Nine Stones Close

Nine Stones Close is a Bronze Age stone circle on Harthill Moor in Derbyshire, with four standing stones forming part of an original ring formation. The remaining stones are scattered across the moorland, with some reaching significant heights above the surrounding turf.

The circle was built in the Bronze Age and originally formed a complete ring across the moorland. Later disturbances over several centuries removed and relocated individual stones, breaking the formation into the scattered arrangement seen today.

The site sits on open moorland where Bronze Age people may have gathered for rituals or community events. The stones themselves were positioned to align with natural landmarks across the landscape.

The stones are accessible on foot across the open moorland using paths that wind through the surrounding landscape. The ground can be wet and muddy depending on recent weather, so sturdy footwear is recommended for any visit.

One of the stones bears carved cup marks on its surface, possibly created for ritual marking or as evidence of tool use in prehistoric times. These detailed surface patterns remain visible today and hint at the care taken by the people who placed these stones.