Easy hikes and walks around Stanton CP
4.6
(12706)
67,051
hikers
1,005
hikes
Easy hiking trails around Stanton CP traverse a diverse landscape featuring ancient woodlands, open green spaces, and wildflower meadows. The area is characterized by a large lake, ponds, streams, and wetlands, contributing to its ecological variety. Footpaths and walking tracks extend through these natural features, offering accessible routes for outdoor activities. The terrain provides a dynamic backdrop for hikers, with gentle elevation changes suitable for easy excursions.
Best easy hiking trails in Stanton CP
- The most popular easy hiking route is Stanton Moor and Nine Ladies loop from Birchover — Peak District National Park, a 3.1 miles (5.0 km) trail that takes 1 hour 24 minutes to complete. This route features varied terrain through moorland and offers views of ancient stone circles.
- Another top favourite among local hikers is Stanton Moor & the Nine Ladies Stone Circle loop from Birchover — Peak District National Park, an easy 2.8 miles (4.5 km) path. This trail explores the historic Nine Ladies Stone Circle and surrounding moorland.
- Local hikers also love the Nine Ladies Stone Circle – Cork Stone loop from Birchover CP, a 3.5 miles (5.7 km) trail leading through moorland and rock formations, often completed in about 1 hour 35 minutes.
- Hiking around Stanton CP is defined by ancient woodlands, open green spaces, and wetlands. The network offers options for different ability levels, with a focus on easy hiking trails suitable for beginners and families.
- The routes in Stanton CP are highly rated by the komoot community with an average score of 4.6 stars from over 10,000 reviews. More than 61,000 hikers have used komoot to explore Stanton CP's varied terrain.
Last updated: October 4, 2026
4.9
(69)
294
hikers
Embark on an easy 3.1-mile (5.0 km) loop from Birchover, exploring Stanton Moor and its ancient woodlands. This hike, taking about 1 hour and 23 minutes with just 338 feet (103 metres) of elevation gain, offers expansive views across the Peak District countryside. You'll traverse open moorland and broad, accessible paths, encountering distinctive gritstone edges and picturesque scenes of Birchover village. Look out for the famous Nine Ladies Stone Circle, a Bronze Age relic standing proudly on the moor.
This easy route is suitable for all skill and fitness levels, featuring easily accessible paths and typically no steep gradients. Some sections even boast no stiles, making the journey smoother. The trail primarily uses broad paths through fields and woodlands, ensuring a comfortable and straightforward hiking experience.
Stanton Moor is a Scheduled Ancient Monument, rich in archaeological significance with over 70 ancient burial mounds and four Bronze Age stone circles. Beyond the Nine Ladies, you can also discover the Cork Stone, a climbable sandstone boulder, and the Earl Grey Tower, commemorating the 1832 Reform Bill. Near Birchover, the mysterious Rowtor Rocks complex offers intricate carvings and caverns.
4.9
(63)
252
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Embark on an easy 2.8-mile (4.5 km) hike around Stanton Moor, gaining 281 feet (86 metres) in elevation, which typically takes about 1 hour and 15 minutes. Starting from the charming village of Birchover, the trail quickly leads you through enchanting woodlands before opening up onto the bracken-clad moor. You will find easy walking along broad paths, though some sections involve uneven surfaces, gates, and stiles, offering magnificent views across the Peak District countryside and valleys.
This route is suitable for a wide range of fitness levels, including families with children, making it a great choice for a relaxed outing. Birchover village itself provides a welcoming starting point, with local pubs like The Druid Inn and Red Lion Inn available for refreshments before or after your adventure. Plan your visit during daylight hours to fully appreciate the diverse scenery and historical landmarks.
The trail is rich in history and unique geological features, most notably the Bronze Age Nine Ladies Stone Circle, a significant archaeological site. You can also explore impressive gritstone formations like Robin Hood's Stride and the climbable Cork Stone. Stanton Moor is protected as a Scheduled Ancient Monument, preserving its numerous prehistoric remains and offering a glimpse into ancient times.
4.6
(14)
88
hikers
6.72km
01:49
90m
90m
Easy hike. Great for any fitness level. Easily-accessible paths. Suitable for all skill levels.
4.7
(19)
56
hikers
6.44km
01:53
170m
170m
Easy hike. Great for any fitness level. Easily-accessible paths. Suitable for all skill levels.
4.6
(8)
25
hikers
4.69km
01:22
120m
120m
Easy hike. Great for any fitness level. Easily-accessible paths. Suitable for all skill levels.
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Tips from the Community
A short but exciting scramble up the rocky outcrop behind Birchover village leads to Rowtor Rocks, a wonderland of weirdly carved boulders, hidden tunnels, secret steps, and a proper little cave once used by a 17th-century vicar who liked to play at being a druid. Kids from age 4 absolutely love it here – there’s endless climbing, squeezing through narrow gaps, discovering carved chairs and altars, and plenty of “secret cave” excitement without it ever feeling too big or overwhelming. The paths are short, the rocks are grippy, and little legs can explore to their heart’s content while parents keep an easy eye from just a few metres away. Bring wellies or grippy shoes after rain (it can be slippy) and let the kids lead the adventure – they’ll be talking about their “druid cave mission” for weeks
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Cork Stone is one of several interesting standing stones on Stanton Moor. It is 5m tall piece of weathered sandstone located above the remnants of a quarry site. At some point hollowed out steps and metal rings were added to allow people (kids and their grownups!) to climb to the top
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This stone circle from the Bronze Age, built thousands of years before the beginning of the Christian era, is neither as large nor nearly as famous as the legendary "Stonehenge" on the plains near Amesbury (which is, after all, a UNESCO World Heritage Site; if you're interested, see =>> https://www.komoot.com/de-de/highlight/960007 ), but this one can be visited without much tourist hustle and bustle, and it also has a much more interesting-sounding name...
