Matlock station to Rowtor rocks and Stanton moor
Difficulty: Medium
Length: 12.9 Miles
A varied walk along riverside paths, quiet lanes, woodland trails and open moorland.
This walk takes you from Matlock train station to the “Druidic” carvings and caves of Rowtor rocks. Up onto Stanton moor with it's bronze age ‘nine ladies’ stone circle and 19th century tower before dropping back down and gradually heading back to the station.
Can be muddy during winter or after heavy rain.
Further Information
A Day Trip Through Time: Exploring Matock, Rowtor Rocks and Stanton Moor
The Peak District National Park offers a glimpse into Britain's rich history, and a day trip encompassing Matock, Rowtor Rocks, and Stanton Moor encapsulates this perfectly.
Matock, a charming village nestled within the Peak District, serves as a starting point for your journey. While Matock itself doesn't boast historical landmarks, its traditional pubs and cosy atmosphere offer a chance to fuel up before your adventure.
Next, head to the nearby Rowtor Rocks. These sandstone outcrops hold a secret – a series of chambers and passageways carved by a local 17th-century resident, believed to be a man named Thomas Eyre. Explore the caves with caution, and admire the way the natural landscape has been transformed into a man-made wonder.
Your final stop is the awe-inspiring Stanton Moor. This sprawling expanse of moorland is a Scheduled Ancient Monument, signifying its national importance. Here, you'll find yourself surrounded by over 70 burial mounds and four Bronze Age stone circles, including the Nine Ladies Stone Circle, a testament to the ingenuity of civilizations long past.
Stanton Moor also offers stunning panoramic views and evidence of packhorse routes used centuries ago. It's a place to soak in the history, appreciate the beauty of the Peak District, and perhaps even ponder the lives of those who walked these lands millennia ago.
What will I see on this walk?
