Outlaws, Ancients & Hermits | Robin Hood's Stride and Hermit’s Cave | 11km

A story-filled walk among gritstone tors, old tracks and ancient sites around Elton and Birchover. Moderate. About this walk Join us for a story-filled walk through the gritstone landscape around Elton and Birchover. We’ll follow old tracks and field paths, climb towards the remarkable Robin Hood’s Stride and explore the stories of Cratcliffe Rocks and its medieval hermitage. Along the way we’ll discuss the nearby Nine Stone Close circle and traces of earlier settlement around Harthill Moor. Expect varied terrain, big views and plenty of history. Visits to individual historic sites depend on confirmed lawful access and conditions. Distance: 10.23 km / 6.4 miles Ascent: 432 m Level of difficulty: Intermediate - Gritstone outcrops, village lanes, field paths, uneven and potentially muddy ground. Expected duration: Approx. 4 hours, including stops. Who will be your guide? I’m Emily, founder of Peak Outdoor Community, and I’m a Mountain Leader based in Glossop at the edge of the Dark Peak. I’ve always been outdoorsy since being a young girl but hiking became a real obsession in 2019 when I started to go solo. I aim to inspire other women to learn the many benefits of exploring in the outdoors and I’m passionate about sharing my love for adventure with you! Feel free to check out the website: Peak Outdoor Community and follow us on Instagram and Facebook: @peakoutdoorcommunity Meeting Information Meeting Point: free parking in a car park on Birchover Rd, directly facing Birchover Stone LtdBirchover Stone, Main Street, Birchover, Matlock DE4 2BN, Google Maps We will meet at 9.45 am to leave at 10am. Car sharing from Glossop can often be arranged—please get in touch if you'd like adding to the group chat. What to bring: • Hiking boots or shoes with good grip • Snacks/lunch to sustain you for up to 4.5hours • Rucksack • Water (at least 1L) • Waterproofs • Warm layers • Sun hat/sun cream • Hat and gloves • A small first aid kit with any personal medications • Walking poles, sit mat, hot drink (optional extras) Toilets: Public toilets are available in the village of Birchover, which we will be passing within 5 minutes of the walk starting. There are no facilities at the car park or on the route. Safety: The aim of every Peak Outdoor Community walk is to create a welcoming, relaxed and enjoyable experience. We walk at a comfortable pace with plenty of opportunities to stop, chat, take photographs and learn about the landscape. As with all outdoor activities, there are inherent risks. Participants are responsible for ensuring they are fit enough for the walk and should let us know about any relevant medical conditions before attending. All participants must complete a Medical & Disclaimer Form at least 24 hours before the event. All walks are led by qualified Mountain Leaders with Outdoor First Aid qualifications. Dogs: Well-behaved dogs are welcome provided they remain on a lead throughout the walk. Refund Policy*: Refunds are only available if Peak Outdoor Community cancels the event. If you can no longer attend, you're welcome to transfer your ticket to someone else—please let us know beforehand. Tickets cannot be transferred to another event unless this has been arranged. And FINALLY: Our walks go ahead in all seasons because some of the best adventures happen when we embrace the British weather! In the event that the hike needs to be postponed for safety reasons (weather warnings, moor fires, etc), and you can't make the new date, you will be offered a voucher to use on a future event. Please see our website for our full Terms & Conditions.