Crook Hill

Crook Hill, Embanked Stone Circle or Kerbed Cairn

This site is a bit of an uphill climb, but is easy to find and well worth the effort for the spectacular views. The rubble hints that this is an embanked circle, now largely flattened, as there is the hint of an embankment around the remaining uprights. The location, on a July day such as my first visit, when the sun’s heat is only slightly lessened by the breeze, is simply stunning, with views across to Ladybower Reservoir and beyond.

If you do visit this site, then make the extra effort to ramble to the top of Crook Hill. The views are spectacular. To the northeast is White Tor, with the Wheel Stones clearly visible along Derwent Edge. To the east is Stanage Edge, with the ringcairns and circles of Hordron Edge, Moscar and Bamford Moors on the horizon. What an amazing sight this area must have been at times of celebration, the whole landscape buzzing with human activity. Further round to the south, Winhill Pike looms as another example of a natural Silbury shaped hill.

• Location: Crook Hill
• Nearest Town: Bamford, 5km SE
• OS Explorer Map: OL1
• OS Grid: SK18458713
• GPS: 53° 22’ 49.7” N • 01° 43’ 25.7” W
• Altitude: 350m OS
• Difficulty: Moderate