Author: Lynda Smeathers

On 6th August, we set out through the rolling hills and scenic trails around Elton, a quaint village in Derbyshire. The weather was perfect – slightly overcast with occasional bursts of sunshine, which kept the temperature comfortable for walking.

We began in Elton, a picturesque village with its charming stone cottages and narrow lanes, which led us out of the village and into the open countryside.

Our first stop was Robin Hood’s Stride, a fascinating rocky outcrop that is steeped in local legend. The walk to this point was straightforward, with clear paths and stunning views over the surrounding landscape. The Stride itself is a formation of large, weathered gritstone boulders, and it’s easy to see why it has inspired stories of Robin Hood leaping from rock to rock. Some of the walkers couldn’t resist scrambling up to the top for a better view; the panoramic views were well worth the effort.

After spending some time at Robin Hood’s Stride, we continued on to Long Dale. This stretch of the walk was particularly serene; the Dale was lush and green, bordered by dry stone walls and dotted with sheep. The path through Long Dale was relatively flat and easy, making it a relaxing part of the walk where we could simply enjoy the peace and quiet of the countryside.

From Long Dale, we moved on to Grattan Dale, a more secluded and lesser-known valley. Grattan Dale was more rugged, with rocky outcrops and dense patches of woodland. The path here was a bit more challenging, with some uneven ground, but with a sense of isolation and  natural beauty.

The final leg of the walk took us back to Elton, completing the loop. The walk was a perfect mix of natural beauty, local legend, and peaceful solitude. Each part of the route offered something different, from the iconic Robin Hood’s Stride to the tranquil valleys of Long Dale and Grattan Dale. The entire route was about 8 miles, taking around 4 hours at a leisurely pace with plenty of stops to take in the scenery.