Robin Hood's Stride

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This unusual rock formation in the Peak District is called Robin Hood’s Stride. It’s also known as Grain Tor or the Mock Beggars Mansion because from a distance it looks like it has two chimneys. According to legends, during the 14th Century Robin Hood leaped between the large stones at each end of the tor which led to it becoming known as Robin Hood’s Stride.

These gritstone boulders are often climbed and scrambled over. They are accessed via the Limestone Way in the White Peak area of the Peak District and they stand on the old portway, an ancient track that crosses the limestone plateau. The views are stunning from here and you can also see the stone circle which is about 200 metres from Robin Hood’s Stride. There is another popular place to see near here called Hermits Cave which is also worth a visit.

This makes a walk past Robin Hood’s Stride a great one for the family because of the amount to do if you fancy an energetic day outdoors. We have three walks which go past Robin Hood’s Stride with two starting in Elton and one which starts in Birchover. The walks vary in distance so you can pick which one suits you. Robin Hood’s Stride was also featured the the film, The Princess Bride and in an episode of Sherlock Holmes.

Elton and Robin Hood’s Stride.
3.5 miles

This first walk is a lovely route which starts in Elton. There are lots of things to see on your journey including hermit’s cave, a stone circle and of course, a visit to Robin Hood’s Stride itself. There are some inclines on this walks but nothing too strenuous, however, it can get a bit muddy in places. Please note that there are some steep drops from cliffs near Robin Hood’s Stride so please be careful.

Elton, Bradford Dale and Robin Hood’s Stride.
7 miles

This is the second walks from Elton and includes a visit to the beautiful Bradford Dale. This location is a haven for nature and bird watching and this route also includes a visit to the interesting medieval hermit’s cave. Like the previous walk, the best bit is when you reach Robin Hood’s Stride, the famous and unusual rock formation. As with the other walk, please take care in this area as there are hills and steep drops from the cliffs, plus it can get muddy.

Birchover and Robin Hood’s Stride
3 miles

The third walk past Robin Hood’s Stride starts in the village of Birchover. The route takes you on a Journey of history and mythology, including the hermit of Cratcliffe Tor and the infamous outlaw who jumped across the huge pillars and gave it’s name to Robin Hood’s Stride. This walk also takes you along the pretty Main Street and as you pass The Druid Inn look out for the hidden Druids Caves and the Rowtor Rocks. Although this is quite a short walk, it does require some energy with some steep sections and a bit of road walking. At the end of the walk, refreshments can be enjoyed in one of the pubs in the village.