What to Expect

Set out from the charming village of Youlgreave on a scenic walk through the heart of the Peak District, tracing ancient paths steeped in history and legend. The route climbs gently through rolling farmland and open moor to the Bronze Age earthworks of Castle Ring, where traces of a prehistoric settlement still crown the hill. Along the way, you’ll pass mysterious standing stone circles, silent witnesses to rituals and gatherings from thousands of years ago, before ascending toward the dramatic gritstone outcrop of Robin Hood’s Stride, said to mark the span of the outlaw’s mighty leap. The walk ends perfectly with a well-earned rest and refreshment at a cosy local café, where you can soak up the atmosphere and views of this timeless landscape. 

We start in the quiet village of Youlgreave. There is some initial pavement walking to get into open fields. We briefly walk alongside the river Bradford on a flat gravelled track. This is a protected area so dogs must stay on the lead. We are then into open fields, livestock are kept here so please be aware. The fields will be muddy and slippy in winter. We have a steady incline to get up to Robin Hoods Stride. The stone circle may not be accessible, it is on private land, but the farmer often leaves the gate open. If not we can still see it from the footpath. It's steep and rocky around Robin Hood's Stride, please resist any sort of scrambling, we can get a good view of the area regardless. We have to pass through a working farm, the Castle Ring again is off the footpath but we can view is easily from there. We pass within about 100 metres of Harthill Moor, again this is on private land and definitely inaccessible. It still counts as bagging an Ethel! It's a steady walk with some uphill and steep downhill. Be aware of livestock and slippy ground.