Winster - Robin Hood's Stride - Youlgreave - Elton

Paul John Bridgett

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A quite demanding walk with many areas of interest. Many of the paths are not frequently used and can become overgrown, perhaps a few more walkers would keep these paths open.
The route is mostly along field-paths, with some green lane tracks. All paths were waymarked when walked and all are reasonably easy to locate, with only the entry point into a woodland section being tricky to find, though when you know where it is this becomes much easier. The woodland path was once very difficult to follow, though now the turning point is waymarked, making life easier.
There are several points of interest around Robin Hood's Stride area, which is a popular one with locals. About 120m detour off the path takes you to the Hermit's Cave which is now fenced off and gated; this is a small cave shelter with a crucifix carved into the wall of the cave, though without a torch it just looks like a black hole. There are also several areas of standing stones approaching the Iron Age hill-fort at Castle Ring; the path traverses the banking to this.
The pub used on this walk is the Bull's Head in Youlgreave, a former coaching inn with much character. The menu is varied and good-value. Also a choice of hand-pulled beers is offered. This is one of three pubs in Youlgreave; all have their merits. The George which is further along the road past the Bull's Head to the left of the church, has the best range of beers, but can become busy.

England - Central England - Derbyshire - Peak District

Features

Ancient Monument, Birds, Cafe, Church, Flowers, Great Views, Hills or Fells, Pub, River, Tea Shop, Toilets, Waterfall, Wildlife, Woodland

5/22/2012 - Steven Kempson

Very enjoyable walk completed on 20/05/12. A few sections of the walk were very muddy as described by others. The section of walk between the muddy assent and Clough Wood appears to have changed a little over the last few years and it would be fairly easy to head in the wrong direction. If you have a compass, head east and when you reach the shallow valley-shaped depression stay on the left bank and you should reach the entrance to Clough Wood. As others have said there are trees blocking the path but they are easily bypassed. Spring was very late this year and the bluebells were in full bloom in Clough Wood, very picturesque. We had a fairly lengthy lunch break and a pint in the Bull and still completed the walk in 5 hours.

5/22/2009 - Lee Calladine

very good walk done on 02/05/09. Worth noting at the end of step 1 to 'keep right of houses and walk over block driveway to gate'. Other than that a very good documented walk and pet friendly too. My labrador did the walk with ease as there are pet friendly stiles all the way. Only dodgy bit is on Step 15 when you have to meet the Limestone Way and have to walk 100 yards down a busy road with no pavements.

8/28/2007 - Dave and Sam Asbury

Knackering! But good. During the wood section (around wp 7) 2 trees were down across the path, the waymark just after the second on a small tree. Got a bit lost here, so ended up just heading up the embankment knowing from the map we'd cross the path. Great Views, great farm on route and agree with previous comment rgarding the 2 pubs. (Also riverside walk at youlgreave nice to eat sarnies at.)

3/15/2006 - Debby Nicholls-Marcy

15.03.06 Watch out for the mud on this walk particularly between Youlgrave and Robin Hood's Stride. It is BAD. (Particularly if the farmer decides to plough the field - as is his right of course - just after snow has melted.) Good views and a fascinating mix of limestone, millstone grit and heavy red clay. Pub in Elton was closed at lunchtime as was tea room. Head back to the George at Youlgrave - walkers very welcome!