My partner and I are planning a Handfasting for this coming Samhain and have found what looks like the perfect spot. Doll Tor We still need to visit and see what the atmosphere is like etc but from the pictures online it looks perfect. Unfortunately there doesn't look to be any public access to the site. I think it is maintained by English Heritage and the Peak National Park Authority, but they don't own the land. Has anyone visited Doll Tor near the 9 Ladies? Were you challenged? Has anyone successfully asked for permission from the owners? Who ARE the owners? Do any local groups use the site?

If we were just visiting we probably wouldn't bother too much but we really don't want an angry farmer with a shotgun turning up in the middle of the handfasting! (Isn't it supposed to be the bride's father? lol) As there will hopefully be a few of us we wanted to ask permission and make sure we wouldn't be disturbed as much as we could.

If anyone has any information I will be very grateful.

Voreth

Hi Voreth,

I've spent a bit of time at Birchover and have visited the Andle Stone and Nine Ladies on Stanton Moor, and also Nine Stones Close. Must admit I've never been to Dol Tor, didn't know it was there. Nine Stones Close is on common land as far as I know, certainly it is visited on a very regular basis, the Andle Stone is in the middle of a farmer's field, but with a footpath passing it. If Dol Tor is maintained by English Heritage, they're probably the best starting point.

english heritage

I will no doubt be over in Birchover within the next couple of months, if I can, I'll find out and pm you. Unless anyone knows already.

Hi Trent cheers for that.

The problem with English Heritage is that although they maintain the site they don't own it, and they can't say who does because of the data protection act. They say there is no public access, but that permission has been given for access in the past, but not who to ask. All very helpful!

I think the Andle Stone is the one you walk past to get to Doll Tor, but that footpath isn't marked on any maps as a public right of way. I know people do visit both Andle Stone and Doll Tor, but no one seems to know who owns the land surrounding the sites.

There looks to be a farm very close by so we will ask there. We were just hoping someone could give us a better idea of who to ask if it isn't there! We are based in Suffolk so it is about 4hours drive to get to Birchover before we even start trying to track down people to ask! Any help, even if it is finding out who DOESN'T own it, is gratefully received!

We wanted a lesser known circle to minimise interuptions. The problem with the quieter ones is accessibility is usually the reason they are quiet!


Voreth

Find its' OS map reference and Land Registry will have the owners details which as far as I'm aware is info that can be obtained for a couple of £.
Liz
ps looks like a lovely place

Yes, I've been there.

There is no public access, you have to cross a farmer's field to get to it. While he doesn't mind one or two folks nipping across, it would be best to ask his permission if there will be lots of you. (Not that lots of you would fit in the place, it's tiny!)

In addition, he often has his gate shut, and it's a very awkward scramble over it, through very muddly puddles and then through a waterlogged field.

Why not do your rite at the Nine Ladies instead? It's got good access and the circle is much bigger.