Nine Stones Close

Nine Stones Close, Freestanding Stone Circle

Only four upright stones remain, with a fifth stone now being utilized in a drystone wall to the south, but despite that this site remains impressive because of the sheer size of the stones and it remains a ‘must-see’ site in the Peak District.

One theory suggests that the stones here are bigger than others in The Peak District because of its lower altitude. If aligned to celestial events they would have to have been taller to reach above the dense forests that grew at lower levels. I’m not sure I totally subscribe to this as there may well have been more large stone monuments at lower levels, but extensive agricultural activity contributed to the destruction of many sites, such as the known nearby circle at Dudwood Tor.

It is unknown as to whether there were originally nine stones, or whether this refers to Noon, which relates to the ecclesiastic timetable of prayer. In the 18th Century six stones were recorded with an already fallen seventh stone.

• Location: Harthill Moor
• Other names: The Grey Ladies
• Nearest Town: Bakewell, 6km NNW
• OS Explorer Map: OL24
• OS Grid: SK22546264
• GPS: 53º 09’ 34.6” N • 01º 39’ 46.3” W
• Altitude: 230m
• Difficulty: Easy