As you move along the trail across the Limestone outcrop of Staden, take a chance to look down the hillside. If you are lucky you may notice an outline of a circular structure amongst the lower fields, this is believed by some to be a Neolithic earthwork enclosure – this is Staden Low.
Standing at Staden Low, the view of the skyline of the surrounding hilly landscape is believed to have been highly significant to the Neolithic people. The earthwork may have been constructed as a place to observe the major lunar standstill in the 18.6 year cycle, and the Midsummer and Midwinter Solstices. Imagine yourself on a dark night, with no artificial light, only the stars above and a mystical moon hovering low over the rolling landscape of the Peak District. It would have truly been a sight to behold for the Neolithic people! Perhaps you’ll come back on a Lunar Solstice and see for yourself?