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Don't forget to check out the Druid's Rocks behind the Inn. Great place to explore.
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Really lovely tower to come across, easy access for photo opportunities. steps are small and steep but still manageable even on snowy days just mind your step
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Grade II-listed medieval bridge, built in the 15th century and widened in the 1920s.
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The King, a squat but smooth gritstone outlier about 50m from the main Nine Ladies stone circle on Stanton Moor in the Derbyshire Peak District. With 19th century graffiti. Peak archaeologist John Barnatt has postulated that it may be the sole element evident above ground of some more complex prehistoric monument, possibly even another stone-circle.
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A nice place for a little scramble...and a great view at the top. Rowtor Rocks consists of numerous interlinked tunnels and caverns, some natural and some man-made. Many of the rocks have been carved with symbols and pictures, including serpents, circles and cups. A series of steps, thrones and altars have also been fashioned out of the stone in a number of places.
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Frequently Asked Questions
How many easy hiking trails are available in Stanton CP?
Stanton Country Park offers a wide selection of easy hiking trails, with over 470 routes specifically categorized as easy. These trails are suitable for beginners and families, providing accessible options to explore the park's diverse landscapes.
What kind of scenery can I expect on easy hikes around Stanton CP?
Easy hikes around Stanton Country Park traverse a diverse landscape featuring extensive ancient woodlands, open green spaces, and vibrant wildflower meadows. You'll also encounter a large lake, complemented by a series of ponds, streams, and wetlands, which add to the park's ecological diversity and visual appeal.
Are the easy hiking trails in Stanton CP suitable for families with children?
Yes, the easy hiking trails in Stanton Country Park are very suitable for families with children. The park's gentle terrain and varied landscapes, including woodlands and meadows, offer an engaging outdoor experience. Many trails are well-maintained, and the presence of captivating wood carvings scattered along routes provides extra interest for younger hikers.
Can I bring my dog on the easy hiking trails in Stanton CP?
Yes, dogs are welcome on the trails throughout Stanton Country Park. It's a popular destination for dog walkers, offering plenty of open spaces and varied paths for you and your canine companion to enjoy. Please ensure dogs are kept under control, especially around wildlife and other visitors.
Are there any circular easy hiking routes in Stanton CP?
Yes, many of the easy trails in Stanton Country Park are circular, allowing you to start and end at the same point. For example, the Nine Ladies Stone Circle – Cork Stone loop from Rowsley CP is an easy circular route that takes you through moorland and past interesting rock formations.
What interesting landmarks or natural features can I see along the easy hiking trails?
Stanton Country Park's easy trails offer several points of interest. You can discover captivating wood carvings hidden along the paths, explore a demonstration farmhouse kitchen garden, and observe rich wildlife including birds of prey and roe deer. Nearby, you can also visit the historic Nine Ladies Stone Circle and the distinctive Cork Stone.
Is parking available at Stanton Country Park for hikers?
Yes, Stanton Country Park is well-equipped with facilities, including free parking for visitors. This makes it a convenient starting point for accessing the easy hiking trails within the park.
How long do easy walks typically take in Stanton CP?
The duration of easy walks in Stanton Country Park varies depending on the specific route and your pace. Many easy trails range from 2.5 to 4 miles (4 to 6.5 km) and can typically be completed in 1 to 2 hours. For instance, the The Druid Inn, Birchover – Rowtor Rocks loop from Birchover CP is an easy 4-mile (6.3 km) trail that takes about 1 hour 50 minutes.
What do other hikers enjoy most about the easy trails in Stanton CP?
The easy trails in Stanton Country Park are highly rated by the komoot community, with an average score of 4.6 stars from over 10,000 reviews. Hikers often praise the park's diverse natural features, including the ancient woodlands and open spaces, and appreciate the well-maintained paths suitable for all abilities.
When is the best time of year to hike the easy trails in Stanton CP?
Stanton Country Park offers a dynamic backdrop for hikers throughout the seasons. Spring brings vibrant wildflower meadows, while autumn showcases beautiful foliage in the ancient woodlands. The trails are accessible year-round, but for the most comfortable experience, spring and early autumn are often preferred due to milder weather.
Are there any facilities like toilets or a visitor center at Stanton Country Park?
Yes, Stanton Country Park is well-equipped for visitors. It offers a visitor information center, accessible toilets, and baby changing units, ensuring a comfortable and convenient experience for your day out on the easy hiking trails.
Are there any easy routes with good views in Stanton CP?
While Stanton Country Park is primarily known for its woodlands and wetlands, many trails offer pleasant views across open green spaces and meadows. For specific viewpoints, you might find rewarding vistas from higher ground within the park or nearby areas like the Stanton Moor Trig Point, which offers panoramic views of the surrounding landscape.
How can I reach Stanton Country Park using public transport?
While Stanton Country Park is easily accessible by car with free parking, public transport options may be limited directly to the park entrance. It's advisable to check local bus routes serving Swindon and then plan for a short taxi ride or a longer walk from the nearest bus stop. For detailed information on local transport, you can consult the Swindon Borough Council website.
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