What to Expect

This Ethel-bagging walk from Winster is a compact adventure through some of the Peak District’s most atmospheric moorland and history. The route takes in Stanton Moor and Harthill Moor, ticking off Ethels while weaving between prehistoric sites and big limestone features. Highlights include the evocative Nine Ladies stone circle, the lesser-known Nine Stones Close stone circle below Robin Hood’s Stride, and a visit to an old hermit’s cave tucked into the rock. You’ll also pass an Iron Age hill fort, adding another layer of deep history to the day. It’s a walk that blends steady hill bagging with ancient landscapes.

This is easy hill walking through farmed fields. There is livestock throughout. Stanton Moor is a disused quarry so there are some steep drops. There is livestock throughout. We do walk through villages and there is a short amount of road walking. We may not be able to access Nines Stone Close but we be able to see it from a distance. The ground will be uneven, especially on Stanton Moor and at Robin Hoods Stride.