The simple cheer that erst sustained
The patriarch seers of old
Still in these pastoral valleys feeds
A race of ancient mould
Do not go through the gates towards the Hall, but follow the drive around to the right and enter the cobbled and paved courtyard of the farm and cottages above. Walk straight along the yard and through a gate directly in front which leads onto a grassy drive curving away up the hillside. If you glance down to the walled garden of the hall below, you can just make out a tufa grotto.
Follow the track as it winds its way up the hillside then proceed along a narrow grassy path. See on your right the variety of trees in a mixture of shape, size and texture. Down to your left is Endcliffe Quarry with its sheer cliff face and warning signs.
When you come to the narrow lane leading to Stanton Lees turn right, then turn left at the road junction after about 150 yards and begin the climb to the top of Stanton Hill. Stanton Moor sits atop an enormous boulder of sandstone like a Peak District island and there are numerous small quarries to be found, many now disused. The scars that once disfigured the hillside have healed over and offer an ideal habitat for wildlife, flora and fauna. In Kelly’s Directory of 1912 there is an interesting advertisement for the ‘Stanton and Dungeons Quarry’ which was then owned by John Prince and Co. It states that the Dungeon stone was extensively used for church and engineering work throughout the country.
As you slowly climb up the narrow road keep glancing behind you at the wondrous views stretching down the Derwent towards Matlock, with Riber Castle prominently visible in the distance, or up the valley towards Chatsworth and Beeley Moor.
You will eventually pass over the top of the hill and begin to descend. Just as you enter the village of Stanton-in-the-Peak turn right at the footpath sign and walk along the drive leading to the isolated cricket pitch.
Walk behind the little pavilion or clubhouse and continue along the path as it enters Sheepwalk Wood. The path leads you to Pilhough Lane. Turn right and walk along the lane until just past Beighton Houses, then sit for a while on the stone seat on your left and contemplate the wonderful view before you of Haddon Hall and beyond.
Just after the seat you cross a stile and head down the hillside bearing over to the right. After crossing a couple of fields and stiles you should emerge onto an ancient little lane leading down to Congreave.
Walk down the lane with its verges and hedgerows rich with wild flowers and old trees. You will pass behind Stanton Old Hall which was built in 1667. Gabled and will mullioned windows the hall is a fine example of an old English farmstead. Continue down to Dove House Farm and turn right along a path. After heading across a field then crossing a little stream you go up through a little wood and then walk below Peak Tor or Pillow Hill as it is also known. The top of this was once an early British camp or settlement and is now topped by a small plantation, its dry moat can still be clearly seen lower down the hillside.
Walk around the hill but head across and downhill so that you end up in the far corner by the side of the river where there is a stile giving access onto the road. Turn left and walk back to Rowsley past the recreation ground.
