The Ox Stones

The Ox Stones are comprised of the Rivelin (aka Chatsworth) Grit (Upper Carboniferous, Namurian age) and are a compact group of residual tors resulting from periglacial (permafrost/freeze-thaw) action during the last glacial period when the Peak District was largely free of ice but still under permafrost conditions. The mushroom shape of the tors is probably a result of wind erosion during this time in the cold, dry climate, with strong winds hurling sand against the tors in a low, ground-hugging sand-blast.