Wednesday 15 September 2021

Stanton Moor 7 ½ miles Leader: David D.

Weather very good

Number on walk 9

Glad this was advertised as a strenuous walk, for it was just that, but we all managed to complete the course and a few minutes before the expected time, well done all.

We set off from the car park and went down along the path, through the former Barton Hill quarries, to cross over the road near to The Druids Inn and turning to pass by Rocking Stone Farm. We then turned to walk east, to gain Clough Lane, bearing right to take the path that goes through Clough Wood. This, a lovely woodland path, which meanders parallel to Clough Lane, re-joining it at Cowley Knowl. Just before this we stopped for our morning break, at the remnants of Mill Close Mine. We went to the north of Cowley Knowl, continuing north to Warren Carr, in doing so passing slowly down a very slippery stone clad, steep downhill path. At Warren Carr we began a mile and a quarter ascent, via a winding minor road, back up to take the footpath above Lees Cross Quarries. We then followed a track, passing by the remains of old millstones, left behind at the closure of the quarry, and took a ‘way’ below the edge of the moor, stopping for our lunch, whilst at the same time looking down on Bee Hill, which we had passed by on our way up.

Lunch over we continued along this track, to nearly meet Lees Road, here we turned sharp right to walk along the edge of the Stanton Moor, on National Trust Land, visiting the Gorse Stone with great views over South Darley. We continued to then pass by the Hart Stone and Cat Stone, before turning to go by the Earl Grey Tower and enter onto the moor proper.

We walked up to the stones called the Nine Ladies, then to pass by the King Stone and onward to the Cork Stone. From here it was only a short walk along the road back to the car park arriving there by ten past two.

   Pictures by Bob M.