Ninestone Close

Ordnance Survey map reference: SK 225625.

Landranger map number: 119.

Latitude: 53.095 degrees.

Longitude: -1.395 degrees.

Architecture: Plain ring..

Length of the major axis: 13.1 metres.

Length of the minor axis: 13.1 metres.

Height of the highest stone: 1.7 metres.

Shape: Circle.

Number of stones in the circle originally: 9.

Number of stones in the circle now: 4.

Impression of the site (10 amazing, 1 limp): 7

Burl rating of the circle: 3 (Ruined but recognisable ).

Thom reference for the circle: D1/4.

Astronomical alignments from this circle: -.

Excavations undertaken at this circle: 1847.

Details of any finds at this circle: Shards, Flints.

This circle is not in state care.

Access to the circle:

The circle lies on Harthill moor, north of the village of Elton. Parking is along the roadside about 1.8km north of Elton on the Elton to Alport road. The towering peaks of Robin Hood's stride are close to the circle and the four tall stones of the circle can clearly be seen from here. A walk of 350m is required from the main road to the circle along tracks that follow the walls on the moor.

The stones of this circle are the tallest standing stones in Derbyshire, however only one small arc remains. The other arc has been totally destroyed and a stone wall cuts through the ring. At first glance the stones look like a complete four poster stone circle but this is a misconception.One of the circle stones is now being used as a gate post in a wall between the circle and the Peak of the nearby Robin Hood's stride. The stones may have been reerected during the excavations that took place in 1847 and may not be in their original positions. An inspiring circle to visit and one of my personal favourites, even though it is now ruined and only partly complete.

The four remaining stones of Ninestone Close are the tallest megaliths in Derbyshire and give the site the mistaken appearance of a four poster.