Exploring Birchover and Rowtor Rocks
The lovely village of Birchover lies on the south eastern border of the Peak District National Park in Derbyshire, surrounded by the most stunning scenery. Although only five miles out of the town of Matlock, it stands amid the most magnificent open moorland that’s steeped in history.Â
Birchover is an ancient village, mentioned in the Domesday Book of 1086. The pretty cottages that line the lanes are built of the distinctive pink gritstone from the Stanton Moor quarries that are located above the village.Â
The village today is small but has a thriving sense of community, with a number of festivals and events held throughout the year. It has a village shop and two pubs, one of which – The Druid Inn – was reputedly once the meeting place of the Druids who used the area around here for ceremonial worship.
Rowtor Rocks
As interesting as the village is, for many visitors it’s an area on the outskirts of Birchover that holds the most fascination.
On the edge of the village you’ll find the mysterious cave complex of Rowtor Rocks, consisting of numerous interlinked tunnels, passages, viewpoints and caverns, some man-made. Many of the rocks have been carved with symbols and pictures, including serpents, circles and cups. A series of steps, thrones and altars have also been fashioned out of the stone in a number of places.Â
The modifications and carvings reputedly date from the 17th Century and are the handiwork of a very intriguing individual, the local parson of the village, Reverend Thomas Eyre (d. 1717). Despite being a man of the cloth, Thomas Eyre was a Druid who reputedly practised witchcraft. It’s believed that he used Rowtor Rocks in his ceremonies, and he also wrote his village sermons sitting on the rock seats he’d carved, looking out over the landscape. Two of the caves were reputedly created for him to entertain his friends in?!
Today Birchover and Rowtor Rocks is a great place to spend a day. Explore the rocks – with care and respect please – and there are numerous beautiful walks into the surrounding countryside to enjoy, including a number which take you out to the mysterious expanse of Stanton Moor and the Nine Ladies Stone Circle, or in the other direction to Robin Hood’s Stride.
How do I get to Birchover and Rowtor Rocks?
Birchover is on the south eastern edge of the Peak District in Derbyshire, located just off the B5056 between Rowsley and Winster. The postcode for The Druid inn is DE4 2BL. You’ll find Rowtor Rocks just behind the Druid Inn, along a small track that leads to the church.
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