We are the East Staffordshire Ramblers. We open the way for everyone in the East Staffordshire area to enjoy the pleasures of walking.
From Rowsley we ascend on lanes, paths and through woods to the edge of Stanton Moor. On the way we pass close to the towering cliff of Endcliffe Quarry, an old excavation complete with discarded stone grinding wheels. In 2006 there was an application to reopen the quarry and the surrounding woods were occupied by protesters (Swampy?) who lived there for a considerable time in tree houses. Thankfully the application was unsuccessful.
We reach the Reform Tower on the edge of the moor built in 1832 in memory of Earl Grey and then continue along the edge observing terrific views towards Darley Dale and Winster, eventually leaving to follow field paths and a lane to Uppertown and on to Birchover.
After exploring countryside around Birchover village we return to a different part of Stanton Moor passing the Cork Stone and Nine Ladies stone circle, a small early Bronze Age stone circle traditionally believed to depict nine ladies turned to stone as a penalty for dancing on Sunday.
We return to Rowsley via the edge of Stanton in Peak village, with great views up the Wye valley towards Haddon Hall and Bakewell, descending steeply to the hamlet of Congreave, over the Wye bridge and on to the car park.
A memorable walk through dramatic Peak District countryside with wonderful all round views.
Derbyshire Dales District Council free car park in Rowsley. Old Station Close is a turn off on A6 almost opposite the Grouse and Claret pub.
