rangzen

When we visited this site in September 2001 (yes, I know these are slightly delayed notes) the farmer who owns the land was on-site, and he was great. He took us on a mini-tour of the main circle and also of the standing stones in the surrounding fields (I can’t remember exact details, it’s so long ago!).

The point of this post is to say what a great guy; he really stands in contrast to those landowners who will do anything they can to deter you from seeing the great monuments to which they are privileged to control the access. He really appreciated having the stones on his land and was only too happy to tell us about various legends. Big up!!

This is an amazing site... small, but for me, perfectly formed. Two massive uprights – one with a beautiful smile – and then a long chamber flanked with big, sparkling slabs. This is definitely worth a journey – it’s not that far from Lud’s Church. The only ‘problem’ are the guard dogs – two big rottweilers just beyond the site don’t make you feel terribly welcome. They are fenced in, but were a little intimidating.

To get to the Bridestones, you could walk from the nearby (about 2 miles) hamlet of Timbersbrook (parking, loos, picnic area etc), or else just beyond (c. 400 metres) the site towards Leek there’s a layby where you can park (just where Dial Lane becomes Beat Lane).

Lud’s Church is one of the most spooky and beautiful places I’ve been too... quite difficult to find (you definitely need a map), but well worth it. I would say though that it should be avoided in wet weather – on Sunday it was warm and sunny, yet in the cleft (chasm? gully?) it felt about 10 degrees colder and was very muddy and slippery. After you’ve walked to Lud’s Church, it’s worth continuing through Forest Wood toward the wonderfully-named Roach End – it’s quite uphill but you’re rewarded with mind-blowing views and an ice cream van.

I always knew these as Druid Rocks when I was growing up in Derbyshire, but ‘officially’ they’re called Rowtor Rocks. They resemble a mini-Robin Hood’s Stride. There are many legends and myths about druidic activity on the rocks (although as far as I know the evidence is sketchy) and the Victorians loved ‘em. There are comfy little armchairs carved into the rocks, and several caves, rooms and passages to explore. I went up there yesterday for the first time in years, and they’re as much fun as they’ve always been. If you’re going to the Nine Ladies or the Andle Stone, then don’t miss these rocks. The views from the top are amazing, especially in winter when there are no leaves on the trees. Does anyone know any history of Rowtor?