Arbor Low Stone Circle

Overview

Arbor Low Stone Circle is a Neolithic henge in the Peak District. It is one of the most important and best-preserved prehistoric sites in Derbyshire and consists of around 50 white limestone slabs around a central cove of smaller stones.

This feature is thought to signify that it was a major sacred site. Although the stones have now long fallen, it’s still an impressive sight.

Arbor Low stone circle is a fantastic free place to visit near to YHA Hartington Hall. It’s well worth a trip for families with active children, couples, and solo walkers looking to explore a piece of very early history.

The stone circle is set high up on a bank in moorland, with a ditch running around it, giving the site an atmospheric feel. There’s also a large Bronze Age burial mound nearby called Gib Hill Barrow.

What is Arbor Low?

Arbor Low is sometimes called the Stonehenge of the Peak District, and it’s easy to see why, as it resembles the famous stone circle, albeit on a slightly smaller scale. It is one of the finest New Stone Age monuments in the north of England.

It’s thought that stone circles were built in the Neolithic period, sometimes called the New Stone Age, from 10,000 BCE to 3,000 BCE.

This time period is when humans started to cultivate crops and domesticate animals. Stone circles were constructed as places of ceremony, worship, and healing, and they were designed to align with the movements of the sun and the moon. It’s thought that this stone circle was in use until the Bronze Age.

Arbor Low is set in the countryside of the White Peak area, and from the stone circle, you’ll get stunning views over the rolling hills of Derbyshire. There’s plenty of space here for children to run around and burn off some energy whilst adults enjoy the vistas.

Is Arbor Low free to visit?

Although Arbor Low itself is free to visit, access to the site is through a working farm with private buildings. The landowner here charges £1 per person for access. Children are free. Payment is via an honesty box.

Access to Arbor Low is through fields where you’ll need to go through gates and over stiles, so it may not be suitable for those with accessibility issues or young children in pushchairs.

Is Arbor Low dog friendly?

Yes, you can bring your pooch along with you to Arbor Low stone circle. Be sure to keep four-legged friends on their leads as you will walk through farmland as there may be livestock grazing.

Is there a café nearby?

There is no café on site at Arbor Low stone circle, however, you’ll find one just over a mile away at the hamlet of Parsley Hay, where the Tissington Trail starts.

Blueberry Kiosk offers hot drinks, homemade cakes, and fresh sandwiches made with locally sourced produce. There’s a seating area outside, and nearby there are public toilets, a car park, and a bike hire and repair centre.

You could easily combine a visit to Arbor Low stone circle with a walk on the Tissington Trail, stopping for a snack at Blueberry Kiosk on the way!

Summer and winter solstice at Arbor Low stone circle

The summer solstice is the longest day of the year and occurs on the 20th or 21st June. On this day, people gather at Arbor Low stone circle to watch the sunrise. There are also sometimes free events held throughout the day, including activities like meditations and sound ceremonies.

The winter solstice occurs on the shortest day of the year, the 21st or 22nd December, and people also head to Arbor Low to celebrate by watching the sunrise or taking a walk.

Arbor Low circular walks

If you’re looking for an active day out in the Peak District National Park, then you can add a visit to Arbor Low stone circle to a circular walk. There are many routes that include a stop at the ancient monument, including:

•    Arbor Low circular walk from Monyash (5.5 miles/8.9 kilometres)
•    Monyash, Arbor Low, and Lathkill Dale circular (6.8 miles/10.9 kilometres)
•    Arbor Low and Cales Dale (6.3 miles/10.1 kilometres)

How to get to Arbor Low stone circle from YHA Hartington Hall

Arbor Low stone circle is around five miles from YHA Hartington Hall. Unfortunately, the area isn’t served by public transport, and so the best way to get there is to drive.

The Arbor Low stone circle address is Long Rake, Monyash, Bakewell, Derbyshire, DE45 1JS.

By car: It’s a short drive from YHA Hartington Hall to Arbor Low stone circle, which should take just over 10 minutes. The route goes through the village of Hartington to Parsley Hay on the A515 and then on to the stone circle. There is a small car parking area on the track to Upper Oldhams Farm and some on-road parking. Parking is free.