On the edge of the moor, in a fertile patch stands The Andle Stone (SK 241 630), a large, blocky tor that has had footholds cut into its side (see fig. 5). These allow you, assuming you're brave enough, to climb onto the top of this prominent landmark. The upper surface has several cupmarks carved into it.
Now hidden from view in a small plantation, but presumably once with a line of sight to The Andle Stone is Doll Tor stone circle (SK 238 628). This beautiful site reminds me of many Irish axial stone circles (see fig. 6), but it has lost many of its stones and has been interfered with when a burial chamber seems to have been added to one side. With the trees now blocking the way it is very hard to be certain, but I think that the axis of Doll Tor points directly at the Andle Stone.
The walk across Stanton Moor from this side leads you past an incredible rock formation, which has quite rightly been named - The Cork Stone (Sk 244 628). The name obviously comes from it being shaped like a champagne cork (see fig. 7). There must have been something quite special about this stone in the eyes of the locals, because it seems to have survived the quarrying process. There is a quarry just metres from the stone.
Despite the spectacularness of these other sites the main reason for visiting Stanton Moor is to visit The Nine Ladies stone circle (SK 249 635). This again has echoes of an Irish axial circle (see fig. 8).
The diameter of the The Nine Ladies is considerably bigger than Doll Tor and there is an outlier, called the King Stone, 50m away. This stone used to be taller than it is now, but it was damaged when a van reversed into it.
The peace and tranquility here is precious, but it is a popular site so it's difficult to get time here on your own. The noise added to this by any more quarrying in the area, as well as the damage to this fragile and special enviroment, would be a tragedy.
A short distance away, hidden amongst trees behind a pub, is a fantastic place that has obviously fascinated man for thousands of years. Cut into the huge tor at Rowtor Rocks (SK 235 621) are man-made caves, Victorian follies and pre-historic rock art (see fig. 9). It's a great place to explore, climbing steps cut into the rocks, venturing into the troglodyte caves and searching for the many carvings.
I loved every minute I spent here and I'm sure any kids would have a ball. To maximise the experience bring a good torch so that you can venture safely into the caves, for some of them are quite dark and have low roofs.
