Lawrence Field stone circle
Location -
Lawrence Field
Derbyshire
OS Grid Reference SK 25467 79776
Bit of a difficult one to find this, and it's not certain it actually is a stone circle, described by John Barnatt as "A fortuitous arrangement of stones".
There are 5 stones to be seen, the largest around 1 metre tall.
The easiest way to get to the circle is by parking on the B6521 opposite Granby discovery barn, by Padley Gorge, the roadside parking is free but be aware, the area is a very popular with day trippers from the surrounding area, and on weekends you either have to arrive very early or late evening to secure a spot.
Opposite Granby barn there is a gate leading down into Padley Gorge, this is the one you need.
Cross the brook using the bridge or stepping stones and head for the high ground shown in the pic below.
When you've reached the high ground head left and try to keep as close to your left as you can, the path is spurious to begin with but it soon becomes more defined, though be aware there is an old quarry on the left so children should be kept close by.
After 50 metres or so you'll come to a fence line which the path hugs closely, keep following this till you start to head downhill after 200 metres or so.
When you get to the point where the fence heads off 90 degrees to your left, stop, your almost at the circle and you'll need to use the last fence post to guide you into it, see pic below.
Position yourself by the fence looking over the last post and you'll notice a lone rounded Birch tree around 100 metres distant, line the post and the Birch tree up and walk on this line towards the tree for roughly 70-80 metres through the bracken, you'll notice the largest stone of the circle before you, the rest of the stones are smaller and somewhat hidden by bracken and heather but you'll soon pick them out.
After 50 metres or so you'll come to a fence line which the path hugs closely, keep following this till you start to head downhill after 200 metres or so.
When you get to the point where the fence heads off 90 degrees to your left, stop, your almost at the circle and you'll need to use the last fence post to guide you into it, see pic below.
Position yourself by the fence looking over the last post and you'll notice a lone rounded Birch tree around 100 metres distant, line the post and the Birch tree up and walk on this line towards the tree for roughly 70-80 metres through the bracken, you'll notice the largest stone of the circle before you, the rest of the stones are smaller and somewhat hidden by bracken and heather but you'll soon pick them out.
Note: If you don't fancy the trudge through the bracken you can follow the path then head off to your right some 20 metres before the birch tree, though the bracken is very tall so keep a sharp eye out for the circles largest stone.
Alternative pay and display parking is available close by on the A6187 Hathersage road at the Surprise View car park, though you'll have to take a different route to the site from the one described above.
From the circle Mother Cap stone is on view to your North, Eyam moor and it's circles to the West (marked by the large mast) and the (now non rocking) rocking stone to your N/NW.
From your parking spot you'll also have a magnificent view of Carl Wark hill fort.
Below, the largest stone of this disputed stone circle, with son for scale and mother Cap stone on the distant horizon.
Alternative pay and display parking is available close by on the A6187 Hathersage road at the Surprise View car park, though you'll have to take a different route to the site from the one described above.
From the circle Mother Cap stone is on view to your North, Eyam moor and it's circles to the West (marked by the large mast) and the (now non rocking) rocking stone to your N/NW.
From your parking spot you'll also have a magnificent view of Carl Wark hill fort.
Below, the largest stone of this disputed stone circle, with son for scale and mother Cap stone on the distant horizon.