The mysterious site of Minninglow (also referred to as Minning Low) is located just off the High Peak Trail in the Peak District in Derbyshire. It’s a remarkable collection of ancient tombs strewn through woodland on the top of a hill, with a distinctive double ring of beech trees that make it a landmark for many miles around.
The tombs include an Early Neolithic chambered tomb dating back over 5,000 years, containing two complete chambers made of limestone slabs, and three further incomplete chambers. There are also bowl barrows that date back to the Bronze Age.
Chambered tombs mark the resting places of Britain’s earliest rural communities. They were often used for communal burials and were also likely to have been ritual sites for local people. Only 300 such tombs still survive in England, and the tomb at Minninglow has heritage status as a Scheduled Ancient Monument of national importance.
Excavations of the chambered tomb carried out between 1843 and 1851 revealed human bones, as well as Roman bronzes, coins and pottery dating from the 3rd Century, suggesting that the Romans had also used or disturbed the site. Excavations of the Bronze Age barrows revealed two flint knives, a bronze razor and a bone tool.
An Important Word!
Minninglow is an ancient, sacred site of national importance. It is also a burial ground. If you do explore this beautiful place, please do so with the respect and reverence it deserves. Please don’t disturb or move any of the rocks, take all litter away with you and remember that overnight camping is not permitted. Thank you!
How Do I Get to Minninglow?
There is a concessionary footpath to Minninglow from the High Peak Trail. The nearest car park is at Mouldridge Lane, off Parwich Lane, Matlock DE4 2PN. From the car park walk in an easterly direction, crossing over a narrow lane and joining the High Peak Trail heading towards Minninglow Hill. The path is on the left hand side.
