Birchover and Stanton Moor (Derbyshire)

Another trip out to Derbyshire yesterday. Allow a little under 2 hours from Preston. The walk itself is mainly on good paths but has a few steep bits and stiles.

Our walk started from the informal car park opposite the large quarry near Birchover, on the road between Stanton in Peak and Birchover.

From the quarry car park we walked left up the road for a short way before joining the large path on the right leading to the Access Land of Stanton Moor. Follow the track up to the large "Cork" stone and bear left along the obvious track.

Follow the track across the moor and through trees until you reach the "nine ladies" stone circle. This a good place to rest a while.

From the stone circle continue along the path until you reach the tower commemorating the Reform Act of 1832 (it is now bricked up so you can't climb it) and follow the path on the right along National Trust land on (keeping the fence to your right).

This path gives great views towards Matlock and Riber Castle, eventually passing the "Cat Stone". From here, continue on the path in the same direction, keeping the fence on your right, and start to descend to the road.

When you reach the road turn right and walk up the hill a short way to join a footpath on the left, leading down through a farm and campsite. Follow this path past the farm building and take the signed footpath on the right to Birchover.

Once you reach Birchover you can enjoy a choice of pubs, we had a quick drink in the
Red Lion (water provided for dogs) or the Druids. The path back to the car park is immediately opposite the Druids, leading up a ridge through the trees.

Click here for Google map

Allow a couple of hours for this walk. We saw no livestock but remember that, on Access Land, you must keep your dog on the lead between March 1st and 31st July. Watch out too for the steep edges on places.

Doggy rating 6/10