoe Grange, you can kick off your walking boots, put your feet up and scroll through rather more photographs of purple heather than you intended to take.
We’re tucked away in the Derbyshire countryside between Ashbourne and Bakewell, giving you a comfortable, peaceful home-from-home after a day out exploring.
Planning a Peak District break? Take a look at our cosy cabins and glamping stays, save the OS route and add Stanton Moor to your walking list.
Felicity
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Hoe Grange Holidays Tripadvisor Comments...
- Angie B
Lovely place to holiday near to interesting locations and easy access to the High Peak trail and Carsington Water. Part of a working farm with fresh produce to enjoy during... read more 
August 3, 2019Tiggywinkle15
We stayed in Pinder cabin and had a lovely stay, the cabin was spacious and comfortable, nice and warm after cold days out. The children loved meeting the animals and... read more
November 5, 2019Big_Al_0000 We spent four nights at Hoe Grange and had a lovely time. The location is fantastic and right next to the High Peak Trail. The cabin was very clean and... read more
July 16, 2019 - KBarry We stayed in the Skylark pod last October (2018) and had a lovely time. There was homemade, rustic goods (bread, biscuits etc) when we arrived. Felicity and David who run... read more
September 15, 2019Thesamps Another great holiday at Hoe Grange - such a great place for us all to holiday as a family - this time with a baby, a 3 yr old, a... read more
October 4, 2019mickvfr Arrived and was shown to our pod, fantastic location and the pod was very good indeed plus we had home made bread and milk and tea and coffee. A... read more
July 28, 2019 - Catboy86 We have just returned from a short stay in one of the pods on site at Hoe Grange Holidays. We couldn’t recommend them enough. The pod has everything you could... read more
August 17, 2019Paula C Myself and my sister travelled to Costa Rica and Panama via Viva Holidays Ltd. The holiday was exceptional and one to be treasured forever. Andrew at Viva Holidays... read more
July 4, 2019dghiggs61 We love this place. Very wheelchair friendly, really well equipped and comfortable, with easy access by car to lots of places of interest particularly Crich Tramway Village, Chatsworth, Bakewell and... read more
October 25, 2019 - rachelthomas2015 What a lovely weekend away! We stayed in the lovely gypsy caravan, which was a wonderful and really unique experience. We took along our two horses, who also had a... read more
June 18, 2019Adventurer_12121 Felicity and David made us feel very welcome right from our booking. The pods are well equipped and spotlessly clean. The area is very peaceful with great views and we... read more
January 30, 2020Jan Horsman J We stayed in Rainster cabin for a long weekend 6 th to 9 th September. This was my 5 th visit to the amazing Hoe Grange. I had visited before... read more
September 17, 2019 - L9943KBlesleym What a wonderful find. As our first experience of needing accessible accommodation we could not have wished for better. Beautiful well equipped lodges in lovely surroundings. We stayed in both... read more
April 3, 2020plopster1 We had a lovely time staying in one of the incredibly well equipped pods. I bought my pony along and we had some great rides on the high peak trail.... read more
June 7, 2019ElizabethA717 It's been three years since we last visited but once we arrived it certainly didn't feel like it!
We stayed in Hipley again which had had a refurbished wet... read more
September 21, 2019 - Wheelieuser What can I say?
Absolutely superb!
We have just returned from a family weekend staying in Daisybank cabin and the Skylark pod.
It was our first trip away with my... read more
June 13, 2019548julie Stayed last week, from 6th to 13th September in the log cabin called Hipley. This was amazing, it was our first visit but certainly not our last. Gold standard disability... read more
September 14, 2019Charlotte M Second visit to the accessible holiday cabins at Hoe Grange. David and Felicity were as helpful and friendly as ever. We had a welcome pack of freshly baked bread, butter,... read more
August 7, 2019 - Peachey167 Recently spent a week in "Pinder" and had a lovely time. The location is stunning - the site is nestled in a beautiful valley on the edge of the Peaks... read more
July 16, 2019HelenLCarter We stayed in Skylark, one of the two glamping pods available at Hoe Grange in February 2020.
Felicity & David welcomed us when we arrived to show us around... read more
February 6, 2020Jdrichie12 We've just returned from our second visit to Hoe Grange. The suggested riding routes with stunning scenery were enjoyed by my daughter and I while the menfolk were delighted with... read more
July 11, 2019 - Ajtravels14 We stayed for a night in one of the cabins . The cabin was spotless and very well equipped , lots of extra touches were added like fresh eggs and... read more
February 3, 2020vincent s lovely surroundings real farm country with chickens paying you a visit nice decking area to chill at the end of the day accommodation very good plenty to do nearby... read more
July 28, 2019David H We love this place. Very wheelchair friendly, really well equipped and comfortable, with easy access by car to lots of places of interest particularly Crich Tramway Village, Chatsworth, Bakewell and... read more
October 25, 2019 - sophiee249 A beautiful place to stay! Amazingly run family business! Everyone were very welcoming, friendly and cozy! The skylark pod we stayed in was very clean, cozy and well equipped! The... read more
January 2, 2020EJYork2013 For the second year running, we have had a great family holiday at Hoe Grange. We had one cabin for the week, for two sisters and our elderly wheelchair-using... read more
June 25, 2019karenmD4738KD On arriving at Hoe Grange in a downpour, we doubted if we’d made the right decision to go glamping, but after the warm welcome from David and a quick tour,... read more
June 25, 2019 - krimpenijssel Loved every minute of our stay, and so did the family and friends that came to stay. Excellent facilities in our cosy Hipley log cabin. By far the best... read more
October 25, 2019joanne B We wanted a complete break and some peace and quiet and this was perfect. The caravan was secluded with beautiful views over the countryside. Everything was spotlessly clean and well... read more
June 4, 2019