Cat Stone

Standing stones don't come much more mysterious than this solitary gritstone sentinel, perched on the hillside above Birchover near Matlock. The Cat Stone is a proper oddity - a tall, weathered monolith that's been puzzling archaeologists for decades. Some reckon it's a Bronze Age marker stone, others think it might be medieval, but nobody knows for certain.

What strikes you first is how isolated it feels up here. The stone itself isn't massive - about head height - but it commands cracking views across the Derwent Valley. Kids might find it a bit underwhelming unless they're into ancient mysteries, but adults who enjoy a good archaeological puzzle will appreciate the enigma.

The walk up from Birchover village takes about twenty minutes through typical Peak District countryside. It's free to visit, naturally, though finding it can be tricky without a decent map. Worth combining with the nearby Rowtor Rocks if you're making the effort.

For families staying at Darwin Forest or the other holiday parks around Matlock, this makes a decent short walk that won't exhaust younger legs. Just don't expect Stonehenge - the Cat Stone's appeal lies in its complete lack of tourist infrastructure and that nagging question: what on earth is it doing there?