If I were asked to name the most mystical place in Derbyshire, I would say the village of Birchover. I cannot think of anywhere else, in the county, that has such a concentration of truly ancient monuments and a sense of continued use, over the years. Here is a brief list of what you can expect to find in this fascinating area:

  • Rowtor Rocks: Set behind the Druid Inn, this is a veritable rabbit warren of caves and hermitages. Activity ranges from the Bronze Age, right through to the Victorian era.
  • The Shale Hill Boggart: Just down from the Druid Inn on the Mires, is the reputed home of the Shale Hill Boggart, where you can hear its gargles from its underground lair.
  • The Nine Ladies: Up on Stanton Moor is the Nine Ladies stone circle. This is one of four stone circles upon the moor, though it is the only one that remains more-or-less intact. The earthworks of two of these circles can be found on the moor, to the south, if you have a keen eye. The fourth is lost.
  • The King Stone: This is a solitary stone that stands a few metres to the west of the Nine Ladies. Originally thought to be part of the Nine Ladies, it was, in fact, part of a separate ring cairn.
  • The Cork Stone: This is a large, solitary natural monolith, on the edge of Stanton Moor. 
  • The Andle Stone: Southwest of Stanton Moor, this is another solitary monolith, but significantly bigger than the Cork Stone. Most interestingly, the Andle Stone bears cup and ring marks, which may date as far back as the neolithic.
  • Doll Tor: Lying just a short way south of the Andle Stone, Doll Tor

And, if you want to travel a little further, just over a mile away is Harthill Moor; home to Cratcliffe Hermitage, Robin Hood’s Stride, two castle rings and the Nine Stones Close stone circle. All of which are sited on the Portway, an ancient route travelling from Nottingham to Castleton.

© Simon Unsworth 2025