Scattered beneath the gritstone cliffs of Stanage Edge lie the silent remnants of a once-thriving industry: abandoned millstones carved from the coarse local sandstone.

These iconic stone discs—some over 2 metres wide—were quarried in the 18th and 19th centuries for use in grinding grain, sharpening tools, and pulping. Many were left behind where they were made, either due to imperfections or as demand declined when finer materials took their place.

If you wonder why they haven't been moved - some weigh up to 2.5 tonnes each. They now form an integral part of the Peak District landscape's character.

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Best routes to Millstones of the Peak District

4.8

(38)

438

hikers

1. View of Ladybower Reservoir – Bamford Edge — Rocky Outcrop loop from Ladybower Reservoir

10.5km

03:17

390m

Moderate hike. Good fitness required. Easily-accessible paths. Suitable for all skill levels.

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Moderate

4.7

(47)

210

hikers

2. Bamford Edge — Rocky Outcrop – Stanage Edge loop from Hathersage

19.3km

05:25

380m

Hard hike. Very good fitness required. Easily-accessible paths. Suitable for all skill levels.

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Hard

4.8

(38)

155

hikers

3. Ladybower Reservoir – Stanage Edge loop from Edale

19.4km

05:42

510m

Hard hike. Very good fitness required. Easily-accessible paths. Suitable for all skill levels.

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Hard

Details

Informations

Elevation 450 m

Weather

Today

Tuesday 10 March

8°C

3°C

27 %

Additional weather tips

Max wind speed: 28.0 km/h

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Location: Hathersage, Derbyshire Dales, Derbyshire, East Midlands, England, United Kingdom

Other Popular Places to Check Out

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Stanage End Rock Formations

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Mother Cap Rock Formation

Stanage Edge Viewpoint

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View of Ladybower Reservoir from Bamford Moor

Winyards Nick

Win Hill Summit

Millstones of the Peak District

1. View of Ladybower Reservoir – Bamford Edge — Rocky Outcrop loop from Ladybower Reservoir

2. Bamford Edge — Rocky Outcrop – Stanage Edge loop from Hathersage

3. Ladybower Reservoir – Stanage Edge loop from Edale

Other Popular Places to Check Out

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