Local folklore claims the stones are nine maidens turned to stone for dancing on the Sabbath.
The King Stone is situated roughly 30 to 40 metres away from the main circle.
The circle consists of eight surviving stones, with a ninth central stone having been re-erected in the 1970s.
The site was historically used for quarrying in the surrounding area, which threatened the integrity of the moorland archaeology.
English Heritage manages the site, which sits within a landscape containing over 70 burial mounds.
Nine Ladies is a Bronze Age stone circle located on Stanton Moor in the Peak District. The site consists of nine upright gritstone pillars arranged in a small circle approximately 10 metres in diameter. It represents a typical example of a prehistoric ritual monument from the second millennium BC. A single taller stone, known as the King Stone, stands about 40 metres to the northwest. The site is managed by English Heritage and remains accessible to the public on open moorland. Excavations have revealed evidence of activity from the Bronze Age, though the specific ritual purpose remains subject to archaeological interpretation. The stones are positioned on a plateau, making them a prominent feature of the local landscape.
From the northern edge of the circle looking back toward the King Stone at sunrise.
Wear sturdy waterproof hiking boots as the moorland terrain is uneven and can be boggy.
Check the weather forecast before heading out, as the site is fully exposed with no shelter.
Combine your visit with a walk to the nearby Cork Stone, a distinct natural gritstone outcrop.
Do not attempt to drive directly to the site as there is no vehicle access to the moor; park in designated village spots and walk up.
Practice 'Leave No Trace' principles; do not climb on or move the stones.
