Thanks for the maps Chris, i got em.
Seems you've had a good look at the area as i did a few nights back, on the Os map that is, i noticed there wasn't any water source close by too so you may be right about it being made for watering the cattle.

I'm saddened the pond has gone, i was hoping to have a look at it when i next get up there, ah well at least the young un wont fall in it now.

As far the carvings, i still cant help but see the crossroads. !
The eyebrows / birds etc, i'm not so sure of, could be owt really couldn't they, i'll have a look at them upside down too, strictly for research purposes of course. ; )

Thanks again for the pics, maps, replies and humouring me on this one, give me a shout next time you feel like a wander around derbyshire, i may share some of my other theories with you. : )