Stanton Moor walk (the Cork Stone and Nine Ladies Circle): circular 3.1 km

This short circular Stanton Moor walk has it all – unusual stones to explore, rocks to climb, woodland, open moorland views, a trig point and muddy puddles! It’s easily one of our favourite family walks, and it’s a flat Peak District walk, which makes it easier on little legs and a good option for those with mobility issues (there are no stiles too). In fact, this walk features in our top 10 Peak District walks with kids.

At the start of the walk is a large rock that looks like a corkscrew – it’s begging to be climbed by the grownups if you’re up for the challenge – so this walk has always been called ‘The Cork Walk’ in our family. Though it’s also referred to as the ‘Nine Ladies Circle walk’ as half way around is a Bronze Age circle that was used by the Druids.

This walk can be done in 45 mins. But, with kids allow a good few hours for all the places to play (on our last visit, we were here for 3 hours with kids aged between 6 and 9). The Stanton Moor walk really is the perfect example of ‘nature’s playground’.

Map of the Stanton Moor walk

On all Peak District family walks it’s a good idea to have an Ordnance Survey paper map with you, even if you have your phone on you. For this walk you need the OS Explorer Active Map OL 24 (White Peak). It’s also a good opportunity to show young kids the map features and get them started with map reading.

Preview	Product	Price
	The Peak District: White Peak Area Map | Weatherproof | Peak…	£14.75	Buy on Amazon

This Stanton Moor walk follows the below map in a clockwise direction.

Get a printable download of this walk

The route

START: Roadside parking next to entrance of Stanton Moor
Click here for Google Map point
Grid reference: SK 2419 6280
Post code: DE4 2LR
what3words: ///thick.solicitor.headers

Route follows a clockwise direction.

1. Follow the obvious footpath leading through the entrance from where the cars are parked. Walk through the wooden kissing gate and up to the Cork Stone.

2. From the Cork Stone, the path follows to the left across Stanton Moor. However, down to the left is a large depression from old quarrying, that’s begging to be played in. So run down to play on the boulders to the left before we get on with the walk.

3. Back along the main footpath, after 150 metres you will notice a trig point on your right. Feel free to take a detour to explore (Stanton Moor trig point is just 70 metres from the main footpath). Otherwise continue across the moorland and into the woods.

4. Once you’re in the woods, continue along the footpath, following it to the right. There are lots of trees begging to be climbed here! On the below photo take the turning on the right. This then leads you to Nine Ladies Circle.

5. The Nine Ladies Circle is a perfect picnic spot. So roll out the picnic blanket and let the kids play amongst the Druid circle or head off into the trees to explore.

6. When you’re ready to move on, head over to the Nine Ladies sign to the right and then follow the path up to the right through the trees. This leads you out onto open moorland again.

7. After 750 metres from the Nine Ladies Circle, there is a footpath junction. Keep following the obvious footpath around to the right. This leads you back to the Cork Stone (one more try at climbing to the top?). Then retrace your steps back to the car to complete this Stanton Moor walk.

After your walk

It’s a short ten minute drive to either Bakewell or Matlock. But if you’re looking for somewhere to go for a pub lunch, we love the Miners Standard in nearby Winster. There’s no play area, but the staff are welcoming to kids and the homecooked chips are fab.